The Red Mo Race is March 27, 2004
From the March 2004 edition of The West Branch Review, serving the Upper West Branch of the Susquehanna River and its Tributaries.
Red Mo
Race...Who doesn't love it?
Like New
Year's Day Polar Bear dips, opening day of fishing season, July Fourth
fireworks, or green beer for St. Patrick's Day, the Red Mo Race has become an
annual rite, celebrating spring and the opening of paddling and river water
sports for the year. Since the first race over 35 years ago, it has grown from a
small, local-interest sporting club event with 33 entries to a popular seasonal
production attracting participants nationwide.
What makes the Red Mo Race so popular? According to Ed Bowman. Race committee
member and owner of Tussey Mountain outfitters, Bellefonte, there are several
reasons, any one of which would be reason enough in itself.
Mr. Bowman is one of a group of local canoeing enthusiasts that "inherited" the
race in 1981. The first race, in April 1967, was put on by the Penn State
Outing Club. The Club eventually expanded its interest to more skilled racing
and considered discontinuing the Red Mo Race. But several area enthusiasts who
enjoyed canoeing on a recreational basis
decided to keep the race going. A committee was formed for the main purpose of
organizing the annual race. Mr. Bowman said there are an average of 15 people on
the committee, and 30 to 40 people who are directly involved with operating and
promoting the race.
For the race of 2002, there were 117 watercraft entries, with a diverse group of
the 186 participants. Mr. Bowman explained that about one third of the entrants
are local people, within 2 hour distance. Another third draws from a broader
area averaging up to 6 - 7 hours distance, such as New York or Washington DC.
The final third travel even greater distances, like Texas or Michigan.
He further noted the varied interest in the race. About one third
participate purely for the fun of it. Another third are canoeing enthusiasts who
enjoy the recreation and the opportunity to try their skill, and maybe improve.
The final group includes seriously competitive, nationally ranked wild-water
racers. But they all have one thing in common. They can't wait to put their
paddles in the ice cold water of the Red Moshannon.
"It's well attended because of where it's at," said Mr. Bowman. The Red
Moshannon has the right combination of current and challenge, making it an ideal
canoeing creek, and "it's in our back yard!" he emphasized.
The Red Moshannon is rated at Class 2 on the International Scale of Whitewater
Difficulty scale of 1 to 6. Comparatively, the West Branch is rated Class 1,
with some Class 2 rapids. Ratings of Class 4 or higher require very experienced
and skilled paddlers.
Mr. Bowman explained that Class 2 rating requires some skill in maneuvering the
craft, with limited risks for tipping. This is another reason for the popularity
of the Red Mo Race. It is enough challenge for the experienced racers, but not
so overwhelming to the novices. The classification for Red Mo varies with the
water levels. Higher water increases the difficulty.
The course contains several rapids, rocks, and 2 islands. The last segment of
the race, "the Mad Mile" is the most exciting, said Mr. Bowman, because the
racers are most competitive, being in the final stretch, plus it is one of the
more difficult spots on the course.
But, there are other reasons the Red Mo Race is such a favorite. Shuttling
canoes and canoers is comparatively easy. The 7-mile race begins at the Peale
Bridge, near Grassflat and ends at the Red Moshannon Bridge on State Route 53
near Moshannon. The shuttle distance is about the same as the actual race.
The event, while professionally run, is geared to having fun, Mr. Bowman said.
In fact, there are as many or more people that enjoy watching the race as being
in it. Mr. Bowman described one popular spot on the creek, known as "Chico's
Rock," located in that last "Mad Mile," that is infamous for canoe hang-ups and
tipping. A large beach at this site is a
favorite spectator spot, as well as one of the several "help stations" for
paddlers, with a warming fire, hot chocolate and blankets for wet racers, and
plenty of camera's to film the excitement. Some places along the creek are so
overgrown that they are nearly impossible to get to on foot. Mr. Bowman said
many spectators paddle to their favorite watching spot before the race.
The remote location is another draw for the race. The property along the creek
is undeveloped, with no houses or roads, only the quiet rustic forest. Mr.
Bowman said that canoeing on other popular rivers, such as out west, is very
regulated, with long waiting lists to even get on the water. Whereas, the West
Branch river and its tributaries are, so far, pretty unregulated a big plus for
paddling enthusiast and for the race.
Another "key to the success of the race, " Mr. Bowman noted, is the tremendous
local support. He said that in all the years of the race, they have never had a
major complaint. Several local businesses sponsor the race. Local volunteer fire
companies provide fire police to direct traffic and parking the day of the race.
Each year the Main Street Bar, Grassflat, hosts a pre-race party Friday night
before the race, as well as sponsors the "Top Dog" trophy for the fastest racer
of the day.
Award ceremonies are held after each race. The location for the Award Ceremony
in recent years has been at St. Severin's Social Hall, Drifting. The event has
outgrown other sites since its beginning. The Social Hall is ideal, Mr. Bowman
said, because of the convenient location, and the size and amenities of the
building. The event is catered by Country Catering, Morrisdale.
Joel Krause, Kylertown, became involved with the planning committee in the
1980's when he happened to be stranded on the Black Moshannon Creek with other
canoers during a flood and had to wait to be rescued by the local fire
department. The other canoers happened to be committee members of the Red Mo
Race.
Mr. Krause is active in recruiting sponsors for the race, and explained that
sponsors help cover costs of trophies, insurance, the hall rental and meal.
Sponsors receive a commemorative T-shirt, as do all of the participants in the
race, each year.
Mr. Krause expressed gratitude for the immense local support and all the
volunteer help. He said he would like to see more people get involved,
especially younger people.
The Race begins at noon on Saturday, March 27, rain or shine, and sometimes,
even snow. Mr. Bowman said the race could be postponed if conditions are deemed
too extreme.
Registrations are accepted up to 11:00 AM the day of the race. There are several
racing classes, plus a "Poker Race." Several prizes will be awarded to the
racers, including the top prize of a racing kayak.
Cost of registration is $27, with a $5 discount if registered by March 13. PFDs
are required for each participant, and helmets are recommended (in some
categories, they are required.)
For more information on registering for the race or being a sponsor or
volunteer, contact Tussey Mountain Outfitters, (814) 355-5690, or refer to the
race web site,
www.redmorace.com.
