Rick Gusic’s Cheat River Massacre-ence
Registration Now Open
It’s that time of year again.. 85 days till the Cheat Race! We are so pleased to welcome Heather Rau as the race coordinator this year.
“This year, the Down River Race will be held in celebration of the memory of Rick Gusic. The race, which travels through the Cheat River Canyon, draws hundreds of boaters from throughout the region in what might be the largest mass-start whitewater race this side of the Mississippi. Rick’s father, Tony, had introduced him to whitewater boating when Rick was still in Junior High School. He fell in love with the sport and quickly became a very good kayaker [Understatement!] He also fell in love with the mountains and the valleys and the rocks; the eddies, waves, and the falls and the hydraulics… For Rick it was a love affair with the tumbling water, its beauty and its challenges and he was driven to share it.” – Scott Patton
ONLINE early registration is now open! You are able to register using an online form and donate using Paypal. Early registration is cheaper ($30), and if you register by April 10th you will receive a t-shirt. Save even more time by printing and filling out your race waiver before you arrive. Online pre-registration will close on April 27th.
Race Day Registration will cost $35 and be open from 1pm – 4:30pm at the FOC meeting booth at the Cheat Fest South Entrance – same turn as you made in year’s past for the Cheat River festival public parking (marked by a banner across Rt. 26 and a large “Cheat Fest South Entrance” sign). The booth will be straight ahead as you proceed down the hill. At registration you will receive a race bib and a t-shirt (if you pre-registered). Friday night festival wristbands will be provided upon return of the race bib. Racers also receive a $5 off coupon for Saturday festival entrance.
All race proceeds benefit Friends of the Cheat, who works to restore, promote and protect the Cheat River Watershed, and its recreation access.
More details coming soon!
