3rd Annual Blackfoot River Challenge a Benefit for the Missoula Food Bank

Results

2011-08-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay but here are the results:

Downriver:
Rec Kayak-
1 Tom Yule 1:16:54
2 Kristi Roy 1:25:56
3 Deb Hypolite 1:32:48

Rec Canoe-
1 Tom & Terry Carlson 1:21:29
2 Matt Shirk & Amber Hoover 1:23:24
3 Sean & Sarah Sullivan 1:24:07

Solo Canoe-
1 Roger Martens 1:11:57
2 John Anderson 1:14:43
3 Beau Larkin 1:22:27
4 Julie Larkin 1:26:27

Race Kayak-
1 Mike Lesnik 1:05:41
2 Chet Morris 1:07:44

Standard Canoe-
1 Randy and Rochelle Moss 1:11:32
2 Matt Quinlin & John Gallagher 1:15:38
3 Ace & Gary 1:16:23
4 Brandon Styles & Stephen Trippe 1:24:33
5 Molly Skorpik & Andrea Von Mauer 1:25:44

Slalom: Best run only, touch added 5 seconds
OC1-
1 Brandon Salayi 3:02.16 Clean
2 Alan Burgmuller 3:05.28 Clean
3 Chet Morris 3:07.47 Clean
4 John Gallagher 3:14.78 Clean
5 John Anderson 3:22.68 1 Touch
6 Jeff Styles 3:35.37 Clean
7 Matt Quinlin 3:35.56 Clean
8 Jake Gardner 4:07.56 3 Touches
9 Matt Shirk 4:17.78 3 Touches
10 Sean Sullivan 4:26.97 2 Touches

C1-
1 Chet Morris 2:58.41 Clean
2 Brandon Salayi 3:03.22 1 Touch

OC2-
1 Brandon Salayi & Alan Burgmuller 3:05.97 Clean
2 Chet Morris & John Anderson 3:48.50 2 Touches
3 Ace & Gary 4:20.59 2 Touches
4 Matt Quinlin & John Gallagher 4:42.09 5 Touches

K1 Race-
1 Chet Morris 2:54.90 Clean
2 Brian French 3:08.03 Clean

K1 Playboat-
1 Brian French 3:15.63 Clean
2 Jeremy 3:19.44 Clean
3 Amber Hoover 3:24.22 Clean
4 Caleb

K1 Creekboat-
1 Alan Burgmuller 3:09.53 Clean
2 Jeff Smith 3:19.88 Clean
3 Brian French 3:11.59 Clean
4 John Anderson 3:13.75 Clean
5 Brandon Salayi 3:14.37 2 Touches
6 Jeremy 3:21.81 1 Touch
7 Matt Shirk 3:33.60 1 Touch
8 Caleb

The Donation!!

2011-07-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here it is- $1125 and 130# of food donated to the Missoula Food Bank!!! To put that into perspective- On average, a pound of food costs $1.75 – so the $1,125 raised over the weekend will purchase 643 lbs of food. That in addition to the 131 lbs of actual food – the net donation (in food) of this year’s event is 774 lbs! Of course this could not have been done without the help of all the sponsors (please see below), so a big big thanks goes aout to all of them. Also to those of you that paricipated and brought food to donate. I feel better knowing that a few less people will go hungry. Thanks again to everyone that helped out. To break that down further, the Missoula Food Bank averages 1.5 lbs of food per meal. So – the 774 lbs will provide 516 meals to hungry folks around Missoula. YAY!!

Indy Misprint

2011-07-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

So reading in the Mountain High section of the Indy and noticed they had quoted the entry fees at $10 or $5 w/ food donation. Unfortunately that price is for the clinic but not the actual races. The entry fees are 1 event= $20, 2 events= $25, 3 events= $25. Hopefully this is more clearly stated. My apologies for any confusion, but remember this is a benefit for the Missoula Food Bank so your dollars are going to a good cause. Thanks for understanding and please bring a food donation.

River level

2011-07-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping an eye on the river flows, here is a link to the Blackfoot specifically
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv?site_no=12340000

If the river continues on its current trend it should actually be a very ideal flow. I was hoping for somewhere between 2500 and 3500 cfs, enough rocks and enough water :)

Thank you to our Sponsors

2011-07-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

A big thanks goes to the following for supporting this event!! Without their help this event couldn't happen. Please do what you can to support these businesses as they have gone out of their way to help this event happen.

