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
Thank you to Sheila Salmon and all the many volunteers who made this race possible; thanks as well to the board members who saw the race through difficult times this winter, when many were whispering that the race would not be held. Each year I come away from the race with great appreciation for our valley and its inhabitants. From the cowbell crew on the top of Skyline to the law enforcement officers making intersection racing safe and possible, to the generosity of Mission Ridge ownership. On the last point, it seems that obstacle (the costs MR absorbs to make the hill available to us) must be addressed if this race is to continue. What a treasure R2R is, what a gem in the bejeweled Northwest. I know I speak for many when I say that I am willing to work in whatever capacity valuable to ensure R2R continues. Too many have invested too much over too many years to allow the momentum to die and the desire to languish. After all, a 16 year old won the race! A new generation is invigorated with interest and challenge, and a great opportunity to reach the next generation of racers is before us all - what can we collectively accomplish in order to see R2R thrive and flourish for years to come? PS: Incredible safety support this year - throughout the race; it seemed there was a volunteer at every critical juncture, the river most especially. Thanks Again
Scott Volyn
Outstanding job one and all! Despite bickering from some local racers, and some very negative news articles concerning this great race from the wenatchee world,I think this was very well organized. Kudos to Sheila Salmon, Al Neace,and Brian Ropp along with the countless volunteers from RSVP and elsewhere. You made this race something that our valley can be proud of.Heres hoping everyone can come together next year, put differences behind us and continue to make this something we can all be proud of for years to come.
Carl Hagerty
Sheila, Our team from Alaska Airlines took part yesterday. We
loved it. Had such a great time, we want to do it
again next year. We are hearing of big changes. Can you offer up any
info on this? We all kind of liked it as is. Thanks again for a great event. Dale Knapp.
Alaska Airlines Team
Hi Sheila, Chance, Brian and all your crew,
Thanks for a great race. The race was fun and had great energy! The bike course well monitored and safe while going through a fairly busy area, well done!! I was very impressed with your volunteer crew - they were very well prepared, friendly and helpful. They did a great job in getting all our gear off the mountain and getting us back up the mountain to get our vehicles. As a Iron competitor, without a support crew, I received a lot of help from many different volunteers at the transitions, all of them were great, making my race experience very possitive.
Thanks again,
See you next year.
Carolyn Daubeny
