The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Sports

September 19, 2007

Final planning under way for Animal Upper Gauley Race

By Steve Keenan

Donnie Hudspeth knows of a perfect way to fight the heat of early autumn — take a ride in the Gauley River. Specifically on this coming Monday.

That’s when Hudspeth’s Mountain Air Productions will present the 15th annual Animal Upper Gauley Race, which will start at noon September 24 at the Summersville Dam and finish at Sweet’s Falls, an 8- to 10-foot drop in a Class V rapid, with a whole lot of great whitewater in between.

“The Animal Upper Gauley Race has become one of the premier extreme events in the country; a downriver sprint on a legendary section of river,” says Hudspeth. “Now in its 15th year, this race has grown in notoriety and participation.”

Competitors range from world champion rodeo boaters to U.S. Wildwater Team members, professional videographers and river professionals on raft teams, as well as amateur recreational boaters.

“Over the years the race has been a huge success, with more than 100 competitors annually coming from all over the continental United States, Canada, Japan and Europe,” Hudspeth said.

Race classes include: wildwater, wavehopper, slalom, playboat, duckie, six-person raft teams, R2, shredder, open canoe single and tandem, creature craft, river board, strider and others.

Due to its remote location and the fact that private property is included in the equation, the race has never been the most spectator-friendly. But, for the second year, Appalachian Wildwater will sponsor a shuttle from the dam to Sweet’s Falls. For friends and family of racers and any others who don’t want to raft but do want to see the race from Sweet’s, the cost will be $20. The shuttle leaves the dam for the finish line at 11:30 a.m., includes a BBQ lunch (chicken and ribs, etc.), then returns to the dam following the race.

“This was a popular service last year,” said Hudspeth. For more details or to reserve a seat, contact: Donnie@gauleyrace.com. He urges those interested in utilizing the shuttle to obtain reservations as soon as possible (Sunday evening at the latest) due to space limitations.

AW is also offering a special package that includes a raft trip and lunch. For more information, call 800-624-8060 (reservations) or visit www.awrafts.com.

Camping is also available at the Confluence Resort, said Hudspeth. For more, visit www.confluenceresort.com.

Hudspeth is excited with the possibilities of this year’s race. “The weather looks like it’s going to be perfect. We’re looking for a great time.”

For more information on the Animal Upper Gauley, visit www.gauleyrace.com.

— E-mail: skeenan@register-herald.com

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