On Tuesday, July 20, 534 boats holding more than 800 participants will leave Kaw Point Park in Kansas City, Kan., for the 2021 Missouri American Water MR340, the world’s longest non-stop river race.
Paddlers will have just 85 hours to navigate 340 miles across the state of Missouri, nearly all on the Missouri River, from Kansas City to St. Charles. Chances are at least a third of those participants won’t make that deadline.
Not only is Alpine Shop the Official Paddle Shop of the race, but we are also proud to have a number of employees participating in the event.
We asked a few of those paddlers (and ground crew) to give us some insight into why they compete in the MR340 and what they’d recommend you do if you decide to try it yourself one year.
Jarrid Snyder:
1. What has drawn you to this event? A: The paddling community. Especially within the shop. The support is incredible, and everyone wants to see you finish. 2. Have you participated before? A: I started the race last year and didn’t make the finish. Ready for the haul to the boathouse this year. 3. What are your goals for this year? A: My goal is to make it to my best friends wedding. The rehearsal dinner is Thursday night, so 60 hours or bust! You could say this is an unfortunate scheduling mistake on my part. 4. What kind of boat are you using? A: I’m paddling a boat I’ve spent less than 2.5 hours in. Some surprises led me to a teammate a couple weeks ago and I just bought a 40 year old Wenonah Jenson Kevlar Canoe. 5. What kind of paddle are you using? A: My trusty Wenonah Black Lite Elbow and when I’m feeling like churning out some quick miles, an Aquabound Whiskey Straight Shaft double blade. 6. Paddling with Teammates? Yes! Eric Evans from the shop. Last minute change from a solo canoe. 7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Don’t think of this as a race to St. Charles. Break it into smaller pieces. Your brain is powerful and can psych you out so just think of what needs to happen in the moment and you’ll get there! Jarrid Snyder Alpine Shop Program Director
Teri Rudelic:
1. What has drawn you to this event? A: The opportunity for an affordable adventure. 2. Have you participated before? A: This will be my 4th time. 3. What are your goals for this year? A: My goal is to enjoy my time on the River and finish Thursday night. 4. What kind of boat are you using? A: 18 1/2” Wenonah fiberglass Jensen 5. What kind of paddle are you using? A: 52” bent shaft Bending Branches wood paddle 6. Paddling with Teammates? I am paddling with the same girl I’ve paddled with the last three times. 7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Just don’t quit. Everyday you’re a little closer to the end and it’s a little easier mentally. Teri Rudelic Alpine Shop Facilities Manager
Eric Evans:
1. What has drawn you to this event? A: The challenge to finish such an epic race and the commrodary of the competitors, volunteers, and the ground crews. It's the longest continuous river race in the world! 2. Have you participated before? A: Yes. Twice. And I'll keep competing until my body says "NOOOOOO, don't do it again!". 3. What are your goals for this year? A: To get Jarrid to his buddy's wedding on time! 4. What kind of boat are you using? A: 1981 Wenonah Jensen 5. What kind of paddle are you using? A: Black Pearl II canoe paddle and Werner Cyprus belmont shaft kayak paddle 6. Paddling with Teammates? Yes. Tandem canoe 7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Ask lots and lots of questions. Set realistic goals. Training runs from Jefferson City and other ramps/checkpoints to St. Charles. It's good to be familiar with the second half of the race when you will be the most exhausted. Familiar landmarks can be morale boosters. Eric Evans Alpine Shop Kirkwood Assistant Store Manager
Emily Woll:
1. What has drawn you to this event? A: I first did this race in 2017 after making a new year's resolution to "really throw myself at life and try new things" then 3 days later being asked to join the MR340 in a team boat. The second year I did the race to prove to myself that I could (Year one I was DNF) and to get back with the great commoradary of paddlers. 2. Have you participated before? A: Yes I raced in 2017 and DNF (did not finish, pulling out at Waverly) and 2018 tandem 3. What are your goals for this year? A: This year I am not racing, but plan to do solo women's in 2022, with an endtime under 70 hours. 4. What kind of boat are you using? A: Most likely a Wilderness System Tsunami 145 5. What kind of paddle are you using? A: Werner Camano 220 small bent shaft... possibly a Greenlander style paddle 6. Paddling with Teammates? A: Nope, solo. But maybe traveling in a "pod" with fellow racers. 7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Tip 1: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The two weeks leading up to the race, slowly increase your daily water intake to help your body get comfortable with the amount of water it will be filtering during the race. Tip 2: Real foods and fruits during the race, a lot of protein packed bars can be rough digestion during the race. Tip 3: Ladies, figure out how to pee in a boat without capsizing (or pulling over) well in advance of the race. Tip 4: Know your limits and be honest with your body. Emily Woll Alpine Shop Columbia Assistant Manager -Working as ground crew in 2021 for one of Alpine Shop's teams