Black Dog Construction- (406) 327-9832

Rockin Rudy's- http://www.rockinrudys.com/

Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures- http://www.trailadventures.com/

Aerie Backcountry Medicine- http://aeriemedicine.com/

Altoona Ridge Lodge- http://www.altoonaridgelodge.com/

Stitches Custom Embroidery- http://stitchesmontana.com/

Whitewater Rescue Institute- http://www.whitewaterrescue.com/

Ameriprise Financial, Chet Morris- http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/chester.t.morris/

Prudential Missoula Properties- http://www.prudentialmissoulaproperties.com/

Big Sky Brewing- http://bigskybrew.com/

Strongwater Paddlesports- http://strongwaterkayak.com/

The Trailhead- http://trailheadmontana.net/

Scotty's Table- http://scottystable.net/

River Rat Maps- http://www.riverratmaps.com/

Zootown Surfers- http://www.zootownsurfers.com/

The Green Light- http://www.greenlightmt.com/

Schedule of Events

2011-07-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here we go- The rundown

Thursday 7-21 11am Gate hanging at Roundup- Those of you that have helped in the past know the drill. If you have never helped and would like to either contact me with questions or go to the roundup bridge around 11 am with gloves, multi tool if you have one and clothes suitable for working in.

Friday 7-22 6pm Slalom clinic, pre registration is a must(or at least heavily encouraged). We have tried in past years to do a more basic downriver/ river running clinic as well but with the lack of interest it will only be offered if people pre register. The slalom clinic is for those interested in taking their skills to the next level, or at least trying some more intermediate to advanced river running technique. This clinic takes place at the Roundup Rapid and is for those who already have river experience, but maybe have never tried slalom or just want to learn a few new skills. This clinic will focus on eddy turns, peel outs river running and obviously running gates.

Saturday 7-23 Downriver- pre 10:30am is registration, 10:30am racers meeting, 11am race start. Race goes from Johnsrud to the Weigh Station access. If there is interest we offer a shorter easier course that would then take out at Angevine. The full race is about 10 miles, maybe 11, there are a few minor rapids to negotiate below Angevine, nothing over a minor class II though. Please show up before 10:30 to get registered.
Sprints- 4pm at Roundup. This is the event that is kind of a who shows up and what kind of race would we like to do. In the past we have done a boater x style as well as head to head sprints. Again, it kind of depends on the turnout and what people would like to do. This race will take place at Roundup and will be a paddle through the rapid, so its a little more whitewater specicifc.

Sunday 7-24 9am Slalom at Roundup- Races to be held all day hence the early start. Racers meeting at 9:30am so please be there earlier than that to allow for registration time. Racers maneuver through upstream and downstream gates while paddling through a rapid. Touching or missing a gate adds time to your score. We do set the course with intermediate paddlers in mind, meaning we try not to make it to hard, or dangerous for that matter, but it is still challenging enough to be fun for more advanced paddlers as well. There are a few different classes, or types of boats, offered, ie.. OC1, OC2, Playboat Kayak, Creekboat Kayak etc.. Racers get 2 runs per class, we take the best score of the 2 runs, the winners get.......the satisfaction of knowing they did well.

Cost for the event is $20 per person for one event and if you want to do 2 or all 3 then there is an extra $5 fee total. 1 event $20, 2 events $25, 3 events $25. You do get an event t- shirt with your registration. This helps to cover permit and insurance fees, then in the end all the proceeds will be donated to the Missoula Food Bank. The clinic costs $10 or $5 if you bring a Non perishable food donation.

Registration form- Please email me and I can send you a copy that you could either mail in or just bring with you.

Update!!

2011-07-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have received almost everything needed for the legal end :) so we are 99% a go here. Dates to be July 22-24. Gate hanging on the 21st which is a Thursday, usually this is kind of an all day thing starting in the am around 11 and going until we are too tired. We always need help with this part, so if you want to get out and get a little dirty and learn how to set a slalom course here's the opp. Friday will be finishing the gate hanging, unless we knock it out on Thursday. Then Friday night, 6pm ish, will be the Slalom clinic. The past couple of years we had offered a down river clinic but with the lack of interest that will not be offered this year, unless people show more interest. Saturday is the Downriver starting at Johnsrud, and evening sprints at Roundup. Sunday slalom at Roundup all day. Exact times will be nailed down in the near future. Do email w/ questions or if you want to come and help out in any way.

