I was wondering if you can still paddle cherry creek the day of the race if you aren't competing in the race? How does that work? Does the race go on the whole day?

Yes, you can still paddle and non-racers are in fact the default safety crew, esecially at Mushroom. The race is over pretty quickly, 20-30 people at 2 minute intervals. If you get ahead of the race then you should hang at Lewis's and watch poeple finish. The peanut gallery moves down to Lumsden afterwards.

Thanks Ian for the info.

It is a good idea to have people at skyking. I was part of the safety "crew" last year and there was certainly some action to deal with.

Wasn't most of that "action" on the part of non-racers???

yes, actually none of the action was from a racer. Doesn't mean shit can't go down with someone who is racing.

The racers really appreciate any consideration and awareness other boaters and rafters can reasonably and safely extend during the race. It's ultimately the racer's responsibility to honor common river protocol and yield right-of-way to any baoter who is in front and commited to a line or unaware of there eminent approach. In the past, all folks paddling that day have generously tryed to support us and stay out of the way when we're bearing down from behind. Racers also call out to request a clean line as they approach non-racers paddling in front of them. They may yell but don't be offended, its to yell over the roar of the water and because they're usually pretty amped up. By no means do the racers have any entitlement or privledge other than what is afforded us by folks on the river that day. This is non-sanctioned un-sponsered brother and sister race. We want it to be tight and well run but we're not fanatical or out to control the river lines at all. Remember its all about go fast, then drink, eat have fun and relish the paradise we have on the T.

One important additional note: We'll need a safety person on the rock with a ready rope and a safety boater below the hole at Richard's. There are only two mandatory lines in the race. The racers must choose one of the two lines through the main drop of Richards Hole and racers must also finish the race by taking Lewis's Leap.

I'm tempted to make the journey up from Kernville to receive a little butt whupin' (I've never run this section of river), but I have a few questions:

1) How long is the race? (time/distance)
2) Will there be anyone on the river on Friday to show me the lines?
3) What is the best way to cheat?

-Eric G.

Best way to cheat is to "volunteer" to be the starter/timer/last racer to go. I heard that worked for some guy in the Brush Creek race.....

If things work as planned, the timer will head down river at 9:00a and the first racer will start at 9:30a. So, if you are nice enough to volunteer as a safety boater, please get on early.

The bottom of Mushroom has changed. More water is pushing right into the rock jumble/seive. I saw a boat and a raft pin there last weekend and it was ugly. I ran to the right of Mushroom rock and just barely skirted disaster; now I am going left or over the rock.

The rock jumble would be an excellent place to set safety, if you can get out to it.

Alright Randolph (if that is your real name...)

First of all, no one caught me cheating... I mean, can prove that I cheated, and second of all, I was handicapped since I was paddling a 3-D. Now I have my super-duper, Liquid-Logic, orange-rocket GUS! So be very afraid - I know I will be having never run Cherry Creek before...

Oh, and by the way, that post about the slalom boat wasn't me (Rebecca would never let me take her boat down this section of river).