The race is ON!!! Hogan, Mike and I are confirmed with a half dozen phone calls from other maybe-ers.  The river had been parking-lot level with major chunks of someone's backyard floating in it a few days ago.  But now it was clear of debris and still moving at a good clip.  

NEW INFO:

The finish line has been moved to Greentree Park.  This adds another 2.5 miles onto the race to make it the 10 miles we thought it was in the first place.  Joe's internal GPS swore it was 10 miles to Highway 141 but the cop that our shuttle bunny encountered at the 141 finishline pretty much convinced us that Greentree Park was a better 10 mile course.  I don't know how it is robberies, rapes and murders can possibly occur in this town when the cops are so on top of things that they have time to hassle nice little kayaker people at river accesses.  

April's Sunset Race left me in awe of a new friend I met on this race.  Hogan H. knew the weather was poopy and he still wanted to do it.  Spitting rain and 45 degrees, he just wanted to be on the night water as bad as I did.  It is so hard to find people like this!  Vince S.  also had no qualms about the brutal nature of this night.  With Passover and Easter both affecting people's lives this day, we were low on competition but I finished this race with a new perspective on life.  

Hogan had no C2 partner so I opted to run with him in his 36 inch wide 70 pound canoe.  Driving rain and fierce winds pounded the boat.  I felt like the crew headed out on a three hour tour in the SS Minnow. My paddle stroke was mute.  The boat was so wide I had to move my butt over to the side I was paddling on to get a good bite out of the water.  My body was mangled by 2 miles into the race.   Vince won the race...need I say more?

Actually, I will say more!  If Hogan and his brother can drive this baby barge down 340 miles of river then you might think I would be able to drive my 23 pound carbon fiber custom built Rob Roy down the same 340 miles.  Right???  I crapped out around 74 miles into the 2008 MR340.  What did I do wrong?  Or, what did Hogan do right?  Gumption.  That is the word I am choosing.  Hogan has gumption and an incredibly positive attitude.  Every time he came to a checkpoint on the MR340 he would tell himself, "We'll just make it to the next checkpoint then quit."  A little nap and a little Ibuprofen and the team was golden again.  Hogan, thanks for teaching me about Gumption. See you tomorrow evening

JoJo

Are we on for June 11? I'm ready.

Hogan

Of coarse!  The race is on.  Hogan, I can't call you cuz my phone, and all it's contacts, went kaput Sunday.  I couldn't email you either cuz my DSL went kaput Saturday night.  Do you think technology is trying to tell me something?  Like, "Go Paddle, JoJo."

See you at Sherman Beach at 7.  Do you have a shuttle bunny?  Larry might have one if needed but she will need notice.  

I am so looking forward to this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunset Race June '08
10 mile race on the Meramec River
meet at Sherman Beach at 7pm
Shuttle Bunny leaves Greentree Acess at 7:45ish
2$ entry fee, winner takes all
Beer and burgers afterwards at PJ's Wing Bar.

What?  Your butt hurts just thinking about boating so soon?  Get over it!  The August '09 Sunset race is set to sail at 7 pm Aug 13th from Sherman Beach to Greentree on the Meramec River.  2$ entry fee and winner takes all!  

What in the world would posess me to paddle so soon after the 340?  Probably because I can't wait to talk to Hogan and Henry about their 340 mile adventure.  I know, I'm supposed to be racing, but Hogan is such a story teller I find myself tethered to the side of his boat for the most of the 10 miles.  Kinda like the tortoise and the rabbit, really.  Last time we got to talking like this I sprang ahead to get to the takeout and passed it right by.  By the time I saw the I44 bridge I realized I was  300 feet past the takeout.  Hogan and Henry had just won their first race!

Furthermore, I just like to paddle.  My container is not exactly cut out for that 340 mile stuff and it let me know this around mile 90 on the MR 340.  It did not forgive me until mile 190.  Somehow, I promised I would not ever do this to it again.  Would you take a Corvette 4 wheeling?  Would you take a Hummer to the race track?  Maybe you could alter the Corvette by putting it on a different chassis to make it a better 4 wheeler.  Or you could do something to make the Hummer a race car, but why?  
I think I'll just enjoy my little 10 mile race and the beer and wings that follow.  Anyone else?

JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

The September Sunset race is coming up on the 10th!  We'll meet at Sherman Beach at 6:30.  

I am excited for this race because I bought a new boat!  In 10 years of whitewater and 1 year of flatwater I have only been in a dozen boats or so.  I searched Craigslist and found a dream boat that fills a niche I had been eager to fill.  It is a solo race canoe that I can take down Ozark streams with my gear for a weekender.  It's made of Kevlar and weighs 45 pounds.  Yes, Charlie, I will be needing another single blade paddle for this one.

Ever since I began training for this year's 340 I have discovered just how awesome single-blading is.  The stroke is a power stroke, giving thrust in a forward manner.  Wing blades (the most efficient double-blade) use a sweep stroke to create forward thrust.  This nets an efficient paddling experience, BUT does not yield as much thrust per stroke as a single blade stroke does.  The wider your boat, the less forward thrust the wing blade is able to create and the more turning thrust you get (which is countered by your rudder, which is, in turn, DRAG >:(. ) Single-blading also gives your middle back a stretch when the paddle hits the water (Action)it pulls your body forward (equal and opposite reaction) acting as a back band minus the chaffing!  Your calluses and arm muscles also get a break from double blading.  

So this brings me to the anxiety of the Sunset Race in a new boat with a single blade.  GOD HELP ME! Last month's race brought out a truly "Blond" moment for me.  That is...a moment when you are glad that no one else can read your thoughts...because they were not very impressive.  

This occurred just as I entered the famous "141 riffle".  Hogan and Danielle paddle their "Old Faithful" plastic boat due to technical difficulties expereinced during the 340 on the new boat.  I had no intent on speeding through this race since it was less than a week after the 340 and it would be another 10 days before I felt energy flow back into my body.  I single-bladed the whole race, sharing 340 stories with them the whole way.

Three other boaters had shown for the race.  Jason, who I had met at Creve Coeur Lake, and a father/son team.  All of them had built their cedar strip boats.  None had run this section of the Meramec.  None knew of the rock in the middle of the riffle. They were long gone before I could advise them of it.   It was not until I crossed the first  wave that I realized IONLYHAVEHALFAPADDLE!  You would think I would have realaized this sooner.

Find an eddy!  Find an eddy!  Find an eddy!  Find an eddy!  That was easier said than done since the moon wasn't out.  I know where the eddy is...I just don't know where the rock is.  To heck with the rock, I still have another wave and eddy to introduce to my blade and all I can think is "Which side of the boat should I have it on?"  

My heart is beating as I exit the eddy toward the channeled water that will push me toward the rock.  I plan on paddling hard to cross the... "Yeeeiiiiiiiii."  Obviously I still had not decided on which side to put the paddle in yet.  I bobble in the riffle and my boat swings gently into the downstream eddy buying me time to determine where the stupid rock is.  

Shady 69 had mentioned an encounter with the rock last month.  I had clipped it with my paddle the month before that.  With low water levels that puppy has got to be near the surface.  I head toward the bridge pillar to avoid the rock...at least I can SEE the bridge pillar.  I am comfortably clear...just in time to hear WHHHUUMP, "Yeeeow!"  Hogan's plastic boat hits the rock dead on!  They are fine and the boat continues to float.  

The location of the rock is: 40 feet upstream and 10 feet toward river left of the right hand bridge pillar. I went back the next week to scout the rock during daylight and discovered the rock does not disturb the surface of the water at all...cannot be seen.  But it will takeout any race boat that happens upon it.  The fine shreds of plastic coating it may provide some cushion.

I soooo can't wait for the 10th.

JoJo
314-49-triple7-49
2 dollars entry fee, winner takes all
shuttle bunny needed
beer and burgers at TS's afterwards!

Jojo: I plan on being there. I may paddle my Speeder instead of the T-bolt
after hearing your story about the rock.

See you at Sherman Beach

Vince

Are people using lights and such? I was going to bring my C2 and my 10 year old son to paddle. He's a fine paddler, and we're training for the Chicago River Flatwater Classic, but he's never been out at night, so having him in the bow looking for obstructions might be tricky... Any thoughts?

james

I'm sad to report, that this will be the first Sunset race that I have missed since I started in March. I ran the 340 this year with mild pains from tennis elbow. I wasn't going to let something that silly stop me. Well, it has been getting progressively worse since the 340. It finally got so bad that my co-workers told me to go to the doctor cause they were sick of hearing me complain. I'm getting better now, but just not ready to test it out   :'( I will however be the shuttle driver tomorrow night.

Can't wait to see all of you!

Hogan

Hey Hogan!  How's that tennis elbow?  Larry tells me there sure is one big rock in the middle of the 141 riffle that needs to meet your boat head on a few more times.  I'm sure the boat will win and the rock will pulverize.

Last month I was hoping Larry would try out the Surfski on the Sunset Race.  It's a good thing he heard me whining about the Rock from Hell and took tupperware instead...cuz he hit the Rock from Hell head on at warp speed.  

Jonathan had already shuttled his car so when we ran shuttle he took off and ran the river.  I never heard how that turned out but Mr. WaterSafariGuy can probably handle hisself okay.

I had my own issues as I worked my Sawyer down the river.  I over reacted at the thought of anything solid touching my gelcoat and did a full 360 on the eddyline above the rock.  It wasn't a graceful 360, either.  It was a spin, stall, paddle, backpaddle, turn, change mind, backpaddle, wait for competition to blow by, paddle, lean then brace.  I left that rock so much space a barge could've fit in between us.  

James and his son, Taylor, seemed to work the rapid like they had no idea the rock was there.  I hoped for the best as they went by.  Their path might be headed toward the rock.  They obviously missed it but I was wrapped up in my own drama and didn't see where they went.

Now that I have terrified everyone about one 8 square foot section of the river I think you should know the rock is really easy to miss and you should come boat with us Thursday evening at 6.

Congratualtions, Vince, for winning the September Sunset Race!

Sunset Race Series
Thursday Oct 8, 2009
Sherman Beach to Greentree
meet at Sherman Beach at 6 for shuttle
2 dollar entry fee
Winner takes all
Shuttle bunny needed
No rules, just pure chaos!

Jo
314-49-triple7-49

Did I really post that last message without consulting here?

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=63118&wuSelect=WEATHER

We delay or cancel in the event of solid, chunky, or electrically charged water so we are delaying 2 weeks till Thursday, Oct 22!!!

Sorry!  

Jo

Real funny, Mother Nature!   Two weeks ago we postponed the Sunset Race because of thunderstorms....and I am so glad we did.  This week has been lovely...right up to the new Sunset Race date.   :-/

With 100% chance of nastiness forecast for tomorrow evening I am thinking I will go to the start line and we will either start the race or we will start our cars and head to the beer and wing joint that we like.  
(TJ's on Vance Road west of hwy 141)

Meet at Sherman Beach at 5:30 pm for shuttle
Shuttle bunnies needed!
Call JoJo for info 314-49-triple7-49

I love global warming.   Think about it...we get to run around in St. Louis in November in shorts and tee shirts.  Last weekend I took a newbie down the St. Francis river in an open boat in shorts and a tee.  (It wasn't my idea!) and watched him swim 4 times.  The air was so warm that his brief dip in the soup was no threat to his health.  Honestly, he did amazing for a first timer.  It was incredibly fun to watch his wheels turning as his skills increased with each paddle stroke.  He pegged the last three rapids without a drop of water on him...poor fella did flip in the flat water right above a riffle, but that's a different story.

Later in the day he thanked me for my help...and I thanked him for reminding me why I love to help the new people out.  New paddlers have little hope of continuing the sport (flatwater or whitewater) without the help of some experienced people to guide them along in some fashion.  I needed a lot of help when I began paddling.  So thankful for everything that was offered to me, I am also thankful for the opportunities that come my way to help someone else experience the joy I have gotten out of the lifestyle.

November's Sunset Race is this Thursday, the 12th.  

Meet at 5:30pm at Sherman Beach
No boat or gear requirements
2$ entry fee, winner takes all.
Shuttle bunnies needed
10 miles to Greentree Park.
Beer and wings later
Lights to get you down the trail will be helpful!

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=63118&wuSelect=WEATHER

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&format=gif_default&period=60&site_no=07019130
Love,

JoJo
314-497-7749

I'm ready!

Hogan

Jojo!  Thanks for organizing these!!  I had a blast last night & the river was moving.  YOU ROCK!
di

JoJo, are we doing the race tomorrow? Supposed to get cold this evening. Do you think the state of the water may change to "chunky"?

The race is on!!!  

This race marks the ONE YEAR anniversary of Joe Sartori's Sunset Race Series!  

December 08:  Joe and raced the first race and still argue who won

Jan 09:  Cancel due to chunky water

Feb 09 JoJo Wins due to default...no one else showed up because the river was raging

March 09 Hogan's first race!  Vince won and left Joe in a cardiac emergency

April 09 Vince smoked Hogan and I while we paddled a Mad River barge in wind and rain.

May  Help me out...I can;t remember this race

June 09  Hogan wins his first Sunset Race!  Teamed with brother, Henry they paddle a sluggish barge down the river with me as their only competition paddling my race boat.  As usual,  I am so fascinated with Hogans stories I drop back to chat with them then pull forward for an interval.  Then drop back again till the 141 bridge when I decided to bolt for the finish line...which I missed in the dark and had to turn around at the sight of the 44 bridge.  When I got to the finish line I found the boys waiting for me...and for their blue ribbon!  Can you say "Turtle and Hare"?

July09  My proudest race...cuz I finally got to beat Joe Sartori...although he swears I have before.
 
August 09-Post MR340!  Hogan talks Danielle into tandem with him.  This is the lowest river level we've ever had.  Hogan's boat creams the newly discovered 141 rock.  I never knew who won this race 'cuz I was so far behind.  Newcomers Jason or the Father/son team claim that ribbon.

September 09 My first race in my canoe.  Hogan misses his first race since April, but James and Taylor join us.  Vince won this months race.

October 09 delayed due to lightening then canceled due to rain/cold/raging water.  I must have been in pansy mode or something.

November  Chuck is the winner of the November race!  Chuck n Di came all the way from Ironton to compete.  This put Chuck over 1000 miles of racing for the year!  Hogan paddles my Sawyer canoe and felt lucky to be upright the whole way.  

The December 09 Sunset Race will be a little different than other races.  Hogan, Jason and I are eager to go but fools for being out there.  We will START AT GREENTREE and paddle up to the 141 bridge and return to Greentree.  This 5 mile course will be cold but more convenient than leaving a guy behind at SHerman Beach while we run shuttle just to chizle icicles off him upon our return.  Yes, we actually need to leave someone there to watch the boats!  A few months ago we left Mike behind and he came upon two teenager boys who had just spotted the boats alnog the shore.  "Let's push 'em in the river!"  he heard one of them say.  OOOH! I woulda been mad.

Meet at Greentree at 530pm
5 mile race
beer and wings afterward
This event is not sanctioned as in no way suitable for sane people

JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

Hey JoJo, great plan for this evening's race! Wondering if anyone has had a visual of the riv yet today? I don't know how long it has to be cold before the slow spots start freezing over, but wondering if we maybe have hit that threshold. :-/ Maybe we'll just find out at 5:30!

Its a new year and I'm ready to paddle. January 14 is the next date (2nd Thursday of the month) for the race. There is ice on the river right now, so we'll have to see about the melting as we get closer! Maybe we'll get lucky and get to paddle while it is snowing!

Hogan

The race is on!  The river is flowing fine in view of the 141 Bridge.  Ice has built up along the shore but that's not a problem...unless you want to get to shore.  Last month was 27 degrees and so hot I was sweating.  I actually had a little anxiety attack when I realized I had left the Start Line without fuel or water.  Now I was chasing Joe "Rocket Ship" Sartori upstream and my mouth felt like the Sahara Desert and I had no food....never let me get hungry...it is an ugly scene!  I actually eyed the river water-probably would chugged  couple of gulps if it hadn't meant sticking my hand in the cold water.  Yaknow-that's a bad idea.  The toxins/pollutants/micro organizms living in this water would just end up living in my body.  