2011 Dates (tentative)

2011-05-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Looks like we are shooting for the weekend of July 23-24. With the snow pack we have this year in western MT and the and a few other factors the race has been moved back about a month. Tentatively we are looking at July 23 and 24, with slalom course hanging on Thursday the 21st and Friday the 22nd. Slalom clinic Friday night, downriver Sat. morning/ afternoon and sprints in the afternoon/ eve, then slalom all day Sunday. UPDATE-- Sent off insurance forms today, so when those are accepted the race is a go!!

Results

2010-07-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay but here they are:

Downriver:
Race Kayak
1 Eric Young 59:29
2 John Schuki 1:02:12

Race Canoe
1 Roger Martens/ Will Schmautz 1:03:22
2 Ben & Alison Zmud/Schmidt 1:04:22

Tour Kayak
1 Tor Anderson 1:05:22
2 Russell Mills 1:08:47

Standard Canoe
1 Rany Moss/ Molly Skorpik 1:11:10
2 Chet Morris/ John Scott 1:25:20

Rec Kayak
1 Tom Yule 1:11:24
2 Jon Gebert 1:15:52
3 Aiden Amtmann 1:21:57
4 Krista Gebert 1:22:21
5 John Gardner 1:24:41
6 Kirk Vischer 1:24:47
7 Lynda Dale 1:24:52
8 Hannah Amtmann 1:28:11
9 John Amtmann 1:29:18
10 Devin Amtmann 1:29:25

Rec Canoe
1 John Anderson/ Judy Vischer 1:09:32

Slalom:
K1 Race
1 Lisa Day 2:13:84
2 Ben Schmidt 2:21:72

K1 Creek
1 Marc Leonard 2:03:25
2 Lisa Day 2:27:16
3 John Amtmann 2:32:63
4 Paul Blumenthal 2:49:78
5 Megan Burgmuller 2:58:31

K1 Playboat
1 Travis 2:19:93
2 Brian French 2:32:91
3 Aidan Amtmann 2:55:50
4 Hannah Amtmann 3:11:91
5 Christian Guttierez 3:31:32
6 Gary Milner 5:19:84
7 Devin Amtmann DNF

K2
1 Tor & John Anderson 2:43:00
2 Hannah & John Amtmann 3:02:13
3 Travis/ Ben Schmidt 4:04:81

C1
1 Chet Morris 2:12:10

OC1
1 Brandon Salayi 2:14:78
2 Marc Leonard 2:15:07
3 Chet Morris 2:21:50
4 Alan Burgmuller 2:26:37
5 John Gallagher 2:32:41
6 Ben Schmidt 2:37:53
7 Jeff Styles 2:48:16
8 John Anderson 2:48:63
9 Alan Sillars 2:58:75
10 Matt Quillin 2:58:88
11 Megan Burgmuller 3:25:37

OC2
1 Brandon Salayi/ Ben Schmidt 2:33:18
2 Jeff Styles/ Matt Quillin 2:52:19
3 Alan & Megan Burgmuller 2:53:50
4 Alli/ John Anderson 3:04:22
5 Nick Deyo/ Jenny 4:41:28

Slalom times posted is the best of 2 runs

Clinics

2010-06-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

There will be a Slalom clinic and a downriver clinic. Both will be Friday at 6 pm. The Downriver clinic will start at Marco Flats a few miles from Bonner and will float to the Weigh Station access. Plan on 2-3 hours. The Slalom clinic will be held at Roundup Rapid. You must pre register or at least email me and let me know you are coming. You will need to bring all of your own equipment and boats. Nothing will be supplied. Cost is $5 with a food donation or $10 without.

Directions

2010-06-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Click Race Site Locations then click on the Blackfoot River Challenge link

Slalom Gate Hanging Seeking Volunteers

2010-06-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

We will be hanging the gates for the slalom course starting on Thursday morning. We need as many hands as we can get to get the course set up. We will be starting sometime around 10 am thursday morning. The course is above the bridge at Roundup Rapid. Bring gloves and a needle nose plier if you have on. Email with any questions. Hope to see you up there.

