*** R2R Course changed, but still fun ***

Wenatchee, Washington -- 04/12/2005
Relay racers mixed on ski section’s replacement legs

With a few extra grunts and groans over the changed race
course and near-record-low river levels, the Ridge to River
Relay made its 25th annual dash through the Wenatchee
Valley on Sunday under perfect blue skies.

"It was just as much fun as it's ever been," said Wenatchee City
Councilman Steve May, one of only four people who have
competed in every race. "The weather was absolutely perfect,"
he said.

In waves, 165 teams of bikers, runners and paddlers made their
way from the Mission Ridge Ski Area to the western edge of
Wenatchee, up to Monitor and then down the Wenatchee and
Columbia Rivers to Riverfront Park.

The number of racers was less than half of last year's
competitors, a drop that race organizers blamed on warm
weather that scotched the race's ski legs.

For the first time in the race's history, the cross country and
downhill ski legs were dropped, replaced by mountain biking
and trail running because of unpredictable snow conditions.

The change left some teams scrambling for
new racers just three weeks before the event.

"Everyone was looking for mountain bikers at the same time,"
said Bruce Huntoon of Manson, who also hasn't missed a race
in 25 years. "The change caused some logistical problems."

Mountain bikers -- many of whom got their first look
at the new route just before race time Sunday

panted and puffed their way up the steep service road at the ski area.
Several got off and walked, carrying their bikes faster than they could
ride them in the mud, snow and ice.

Near the top of Chair One, bikers handed off to downhill runners,
some of whom noted with irony that their entire leg, which replaced
downhill skiing, was covered in deep snow.

The course changes were met with mixed reactions from racers.

"It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," said Erika Snyder of
East Wenatchee. "But the top was like a sheet of ice. I was trying
to run on the ice when I was already tired from pushing my bike uphill."

Ironman winner Kevin Rieke of Leavenworth was among those
who got off and pushed when the going got rough. He hopes the
ski legs return next year.

"I hope we have the weather cooperate with us from here on out,"
he said. "It was definitely a challenge."

Competitive skier Torin Koos of Leavenworth planned to ski for
his team but ended up doing the mountain bike and trail run. He
said the snow and mud "certainly added an adventure-race feel to it."

Jeff Johnson of Leavenworth said the hardest part was deciding
what to wear while waiting in the snow to begin his downhill run.
"It's amazing how many extra clothes
I had to stuff into my backpack."

But he said the snowy run "was a nice change
after doing the same thing all these years."

After the trail run, the relay continued as usual down toward
Wenatchee on foot and road bikes before splitting into the
original Wenatchee River and Columbia River courses.

Those who paddled in the Wenatchee River told tales of bumping
into rocks and other obstacles. Some tipped over in the chilly water.
Perennial competitor Bob Derry, 79, of East Wenatchee, said he
floated for several minutes in the river before he was rescued.
The river was flowing at a dismal 2,000 cubic feet per second
-- less than one-third of the flow during last year's race.

"The river is the second lowest I've ever seen it during a race,"
May said.

Several people tipped in the Three Fingers area of the river and
had to be rescued, but no injuries were reported, said Sgt. Mike
Harris of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Harris said rescuers
patched a hole in one team's boat and swiftwater volunteers even
gave one of their own kayaks to a team that was having problems
with their boat.

Huntoon pointed out that the race felt different with so few racers.
Many divisions had only one racer or team, and some had no entries.

"It's nice to have lots of people on the course, whether they
are passing you or you are passing them. It's all part of the fun."

Along with fewer races, there was a much smaller crowd cheering
on teams at the finish line in Riverfront Park than in years past.

"I was sorry to see the numbers down so much this year," May said.
"But we'll really work to rejuvenate them next year. This is an event
that I'm just so proud of that we need to keep it going strong.

"It may have been different this year," he added,
"but it was just as much fun."

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