So Sartori smoked me like never before.  I don't know what got into him..normally I can hang tight, but this was no contest.  Hogan and Jason paddle up till I passed them on the flip side then they reversed course.  Wise call.  The ranger at the park told us we were crazy and illegal...but he did tell us something useful, too.  How to get a 3 dollar permit to be legal.  So Hogan has made that happen and Joe has made custom ribbons happen!  Thanks, Guys.

Sunset Race Series
2nd Thursday of every month
(except solid or electrically charged water)
Greentree to Greentree via the 141 bridge this month
Meet at 5:30
Beer and wings at TJ's afterward...no shuttle bunnies needed this month!

Love y'all

JoJo

I'll b there! :)

Oh and Jo, I guess I should be honest about my victory... Only reason, I won was because I wussed out. I took every elevator I could, to get up the river--albiet risking life and limb! Fortunately, I did not take one stick in the eye in the dark of the night, nor did I encounter any boat breaking sawyers while riding up those shore-line eddies. Let me tell ya, you guys are tough! I didn't see you on my way back down, but Hogan and Jason were tracking right up central, facing the current head on! And, unlike November's race, there was some current in this stretch of the riv!

Looking forward to February....hopefully not chunky water or really frigid temps.  A date with destiny (the rock at Valley Park) - I can beat it!!!  It is time that this fat boy starts to get in shape for the next MR340!!! ::)

Here we go again!  The race is on.

Temps are forcast to be 32 as a high today and 23 as a low tonight.  For those of you who have not experienced paddling in this weather the temperature is not the problem that you might think it would be.  You are not cold.  You do not shiver and think hypothermic thoughts.  However, your nose will run, the water drops flinging off your paddle will make a clacking noise when they hit your boat, and it is particularly difficult to tie your boat on the car when it keeps sliding off.  I suppose the ramp could also pose a slide-off hazard to anyone approaching the rivers edge in rubber booties, too.  That would suck, but it would be kinda funny.

Last month Sartori's wit way outdid mine.  We were the only two racers because Hogan's wife apparently likes him more than Joe's wife does and told him to forget paddling in 27 degree weather with icebergs.  (This month something may have changed because she's letting him paddle in 23 degree weather!)  Iceburgs?!?  Yes, there were a couple of floaters.  They added an interesting twist, I think.

As we took of I was feeling good but there just wasn't a lot of Octane in my stroke.  Joe passes me right away and hugs the River Left bank upstream for as longs as he's in my vision.  I cross over to river right to take advantage of what I think will be slower current and hear a noise.  Long whining agonizing quiet howl.  Oh, dear!  I think it's a puppy dog.  I wonder what to do.  He's probably been soaked and is going to die if I don;t help but I am in this tiny little kayak and I don't particularly like dogs anyway.  Another whimper finds it's way to my ears.  I scan the shoreline...probably should be watching for floating obstacles but I really have a problem with suffering and think I might help the damn thing.  One last whine...Wait!  It's Joe!

I wonder if he tipped and is freezing?  Good thing I have my cell phone.  I can call Danielle and let her know she was right to keep Hogan off the river this time.  Just about the time I was about to cross back over to River Left to continue my race I figured out it was an Owl.  

Joe was not without sound effects, however.  10 minutes after the owl's serenade I hear a hollowing crrruuunchh noise.  The sound of sideswiping an iceberg in a composite boat.  It echos loud in those boats!  Joe let's out some expression of dismay and I see a blurry figure jut out from it's shadow along the shore.  Tee Hee.  

Congratulations, Joe Sartori, winner of the January Sunset Race.

Come join us for the Winter Wonderland version of the Sunset Series Races.

Greentree Park to GreenTree Park
meet at 530pm
Burger and beer afterwards at TJ's
Bring a drysuit for max comfort!
2 dollar entry fee, winner takes all.


Call JoJo for more info
314-49-triple7-49

Changing my tactics for tonight's race! Too much concrete strategically placed in those shore-line eddies.

meet at 530...

So I guess yall paddled the whole time after dark yesterday?

I was at greentree the other day and the current was movin pretty good through there

So it was very cold last night. I went in a home made 2 person kayak with a guy from work. We decided to use canoe paddles so we would not get as wet. I'm not sure if we needed kayak paddles or if the kayak just does not like going up river. Anyway, we lasted about 30 minutes on the water before we gave up with that boat. I guess my plastic Mad River canoe isn't that bad after all.

Please try to come out next month if possible to make this event more exciting. If you're worried about about the "race" aspect of this event, please don't be. I normally finish last by at least 10 minutes and I still have fun. Its more about being out on the water and around friends than racing. So come meet the regulars and have fun being on the water. Send me a message if you're not sure  :)

Hogan

Ah!  60 degrees!  What a treat.  Last March we had 8 people covered in 1/4 of ice when we finished our 10 mile race.  Then we had to carry up a hill that was covered in mud and ended up sliding all the way back down!  
In the winter we are doing Round Robins instead of Point A to Point B's.  Next month we will begin again with our favorite Point A (Sherman Beach) to Point B Green Tree Park).  The reason for this change was because of ice...and because we didn't want to leave someone behind to freeze while we ran shuttle.  

Permits are in place now.  We have ribbons and we charge a 2 dollar entry fee that goes to the winner.  One thing that has not changed is the beer and burgers that consume after the race.  The last couple of race months were so cold I left my drysuit on until I got into the restaurant where my fingers could thaw.  Everyone in the restaraunt thought I was a skydiver.  

Come join us.  Training season is upon us and this is a good addition for many reasons.

Love, JoJo

Meet at 530pm
Green Tree Park
2 dollar entry fee
Winner takes all
No shuttle this month
Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's

80 degrees in Austin yesterday. Brrrrrr... --West

You all should have see the guy in the booth next to us last month. JoJo came in and started stripping off her dry suit. After that came a few more layers... I thought his eyes were going to pop out! Don't worry, she wasn't anywhere near being immodest, she isn't like that! Hope to see more people tonight!

Hogan

ahhh crap I forgot this was this week. Im not working this time so ill be able to make this one. sorry for the late rsvp


HoganHaake wrote on 02/12/10 at 16:40:58:

I normally finish last by at least 10 minutes

well then hogan looks like we've got ourselves a RACE  :) ill be in a 12' plastic bucket, im not even sure if it will go upstream lol

See you guys at 530

Good Job Joe S on kicking my butt.  See you Thursday April 15? if my work
schedule does interfere.

Vince

Whoaaaa!  Has the nemesis syndrome kicked in here!  Joe was my nemesis till I gave up and decided it was too much pain to agonize over the situation.  Now Joe has confessed that Vince is his nemesis.  Not a bad situation for Joe since his "nemesis" was behind him the whole race...not by far, but Joe still held Vince at bay.  I think It is because Vince took a hiatus for the winter and is about to shed his spring colors.  Watch out, Joe.  Perhaps we should change the word to "inspiration" in the future.  

We had newcomers with us this week.  Hogans paddling partner got a taste for the incredible barge that Hogan so loves.  Red Neck Hippie came in a stealth rec boat that scared the daylights out of all of us when we did not see him on the rebound and thought he got lost.  He came along a few minutes later, but when you think you've "Lost" a boater it is a looooong few minutes.  


We need to delay the April Sunset Race by one week.  Sorry if that throws anyone off.  We'll have slackwater I think due to the Mississippi River being high enough to back up the Meramec.  This will be our return to Sherman Beach for the long version of the Sunset Race.  We will take out at Greentree Park and head to TJ Wings afterward.

Meet at Sherman Beach at 530 pm
call me to let me know your joining us for shuttle logistics purposes.
2 dollar entry fee, winner takes all!
10 miles race from Sherman beach to Greentree park
Shuttle Bunnies needed!
Beer and wings afterwards.


Love,

JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

Ohhhhyeah!  83 degrees and the river is up!  I can't wait for Thursday night's race.  We'll go back to "Point A to Point B" racing this month.  Meet at Sherman Beach at 530 for shuttle.  This 10 mile route has us eating wings at TJ's by 830 with the shuttle done beforehand.  Call me if you're a newcomer so I plan shuttle logistics correctly.   JoJo

Shuttle Bunny needed
meet at 530 pm
Sherman Beach to Greentree Park
2 dollar entry fee
no boat or gear requirements
Beer and wings at TJ's afterward

Love, JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

Who is up for this Thursday?

Spencer

I'm always up for it. I'll call Jo Jo tonight and see what the arrangements are.

Hogan

thursdays are softball  :-/

im always around if anyone wants to train on the meramec... did 32mi yesterday and im on the river at least a couple times a week

Let's do it!  Meet at Sherman Beach at 6 pm for shuttle!  Oh, Please let a shuttle "Angel" plop into our laps.  

Spencer adds turmoil to the Sunset Boys as he chases Joe all the way to the end.  In his Newly purchased QCC we'll see how things turn out...Sartori's goin' down???!!!???

JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

Jason said that he is up for running shuttle. I'll get him a 6 pack of beer to thank him!

Hogan

Looking forward to it!  No QCC yet, so I'll be paddling the P&H monstronsity (which I'm grateful to use).  

Now, so long as I get down without seeing a corpse like last Wednesday...

Apparently, I was the second person to call 911 over the body found last Wednesday.  It was a typical midweek workout paddling workout from Greentree to 141, well it was supposed to be typical.  Seeing something like that really interfered with my paddling psyche.  Tonight will be the first time back there.

BTW, Sue has also volunteered to shuttle if it is needed.  I just need to give her some notice.  

Spencer
 

Last night was a great paddle! Only 3 boats, but it was still a great time. Ryan and I stayed at Sherman while they ran shuttle for the race. We stood around in some great rain and lightning which cleared up as the shuttle returned. That was an ideal way to race, rain before the start and clear for the race. I would like to see somebody else bring a canoe out to race! Kayaks are always welcome too. Spencer and Jo Jo raced all the way to the end in a very close finish with Jo Jo pulling out the win. The beers and fellowship at TJ Wings was also great. Start planning for next month on June 10th.

Hogan

Well boys and girls, its that time of the month again. We're paddling  (on the second) Thursday, June 10. This will be the first one that Jo Jo has missed since we started last year. She's doing ground support for the TWS!

meet at 530 pm  
Sherman Beach to Greentree Park
no boat or gear requirements
Beer and wings at TJ's afterward

Hogan
314-941.2-Doubble6-7

The June Sunset race was just about perfect. There were no bugs once we got on the water and the weather was great. Unfortunately there were only 2 boats that showed up. We still had a great time and finished the float in 90 minutes.

On a side note, I still feel bad about dropping Larry's boat when we were putting it up on his car :( It only seemed to scratch the boat, but it seemed to leave emotional scars. So remember to always be careful with other people's boats, even if they are composite and only appear to need one hand. Sorry again Larry!

Hogan

HoganHaake wrote on 06/14/10 at 07:18:28:

The June Sunset race was just about perfect. There were no bugs once we got on the water and the weather was great. Unfortunately there were only 2 boats that showed up. We still had a great time and finished the float in 90 minutes. On a side note, I still feel bad about dropping Larry's boat when we were putting it up on his car :( It only seemed to scratch the boat, but it seemed to leave emotional scars. So remember to always be careful with other people's boats, even if they are composite and only appear to need one hand. Sorry again Larry! Hogan

I was gonna come but had to work @8pm. always somethin on thursdays :-/

Who's up for the 18th monthly Sunset Race?????  Meet at Sherman Beach at 6 PM for shuttle.  Shuttle Bunnies needed.

10 mile race
2 dollars winner takes all
Sherman Beach to Greentree on the Meramec River (Lake!)
call JoJo for info 314-49-triple7-49

The August Sunset Race is on!!!  The Meramec is slowly coming down to its normal level.  There is no current whatsoever.  I went out for a run last night and watch some partiers kill the engine on their big 'ol boat and just float for a while.  They were only a few hundred feet away from where I left them an hour earlier.  

We will gather again at Sherman beach at 630.  I will shuttle people up from Greentree since I have to work till 645 and can get to Greentree by 700pm.  

Meet at Sherman Beach to dump boats off
Shuttle to Greentree by 7
race starts when we get back to Sherman in My van
10 miles race
2 dollar entry fee-winner takes all
Beer and wings after the race at TJ wings.
Call for info

Love
JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

A few things came up challenging the Sunset Race for the second week in September.  Let's do it on the 3rd week in September, the 16th.  The way it looks the weather will be better, Hogan's lame excuse of "I feel icky" will resolve, Roshahshana will be over and I can fit in a Rainbarrel workshop with Hogan's wife at the MoBoGardens.  

Anyone else???  Who's coming?  This is a wonderful event to race (Fast or slow) with your local flatwater racing crowd and join together later for burgers and beer.  

Having been deeply immersed in the whitewater scene for 10 years I am so thankful for the Creators of the MR340 for lighting the flatwater racing scene on fire here in the region.   Not that I would ever quit WW but that flatwater is a great addition to my life.  They are two very different sports...different boat, different paddle, different gear, different people, entirely different concerns.  All good.

If you are new to the sunset race it is a 10 mile race on the Meramec River from Sherman Beach to Greentree.  In the cold we change it to Greentree to the 141 bridge and back to Greentree (5miles).  It's a 2 dollar entry fee, winner takes all.   Shuttle is set up ahead of time so most of our cars are waiting for us at the takeout.  Shuttle Bunnies are especially appreciated!

Call me if you want more info
Love,
JoJo
314-49-triple7-49  

JoJo, I am in!!! See you at Sherman Beach at 5:30!

We had an awesome sunset race last night. All of my health issues were out of the way and I was ready to race paddle. As usual, I took "the turd" (my slow 14' Mad River canoe) and held my own far in the back of the race. There were 5 boats at the race and the front of the pack was rather competitive. The weather was perfect, not too hot, but just a touch of cool in the air. Its a peaceful paddle with amazing conversations afterward. Please come out and join us next month.

In case any of you don't have a calendar, the next race will be October 14th. We meet at 6:00pm at Sherman Beach to begin the shuttling. Email me if you have any questions. We're always looking for more people to join us!

Hogan

Oh!  I am so excited! Our next Sunset Race is in 3 days and I have been scouting the 141 wave to determine the best wave to run it...I start at Greentree and feel the anxiety growing in my tummy all the way upstream to 141 where the train bridge and the 141 bridge block my view of the riffle.  

I see the water is down so the sandbar the juts out of river left for 3/4 of the river's width is exposed.  A fisherman is casting his line  just off the sand bar shore...I pass him-probably looking like a fool craning my neck to see what is around the bend.  I literally tippytoe my tippy yak around the bend to find the voracious man-eating wave....I chicken out.  I am not pulling another pucker muscle over that thing.

I jab in the right rudder which takes me to a channel that seems to be new.  It cut the sandbar off from the river left shore...I guess that means the sandbar is really and island, huh?  Plowing up the shallow channel I make it to the head of the mouth where I can swing left and get a peek at the wave from upstream.  It is not there...Nothing.  I sail down the river right channel to find nothing but a mild whirlpool.  I am bummed.  I wasted how much adrenaline on that.  Sartori, could this be the end of your surf wave?  It has been a popular park n play spot for playboaters for years.

Next time I go it'll probably be Killer Fang Falls and I won't be ready for it.  

Sunset Race
October 14
Meet at Sherman Beach at 530
10 mile race to Greentree Park
2$ entry fee winner takes all
Beer n wings afterwards
call ahead to let me know your coming
Shuttle bunnies needed
JoJo
314-49-triple7-49

I'll be there! Jason and Ryan coming with also! See you on the water!!!

Hogan

I'll be there.

Hey Jojo, yup that 141 riffle has been changing over the years. I suspect debris that comes down from the business atop the river right bank may forces the channel to move. There was some heavy equipment in the river a few year ago when they installed the bridge shark. That is when the piece of concrete that we worry about seemed to show up. Of course high water does it's thing too.

You guys have fun. Looks like the weather will be awesome. Turns out I have a meeting tomorrow evening  :( So, I am looking toward Nov now!