Schedule of Events

2010-06-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

The schedule will be as follows:

Friday June 18--

6pm Clinics-- We will be offering a general river running clinic, which would be good for beginner to intermediate paddlers, would benefit the downriver race. Meet at Marco Flats. We will also be offering a slalom clinic, which will be good for intermediate and above paddlers, would benefit the slalom and more advanced river running techniques. Meet at Roundup. THESE ARE PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED CLINICS. If people don't sign up we will not be holding the clinics.

Saturday June 19--

Up to 10:30 Registration @ Johnsrud

10:30 Down River Racers Meeting @ Johnsrud

11:00 Down River Race START @ Johnsrud

Awards after all have finished @ Weigh Station

4:00 Sprint Cross Meeting @ Roundup

4:30 Sprint Cross START @ Roundup

Awards after all have finished @ Roundup

Sunday June 20 --

Up to 9:30 Registration @ Roundup

9:30 Slalom Racers Meeting

10:00 Slalom START @ Roundup

After finish course take down then awards @ Roundup

Registration Form

2010-06-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Please email blackfootriverchallenge@gmail.com and I will send you one. You can print it, fill it out and send it to me early if you would like. The clinics are a pre sign up only.

Details

2010-05-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Blackfoot River Challenge 2010
A Benefit for the Missoula Food Bank

A weekend of canoe and kayak races, river
running, clinics and fun!!

Dates: Friday June 18th-Sunday June 20th
Location: Blackfoot River
Events: Friday Evening Clinics
Saturday Downriver and Sprint Races
Sunday Slalom
Fees: Clinics $5 w/ Food Donation, $10 w/ out food ($5 goes toward entry fee for any of the races)
One event $20, Two or Three events $25.

For More Info go to blackfootriverchallenge.blogspot.com or email blackfootriverchallenge@gmail.com

This is a food drive for the Missoula Food Bank so please bring non perishable food items to donate!!
Proceeds will be donated to the Missoula Food Bank

2010 Sponsors

2010-05-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

A Big thanks to this years sponsors, without them the event doesn't happen and we can't donate to the Missoula Food Bank. Thanks!!!!

Ameriprise Financial--Chet Morris

Prudential Missoula Properties

Big Sky Brewing Company

Montana Outdoor Experience-MOE

Trailhead

River Rat Maps

Pipestone Mountaineering

Rockin Rudys

Black Dog Construction

Whitewater Rescue Institute

Altoona Ridge Lodge

Scottys Table

Missoula Green Taxi

Norris Woodworking

Active Physical Therapy

ClaimJumper Casino

The Green Light

Independent Roofing

Strongwater

As well as donations from personal parties:

Ben Schmidt

Sean Sullivan

Jon Amtmann

2010 Dates

2010-02-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

We are shooting for June 18-20. If anyone is looking to help in any way please contact via email.

photos

2009-06-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

heres a link to an album of photos taken by Dolan McDonald--Thanks Dolan

http://picasaweb.google.com/Dolanmcd/BlackfootChallenge09#

Another link to some more photos taken by Mark Butler--Thanks Mark

http://resources.kopavimedia.com/lrgallery/wwRodeo2009/index.html

2009 Results

2009-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here we go, the results are in!

First of all the results for the Missoula Food Bank- 90# of food and $750 donated! Thanks everyone that participated, volunteered and donated! Without you this would not be possible.

June 20 Downriver Long Course:
Class Place Name(s) Time
OC1 1 Rob Morgan 1:13:45
OC1 2 Errol Johnson 1:20:27
OC1 3 John Todd 1:22:23
Rec Canoe 1 Jarrett Fraser & Travis James 1:17:05
Rec Canoe 2 Tom & Terry Carlson 1:17:08
Rec Canoe 3 Kenneth Martin & Scott Mickelson 1:45:50
Rec Kayak 1 Lynda Dale 1:27:18
Rec Kayak 2 John Gardner 1:27:44
Rec Kayak 3 Aidan Amtmann 1:31:45
Rec Kayak 4 Hannah Amtmann 1:32:07
Rec Kayak 5 John & Devon Amtmann (K2) 1:45:30
Std Canoe 1 Randy Moss & Rochelle Glasgow 1:08:30 fastest canoe (tie)
Std Canoe 2 Dick Barrett & John Gallagher 1:15:07
Std Canoe 3 Judy Visscher & Peter Benson 1:16:59
Std Canoe 4 Andrew Henderson & David Rice 1:40:25
Tour Yak 1 Russ Mills 1:27:35
Race Canoe 1 Lynn Carey & Mark LaParco 1:08:30 fastest canoe (tie)
Race Canoe 2 Chet & Mimi Morris 1:10:28
Race Yak 1 Ben Schmidt 1:04:08 fastest overall
Race Yak 2 Will Schmautz 1:07:01
Race Yak 3 Nicholas Bowling 1:13:33

