Let me try and answer a couple of the questions about the Mountain Games.....
- Amateur classes for Homestake...Paddlebizzle pretty much hit the nail on the head. Insurance companies don't like Class V rivers. Also, two years ago, we had an athlete compete that was not a Class V boater. Here's a quick run down...I was collecting bibs from athletes following the event. One of the athletes wanted to keep his bib becaues (and I quote) "I want to keep the bib as a memory of my first run down a Class V river. This was also my first time in a creek boat".
Now, I know the creek was really low two years ago but it was still Class V and if something happended to this guy, who knows if the event would still be taking place. I'd also like to mentioned that he lied on the registration and waiver form asking if he paddled Class V and Homestake prior to the event. I hate to say it, but this one bad apple spoiled the bunch. When it comes to the event, I have to think safety first and also my house and family are also involved in some decision making since our company is an LLC.
- Amateur classes for Dowd Chute - I hear your concern and I wish we had an amateur division. The only reason why we don't is the lack of participation. Over the years, we offered boats and cash as prizes but at the end of the day, it was the same 7 guys signing up for the race. Unfortunately, the event is a business and we we had to make a business decision. If more boaters ask for the division, I'll be happy to open it again. What I can do is wait for some responses and if there are enough, I can open up the registration on line for an anateur division. After that, I look to the boating community to register. If the registration numbers are not looking good, I'll have to pull it again.
Prior to organizing the event, I used to participate in the Chute race and loved it. I hope enough people request it to open and we get enough people to register.
Sorry for the long stories but I hope that answers the questions. If anyone has any comments or concers about the event, please contact me at any time at
blair@untraditional.com.
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