Ohhhh.  Be afraid.  Be very afraid.  I thought a rock in the current just above a bridge pillar, after a 1 foot riffle was bad...now that I have actually seen said "rock" in the daylight at very low water I am really really afraid.  The good news is...It isn't a rock.  Nope, there is no rock just downstream of the 141 riffle.  As the matter of fact, there is not 141 riffle either...it is gone now.

The bad news is this interruption in our peaceful race is a jagged mass of steel with multiple layers of metal poking out at odd angles.  It appears to be rounded with compartments.  Has anyone reported a missing aircraft in the last couple of years that has never been located...or perhaps a car flew off the 141 bridge a while back.  Or an asteroid.  Maybe it is a steamship that sunk in the 60's.  No, no! The Betty Ann steamship sunk about 5 miles downstream and still pokes out of the water because no one cared enough to haul her rust butt off.  This thing is terrifying and I think of how many of my friends have actually RAN INTO the thing with their boats.  

Local paddlers, now is a good time to go to the bridge and look for yourselves.  With water being low the only way to run it is downstream of the Asteroid and upstream of the pillar.  Plenty of room but you better get your pucker muscle in shape.  

I will start wathcing water levels more closely to determine the danger zone.  

So, anyone want to race next Thursday Nov, 11.  It's a holiday, you know...It's the season premier of Burn Notice.  And my Grandma's birthday.  Oh, and Armistice Day.  We should celebrate.  

Should we A to B it or should we round robin it????

JoJo

JoJo

JoJo

I'm planning on paddling from Greentree to Castlewood and back this Saturday morning. I've been keeping an eye on that area under 141.  The water level is really low. Will be interesting to see this ruin/artifact you speak of.

Hope to be on the water @ Greentree by 7:30 or 8.  Anyone interested in joining me for a chilly morning work-out?

Two of the 3 dudes are planning to be there on Novemeber 11...as long as my wife doesn't go into labor. We may even break out the old town discovery beast for a little resistance training. If it is on...we should be there.

I might be available this Thurs., but my race partner is out due to surgery. Anyone looking for a partner?

                                                                                                           Brian (314) Three Nine Three - 4321

Paddled from Greentree to Castlewood Saturday.  Water level is really low. Paddling upstream, had to portage several times and at some unlikely places.  

We're on for a 5:30 pm start tomorrow, 11/10/2010. I called Brian and he'll be the third person in my boat. I'm hoping that three people are better than 1 kayak and we'll make it a real race. We will find out tomorrow!

Hogan

Maybe we missed what was actually happening last night. We were at Sherman Beach at 5:30 and stayed until 6:30 or so. Maybe we will need to ask more questions next month. Hope it went well.

That sucks! We paddled upstream from Green Tree to 141 and back.  Nobody actually posted that plan... Did you guys at least get on the water?

We paddled upstream from Sherman a ways then burned the shoulders up doing some ridiculous sprint starts from the beach to the bridge. Good time none the less. Catch you guys next month.

Jeff,

I"m sorry that we missed you. December will also be a Greentree to 141 and back race. I'll try to make sure we are more clear on our postings. Feel free to call before the race to verify that things are on track.

314. nine 4 one.266 seven

Hogan

We had an amazing sunset race in November. We had three boats, two kayaks and one three person canoe. The water on the Meramec was lower that I have ever seen it. This caused an 141 like chute of water near Simpson lake. The two kayaks raced through it, but it took the canoe 4 tries and some poling with a cheap paddle to work their way through. The weather was just about perfect and we had an all around great time.

I have attached a file with the lap times for the canoe. If you have ever thought "my boat is too slow for this race" you should think again. We're just average people meeting to have fun and do our best. You should come out and give the race a try. Its a nice way to meet new paddlers and have fun! The river is awesome at night.

Finally, I went and got photos of JoJo's rock. I have personally run over it several times. The bottom of my boat will prove that! Decide for yourself how scary it is. The whole album is http://snorkie.com/2010/11.11-SunsetRace/.

http://snorkie.com/2010/11.11%2DSunsetRace/images/img_1426.jpg
http://snorkie.com/2010/11.11%2DSunsetRace/images/img_1427.jpg

Happy paddling. Hope to see lots of you at next month's race!

Hogan

JoJo,
        Thanks for arranging this cool race! Had a great time and weather was perfect. Post race refreshments were nice too!

Hogan,
        Thanks for letting me tag along in your canoe. How do I find the attachment with our times?

        Nice to meet everyone that showed up.  (JoJo, Joe, Joey, Hogan)
                                                                                                       Thanks,
                                                                                                                    Brian

Brian,

Sorry that I didn't attach the document. I think it got lost when I started adding photos.

Hogan

---

Looks to be a balmy 38 F (and dropping) on Thursday evening!  Beautiful night for a paddle!  See you all at Greentree!

Spencer

Won't be able to make this one. I have to work. Maybe in January!
(That sounds crazy. I've never paddled in January!)
                                                                                                  Brian

In case anybody is wondering, we're still on. Greentree at 5:30 pm on Thursday (December 9) . Get your paddles ready for some ice, cause its gonna be a cold one! Water should be about a foot higher than last month!

In preparation for this event, I rode my motorcycle to work on Monday. Was 13 degrees warm when I got to work  ;D

314. nine 4 one.266 seven
Hogan

looking forward to tonight's paddle. I am glad it warmed up!

Yes!  We are on for the 24th monthly Sunset race!  Meet at Greentree at 530.  Round Robin to Greentree totals 5 miles.  2$ entry fee winner takes all!!!

Call me if you have never participated before so we can get some details down...like WE ARE MEETING AT GREENTREE INSTEAD OF SHERMAN BEACH!  Dave...Jeff...

See you there,  Jo
49-triple7-49

I'm already looking forward to the next on!  Jan 13th can come soon enuf!

We had an awesome race last Thursday. It ended up being "warm" and I was sweating. As always the case, Ryan and I were in the slow boat. The water was about 6 - 12 inches higher than last month...

I should mention that the start was delayed because Spencer's rudder broke. We spent several minutes ashore trying to fix it before duct taping it to his boat and going anyway.

Hogan

---

Thursday, January 13, is just a few days away! Anybody ready to brave the cold with us? I need a canoe partner if anybody's interested. All you need to do is dress warm and I'll bring the boat, paddles, and PDFs (life jackets). I"ll even make sure you keep your feet dry  ;D

We start at 5:30pm at Greentree park in Kirkwood. We'll be paddling up river to the 141 bridge and back to Greentree park. Then we'll go out for food and tell stories about how warm we were! If you're on the fence, give me a call and I'll try to talk you into it  :)

Hope to see you on the river!

Hogan
314-nine four one - two 6 6 seven

Danielle is letting you paddle the chunky water scene??? Last year she wouldn't let him.  She didn't want him to contend with the  icebergs...  What'd you do, Hogan!  Did you make her mad?  Or is she seeing you skills advance so much because of your Sunset racing, that she knows you can handle anything the river throws out at you.  

Like bank repairs.  Hogan, Spencer and Joe demonstrated their genius by engineering Spencer's boat at the startline in the dark.  The ruder popped out and would not be console with even duct tape...so Spencer managed to pull off a win even without it.  Joe was only a few seconds behind and JoJo...paddled as hard as she could but was no competition.  This time.  Drat, that Spencer is gettin' gooooood.

Come join us...er, I should say,  Come join Hogan...because I am headed to TX for some fair weather paddling.  Hogan will post any changes to plan...like a delay...should there be one.  It's Josh's b-day so Sartori is out for the month.  JoJo

I think we're going to have to postpone the race. Between the ride to work this morning and lunch, a significant amount of ice has built up on the river. It isn't warming up any time soon, so I expect even more ice! I would expect the river to be almost completely ice covered by tomorrow night. I'm not sure when we'll re-schedule, because it isn't really warming up above freezing in the 10 day forecast either. Sorry :( I really wanted to paddle!

Hogan

Its Tuesday and we're racing on Thursday 2/10/11 at 5:30 pm. Meet at Greentree park in Kirkwood and we'll paddle to 141 and back. There will be some ice, but we're ready for it this time.  If anybody isn't sure, I currently don't have a canoe partner and would be happy to paddle with somebody. Otherwise, I'll be going solo in my canoe... Feel free to call if you're interested. I'll provide the paddle/PFD. Just bring something warm to wear!

Hogan
three1four-nine4one-two66seven

Here is some of the crew that races...

http://snorkie.com/2010/12.10%2DPaddlingPals/thumbnails/photo0149.jpg  Joe
http://snorkie.com/2010/12.10%2DPaddlingPals/thumbnails/photo0150.jpg  Jo Jo
http://snorkie.com/2010/12.10%2DPaddlingPals/thumbnails/photo0151.jpg  Spencer and Ryan

Awright, Hogan!  It's you n me, baby.  Two seasoned paddlers in a divorce boat..Do you think we will ever speak to each other again after this 3 hour tour?

JoJo

I know I call the boat "The Turd" but it isn't three hours slow, unless you are planning on paddling backwards! Looking forward to Thursday!!!  As for the divorce, how could anybody not get along with the sweet and wonderful Jo Jo?

Hogan

Uh huh, right.  And Hogan, would you plz tell the world I am much cuter than that picture above says I am.

Looking Forward to the race tonight!

I am planning on being there tonight. This will be an interesting race.  :-/ It is predicted to get down to 14 degrees F overnight. ...I wonder if the channel will be open all the way to 141.

We can use my boat to ram open a channel!

Hogan

East of 141 looks clear of any ice.  It's very different upstream.

Won't be able to race tonight. :'(    Was out on the river this morning near Hwy 30. Iced totally across about 1/2 mile upstream as well as downstream near George Winter Park. Started to break up around noon as we were leaving.  P.S. Watch out for large ice cicles falling from bridges. (too close for comfort)!
                                                       Have fun,
                                                                        Brian

The title of my February Sunset Race is "Dumb and Dumber."

When will you post the video? Please share..... Need to see the JoJo/Hogan bobsled team's training run

Which one of you is 'Dumber'?

How was the race?    A friend of mine took a swim during practice yesterday at the Greentree boat ramp. Brrrrrr.
                                                                                                                                                                     Brian

Read the post, then click on the link below for the video!

   Thursday 2/10/11 was one of the most eventful Sunset Races to date. The air temperature was below freezing and the water was slightly above freezing. We got the boats at the top of the ramp and looked down. The ramp was covered from the top to the bottom with ice! Jo Jo had decided earlier in the week to be my canoe partner. She told me that her logic was that my boat, "The Turd", would keep her much drier than her kayak. I couldn't argue with that point as The Turd has never let us down! Standing at the top of the ramp, Jo Jo suggested that we ride the boat all the way down and into the water. I was nervous, but figured that she would get splashed and we'd have a bit of water in the bottom of the boat and a great memory. I also felt safe because Jo Jo is a whitewater paddler and knows a few things about boats more than me!
   So without further thought, I started to put my stuff in the boat. You'll hear from the start of the video that I was being rushed, so against my better judgment, I didn't attach the dry bag to the canoe as I always do. I did decide it was worth attaching my GPS watch to the boat so it wouldn't fall to the bottom of the boat. I stowed my wooden bent shaft paddle in favor of the six foot plastic paddle. If I broke the big paddle, it could be cheaply replaced!
   I sat in the back of the boat and Jo Jo started "paddling" the boat along on the ice. I started to help until it appeared that we were picking up speed faster. At this point, I made the statement "This is the dumbest thing I have ever done". This was shortly followed by a 4 letter word or two. Where the ramp meets the water at the bottom, the left side didn't have complete ice coverage meeting the water. This means that I would have a cheese grader effect on the bottom of my boat. I stuck out my right leg for a dual purpose. First, was do steer the boat towards the right side of the ramp to protect the boat. Second was to SLOW DOWN!
   I don't remember the boat hitting the water, but I know it happened. This is because an instant after we hit the water, I was under the water. I came up for air and something about it being cold. Jo Jo tried valiantly to stay with the boat and have me pull her and the boat back to the shore. After she lost her footing and was no longer able to stand, she gave up on the boat and I pulled her by her paddle back to shore. Had I been thinking, I should have used my longer paddle to help her pull all back to shore. As we walked back up the ramp to the cars to warm up. I watched The Turd float slowly down the river. I hoped that my dry bag did its job and stay with the boat.
   While we went for warmth, Joey [the camera man] took his kayak down to the water and chased after my boat. Back at Jo Jo's van, we quickly got inside and tried our best to get warm. After the boat was retrieved and things settled down, I was asked if we were still going to do our race. I turned them down with the thought of no more dry clothes available should an accident occur again...
   Please feel free to laugh at us! We're happy that we were not seriously injured and could get to warmth quickly. Be safe and join us on March 10th when we try again!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQZ2_O5vVYk


Hogan

Hogan/JoJo;

;D  ;D LOL....LOL....ROFLMAO... Awesome.... I wish I got off work sooner to actually witness your bobsled run. As mentioned, fortunately, it was just wet clothes and a very interesting story to share, and did not involve a '911' call. LOL!!!! LOL!!!!

I might join you guys next month (as long as sliding down the ramp is not a requirement).

Joe

So I walked into work Friday morning and handed my bashful, awkwardly shy Nepalese employee a parcel...peeled from the floor of my van the bundle of clothes I wore the night before had frozen into a mysterious pile with a story behind it.  He doesn't even ask...just forces it throught the door of a washer and starts the cycle.  As everyone gathered around to see my video phone Mary, my other employee asked, "It isn't you doin' sumpthin' stupid again, is it?"  

Hogan comment as we approached Vmax "this has gotta be the dumbest thing we've ever done!"  I reviewed my life quickly and determined that it was not even close. ( I am a former freight pilot.)  Joey, the cameraman, told us at the bar that after I hit the water I said, "NOW it is the dumbest thing I have ever done."  

The biggest lesson I took away from the evening..Do not wear fleece as paddling gear.  It is way too heavy to swim in once it gets wet.  A drysuit is the only way you will survive these temperatures.  

and I thought paddling down here in texas at 70 degrees was too cold!

I should have posted earlier ......... that is exactly how my friend took a swim the other day. He was like a torpedo down that frozen ramp!

We need to teach you guys how to brace when the big turd tips! JoJo and Hogan, you are going to need to redeem yourselves next season! :)

I suppose this means I am going to have problems finding a tandem partner for the 340.

That's wicked guys!  I'd bet you could have pulled it off in a kayak.  It looks like the high center of gravity is what got you.

This could be the start of a new "mid-winter" tradition...

The 27th monthly Sunset Race
Thursday March 10, 2011
Greentree to Greentree on the Meramec (at near flood stage, no less!)
2$ entry fee Winner takes all
meet at 530pm at the ramp.

So last month didn't quite go as planned.  The race lasted less than .3 seconds for Hogan and I as I made this decision to seal launch the icebergized boatramp and gently glide across the water.  Hogan, the dear heart, followed me right off the face of the earth.  Into the icy water.  To think earlier that day he offered the added benefit to paddling the Turd as : You will stay dry in my canoe.  Never once did it occur to me we'd flip.  Joey said never once did it occur to him we wouldn't!  Which brings me to the moral of the story.  Smart people do dumb things too....No, No, No!  That's not the moral of the story.

The moral of the story is cameramen should always have rescue gear available cuz if it's worth filming it's probably going to need a bailout plan.  No!  That's no the moral of the story.

The moral of the story is think for yourself.  My dad used to preach,, "If all your friends took a flying leap off a cliff would you do it , too?"  Well, yes, if I didn't realize I was in midair until I was in midair.  To Hogan's credit, he did attempt to ditch the maneuver midflight, but didn't want me to endure this crisis alone.  No, That is not the moral of the story, either.

The moral of the story is Turd Happens.  Be ready for all scenarios.  It could mean your life.

That is a lot of morals from a group like ours...

I'm ready for Thursday but need a canoe partner. I promise I won't try to run the boat down the icy ramp for 2 reasons.
1. No Ice
2. No Ramp (river is UP).

If you're interested, write back on the forum or call me. Otherwise I'll buy a kayak paddle and see how fast the turd is solo! See ya Thursday!!!