June 20 Downriver Short Course:
OC1 1 Dolan McDonald 48:58
Rec Yak 1 Will Day 40:31 fastest overall
Rec Yak 2 Dan Yochim 45:10
Rec Canoe 1 Clayton Ashcroft & Matt Gallaher 42:14
Rec Canoe 2 Violet Holly & Nick Deyo 42:22
Std Canoe 1 Lucas Smith & Brian Asney 42:13 fastest canoe

June 20 Sprint Race
Class Place Name(s) Run 1 Run 2 Fastest Time
Creekboat 1 Will Day 1:24.53 ---- 1:24:53
Creekboat 2 John Amtmann 1:27.28 ---- 1:27.28
Playboat 1 Joe Casey 1:33.57 ---- 1:33.57
Playboat 2 Charlie McCurey 1:36.75 ---- 1:36.75
Playboat 3 Aidan Amtmann 1:37.34 ---- 1:37.34
Playboat 4 Hannah Amtmann 1:44.03 ---- 1:44.03
K2 1 John & Aidan Amtmann 1:25.22 ---- 1:25.22
OC1 1 Ben Schmidt 1:21.28 DNF 1:21.28 Top Time
OC1 2 Brandon Salayi 1:25.68 1:25.75 1:25.68
OC1 3 Alan Burgmuller 1:30.84 1:28.16 1:28.16
OC1 4 Alan Burgmuller 1:28.72 ---- 1:28.72
OC1 5 John Gallagher 1:33.10 1:34.59 1:33.10
OC1 6 John Todd 1:33.81 1:34.50 1:33.81
OC1 7 Beau Larkin 1:48.18 1:44.93 1:44.93

June 21 Slalom
Class Place Name(s) Run 1 Penalties Run Penalties Fastest
K1 Cr 1 Mike Eisman 3:01.82 -- 3:02.16 10 3:01.82
K1 Cr 2 Will Day 3:32.28 15 3:09.79 10 3:09.79
K1 Cr 3 John Amtman 3:18.90 -- 3:29.87 5 3:18.90

K1 Rc 1 Cody Harris 2:06.78 -- DNS 2:06.78 Fastest Overall
K1 Rc 2 Ben Schmidt 4:00.37 55 2:39.59 -- 2:39.59
K1 Rc 3 Nicholas Bowling 3:02.75 5 DNS 3:02.75

C1 1 Cody Harris 2:41.22 -- DNS 2:41.22
C1 2 Brandon Salayi 3:56.30 60 DNS 3:56.30

K1 Play 1 Kyle Sillars 2:48.29 5 2:42.34 -- 2:42.34
K1 Play 2 Brittany Harris 5:20.46 105 3:33.78 -- 3:33.78
K1 Play 3 Aidan Amtmann 4:30.31 55 4:43.06 55 4:30.31
K1 Play 4 Hannah Amtmann 7:25.06 210 7:01.03 200 7:01.03
K1 Play = Lynda Dale 7:41.78 310 7:16.67 250 7:16.67 Short Course

K2 1 John & Aidan Amtmann 4:12.9 10 3:51.03 10 4:01.03
K2 2 Ben Schmidt/Kyle Sillars 5:05.53 110 4:11.29 55 4:11.29
K2 3 Cody & Brittany Harris 4:16.68 65 DNS 416.68

