What a wonderful day and a wonderful race. I want to truly thank the organizers and all the volunteers for making it happen. Maybe there's not thousands of people out there, but I don't think that's so bad. I had a great time and enjoyed being by myself for large parts of the race. It's amazing what we get to do in this race, and I hope we get to continue doing it.

#1 In a state where most cross country trails are closed and mostly dirt, we get to ride up a closed ski area to 7000 feet where professionals have groomed out a great track for our private race. There are signs, arrows, bathrooms, and emergency help available if something goes wrong.

#2 A closed ski area is opened up, staffed, and groomed so I can haul ass on the longest and most fun GS course I know. Ski to Sea's course is terrible, and PPP is short. I've skied my whole life at largest and best ski areas on the West Coast from Mammoth and Squaw to Whistler. Nowhere do they open up a whole mountain and let Joe Public run gates like this. I so look forward to it every year.

#3 They let you run down a hill and don't make you run up a hill on a steep trail. It was great to cut out that little uphill! I had an ACL repaired 14 years ago and I don't mind the run at all. I think it's at just the right grade. I'm still slow, but have gotten faster 4 years in a row.

#4 They close a mountain highway and let you fly headfirst without brakes from top to bottom. I had a slow finishing time on the bike, but I only got passed once going down the hill, right at the beginning. I am not really even much of a bike rider, but I love going fast and that hill is my spring fix.

#5 River safety support at every dangerous spot on the river! I used to own a white water raft and we went on all the class 3's and 4's all over the Northwest. The most difficult part was always trying to arrange to go with another raft or have a safety kayaker along. Though I know how to read a river, I am almost a novice kayaker - especially in a sea kayak. I really like the chance each spring to get to have a safe, supported run without any of the difficulties of setting it all up.

I feel like a big kid in a candy store at this race. Wenatchee is lucky to have such a first class setup.

Brian Izdepski

Edmonds and Valley Hi

Thanks for a great race! Everything seemed smooth and well attended. I feel lucky to be able to celebrate our valley with this race.

Have fun!! It's been a great 25yrs. Think I'm about done. Good luck Chris!

Looking for a team that needs a downhill skier, I'm not the fastest, far from the slowest, usually at 7:00 give or take 30 seconds. (509)670-9081

I'm looking to preview the kayak course on Saturday afternoon. Anyone who knows the river interested in getting together? Call me 509-293-9670

Happy Trails -Chad

It looks like the race is on track!!!

Greetings everyone!!! Anyone out there looking for a cyclist? I'm a Wenatchee native who will be in town this weekend...bike in hand. Would really like to participate in this years race. I'm a very active biker who rides 70+ miles per week. I'm interested in joining any division.

Thanks
-joel
jmyrene@hotmail.com
360-306-0128

Thanks Chance! Good luck to you too - see you all Sunday morning! Should be a blast!

Thanks for in reply guys. I guess I will just have to give it all I got.

Branch - Chance is right. The Iron Rec Division has been small and getting smaller. I switched from Rec a while ago, just so I could get on the course faster, and get better snow on the downhill portion. Don't worry about your gear - you aren't the only one. I still use traditional Cross Country gear, and a heavy, slow plastic kayak. One year I used my wife's bike. Someday I would like to get a faster kayak and learn how to stay on it; I'll probably learn skate technique next year and save a few minutes. Until then I'll get to keep my excuses for being slow.

Good Morning all,
Mike O, in case you didn't get an answer, you can make changes at registration on Sat. good luck in the race.
Branch, their isn't a rec dividion in the traditional course so you will have to join me in running it with the fast guys...or you can switch to the Columbia course and race in a rec. division...both ways are great fun...

Chance

I am hunting for a team. I was unable to Iron it this year so I need to get on a team.
I will do any event except run. I have only missed one year of r2r and do not want to miss another.
I am 60. My bike is a pro bike. I also know a 19 year old girl that would like to bike for someone. (509) 860-7209

Someone please help me out here. This is my first year. I am signed up for Iron man on the Traditional course. I am confused as to wether there is an Iron man pro and an Iron man Rec on the traditional course. I don't have any pro gear. Please someone answer this question.

Looking for a team, It has been a few years since I raced r2r, but was surfing today thought it might be fun. My partner and I will paddle a pro boat if needed Jim Bauer and Alison Scott (509-838-5402).

Anyone know how to go about changing divisions after we're already registered?
Thanks much!