Hogan
three 1 4 - 94one. 2 six six seven

Its been one month and its time to bring our thread back to the top. Thursday 4/14 is our monthly sunset race. The temperature looks to be warm, but it may rain on us. We are racing from GreenTree park at 5:30pm going upstream to 141 bridge and back to GreenTree. Please come out and paddle with us, it will be a great time and good practice for the upcoming race.

Hogan

I thought we were shuttling up-stream this month?

I say it's time to B-Line it, Hogan.  Meet at Sherman Beach at 515 to stash the boats and run shuttle.  Hmmm.  We need a Bunny!  

The 28th Sunset Race
Sherman Beach to Greentree
10 miles of beauty and bliss
2$ entry fee, winner takes all
Beer n  wings at TJ's afterwards
Shuttle Bunny needed
Call or text JoJo ahead of time to let us know if you're coming for logistics purposes.
We could really use a shuttle bunny!!!!!
Joe Sartori, are you in...or did Newcomer Joey scare you?  I think this Joey guy is going to be gooooood!

314-49-triple7-49

I don't know.  He kind of seem's like a chump to me...

Downstream it is then. I have an open seat in my canoe if anybody is interested. Otherwise I'll go it solo. Should be fun :) Jo, if you want to meet earlier at Greentree, we can throw my boat on top and I'll ride up with you. Then I can watch our boats till the shuttling is complete. I'll call tonight.

Hogan

Ah! Training season is here…and I am actually going to train this year.  My friend, Vince, is back from having fallen off the face of the Earth and I am elated to paddle with him.  He’s faster than me but somehow I am convinced I can draft him.  
 
In preparation for the Meramec Marathon we paddled 14 or so miles on the Meramec from Pacific Palisades to Route 66.  This is a stunningly beautiful stretch of the Meramec River that I rarely get to see.  A flock (gaggle, bunch, ???) of deer hopped off shore river left and swam all the way across river in front of us!  There were 10 of them!  I had only seen that one other time when an 8 point buck jumped off the cliff at Coopers landing and swam all the way across the Missouri River away from me.   Good swimmers!  Another good swimmer was a 5 foot long Black Snake that crossed our path that same day.  An Eagles nest with 2 white heads showing sits just upstream of Allenton.  Wow!

As we approached Route 66 we could see one bass boat in the water and another launching.  They were acquainted with each other.  The driver of the tow Suburban did not move his car from the ramp so Vince and I pulled parallel to shore at the ramp and braced on land as the boat’s waves tossed us.  And then they tossed us again…and again.  I signal to the driver to move, but he just got out of his car and said “They ‘ll be done in a minute.  They’re test driving the boat.”  (At full speed might I add.)  So Vince and I were stuck…clinging to shore while a couple of rednecks see what tricks these toys can do.  

Just great.

It got better!  From full speed, one of them killed his throttle and jerked hard left taking his buddy by surprise.  The two boats collided and Vince and I thought were about to become rescue boaters.  There were no injuries or swimmers, but Vince and I could do without the show next time.  

Thursday’s Sunset Race provided another opportunity for Vince to chase me down the Meremac River.  He did for at least two seconds and them I lost ground…I kept him in close sight for 5 miles…Then I lost him.  How can that happen?  I don’t think I slowed down.   He must’ve been holding back and took off after the wind subsided.  Suddenly, I see Wilson…An orange beach ball…appearing in the middle of the river.  Hmmph.  So Vince was along the shore loading up Wilson because he knows I am not fast enough?  Apparently Wilson the Ball was too much a burden for Vince to carry in his Thunderbolt and he is abandoned.  Too much temptation for me, I RAM the ball as fast as I can thinking the ball will go splaying out to the left, right, or right into to my forehead.  

NOPE!

The damn thing sunk under my boat, causing me to ramp up and roll off to the right side.  Pucker, Brace, Shriek!
And along comes Saturday at 9am.  The Meremac Marathon.  Blustery, misty, windy.  I have regretted many times getting out of bed to go to the river and paddle…but I have never regretted paddling.  I told race organizers Tim and Dave this may be an exception.  I talk myself into going.  I was dressed just right:


A sleeveless silk tank,
a light-weight long sleeve wicking layer,
a fleece paddlero covering only my arms,
a baseball cap and a scarf to cover my ears (and keep hair out of my mouth)
and polypro medium weight pants.
A Gore Tex rain jacket
Gore Tex rain pants.  

The only thing I missed was gloves, which I borrow from Joe Baisa, Mr. UltraOverprepared.  I always wear the jacket over my pfd so I can remove it.  I wore my rain pants around me knees so they would keep my legs dry but I could pee if I had to.  
Never, I repeat, NEVER
pee in Gore Tex pants.

Being too hot is a performance killer for me.  It was NOT an issue this day!  I unzipped and zipped a couple of times but the wind made sure there were no overheats.  Taking off the hat and or the gloves serves as radiators.  Ditch them first if you get hot.  Baseball caps are bad choices on windy days, BTW.

This was one of the three most windy river trips I have ever had. Part of the trip was with a tailwind.  It’s hard to draft Three Dudes in a Canoe when the wind starts to shove your boat into them!  I had to stop paddling!  After 4 miles I lost them (muscle glycogen ran out-now in fat burn mode) The wind shifted to side and then head wind. I decided to fight it hard and paddle full force during that time.  After the wind subsided I was paddling so hard I left 4 boats behind.  Part of that was because I thought I was at Sherman Beach Bridge and only had 4 miles to go.  I had 7 miles to go, darn it!

The wind is not nice to boats with high freeboard (I think that’s the right term).  Gusting against the boat trying to weathervane it makes it difficult to steer.  I would still rather have this than a low freeboard boat that takes on water at the slightest tilt.  A low freeboard decked boat is a good choice but you may have to store stuff on top of the deck.  This boat was built by Ken Startz and I love it.

I start to fade a little. They all catch up.  And a new one..Joey Heger and his 2 buddies pass me in the Winona Minnesota.  At the start line they were so out of control of their boat they ran into me!  I guess they figured out how it works.  Good job!  As for chasing Vince, I never saw the guy after the first mile…He was chasing Dave Lackey.  ¼ of the boats had Sunset Racers in them. All of us finished in the top 10!!! Good job Sunset Paddlers.  See you May12.  JoJo

Darn, I missed two good races! The Meramec Marathon sounded like fun! Would love to do that sometime! ...Dave Lackey raced in it?! Wow! That guy and a few other superb boaters from Columbia were the very first to teach me anything about kayaking!

Joey, we need to get out in some whitewater boats between flatwater racing!

It wouldn't be a sunset race without a little drama... This last month had us in trouble with the law! To make a long story shorter, we had to leave two cars at Sherman Beach because we didn't have a shuttle bunny. On the way to get the cars, I realized that I left my keys in my dry bag in a car at the bar. We recovered 1 car and went to the bar. After dinner Jo Jo (my partner in all paddling trouble) took me to Sherman with my keys to retrieve my van. On the way, the Ranger had called my wife to ask where we were and if we were alright. Apparently he ran my license place and walked the beach looking for me. I have talked with this ranger before about after hours parking and he would not budge an inch. When Jo Jo pulled to the parking lot, he turned on his truck's lights and was blocking in my van. A confrontation was in store for me :( Trying to be calm, I gathered my things from Jo Jo's van to put in my van. When I turned around, the ranger was there. In no uncertain words, he let me know that I was trespassing and this was my last warning.

Fast forward:
Yesterday, I talked with John, the head ranger of St. Louis County about getting an after hours permit for parking there or somewhere around it. He was very pleasant on the phone and worked to help accommodate our group. While we do not have anything worked out yet, we have ideas and are working on a sort of compromise. He understands our desire to participate and the skill level of our group to support this activity. What could have been something ugly and unpleasant is turning out to not be so bad.

I would encourage everybody to work with local law enforcement to prevent issues instead of getting upset. This is the second jurisdiction I have worked with and been pleasantly surprised! Will keep you posted on the results of our discussions!

Hogan

We're on for Thursday 5/12. 29th Sunset Race. Meet at Sherman Beach at 5:30 to stash the boats and run shuttle. Who's with us?

Hogan

I will be there and I will be bringing at least one paddler maybe two.  

Hogan,

If my little sister backs out you can paddle in the Minnesota III with me and my little brother.

Joey,

I sorta hope your sister doesn't show up now  ;D

Hogan

She backed out dude.  You can leave the turd at home tonight.

What an amazing race last night. I got to paddle the middle of Joey's Minnesota 3. I have never been in a truly fast boat before.  Joey and his brother Brian (who will be running it in the 340) took their normal positions and let me fill in. Brian set the pace with gentle coaching from Joey and I just tried to pull my own weight. Jo Jo was our target and the only other boat. We tried hard to catch her, but she just managed to stay in front of us the whole time with her graceful and easy kayak strokes. We came within 1 boat length, but could never pull ahead :( This was the hardest and fastest I have ever paddled.

A big thanks to Joey and Brian for sharing their training with me!

Hope to see a few more of you next month!!!

Hogan

---

Is this still on for tomorrow? Ill be there.


Id also be interested in starting at 66, i think the shuttle to there is about the same amount of difficulty as Sherman. . .

One of us was bound to run into the ranger on pickup. I can't think of a better person to represent our group! Thanks for working with the Parks and for being so polite to the ranger! It is good that they patrol the access points and make them safe to leave vehicles!

I am IN for tomorrow. Race is on?

I'm out this time around. I"m up in Yellostone National Park. Went white water rafting yesterday, so that sort of makes up for it :) Have fun and be safe!!!

Hogan

I'm not up to paddling today. If you guys need a shuttle, let me know. I can meet you at Greentree. The roof rack can handle 2-3 boats.

Call or send a text when I need to be at Greentree. 314-283-0079

Joe

I believe the race is on.  We are meeting at Greentree at 5:30 to figure shuttle.  I have 3 feet of extra width on my rack to fit boats.  I also have room for one person to paddle in the middle seat of my MN III if someone wants to jump in.

2 of the 3 dudes will be at greentree at 5:30...if it chnages call me 314-220-six990

Quick video from the sunset race last night. Turned out fantastic.
http://tinyurl.com/3ucyfp8

That's cool!!!

Awesome video. I wish I was there for you to pass!

Hogan

Just a heads up. July 14 is the next sunset race. Hope to see a few more people out for a beautiful downstream paddle on the Meramec river in St. Louis.

Meet at Greentree at 5:30 pm to organize the shuttle. If that is too early, go to Sherman Beach by 6:00 pm.

Call with questions, but please come out and enjoy the water with us. This is a great way to meet St. Louis area paddlers and have fun!

Hogan
three 1 four-941-two66seven

Who's in for the Sunset Race tomorrow evening? Me and Danielle (not Hogan's wife, but my daughter) are planning to be there in our new/used Dirigo beast! The "turd" will have serious competition!  :)

I will be there with my paddling partners.  We only hope to keep up with the turd.  I assume the plan is to drop off boats at Sherman Beach and shuttle cars to Greentree? Unless directed otherwise, we're planning to be at Sherman Beach at 5:30.

Joey,

The post I put up had us at GreenTree at 5:30 and Sherman at 6:00. See you tonight! Just 4 more hours of class and a drive back to STL before I can paddle!

Hogan

Thursday, 8/11 is the next Sunset Race. This one is going to be special (yeah, I know they all are)!

NEW STARTING LOCATION for this race.
Route 66 State park (off Lewis Road)  to Greentree (our normal Finish)

Distance is ~12 miles.

Meet at Route 66 at 5:30 pm to drop off boats at the ramp. I'll make sure somebody is there to watch our boats.
Drive to Greentree to drop off cars. I will provide a shuttle driver that can take 6 people back to the start (including me). We need to meet the shuttle driver at 6:15 pm to ensure that she has time to run the shuttle and then take care of other obligations that night. We will have room for one boat on top of the shuttle vehicle if you're running late and want to meet us at Greentree, just call first  ;D

In case any of you are wondering, there is a bridge out that makes it hard to get to Sherman beach, so we're making due.

Then we paddle the beautiful Meramec river back to Greentree like always and enjoy ourselves!

Hogan
tree one four 941.twenty six sixty seven  if you need anything.

Uh Oh! Hogan beat me to the post!  And they are very different plans.  We have an issue with the bridge being demolished on our shuttle route so Larry and I came up with the plan to take the Joe Ringling/Larry Hassle 14 man work-of-art our for a training run on the Sunset Race.  We plan on the deeper section of Meramec River, George Winter Park to Greentree and back.  Meet at George Winter at 6.  This is a 10 mile round trip with up to 14 paddlers out for fun, more than for racing this time...although if another 14 man voyager class canoe were to show up we would definitely be up for the competition.  Of course, all paddlers, all boats are welcome.  Beer n Burgers destination TBA.  We will tell our Kawnivore survival stories over beer so veterans please be there.  JoJo

George Winter Park, 6PM Thursday, August 11, 2011
No entry fee
No Shuttle Bunnies needed
Just pure, fun camaraderie
Call JoJo to let us know you're able to join in.
314-49-triple7-49

I'm in for sure. I'll bring 1 guy with me.

For those of you that are not familiar with George Winter Park, I'll provide directions. Warning, if you have gone there before, there is yet another bridge out that is being replaced. So here are simple directions:

From I-44 West (coming from downtown St. Louis), get off at Bowles Ave Exit 247B.
Go South (or left) a bit over a mile.
Make a left turn (Southeast) on Highway 141 South.
Travel approximately 4 miles on 141. You will be in the Gravois Bluffs area.
Make a left turn at Gravois Bluffs Blvd (there is a stoplight).
Go approximately 2/3 mile until you get to a three way stop.
Make a right turn on S. Old Highway 141.
Make your first left on Allen Road. Follow Allen approximately 1/2 mile to George Winter Park.
Look for the boat ramp and all of the excited paddlers. This is going to be awesome.

Google Map of the final area.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=63026&hl=en&ll=38.509255,-90.427523&spn=0.028074,0.055747&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=57.379893,114.169922&z=15

Can't wait till Thursday!

Hogan

Danielle and I will be there. We were originally hoping the bridge would have been completed, so we could try to top our time from last month, but Danielle is excited about the dragon boat. Hope it is okay for her to join in? I will say that this kid is pretty dern strong for her age.  :)

I'll be there.

I'll be there with a friend

Re-posted from my blog about the paddling on the 11th

Each month, I participate in the Sunset Race Series. This event is the second Thursday of each month and traditionally held on the Merimec river. This month, we had a slight change of venue. Instead of everybody bring their own boats and racing to the finish, we all piled into a 31' voyager canoe build by Joe Ringling and Martin (Larry) Hassle. The canoe is the product of approximately 2000 hours of woodwork. The finished product shows the quality workmanship and provides an amazing boat to paddle.
http://snorkie.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2f8%2fIMG_0875.jpg http://snorkie.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2f8%2fIMG_0880.jpg
http://snorkie.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2f8%2fIMG_0883.jpg http://snorkie.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2f8%2fIMG_0887.jpg
http://snorkie.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2f8%2fIMG_0894.jpg http://snorkie.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2f8%2fIMG_0898.jpg

The voyager canoe is build for racing. It was designed after an Olympic C1 canoe, but run through the "Honey I Blew Up The Boat" ray to make fit a few more people. At a stop, the boat is very tippy. This provides adequate motivation to continue paddling under all conditions! And it is critical to continue paddling in this boat.

We had a minor incident during this outing. The incident proved that we need to respect the boat and the conditions. We ended up having two motorboats and the voyager within approximately 60 of each other in the river. We were paddling, but slowed to see what was going on. There was a water skier in the water. About the time all three boat converged, the water skier was pulled from the water. Each motorboat took off at speed from the area in different directions. This created what I call a vortex of crossing waves. What felt like a 4 foot hole/wave was created in front of the boat. Larry was able to turn us into the worst of it. Sitting in the second row of the boat, I took a wave over the bow that was chest high, soaking me good. I stopped paddling (bad me) and the boat rocked quite good to the left. I thought for sure we were going over, but between our momentum and the people in the back still paddling, we rode out the worst of it and stayed upright. We estimated taking on 20 gallons of water to the boat. All that was available was a single sponge to remove the water. It took most of the trip back to get the water out of the boat. Joe and Larry are working on getting a battery operated bilge to help in situations like that.