OC1 1 Cody Harris 2:37.85 5 2:54.19 5 2:37.85 Fastest Canoe
OC1 2 Alan Burgmuller 3:06.53 10 2:49.40 5 2:49.40
OC1 3 Brandon Salayi 2:51.66 5 2:58.59 10 2:51.66
OC1 4 Ben Schmidt 3:19.84 10 3:07.34 20 3:07.34
OC1 5 Will Day 3:13.35 -- 4:01.03 20 3:13.35 Only Clean Canoe Run
OC1 6 Chet Morris 3:26.21 10 3:16.93 5 3:16.93
OC1 7 Sean McNee 3:26.41 15 3:52.46 20 3:26.41
OC1 8 John Gallagher 3:37.31 15 3:40.50 15 3:37.15
OC1 9 Alan Sillars 3:42.91 15 3:49.41 10 3:42.91
OC1 10 John Todd 6:42.32 165 DNF 6:42.32

OC2 1 Sean McNee/Alan Burgmuller 3:19.16 15 3:23.90 15 3:19.16
OC2 2 Ben Schmidt/ Brandon Salayi 319.41 20 3:21.87 25 3:19.41
OC2 3 Kyle & Alan Sillars 3:53.25 15 DNF 3:53.25
OC2 4 Cody Harris/ Alan Burgmuller 3:54.34 50 DNS 3:54.34
OC2 5 Cody & Brittany Harris 4:01.25 15 DNS 4:01.25
OC2 6 Chet Morris/ John Gallagher DNF 4:14.00 110 4:14.00
OC2 7 Violet Holly/ Nick Deyo 8:29.09 215 5:54.745 120
OC2 = Violet Holly/ Nick Deyo 3:54.28 55 3:10.47 10 Short Course

Slalom times have the penalties already included, subtract the penalty seconds to find raw time

Sorry if these are a little hard to read, I will work on getting something more clear, but just wanted to get the scores posted asap.

Thanks again to everyone for coming!

Directions to race sites

2009-06-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=116508584281675089422.00046c6fac32fa608e5b8&ll=46.915565,-113.649445&spn=0.388357,0.878906&t=p&z=10
Map to race site and camping-- click and paste the link for a map

Raffle Prizes

2009-06-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Would like to thank those that have donated to the raffle:

H2O paddles
KAVU
Doug Ammons- Water Nymph Press
Valvoline Oil Change
El Diablo Burrito & Taco
WRSI Safety Gear
Ben Schmidt
NRS
AIRE
Big Sky Brewing
MooseCense
Bagels On Broadway

Downloadable Registration Form

2009-06-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in registering early, which would be great, here is a link to the downloadable/printable registration form, please click http://trailheadmontana.net/ you should see the link 'Download A Registration Form' near the top of the page. Address for sending payment and registration form is on the registration form.

Thank You to our Sponsors

2009-06-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

I want to send a big thank you out to those businesses that donated some cash to help us pull this event off, without them it would be a bit of a struggle to keep this event going. And even better with their donations we will be able to give even more to the Missoula Food Bank! This years sponsors are:
Trailhead
Big Sky Brewing
GoFetch!
Scotty's Table
Rockin Rudy's
Prudential Missoula Real Estate
MooseCense
Montana River Guides
Five Valleys Urology
Jo VanDemark
Bear Creek Maps
Bella Sauvage
Partners Creative
John Amtman
Schmidt Lab