Overall it was a perfect paddle up and down the river in a boat that turned the heads of all! I'm looking forward to the Race For The Rivers where I'll get to paddle in it again for 41 miles of the Missouri! except that it has been cancelled due to the river being above flood stage :(

Hogan

1 week to the next Sunset race on September 8. I'm finalizing the venue for the race and will re-post shortly. Get your paddles ready!

Hogan

What are the odds of moving the sunset race from thursdays to wednesdays?

If we move it, I'll be less likely to participate. That is Cub Scout night for us...

On a different note, I checked and the bridge is repaired. We can now go to Sherman again!!!

So we'll meet at Sherman at 5:30 pm this month 9/8 and discuss when we want to hold it after the paddle. From there we'll hold the normal shuttle to get started.

Chime in if you're coming. Or call/text and let me know.

Hogan
31four-94one-266seven

Planning to be there with Danielle for her fourth race!

October 13 is the next Sunset race. This will be the last race of the year that goes from Sherman to Greentree. So come join us for an amazing downriver paddle. Meet at 5:30 pm at Sherman Beach to begin the shuttle of boats. Call or post if you're coming.

Hogan
314-nine four one-2667

I will do everything possible to be there. Hopefully get another dude and we may have a tandem setup.

Planning on it; hopefully Dani will race again as well.

The Sunset race on 11/13 was awesome as always!  Jeff and Dave showed up with their monster 26' Spencer. Joe Sartori and I paddled the turd and we all headed upstream from Sherman. It was slow going with the low water and darkness. As I expected, Jeff and Dave quickly went up river, but kindly waited for us on two separate occasions. We needed one carry to get the boat up the river. Navigation was tricky with a few logs that surprised us, but the Turd just bounced off and we kept going. A perfect night for an evening paddle.

It was a sad month. the first one in a long time that our founder, JoJo could not make it. but she was doing ground support for the MR 340 which is a higher calling  ;D

Hope to see more of you next month on 11/10. I'll be sure to post again before next month's paddle with details.

Hogan

One week to Sunset [race] on Thursday 11/10. Hope a bunch of you can make it. Since we're approaching winter time and its colder, we're going to start and finish at the same place.

Time: 6:00 pm start
Location: Greentree ramp in Kirkwood
Water: Going from Greentree to the 141 bridge and back.
Weather: The 10 day forecast shows clear with a temperature around 40°F
After Party: TJ Wings to talk about how awesome the paddling was!

Call/text/email if you need anything.

Hogan
31four-94one-266seven

Is JoJo gonna be there or is she away? JoJo, the race is not going to be the same without you  :'(

Hogan, I am in for tomorrow. Let me know if you need a partner. If so, I can bring the blue whale and we can horse that up the river.

Joe

Joe,

I have a guest star scheduled for this paddle.  See you tonight!

Hogan

Im in, Ill see yall there

Thanks for the great paddle last night! We had Dan, Joe S, JoJo, and Hogan in three boats. We started at Greentree and went up to 141 and back.  The moon was bright and brilliant for showing the way. More of you should come out and join us for December's paddle on 12/8/11 at 6:00pm!  Layer your clothes to stay warm and enjoy the water!!!

Hogan

Are you paddling this Thursday?  I think we ought to try for next week because I should be able to make it then...

Holy cow, I'm a bum. I got he day wrong and I'm no ready to paddle today. Lets make it Dec 15 this month. One week from today we'll meet at 6:00pm and go from Greentree to 141 and back.

Hogan
three 14 - 94one-2sixtysix7

I will be there!

Who all are we expecting?  Just Hogan and myself?

Dudes are out this round.

Im out.... I paddled pallisades-> hwy30 yesterday. The water is up and moving at a good clip through valley park right now. Yall will get your workout going up to 141, but at least its not so shallow that you'll run aground like last month

Holy cow, this has to be my first official win during a sunset race. I teamed up with Joey in his Minnesota III and we took off against the formidable Joe Sartori. We lead for the first mile of the race, then Joe took off. I thought we had completely lost when we caught up to him around the 141 bridge. After we crossed the far plain of the bridge, we started an aggressive pace and steadily caught up. During the last half mile, we went all out and took the lead and never gave it up. I believe this to be our fastest out and back sunset race to date. Check out the numbers below. I have to say that the MN3 is an amazing boat!

Hogan

---

Is it next thursday?  Looks like the weather will break just in time for us not to have to race in this hot weather...

Joey,

Its scheduled for 1/12. Joe Sartori is supposed to be coordinating and running it. I'll be away at school and will have to miss this one.

Hogan

Time: 5:30 pm start
Location: Greentree ramp in Kirkwood
Water: Going from Greentree to the 141 bridge and back.  
Weather: relatively cold
Sunset: 5:00 pm

Post ur intent

Call/text/email if you need anything.  

Joe
636-699-2711

I intend to beat you... See you there.

It about that time again for the February paddle. The date is Thursday 2/9/2012. We'll meet at 5:30pm CST at Greentree to go up to 141 and back. Looking forward to a great paddle. We'll have a 10 day forcast tomorrow to see what type of weather we get to enjoy. Hope to see a few of you out there!!!  Give a shout out if you think you'll make it.

Hogan

Two days till an amazing February paddle! Who's coming with? The low has gone up to a warm 30°F !!! 5:30 pm at Greentree.

Hogan 314 - nine four 1 - twenty six sixty seven

I will be there

I am planning to be there too. Looks like it will be much warmer than last month.

Ill be there +1

I can't go this time because I'll be at the St Louis Boat Show, but I hope to paddle with you all soon!

Oh, crap!! The new job is getting in the way of my paddling.  Sunset Race #39 is on Thursday eve, meet at Greentree Park in Kirkwood.  Unless anyone has any input it will be Round Robin to the 141 Bridge and back. 

I am sooo looing forward to seeing my buddies...and the river, too. 

Sunset Race
2nd Thursday of every month
cancelled only due to chunky or electrically charged water
2$ entry fee, winner takes all
meet at 5:30
Everyone welcome!

Starting in April we need shuttle bunnies to keep Hogan out of jail.

Newcomers call JoJo to let us know you're coming,
314-49-triple7-49

I'll be there, ready to take on the world :)

Hogan

I will be there.  It it's raining I'll be in my WW boat for the sake of the skirt.

planning to be there! :D

Just a friendly reminder that the next Sunset Race is on April 12. The sun doesn't set till 7:36pm, so I'm pondering a Sherman to Greentree run. Thoughts?

Hogan

I dont want to step on any toes here...but has anyone given thought to run from Route 66 to the 141 put in. It would have way less drive time and if we dont leave cars at 66 it could be money. It is 12 miles on the river and 7 miles one way on hwy 44. Could make it more appealing. I will plan on the 12th regardless. jm

Jeff Moore wrote on 03/28/12 at 15:08:27:

I dont want to step on any toes here...but has anyone given thought to run from Route 66 to the 141 put in. It would have way less drive time and if we dont leave cars at 66 it could be money. It is 12 miles on the river and 7 miles one way on hwy 44. Could make it more appealing. I will plan on the 12th regardless. jm

that would make it more appealing for sure, more miles on the water and less time in the truck... it feels like it takes forever to get to sherman for such a short paddle.

Ive left my truck across from rt66 boat ramp under the 44 bridge ( lewis rd exit) a few times this year and havent had any problems. There is a no parking sign there but ive yet to be hassled and there are always folks parked there fishing under the bridge.

also planning on making it regardless of venue

I'm in! What is the easiest way to get directions? I'm fairly new to the area...

Thanks! Looking forward to it!

We need to brainstorm the shuttling thing ahead of time.  I like the route 66 to 141 idea but shuttling is still going to be a pain in the ars.  I can fit 3 narrow boats on my truck (4 or 5 with some creativity) but only 3 people (legally) in it.  Parking at Route 66 won't work.  Hogan mentioned last month that we ought to try to get a hold of a canoe trailer to pull behind his van... sounds genius to me.

I'm also not opposed to just keeping it an up and back race for the sake of logistics.  It is a weeknight and we all have time constraints.

My two cents.

-Joey

we could park outside the gate at rt 66 and walk the couple hundred yards to the ramp.... at sherman we have to leave cars up at the church so that would be the same.

my buddy has a canoe trailer i could inquire about borrowing for this. Boats over 18' may be an issue though, the tongue on the trailer isnt very long. I can fit 3 or 4 skinny boats on my truck, and 4 or 5 more people.

out and back from the hwy 30 bridge and boat ramp near fenton park up to 44 is a couple extra miles if we want to extend the race a bit

im still in regardless of venue, hogan you call it  8-)

I'm leaving my phone number for Dan. If we can get a trailer, I'm up for it. I'll post by Tuesday night what our final choice is. Glad to have people excited to paddle!

Hogan

Ok paddlers, its time to prepare for April's Sunset race. The plan is as follows:

1. Meet at the ramp between 141 and Greentree in Fenton. Directions from Webster Groves, (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=St+Louis,+MO+63119&daddr=River+Dr&hl=en&ll=38.548971,-90.476811&spn=0.009431,0.021136&sll=38.54694,-90.48254&sspn=0.009431,0.021136&geocode=Fci_TAIdOlmd-illo4dGx8vYhzGrw5F3-aQoyA%3BFZ4sTAIdRVeb-g&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=16&t=m&z=16) Feel free to change the "from" to your address for more detailed instructions.
2. The goal is to meet early and LEAVE by 5:30 pm with consolidated boats on as few cars as possible. Call if you are going to be late.
3. Drive out to Route 66 State Park. ~ 30 minutes
4. Set up boats and race back to the start. Plan to start about 6:30 pm.
5. If you're going to show and think you might be late, please call or text.
6. Plan to be finished by 8:30 pm, but we won't leave anybody.
7. Drinks and dinner at TJ Wings afterwards. http://tjwings.com/

And Finally

Since there seems to be issues with the email notification of the message board,  I have created a mailing list for the Sunset Race Series. Basically you can subscribe to get messages about the race. This will only come from me (to prevent SPAM), announcing each month's event. You can subscribe and unsubscribe on your own.  Hopefully this will help us all stay in touch. We'll still use the message board, but this will just remind people to check the message board as the event gets closer.

Mail list                          sunsetraceseries@snorkie.com
Help address                  sunsetraceseries-help@snorkie.com
Subscription address          sunsetraceseries-subscribe@snorkie.com
Unsubscription address          sunsetraceseries-unsubscribe@snorkie.com


Hogan

three 1 four 9 four 1 two 6 six 7

16' plastic yak with peddles vs 15' plastic yak with with wing paddle. Hogan, you and the shiny new turd are going down... bring a dollar and a sharpie, because youre gonna have to sign the back when you hand it over   ;D


by the way.... whats the cruizing speed on one of those? :looksaroundnervously:

Sounds like a plan. Thanks Hogan. I will shoot to be there at 5:00. See you all there!

It seems to cruise between 5 and 6 mph. It just depends on if I want to keep you in my rear view mirror or not  ;D

Hogan

I will be there at 5.  Looking forward to a good group this month

I will be there....in a solo boat. jm

SkiBumJoe and I will be there!  He will call me at 400 and tell me how much work he has to do and that he cant make it...to which I will respond "Work to live, Joe, don't live to work!".

I am really excited to paddle with him not only cuz he's quite entertaining but because he bought a new Bryan Hopkins c2 with outrigger.  We tried it out last Thursday in an event that broke my own "live to work" routine and set paddling firebolts through my veigns.  Not only was this precious tidbit of paddling my only time in a boat in the Midwest in 6 months, this boat was pure joy to paddle.  Looking at the boat, I thought tippiness would be an issue but it is solid and stable...unless your partner decides to shift around in back when you think he's paddling...and even then is not even close to flipping.  The wide foam seat cushions were comfortable and left some room for stretching.  Great thought was put into accessible storage and on the fly adjustments to rudder pedals.  My favorite feature...the guy up front gets to steer!  What a concept.  Most c2 boats have rudder pedals in back, presumably because the distance to the rudder is shorter and the outside camber is easier to guide wires.  We did not try double blading because mine is in Florida where i paddle urban canals strewn with Iguanas...I THINK those were iguanas:o Joe will make a simple tweak to adjust the outrigger drag, but I think he should wait until he has the boat load for the real deal THEN make adjustments.  I am a fan of large rudder surface area (more effective as long as you have some speed) so I might request that when I order mine.  Two thumbs up! 

:)

Awesome time last night folks! Thanks for putting on such a fun one!

Hogan et al,

Check this series out....looks good for the sunset races.

http://www.neckra.org/points-series/downriver

I like that format! It might garner some more interest if there were points awarded for each level of finish. Even if it is for bragging rights at the end to declare a series winner. If the races happen all year long you could make each quarter a new series. the Q1 sun set race series...

anyone thought of a handicapped start? Dont all you fast boats get tired of being out front all alone with no one to chase down?  ;D

Thanks for the link. I'm looking into a 4 week June race series and was trying to figure out how to make scoring fair.

Hogan

Got your Facebook message....the June series looks super cool. I would love a pure aluminum race. Get some out of their element and bash your way down the Meramec! jm

I am up for the aluminum series totally.  I just wish it didn't have to be june since i'll be at the safari.  I'll make what I can...

FYI I'm in for the 10th...  :D

What's the game plan for start/finish location and shuttle?

Thursday May 10, is the next Sunset race. We'll leave at 5:30 pm from  Greentree park (the takeout) and head up to Sherman Beach (the start). If there is anybody left or we need to, we'll run the official shuttle from Sherman to Greentree and back to leave the least number of cars upstream as possible. So post up or call if you're planning on paddling!

Hogan
three 1 four 9 four 1 two 6 six 7

I will miss this month's race. (My daughters b-day is the tenth!)

BTW: last month's run from route 66 was splendid!

June looks fairly open, so I may be able to make the weekly runs.

I'll be there with a tandem and paddling partner. See you there.

Rob

Paddlers, its time to start thinking about the June Sunset race.

June 14th.
10 mile race on the Meramec River
meet at Sherman Beach at 6:15 PM
Shuttle Bunny leaves Greentree Acess at 7:00 ish
Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Call or comment if you're going.

Hogan
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HoganHaake wrote on 05/30/12 at 12:43:38:

Paddlers, its time to start thinking about the June Sunset race. June 14th. 10 mile race on the Meramec River meet at Sherman Beach at 6:15 PM Shuttle Bunny leaves Greentree Acess at 7:00 ish Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar. Call or comment if you're going. Hogan three 1 four 9 four 1 two 6 six 7

meeting @ sherman to run shuttle or meeting @ greentree to run shuttle?

Ideally people meet at Sherman (6:15) to leave boats and just shuttle cars. Last shuttle back to Sherman leaves Greentree at 7 with people back to race at Sherman. Sorry if that was confusing.

Hogan

Its Wednesday and we're paddling tomorrow. Hope to see some of you out on the water. It'll be a perfect day for a sunset race!!!  We can pretend we're on the Texas Water Safari, except without the snakes, log jams, and portages.

Hope to see several of you out on the water!!!

Hogan
Three 1 four 9 four 1 two 6 Six 7

[quote author=40676F6966406969636D080 link=1242272075/196#196 date=1339591467]Its Wednesday and we're paddling tomorrow. Hope to see some of you out on the water. It'll be a perfect day for a sunset race!!!  We can pretend we're on the Texas Water Safari, except without the snakes, log jams, and portages.

Hope to see several of you out on the water!!!

Hogan
Three 1 four 9 four 1 two 6 Six 7[/quote

I paddled pallisades to George winter yesterday afternoon.... wear your shoes and plan on needing them. This will be the lowest sunset race ever, there are islands and beaches in the middle of the river we've never seen, and a couple of shoals below 141 where there is no good channel through.

Understerns should be fine if you don't mind walking once or twice :-*

Second Thursday is here yall....Hogan is out of town for this months sunset race, so im betting he isnt going to organize it for us LOL


Meramec is way low, and Im probably the only crazy that doesnt mind beating my boat up but I would probably be the only one that showed if we were to have this on the river like normal.....

BUT there will be half dozen of us or so out at Creve Ceour Lake this Thursday night for a good workout. All are invited, and the more the merrier. 530ish meet time, if you're early or late no big deal we will be on the water for a couple-3 hours at least and since there is no shuttle you can show up schedule permitting.

call or text me 636.299.1540 if you have questions

I am so excited!  I have just moved back home...to live and to work in the same city that I recreate in with my friends is a huge deal to me.  Soooo, I guess the Sunset Race is altered this month to CCL.  I was soooo looking forward to running my home river.  Okay, Dan, thanks for heading up the plan this month.  See you at CCL.  JoJo

Its time for the August Sunset race. We have had a low turnout for the past few months, so I am hoping we can turn this around. The water is low, but I'm not letting that stop me. If a few of us have to get out and push a few feet, it'll help us cool off! So the plan for this month is to meet at Sherman Beach at 6:15 pm. If nobody is there, or we decide as a group, we'll go upstream for an hour or so and them come back.

If you're coming, please respond on the thread or send me a text.

Hogan
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IN. Bringing 2 more paddlers with me for their first sunset race see you at sherman for the shuttle

also, the river rose a couple inches after the one day of rain we had last weekend. The current picked up a little over how its been the previous couple of months and the water is muddy. Id bet anyone with an understern will be fine without having to portage or get out, and Hogan you might even be ok in the pedal boat ( if you dont mind paddling through the shallow spots)

Highlight of the sunset race.... besides the perfect weather, great scenery, and cold beer after

What is that?! WHAT IS THAT!!! says the group of fisherman on the bank as I cruise by in the dark. They are shining their headlamps my direction and im just far enough away they cant see me. I bark at them a couple times. WTF IS THAT!! I holler howdy, and they go 'OMG I thought you were the crappity smackin loch Ness monster' I guess there aren't too many other folks out kayaking the meramec after dark on a moonless night lol


If youve never made it out to a sunset race, you are really missing a good time.

Its time for the September Sunset race, 9/13/12. We had a great time last month and had a great story of Dan barking at fisherman and scaring them. With the rain, the river is up and waiting for you.  The plan for this month is to meet at Sherman Beach at 6:00 pm. If nobody is there, or we decide as a group, we'll go upstream for an hour or so and them come back.

If you're coming, please respond on the thread or send me a text.

Hogan
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Thursday's weather looks great, come out and paddle with us!

Hogan

Gonna miss it this month....again. Heading to Jackson Hole for a wedding! Stoked to be out west! Have fun friends!

JoJo, Thanks again for the gathering! Fun times!

Its time for the October Sunset race, 10/11/12.  We're moving into our winter schedule. We'll meet at 6:00 pm at GreenTree to ensure everybody can get to the river after work. The course will be upstream from GreenTree to the 141 bridge and back. This will ensure nobody has to wait in the cold for a shuttle and we're in a section of the river we are familiar with. Afterwards, we'll retreat to the warmth of TJ wings to discuss our paddling!

For those of you that don't remember where the park is or are new, http://maps.google.com/maps?q=38.55864,-90.448187&num=1&t=h&z=18 use the Google Map to get directions from wherever you are :)


If you're coming, please respond on the thread or send me a text.

Hogan
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IN! See you guys there.

I will be there! 

Oh, joy!  Another moonless Sunset Race.  While it is a much better night to drink beer by the firepit I must venture into the great unknown one more time.  Unknown is the keyword here.  As in...you can't see it even if it is there.  These moonless paddles on dreadfully low rivers open up another opportunity to swim the nipply waters of the Meramec.  I tread much more cautiously than my stupid self of years past.  I am now smarter.  I still do stupid things, I just protect myself from dying when I do them.  I'm gonna wear my drysuit! 

Hogan, what time does the new prison...er, job...release you?

Who else is in on this?

JoJo 314-49-triple7-49

After JoJo's description of the water, this is a race not to miss  :D

W are in our winter schedule. We'll meet at 6:00 pm at GreenTree to ensure everybody can get to the river after work. The course will be upstream from GreenTree to the 141 bridge and back. This will ensure nobody has to wait in the cold for a shuttle and we're in a section of the river we are familiar with. Afterwards, we'll retreat to the warmth of TJ wings to discuss our paddling!

For those of you that don't remember where the park is or are new, http://maps.google.com/maps?q=38.55864,-90.448187&num=1&t=h&z=18 use the Google Map to get directions from wherever you are.

Hogan
three 1 four.9 four 1.two 6 six 7

I just want everyone to know I am missing the season premier of Burn Notice for this.

The last sunset race of 2012 is scheduled for next week Thursday the 13th.  Greentree to 141 and back.  Paddles fly at 6:15 sharp.  Let me know if you're going to be there (since Hogan is booked for that evening).

post your intent or text me.

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I've heard from no one about showing up.  This month's sunset race is cancelled pending no one steps up to race me tomorrow night.

Hey!  If you want to hear from me you actually have to contact me!  I will be at Greentree Put-in at 530 to celebrate our 4th anniversary of Joe Sartorie's Sunset Race. Anyone else?  It is perfect paddling weather, of course, if you dress for it.  I plan in soldering my light set back into commission in the morning, making me one step closer to organized.  See you there!

Sunset Race series
2nd Thursday of every month
2 dollar entry fee, winner takes all.
Beer and wings at TJ wings afterward
Call 314-49 triple7-49 if you want more info.

Oh, there is a tiny iddy biddy chance my work will call and I may not be able to come.  I will post if that happens.  Jo

Yep, the BossMan found me.  I am not going to be able to make the 48th monthly Sunset Race.  I will look forward to January!  Happy Holidays, everyone! 

Time for the 49th Sunset Race

Thursday 1/10/2013 6:00 pm Greentree park in Kirkwood. We're going up to the 141 bridge and back. Then out for dinner to talk. Don't worry, it only looks cold! Shout out so we know if you're coming. I was out there on Monday and it was perfect!

Hogan
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Oh! Yeah!  Can't wait, Hogan!  I just hope we don't end up like that Asian carp we saw.  I think he just had a bad day...he was half in the water and half on top of the iceberg...like he took a jump and froze half way through!  HaHa.  Sorry, I shouldn't laugh...that almost happened to Hogan and I a couple years ago.  Hogan, post the pic you took of it.

Anyway, I am going to paddle my ww boat in drysuit.  I am never cold when I paddle the January Sunset Race.  Except my fingers and chin.  Buy some poagies from Alpine Shop/REI for max comfort. 

Who's in? 

JoJo
314 49 triple 7 49

One dead fishey attached...

---

One more view of the fishey...

---

Looking forward to seeing the gang on Thursday for the race! (I have missed far too many lately!)

Where exactly do you all race?  I see this blog all the time.  I may snag a few paddlers and show up sometime.

We race at Greentree park up to 141 and back on the Meramec.  I don't know what time we're starting this week... Hogan?

I'll be there this week Joe, but I'm nursing a shoulder injury, so I'll probably let you win...

We're starting at 6 pm tonight. Should give most of us time to get off work and down to the river. Call if you're running behind.

Hogan
three 14 9 four one two 66 seven.

6!  Good.  That will give me time to dry my gear out.  I shoved my drysuits in the car tues night after Cyndie Guffy and I did a modified Polar Bear Plunge.

Cyndie called asking about drysuit vs semidry for winter paddling.  Since the time Hogan saved my life after our iceberg plunge (see video Feb 2010 posting) I decided I was done doing dumb things that made my friends rescue my ass.  So in the winter I either paddle in a drysuit or I have semi dry gear on with dry stuff and firestarters and cell phone, etc in my dry bag.

Cyndie simply resisted...drysuits cost too much!  yes, they do.  And there is a reason for it...they are worth it.  So I met her at Greentree to make her jump in the water with semidry gear on and see how she liked it.  She protested.  Smart girl.  So we further modified Polar Bear Plunge to wearing Drysuits in the water and dipping bare hands in to see if she liked how the water felt.  Ah!  lesson learned.  Cyndie will be buying a drysuit soon. 

But I still have to dry my drysuits from Tues night or I might as well wear wet clothes when i paddle.  See you there.

Jo

JoJo, you and Cyndie are quite brave to test the semi-dry gear in this water! 

Joey, you better look out, Dani is joining us this evening. She is quite the powerhouse. (BTW: sorry your shoulder is buggin' ya again:(

See ya'll tonight! Hopefully, the T-storms will wait until we are off the riv. (I love this weather--in the SPRING!  :-/ )

The countdown has begun for the 50th Sunset Race. Show your love for paddling and Mother Nature by coming out on Valentine's Day, Feb 14. 6:00 pm at Greentree ramp. We'll go Greentree upstream to 141 and back. Afterwards, to TJ Wings for a meal.

Shout out if you're gonna make it!

Hogan
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If I wish to paddle another day...I can assure you I won't be there on Valentines Day. jm

Mother Nature won't forget you abandoning her on her special day Jeff... Better bring rain gear for your next outing and dry clothes after you flip  ;D

Hogan

Hogan, looks like Valentines with my better half wins the day. I will hopefully see you in March--with rain gear and dry clothes

Time to start thinking about the 51th Sunset Race. March 14. 6:00 pm at Greentree ramp. We'll go Greentree upstream to 141 and back. Afterwards, to TJ Wings for a meal. Its warming up outside and it is time to get those boats out and dust them off!!!

Shout out if you're gonna make it!

Hogan
three 14-nine four 1-two 66 seven

I'm going to try to squeeze one of these in.

See you guys soon


Matt

Two days to the next Sunset Race. Hope to see a lot of people out there. Weather looks good!

Hogan

See you there!!!

Who's ready for the April Sunset Race? We'll have a shuttle driver this month. More details to follow tonight! Shout out if you think you can make it.

Hogan

52nd Sunset Race:: Meet at Greentree park at 6:00pm From there, we'll decide if we are shuttling to Sherman Beach or paddling up to 141 and back. I'm still injured, so I'll play shuttle bunny.

Shout out if you're gonna be there.

--Hogan
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Hogan, I hope you are recovered soon!!!
I am planning on being there.

Hello all, its time for another Sunset Race.

The weather is looking rainy and possible thunderstorms on Thursday, so pack your rain gear. We'll start at 6:00 pm CST at the Greentree ramp http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=St+Louis,+MO+63119&daddr=38.558577,-90.448112&hl=en&sll=38.558607,-90.448154&sspn=0.005179,0.008256&geocode=CTHkCJw1z_UYFci_TAIdOlmd-illo4dGx8vYhzGrw5F3-aQoyA%3B&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=18&safe=strict&z=17 in Kirkwood, MO.

With the weather being a possible issue, we'll be doing an out and back again this month.

Chime in if you can make it.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

Its time for the 54th Sunset Race. I'm hoping to see a bunch of you out training for the 340 and just enjoying this wonderful stretch of the Meramec!

10 mile race on the Meramec River
meet at Sherman Beach at 6:30 pm
Shuttle Bunny leaves Greentree Acess at 7:15ish
Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Shout out if you can make it.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

Still looking for takers for tomorrow's Sunset Race. The Meramec is high, but the parks are open!

Hogan

Hogan, I am hoping Dani and I will be there!

Its time for the 55th Sunset Race. I'm hoping to see a bunch of you out training for the 340 and just enjoying this wonderful stretch of the Meramec!

10 mile paddle on the Meramec River
meet at Sherman Beach at 6:30 pm
Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Shout out if you can make it.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

Hogan, I am planning on being there!

How was the turnout last night? How was the flow in the upper section of the Meramec?

The turnout was okay. Three boats: myself, Larry Hassle, and Joe Satori.

The river was up and moving. We went upstream from Sherman beach to the railroad bridge and back. Only Joe made it all the way up. Overall a great trip!

Hogan

Its time for the 56th Sunset Race.

10 mile paddle on the Meramec River
meet at Sherman Beach at 6:15 pm. We'll go upstream for about an hour and come back.
Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Shout out if you can make it or have questions.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

Its time for the 57th Sunset Race.

10 mile paddle on the Meramec River
meet at Sherman Beach at 6:15 pm. We'll go upstream for about an hour and come back.
Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Shout out if you can make it or have questions.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

Don't forget the Sunset race tomorrow. Hope to see a few of you out there.

Hogan

Its time for the 58th Sunset Race. 10/10/2013

10 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm. We'll go upstream to the 141 bridge and come back.

Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Shout out if you can make it or have questions.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

Not too late to join us for a fantastic evening on the Meramec river :) 6 pm at Greentree in Kirkwood!

Hogan

Start thinking about the 59th Sunset Race. 11/14/2013

6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm. We'll go upstream to the 141 bridge and come back.

Find us on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec

Beer and burgers afterwards at TJ's Wing Bar.

Shout out if you can make it or have questions.

Hogan
3 one 4-9 four 1 two 66 seven

1 Week to the 59th Sunset Race! Hope to see you out there. Weather is high of 50, low of 26, but no rain!

Hogan

Just a couple of hours to go. I'm about ready to leave work and get my gear warmed up. Its gonna be fantastic!

Hogan

Join us for the celebration of our 5th continuous year of monthly paddles on the Meramec river!

6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm. We'll go upstream to the 141 bridge and come back.

Check us out on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec or reply back if you want more information. This is a fantastic way to get on the water year round with like minded paddlers. Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Hogan

Can't wait! The weather should be nice and cool.

Sunset Race tomorrow anyone? I am looking forward to it! Will probably use plastic this month, as the river may be chunky!

Joe,

With the weather the way its been, I don't think the Meramec will have any flow. Have you or anybody else seen it in the last day or two? If there is much ice, we should pass Go and head straight for TJ Wings... That being said, if its possible, I got a dry suit this week :)

Jojo and I were texting back and forth about trying to create a new video with the icy ramp now that we have the proper gear. Thoughts?

Hogan

It is settled. Meet at Greentree tomorrow 1/9/14 at 6pm. We'll be sliding down the ramp in plastic/whitewater boats and into the Meramec. We'll have flashlights and a camera to record our antics. You're all welcome to come out, but only participate if you have the proper safety equipment (dry suit).

Once we're done, we'll head to TJ Wings to warm up and laugh at ourselves.

Hogan
three13nine4one2six67

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/13/2014
TIME: 6:00 PM
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm. We'll go upstream to the 141 bridge and come back.

Check us out on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec or reply back if you want more information. This is a fantastic way to get on the water year round with like minded paddlers. Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Hogan

Its Wednesday and we paddle tomorrow 6PM at Greentree. It should warm up a bit and maybe the river will be clear. I'll be there in my plastic boat and make to most of whatever the river can throw at us! Hope to see some of you out there!

Hogan
three14-9four1.twentysix67

Is the whole stretch of river open? If it is not, the piece at 141 is. An alternative may be to do a few laps from the put-in just downstream from 141 up to the bridge and back. None of this just show up and go for a beer thing is acceptable when there is perfectly good water.  :D I am also betting that the ice will not be flowing just yet. I paddled at 141 on Saturday and there was no ice flowing. The river above 141 was completely frozen over. I figure it will take a few warm days in a row before the ice starts to break up. we shall see...

Joe, I have my boat and want to get it wet today. We'll meet at the ramp and decide where to paddle tonight!

Hogan

Holy cow, time goes so fast. Its almost time for this month's Sunset Race.

March 13 6 pm at Greentree park.

Paddle/race up to 141 and back. Approximately 6 miles round trip.

Reply/text/call/Facebook.

Looking forward to great weather and good people!

Hogan
three14.nine4one-266seven

Don't forget the Sunset Race today at 6pm!

I will be there!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 4/10/2014
TIME: 6:30 PM
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:30 pm. We'll go upstream to the 141 bridge and come back.

Check us out on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec or reply back if you want more information. This is a fantastic way to get on the water year round with like minded paddlers. Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Hogan

Boat is loaded and looking forward to others paddling tonight!

Hogan

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/13/2014
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 7:00 pm. We'll go upstream to the 141 bridge and come back.