Events, Fees and Times

2009-05-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well things are starting to really come together!
This years events will be:
Downriver & Slalom Clinic- Friday June 19, 6-8 pm. We will be holding a down river clinic going from Marco Flat to the Weigh Station starting at 6pm Friday June 19. Price will be $5 per person with a food donation. This is a clinic for all skill levels, though focused on the beginnner and intermediate paddlers that want to hone their skills and learn a few tips and tricks about running rivers. Canoes and kayaks are welcome to attend, pre registration is highly encouraged as it will allow us to plan for the number of people.
We will also be hosting a slalom clinic at Roundup rapid (the slalom course site) also at 6pm on Friday June 19. Price will be $5 per person with a food donation. This clinic will be held by a canoeist however if you are a kayaker it is A OK to attend as well. This clinic will focus on negotiating a slalom course, which involves eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying and speed/efficiency. The slalom clinic will be geared toward the beginner/intermediate to intermediate paddlers that have some river running skills but want to take it to the next level. Slalom paddling is a great way to learn some new skills and look at rivers in a little different manner. Again pre registration is highly encouraged. You will be responsible for bringing your own boat and gear to the clinic as we will not have boats or gear available. There are a few stores in town that offer rentals.
Downriver Race- Satuday June 20, 10:30am racer meeting, 11:00am launch, stagered start, 2 options this year- 10 mile race from Johnsrud to the Weigh Station (just above Bonner) and a 5 mile race from Johnsrud to Angevine (just upstream from the bridge). The short course offers a less wavey option for those that don't feel like paddling a full 10 miles or dealing with any whitewaer as most of the whitewater is below the Angevine bridge to Marco Flat. There will be different classes for the types of boats so don't worry if you don't have the fastest boat you will be grouped by like boats, and remeber its for fun!
Sprintcross race- Saturday Jun 20 4:00pm to be held at Roundup Rapid- Racers will start at the top of the slalom course and race to the bottom, flat out speed is the name of the game here. We are still talking about the exact format so stay tune for updates. This is a super fun event!
Slalom race- Sunday June 21 9:30 am racer meeting, 10:00 am start, Roundup Rapid 30 miles upstream from Bonner- Canoes and Kayaks, we'll have about 15 gates with an easier course to start at the top for folks that aren't wanting to try to negotiate the bigger drop in the rapid(at the bottom) with the end of that course above the big drop, and for the racers that want the challenge they will continue through the rest of the gates to the finish just above the highway bridge. We are very excited to be using Roundup as the site for the slalom as it offers a better rapid for both beginner and advanced paddlers compared to the slalom site from years past.
Fees: This year the Blackfoot River Challenge is benefit for the Missoula Food Bank, which we are very excited about!, so your entry fee is not only helping to keep this event going but more importantly is helping those in need! Entry fees will be as follows and is per person- 1 event $20, 2 events $23, and 3 events $25. You may wonder why its more when you do extra events, its because there are fees that are charged to us by event (which is actually more than we charge you), so to offset this we add a small extra fee. With your entry fee this year we will be giving out nice canvas tote bags as well as the proceeds going to the Missoula Food Bank. You will also get one raffle ticket to go in the hat, so may may just win something nice! We will also be selling raffle tickets to try and donate even more money for the Missoula Food Bank!
Food Drive-we will have bins set up so that we can collect food for the Food Bank. We are toying with the notion of having time deducted from your total based on the amount of food that you donate. Remeber this is for a good cause so even if you are just coming to watch bring some food to donate
Registration- we are working on getting a downloadable/printable registration form up so you can pre register. We will also have registration on site until the 10:30 racer meeting on Saturday at Johnsrud. If you are coming for the sprintcross or slalom only we will have registration at Roundup Saturday afternoon/eve and Sunday morning until the 9:30 racer meeting.
Raffle- We are working on securing some fun raffle prize to give away, you will recieve one raffle ticket with your entry fee and we will also be selling raffle tickets, s you can increase your chances of winning all while donating more money to the Missoula Food Bank!
Camping-Camping is available throughout the Blackfoot River Corridor at designated sites. We have available to use Lubrecht Forest (just a few miles from Roundup, off Hwy 200) for camping. The price is $8 per person per night. There are bathrooms, a pavilion and even grills. Please join us as we bring in the summer for a night of stories, music and relaxing.

I hope to see some new faces this year as we are excited about offering some less intimidating race options. Please email me Brandon at beephunky@gmail.com with any questions Thanks!

Volunteering

2009-05-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yes the Blackfoot River Challenge could use some volunteers. You could help with timing, setting the slalom gates, judging the gates during the race or even collecting cans for the food drive. There is plenty of room for volunteering. If you are interested please email me Brandon at beephunky@gmail.com. Or if you have any questions about the racefeel free to email as well. As we near the dates of the event we would like to hve a volunteer meeting as well. Hopefully we will see you out there. Thanks!

Benefit For Missoula Food Bank

2009-05-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce that the Blackfoot River Challenge will be a benefit for the Missoula Food Bank! We will be having food drive at the event as well as the proceeds being donated to the Missoula Food Bank. http://missoulafoodbank.org/

Blackfoot River Challenge Meeting

2009-04-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

We will be holding our first formal meeting on Wednesday 4/29 at about 6:30. We may head up to the Ledge on the Blackfoot for some surfing and will chat in the eddy. please let me know if you are interested in attending.