Check us out on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec or reply back if you want more information. This is a fantastic way to get on the water year round with like minded paddlers. Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Hogan

This is happening on Thursday night, correct?

Yes, tonight. Sorry for the late reply.

Hogan
three14-9four1.twentysix67

66th Monthly Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 6/12/2014
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 7:00 pm.

Check us out on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec or reply back if you want more information. This is a fantastic way to get on the water year round with like minded paddlers. Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Hogan

Less than a week to the next Sunset race. Anybody coming with me? I don't want to win by being the only person there!

Hogan

I plan on being there.  :)

That is Awesome CJ. Can't wait to paddle tonight!

Hogan

*NOTE*
We're breaking from tradition and having this event on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This is due to the MR340 race happening at the same time! I can't promise I would finish in time for this race, or be in any physical shape to do it  ;D

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 7/17/2014
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 7:00 pm.

Check us out on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec or reply back if you want more information. This is a fantastic way to get on the water year round with like minded paddlers. Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Hogan

Hogan, I hope the river level and MR340 delay did not mess you up too bad!

Just checking to see if the plan is to keep the SS race on the 17th?

Haven't been to any of these, and can't really tell from the facebook page. Is this an upstream (and back) paddle from Greentree or is there shuttling involved?

So bummed the 340 was postponed...when every thought in your head is about an event and suddenly the event goes away it is like a carpet being pulled from under you...the postponement serves as a little bit of a "button push", that is it pushes our buttons to see what is really inside.

Were you relieved when you got offered an Out?  Were you sad?  did you think, "PERFECT!, I wasn't ready anyway.."  or did you think " Damn, there went my once in a lifetime opportunity."  What were your thoughts when you first learned of the postponement of one day, then one month?

I was dismayed at the one-day delay because I was already going to have to skip the ceremony and cleverly maneuver around work.  One day meant I was going to have to bribe someone at work too.  I can't imagine how many hotel reservations and shuttle arrangements went into chaos over one day delay. 

Now, One-Month dally I can handle!  All of the things I did wrong I could fix...There's the button push...I should, coulda, woulda...but just ran out of time.  We'll see If I really DO those things now that I got a second chance...let's see what were they?  Do the endurance program at the gym every day I am in town, Fix the short in one of my electric components for my hydration pump. Build a tunnel on the sprayskirt Hogan and I built for the Canoe. 

But, really, my heart goes out to all the people who were on the road from far away and heard the news that they should turn back.  I feel for you.  Whatever I felt I am sure your experienced 10x more.


We delayed the Sunset Race till next week.  Let's stick with that.  Denise, please join us!  We usually do downstream in the summer and Round Robin in the winter to avoid shuttle (and the shuttle nazi cop who wants to throw Hogan in jail.) 

I am going to paddle my little kayak around Greentree today for some R and R.  3 O'clock.  Call me if you wish to join.  Jo 314-49-Triple7-49

JoJo

JoJo wrote on 07/10/14 at 06:41:22:

So bummed the 340 was postponed...when every thought in your head is about an event and suddenly the event goes away it is like a carpet being pulled from under you...the postponement serves as a little bit of a "button push", that is it pushes our buttons to see what is really inside. Were you relieved when you got offered an Out?  Were you sad?  did you think, "PERFECT!, I wasn't ready anyway.."  or did you think " Damn, there went my once in a lifetime opportunity."  What were your thoughts when you first learned of the postponement of one day, then one month? I was dismayed at the one-day delay because I was already going to have to skip the ceremony and cleverly maneuver around work.  One day meant I was going to have to bribe someone at work too.  I can't imagine how many hotel reservations and shuttle arrangements went into chaos over one day delay.  Now, One-Month dally I can handle!  All of the things I did wrong I could fix...There's the button push...I should, coulda, woulda...but just ran out of time.  We'll see If I really DO those things now that I got a second chance...let's see what were they?  Do the endurance program at the gym every day I am in town, Fix the short in one of my electric components for my hydration pump. Build a tunnel on the sprayskirt Hogan and I built for the Canoe.  But, really, my heart goes out to all the people who were on the road from far away and heard the news that they should turn back.  I feel for you.  Whatever I felt I am sure your experienced 10x more. We delayed the Sunset Race till next week.  Let's stick with that.  Denise, please join us!  We usually do downstream in the summer and Round Robin in the winter to avoid shuttle (and the shuttle nazi cop who wants to throw Hogan in jail.)  I am going to paddle my little kayak around Greentree today for some R and R.  3 O'clock.  Call me if you wish to join.  Jo 314-49-Triple7-49 JoJo

LIKE!  :)

Sounds good JoJo. The Meramec will probably still be a lake next week. Good luck with your final month of preparations for the 340!

Thursday Night Sunset Race!!!  The more I am on the water, the more I want to be on the water.  Hogan, shall I bring solo boat or are we dualing (dueling)?  I think I will keep my Starbo loaded up just in case I can sneak out for a training run this "weekend" anyway. 

We found a cool bar right on the Meramec River.  While that sounds like a bad idea to combine beer and boating I am telling you it is fine.  Highly encouraged.  They sell St. Louis style pizza, too.   And they have a nightly tradition of feeding the turtles.  Very cool. 

6PM?  What time is good for you?  Anyone...Bueller??

Thursday night 7PM is the official start.  ;D  After the MR340 being postponed, I may get out there early to get some of it out of my system, but we'll still start at 7 officially.

Hope to see a bunch of people out there!

Hogan
three14 nine41 two667

Hello JoJo and Hogan,

Do you have results posted anywhere from your previous races? I looked up the previous two races on FB and didn't see any results or a participant list. What is the typical turnout for this event and is the water level in this area currently low (i.e. scraper) or deep enough for a surfski to navigate without damage?

Thanks,

Ron

Ron,

We don't typically post results. Turnout varies from 1 - 5 boats. When talking to new people, I promote the event as more of an Active Paddle. We don't float, but you don't have to be crazy either, just keep paddling. Since its held on the Meramec, the river level changes, so the times wont' be meaningful from month to month. Nobody actually times people either, just use the finishing order.

In terms of water level, if you're paying attention, you shouldn't bottom out, but you have to be in just the right place during low water. At higher water, its fine. I run an over stern rudder and can't think of the last time I bottomed out even in low water.

Occasionally our wintertime paddling has ice coming down the river that would not be good for delicate boats.

I'm open to working on the format of the race if we could reliably get more people to show up every month  :)

Hi Hogan,
Thinking about checking out the Meramec tomorrow, haven't been there in quite a while. Is the river up a little yet? You mentioned starting a little early, I need to do the same. How much early? Time is not a problem, would like to do a little more than 6 miles.
Thanks

*NOTE* We're breaking from tradition and having this event on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This is due to the MR340 race delay happening on the second Thursday.

We are starting an hour earlier, rhe plan is to race downriver and pick up dinner at Joe Clark's and eat on the shore, then race back.

WHAT: 8.5 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 8/21/2014
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm.

Reply back, here, on our https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec [Facebook page], or text me

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Don't forget the Sunset Race is coming up this week Thursday. I'm ready to get back in my boat again!!!

Hogan

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 9/11/2014
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:30 pm.

Reply back, here, on our https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec [Facebook page], or text me

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Race is today at 6:30. See ya on the water!

Hogan

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 10/9/2014
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:30 pm.

Reply back, here, on our https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec [Facebook page], or text me

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I am fixin' to be there!

Last month, on my way upstream, paddling near the shore, as I approached the spot where the industrial effluent flows in, I noticed it was thick with huge asian carp. As I paddled thru, the water erupted!!! All the fish jumped out at once. There must have been 50 to 100 fish! As I paddled, I was smacking them. It was quite the show. And I escaped without injury. :D

Awesome Joe. We paddle rain or shine, should be a great time!

Hogan

It was a sight to watch Joe "trolling" the shoreline for the carp. Good thing i was not drafting directly behind him. Interesting strategy to take out anyone that's drafting. The water exploded without warning.

We had a fantastic Sunset race last night. JoJo, Jo, Hogan, and Corvin were the participants. Corvin (my son) spent his 11th birthday on the river with me paddling. I'm looking forward to him getting bigger and paddling with me more. Ohh, and probably so the front of the boat isn't so high up in the air  ;D

Corvin is getting more responsible, so I let him help a bunch with setting up and putting gear away. I may have trusted him too much, as I got home and realized that I had left 3 paddles at the boat ramp. A frantic drive back to the ramp found them in the grass where I left them. Hooray for another perfect Sunset Race!

Hogan

---

Its that time again for the 71st Sunset Race. Its getting cold and dark early, but the river is perfect and waiting for us!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 11/13/2014
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:30 pm.

Reply back, here, on our https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec [Facebook page], or text me

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Its Wednesday :) Is anybody going to brave the cold with me tomorrow?

Hogan

If I were there, I would!

Happy Paddling!

I learn something new every time I get out on the river. This month's Sunset Race was no different. I generally canoe when I go out. I prefer it as they are more comfortable for me. This includes them being more dry.  But this month, I didn't have a partner to go with, so I brought a kayak.

I wasn't worried about getting wet as I had a dry suit on. I texted my wife to tell her I was starting and where I would be. With the phone put in the dry box, I sat down in the boat. Unfortunately, I didn't have to kayak far enough away from the shore. Once I sat down, the boat wasn't moving. I didn't want to push off with my Epic mid-wing paddle... So I used my right hand in the water to push off.

I got free and started paddling quickly, as I wanted to warm up. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything in the boat to dry my hand off with. Within a few minutes, I realized that two of my fingertips on my right hand were numb. I couldn't get them warm enough, so I had to call it a short day only paddling 1.05 miles in total.

Next time, I'll bring a glove or towel to dry off my hand once I get started. Before anybody chimes in, I did have a full change of clothes in a dry bag (in case the dry suit failed). Or maybe I'll bring out the canoe I can solo next time...

Hogan

Its that time again for the 72st Sunset Race. Its getting cold and dark early, but the river is perfect and waiting for us!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 12/11/2014
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm.

Reply back, here, on our https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec [Facebook page], or text me

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I am fixin' to be there, especially since the river is "perfect!"
Like, when is it not?
Hogan, I will bring an extra pair of pogies in case you need them.

I have to say ....that watching this thread for literally years (it's the longest thread on earth) YOU GUYS (and gals) ROCK

I WHISH I lived in STL. So I could paddle every week with you....and I love the Meramec river ......I used to live in valley park and cut my teeth on long distance paddling on that river

Props

B

Bryan,

Thanks for the note. Last night was fantastic! We did our normal paddle. It was a 3 boat race with Joe Sartori kicking our butts like normal. Then he was followed by his daughter Danielle. Jo and I took in third.

A few notes about our paddle.
1. Its hard to hear people talking when you're wearing a dry suit as they are loud.
2. If you're wearing a dry suit, make sure the zipper is fully closed before testing it!

Referring to #2, if you go out to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SunsetRaceMeramec), you can see me taking a test swim after our paddle and realizing that the zipper was not down all the way.  :o

Happy Paddling all, till next month!
Hogan

Its that time again for the 73st Sunset Race. What better way to start off the new year and your MR340 training than to race in January!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 1/8/2014
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm.

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

You're gonna be playing icebreaker this time I bet, it wont be over freezing all week and temps in the singles overnight are gonna turn that water solid.

The Mac looked a little slushy when I drove over it in fenton this morning.

Yep, it might be a mess, but I'll be out there, even if I just dip my toes in the water!

Hogan

I've had second thoughts and decided to cancel this month.  :'( The river is going to be mostly ice. Want everybody to be safe.

Hogan

HoganHaake wrote on 01/07/15 at 10:52:37:

I've had second thoughts and decided to cancel this month.  :'( The river is going to be mostly ice. Want everybody to be safe. Hogan

Im working in Earth Shitty now, if you want to paddle tomorrow after work at CCL id be down. Or any night after work i could make it happen

Its that time again for the 74th Sunset Race. We were iced out last month and I'm very ready for this month!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/12/2015
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm.

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Keep putting the events on FB so it sends me a reminder!

One week to the next Sunset race!

Hogan

Good I am planning on being there. No chuncks at the moment. Should have a nice cool evening.

It was a cold evening. 2 brave boats made it out (including me). When we pulled off the river it was a warm 20 degrees with a light breeze. The boat had an extra 10 pounds worth of ice on it. Maybe some of you will brave the cold in February?

Hogan

75th Sunset Race. Weather looks to possibly be as warm as 60, so you could come out but still dress warm!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 3/12/2015
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:00 pm.

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

It took me till the 75th Sunset Race, but I finally did it. I got first place last night without an asterisk next to it. It was a three boat race.

Hogan  ==> Perception Carolina Kayak
John    ==> 17' Kayak
Charles ==> Spencer Extreme C1

I've been beaten before on several occasions by John and Charles. They both have fast boats and are good paddlers. I hugged a few feet from shore the whole way upstream. At one spot, the current pushed my nose to the middle of the river and during the time it took to correct it, John had caught up and passed me. It took a while to re-gain the lead again, but I was determined not to be caught again.

I averaged 4 mph upstream and 7 downstream back to the start. Completed the route in 1 hour and 9 minutes. My best ever and I can't complain.

Come out next month and see if you can beat me :)

Hogan

6 days to the next Sunset Race... 76th one.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 4/9/2015
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO at 6:30 pm.

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

77th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 5/14/2015
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Just a couple days (Thursday) to the next Sunset Race. 7PM start is late enough for most of you to get to after an honest day's work. What better way to celebrate the end of the day than a great paddle with friends and a cold beer afterwords!

Hogan

Hogan - Still up for a paddle buddy?

Jon,

Absolutely! I'll bring the boat, paddles and PFD. Bring yourself and any gear that you don't want to borrow :)

Hogan

The river is magic and brings special experience every time. 77 Sunset Races in and I had a new first on the river last Thursday. Had the privilege of towing a jet ski with my canoe. While it wasn't very effective, it was good first aid until another jet ski could come to the rescue!

Join us for adventure every month!

Hogan

78th Sunset Race

*** Change of Location ***

WHAT: Sprint races in River's Edge Park. To be held in conjunction with https://alpineshop.webconnex.com/paddlesprints2015 Apline Shop Race Series.
We are not officially part of the race, but meeting there and participating for this month's Sunset Race.

WHEN: 6/11/2015
TIME:
5:00 PM: On-site registration open
5:30 PM: Course and boats available for pre-race practice
6:15 PM: First race runs start - paddlers are started in 60-second intervals
7:30 PM: Last race run ends - time to enjoy the post-race festivities!
WHERE: River's Edge Park http://www.chesterfield.mo.us/rivers-edge-park.html

Cost: Yes, this will cost money to participate. $20 day of.

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Good luck out there tonight sprinting with the Apline Shop people. I won't make it tonight. I'm still recovering. Seems that being pitcher for my softball team is more dangerous than I expected. Took a line drive to the face before I could react. I'm sore and a bit more ugly than normal.

The photo doesn't quite do it justice. The red marks are from the seam of the ball when it hit me. What you can't see in the photo is how much my jaw hurts. Couldn't even chew a stale donut at work for breakfast :'(

Hogan

---

Now that you've finished the MR340, you're up for a short challenge to show everybody how awesome of a paddler you've become. This is always FREE and FUN!  Come out for the 81st Sunset Race!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 8/13/2015
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Two days to the next Sunset Race!!!

Hogan

One day until the race!

What time Hogan? 7:00? I am planning on it!

Yes Joe, 7PM. Jo and I will be there!

Hogan

Great! Thanks Hogan. I think Danielle (my Danielle) is going to paddle with us too. :)

82nd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 8/13/2015
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

8/13? Or 9/13

Holy copy and paste error Batman! Thanks for catching that Joe! I meant 9/10/2015.

82nd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 9/10/2015
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I picked up a 17' Grumman aluminum canoe last night. So I'll be paddling that on the next Sunset Race. Any challengers?

Don't forget this race is tomorrow night!

Hogan

Holy cow, what a great Sunset Race last night.

Role Call: in order of finish
Joey Hager => skinny wooden kayak 1st place
Joe Sartori => kayak
Hogan/JoJo => 17' Grumman
Danielle Sartori => skinny kayak
Charles/Paul => 17' Osagian

It was a great number of boats and we had ourselves an aluminum shootout! Grumman vs Osagian. I think the boats were equally matched, mine just had more experienced paddlers who knew the river. Nevertheless, they gave us a scare at the end and we had to pour on the power to maintain our place!

I have to say that after paddling fancy boats for a while now, its nice to go back to the pureness of an aluminum boat with no rudder. I had to focus on my paddling skills more to keep the boat going in the direction we wanted!

Hogan

83rd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 10/8/2015
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Don't forget, we're racing tonight!

Hogan

It was a lonely night of racing for 1 boat last night. But that didn't stop me from paddling hard. Of course my tracking app got paused as I put my phone into the case, so I can't say for sure how I did. But looking at the clock before and after, it was one of my faster paddles to date. Factor in the low water and it was a perfect night.

November will be earlier and probably colder, so start thinking about you're warm weather gear for paddling. Remember, if you're not sure about the Sunset Race, please contact me. I prefer to paddle with a partner  ;D

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

---

84th Sunset Race

If you're doing the Sunset race this time of year, its because you're tough, you love the river, and you love racing! Can't wait to see you out there, but get ready for colder water!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 11/12/2015
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

One week till the next glorious Sunset Race. Current forecast shows Rain and 40 F. Perfect training weather!

In order to entice you even more, I'll give one rock (from the river) to whoever wins!  ;D

Hogan

Two days to Sunset! Looks like it'll even be dry!

Hogan

I'm there. Danielle is planning on it tool

85th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 12/10/2015
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

2 Days to the next Sunset Race!

Hope to see a few people there!

Hogan

Boat is loaded. See you there!
The weather and water level are going to be great!

I love paddling, cause its always an adventure. Last night was no different. Joe Sartori and I were the only ones that showed up. So we put our boats in the water and loaded up to paddle. Except, I had a minor accident...

Normally when I get in my kayak, its near shore. And when I get in, it bottoms out and I have to gently push off the bottom with my hand or paddle before I can start. I thought I would save wear and tear on my boat/paddle/hand and just start in deeper water. So I put the kayak a bit farther out in the water. When I went to get in, I did something stupid and ended up flipping over at the ramp!

Fortunately for me, I had my dry suit on and after gathering up my floating gear, I was able to go the 3 feet to shore and dump out the water. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get the zipper all the way and got a little wet.

I was still able to finish up the race and had a great/damp time. Always double check your gear!

Hogan

86th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 1/14/2016
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I am planning on it!

JoeS
Sunset Series Veteran :D

Joe, the weather looks great for Thursday!   53/41. Should be a great night for paddling!

Hogan

What an incredible Sunset Race last night. Joe Sartori, Jo Jo Newbold, and myself were there. This was the first race since the recent record flooding in this area of the Meramec river. I'm always amazed how the river changes. Sometimes little changes, and others very large. Yesterday, the ramp had piles of sand on both sides of the ramp from from the top of the ramp down t the water line that were each at least a foot deep and a few feet wide!

Going upriver, we keep close to shore to minimize the current against our canoe. The quantity of debris above our heads and long the shore told a tale of significantly higher water. One piece of trash appeared to be cloth or plastic over 100 feet in length draped through a few trees. It looked artistic except for being garbage. Another section held large pieces of metal from the side of a building. Then suddenly out of nowhere was a large tree in the water going 2/3 across the river. We opted for safety and went around it.

The railroad bridge just before the turn around (141 and the Meramec) had tons of stuff hanging from the bottom of it. The largest had to be a 1,000 plus pound tree trunk wedged just right under the bridge. I would not wish anybody to be near it when it finally falls!

After turning around and coming back downriver, we saw similar things on the other side of the river. We were both keeping watch for the tree across the river and listening to the sounds. Then out of nowhere, was a different tree again going 2/3 across the river the other direction. We were both amazed that we didn't see it on the way up, but realized we were too focused on our side of the river and debris there to notice. Most shocking was that when we got back to the ramp, we didn't see the tree we saw going upriver blocking most of the way.

Something was also causing a disturbance in the water to create shallow waves that we have not noticed before. We stopped paddling to try to understand and enjoy them. I'm going to have to get back out there soon and see this in the daylight to make sense of it!

Hogan

87th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/11/2016
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

February won't disappoint, its traditionally the coldest Sunset Race of the year. This coming Thursday shows a high of freezing. Please only show up if you have cold water immersion gear. Then, prepare to be beaten  ;D

Hogan

cant wait!

88th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 3/10/2016
TIME: 6:15 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Sunset race tonight! Great chance to test out your Rain Gear!

Hogan

See you there Hogan!

Life's a beach at the Sunset race!

---

89th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 4/14/2016
TIME: 6:45 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Coming up in just a few days!

Hogan

Pack your boat and come out after work!!!!

Hogan

One week to the next Sunset race!!!

90th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 5/12/2016
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Sunset race tonight, its gonna be great. The Meramec will be up, but that just means more fun!

Hogan

91 st Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 6/9/2016
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

racing tonight! Hope some of you come out!

Hogan

92 nd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 7/14/2016
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Looking forward to it, will see you Thursday.

Sunset race tonight. Hope to see several people out there, and again on Monday night!

Hogan

Sorry I'm a bit late with the event this month, been sick!

93rd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 8/11/2016
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

94th Sunset Race

Get out here before the river gets cold again!!!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 9/8/2016
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I hope you guys are ready for rain tonight!!!

Hogan

95th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 10/13/2016
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Just a friendly reminder the Sunset Race is tomorrow!

Hogan

Celebrating 8 YEARS of the Sunset Race! Come out and be part of our history!

96th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 11/103/2016
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

---

One week to the next Sunset Race. Come celebrate 8 years of monthly paddling with us. Remember to bring cold weather gear. The water is cold!

Hogan

Its gonna be a cold one tonight. I hope you're all ready! 6pm start!

Hogan

Get ready for the December Sunset race. Cold is no match for paddling!!!

97th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 12/8/2016
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Bring you're cold weather gear, its gonna be a fun one tonight!

Hogan

It was a bit cold last night, but a perfect paddle. Below freezing, but no ice had formed up. Somehow the half moon reflected perfectly across the water and on the bank. It felt as if I was paddling in a painting. It is these moments that outweigh all the ice that gathered on the boat and my paddle last night.

Hogan

98th Sunset Race

Time to paddle in the new year!!!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 1/12/2016
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I assume you mean 2017?

Thanks for noticing, yes, 2017. Hope you can brave the cold with us!

Hogan

The January race is cancelled. The river is quite chunky right now. Additionally, we're baking stuff for the Peeled Faces event to make the most of our time.

Hogan

4 days to the 99th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/9/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Temps are rising and will be right at freezing in time for the Sunset Race tonight. Hope to see some of you out there breaking ice with us!

Hogan

100th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 3/9/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

101st Sunset Race

Last month for the 100th, we had thunderstorms that prevented us from paddling. Here is to hoping for better weather in April!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 4/13/2017
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

6 days to the

102nd Sunset Race

We've had record flooding on the Meramec, but the water is projected to be back under the flood level. Last time this happened, the river was very different and very cool to see. Come out and join us!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 5/11/2017
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

3 days to the

103rd Sunset Race

We're doing something a bit different this month to celebrate SUMMER!!! Note we're meeting an hour earlier than normal. We're paddling downstream from the Greentree ramp to Meramec Marina. (Its located near George Winter park) There, we'll dock at the marina (so bring rope to tie up your boat) and get beer and pizza! It isn't anything fancy, but its an awesome experience. Then after about an hour of pizza and beer, we'll paddle back upstream to the finish. Hope to drink beer with several of you!!!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 6/8/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Hogan,    Start time says 7:00pm? 

Thanks, I adjusted it to 6pm!

Hogan

104th Sunset Race

We're doing something a bit different this month to celebrate SUMMER!!! Note we're meeting an hour earlier than normal. We're paddling downstream from the Greentree ramp to Meramec Marina. (Its located near George Winter park) There, we'll dock at the marina (so bring rope to tie up your boat) and get beer and pizza! It isn't anything fancy, but its an awesome experience. Then after about an hour of pizza and beer, we'll paddle back upstream to the finish. Hope to drink beer with several of you!!!

Last month we had around 24 people, it was amazing!!!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 7/13/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Its gonna be hot Thursday night. Make sure to come out to the Sunset Race and have a refreshing beer (or soda) at the Meramec Marina at our halfway point!

Hogan

Holy cow, what an amazing race last night. The thunder storms cleared off for our 6pm start. We decided with the low water and pending storms to go upstream and back instead of going to the marina for pizza. JoJo and Jason invited me to join them in their Spencer C3. I've never been in a faster boat. I shaved about 20 minutes off my best run ever.  For the first time in the history of the Sunset Race (where Joe Sartori) was present, I was in a boat that beat him.

After the race, a few of us swam in the river at the takeout enjoying the warm water and perfect evening!

Can't wait to see what's i store for next month.

Hogan

105th Sunset Race

Sorry for the delay in posting. I just spent a week in the BWCA paddling with my family. I'm glad to be back, lets race!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 8/10/2017
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

106th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 9/14/2017
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Hope several of you are planning on paddling the Sunset race tomorrow. Weather looks to be perfect!

Hogan

107th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 10/12/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Weather is looking good for Thursday, hope to see you out there!

Hogan

108th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 11/09/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Time to start thinking about the December Sunset Race.

109th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 12/14/2017
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

With so many people recently signed up for the big dance, its time to start training! Join us for the January Sunset Race! Looks like it'll warm enough to remove most/all of the ice in the next week!

110th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 1/11/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

1 day to the next sunset race. Hoping that the ice breaks enough, will try to get out tonight and check but the warmer weather and rain should have helped a ton!

Hogan

We had 3 boats and 4 people in the January Sunset Race. There was minimal ice on the river and the city lights made them clearly visible. The freezing rain was nice as it didn't get our heads wet and sounded awesome hitting the bottom of the aluminum canoe. Jo Jo and I enjoyed drifting downriver taking in the outdoors!

Come out in February and really live life to its fullest.

Hogan

111th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/8/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Checked last night, the river is clear of ice. Gonna be fun tonight!

Hogan

---

112th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 3/8/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

When is the next one?  Did I miss March?

Yes, you missed March. Next one is April 12. I'll post the details mostly the time shortly after the month changes. Plan on an 7pm start.

113th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 4/12/2018
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Hope to see some of you out there tonight, the weather is amazing!!!

Hogan

Hello,  May date?

114th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 5/10/2018
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

BEER BEER BEER

Now that I have your attention, check out the details for the June Sunset Race. We're meeting at 6pm at the normal Greentree ramp. From there, we're paddling Downstream first to Meramec Marina (across the river from George Winter Park). There, we'll tie up our boats and overtake the floating bar for about an hour. They have canned beer and some food that can be heated up. It was a fantastic time last year. After we eat, you have 3 options.
1. Paddle back upstream to Greentree.
2. Take out at Meramec Marina.
3. Take out at George Winter park.
You're responsible for your own shuttle if you choose not to paddle back upstream.

If you know you're going, please comment so I can have a head count.

115th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 6/14/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

BEER BEER BEER -- Yeah, second month in a row

Now that I have your attention, check out the details for the July Sunset Race. We're meeting at 6pm at the normal Greentree ramp. From there, we're paddling Downstream to Meramec Marina (across the river from George Winter Park). There, we'll tie up our boats and overtake the floating bar for about an hour. They have canned beer and some food that can be heated up. It was a fantastic time last year month. After we eat, you have 3 options.
1. Paddle back upstream to Greentree.
2. Take out at Meramec Marina.
3. Take out at George Winter park.
You're responsible for your own shuttle if you choose not to paddle back upstream.

If you know you're going, please comment so I can have a head count.

116th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 7/12/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Not going to be able to make it this month either.

Try again in August! Hope you're still having fun out on the water!

Hogan

Always!  When is you TWC?

I'm not sure what TWC means. I'm wondering if you mean Texas Water Safari. If so, check out my write up. http://snorkie.com/texas-water-safari-and-me-6-9-2018/

Hogan

Very cool write up, thanks!

Very Cool! Congrats to both of you!

Just a few hours away from paddling! WooHoo!!!

Hogan

117th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 8/9/2018
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

I will be out of town for.this one.  Will you have one in Sept?

Yes, every month!

Hogan

118th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 9/13/2018
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

119th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 10/11/2018
TIME: 6:15 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Just a few days till the next Sunset Race. Might be the last warm one for a few months. Give your boat some much needed water time on Thursday!

Hogan

120th Sunset Race

** TEN YEARS OF MONTHLY RACES!!! **

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 11/81/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Its gonna be a cold one. Just looked and a low of 30, so wear lots of warm clothing. If you needed any incentive to join us for our 10 year anniversary of monthly paddling, I got some cheap campaign we can toast with before starting our paddle! Hope to see you in the dark at 6pm for another great paddle!

Hogan

121st Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 12/13/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

90% chance of rain on Thursday, bring your rain gear and maybe a thermos to stay warm. Looking forward to paddling!

Hogan

122nd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 1/10/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

123rd Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 2/14/2018
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

124th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 3/14/2018
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

125th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 4/11/2019
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

126th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 5/9/2019
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

128th Sunset Race

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River
WHEN: 7/11/2019
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

129th Sunset Race

WHAT: 9 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

We are going downstream to Meramec Marina to get beer/pizza on the river, then paddling back upstream.

WHEN: 8/8/2019
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

130th Sunset Race

*** NOTE CHANGE OF DATE ***

WHAT: 9 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

We are going downstream to Meramec Marina to get beer/pizza on the river, then paddling back upstream.

WHEN: 9/5/2019
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

130th Sunset Race Part 2

The Sunset Race is always held on the second Thursday of the month. We had originally rescheduled to the first Thursday this month because of the MR340 race. Since its postponed, lets race on our original date!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 9/12/2019
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

131st Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is always held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 10/10/2019
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

132nd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is always held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 11/14/2019
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

133rd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is always held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 12/12/2019
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

134th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is always held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 1/9/2020
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

135th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 2/13/2020
TIME: 6:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

136th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 3/12/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

137th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: A fake paddle at your house

WHEN: 4/9/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Stay at home and fake it thanks to COVID-19

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

138th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 5/14/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Had a first on the Sunset race last Thursday. Had a group of people yell down to us asking if we wanted beer. They proceeded to throw two cans of beer at us (at our request). Lucky for us, beer floats. We picked up the cans from the river and happily enjoyed our beverages.

Got to love the river!

Hogan

139th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 6/11/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

140th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 7/9/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

141 st Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 8/13/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

Cant make it tonight, hoping for next month

We'll be there!

Hogan

142nd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 9/10/2020
TIME: 7:00 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

143rd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 10/8/2020
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

144th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 11/12/2020
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

145th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 12/10/2020
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

146th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 1/14/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

147th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

Holy cow, the forecast shows that this will be COLD! I'm expecting ice on the river. Its possible we won't paddle if there is too much ice out there. Please don't show up unless you have proper gear for recovery. It'll likely be the coldest Sunset Race of the year.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 2/11/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

148th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

Its going to be warmer than last month and we don't expect any ice, but we're into the rainy season. But we're paddling anyway, so lets go have some fun!

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 3/11/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

149th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 4/8/2021
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

150th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 5/13/2021
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

151st Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 6/10/2021
TIME: 8 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

152nd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 7/8/2021
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

153rd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 8/12/2021
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

154th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 9/9/2021
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

155th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 10/14/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

156th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 11/11/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

157th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 12/9/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

158th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 1/13/2021
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

159th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 2/10/2022
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

160th Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 3/10/2022
TIME: 6 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

161st Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 4/14/2022
TIME: 6:30 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

162nd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 5/12/2022
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67

163rd Sunset Race

The Sunset Race is held on the second Thursday of the month.

WHAT: 6 ish mile paddle on the Meramec River

WHEN: 6/9/2022
TIME: 7 PM start
WHERE: Meet at Greentree ramp in Kirkwood MO
2202 Marshall Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Hogan
three14-nine41.2six67