2009 Lord of the Fork Race results: This weekend reminded me once again that the Russell Fork Gorge is one of the coolest places on earth. And the race competition just keeps getting better. 49 racers this year, 42 of them finishing in under 12 minutes. Four years ago, only 12 people made it under that mark. This year was the first time since 1998 that weâve seen someone beat 10 minutes (previously only done in a wavehopper). We have a new womenâs record by nearly half a minute. We have a new hand paddler record. We have the first ever K-2 run (finishing in 8th place overall). And for me, the only depressing part about this, my time would have earned the second place spot in the year 2000, but in this field, it was 30th place! The water level was near 1150 cfs. Special thanks to Bernie Farley (dealer of fine whitewater boating gear from Whitewater Warehouse in Dayton, Ohio), who donated a Perception Mirage to be given as raffle prize to one of the racers. Thanks to Willy Witt and Brian Mattingly for keeping the start times, Eric Henrickson for designing and donating the bibs, Matt Walker for keeping up the website, Steve Ruth for throwing a hell of a party once again, the BWA crew for the video, LVM for the video set-up at the party, and above all the safety crew for helping out at most of the major rapids in the gorge. Iâd also like to thank our friend Geoff for posing for the best trash-piling performance I have ever witnessed. Does anyone have a picture of this to share? Looks like there's going to be some good competition at the Green this year. Jay

1 Andrew Holcombe Greenboat 9:57
2 Geoff Calhoun Greenboat 10:06
3 Chris Gragtmans Greenboat 10:07
4 Isaac Levinson Remix 100% 10:16
5 Ben Ledewitz Greenboat 10:24
6 Bryan Kirk Momentum 10:32
7 Tobin MacDermott Remix 100% 10:34
8 Clay Wright and Dane Jackson Dynamic Duo 10:38
10 Jess Albright Tornado 10:43
11 John Grace Remix 100% 10:44
12 Brian Menzies Greenboat 10:47
13 Andrew Austell Greenboat 10:48
14 Clay Warren Greenboat 10:52
15 Nick Troutman Greenboat 10:53
16 Adam Herzog Remix 100% 10:54
17 Shane Groves Greenboat 10:56
18 Dustin Marquart Greenboat 10:57
19 Will Subblefield Corsica S 11:00
20 Howard Tidwell Spirit 11:01
21 Adriene Levknecht Remix 100% 11:08
22 David Herman Greenboat 11:11
23 Brian Mattingly Greenboat 11:12
23 Jon Crain Greenboat 11:12
25 Delaney Albright Greenboat 11:16
25 Laura Farrell Greenboat 11:16
27 Matt Walker Greenboat 11:18
28 Curtis Joyce Corsica 11:19
29 Caleb Coaplen Tornado 11:20
30 Jay Ditty Response 11:22 C-1
31 Eric Chance Tornado 11:24
32 Jeff Clewell Greenboat 11:26
33 Michael Patterson T-canyon 11:30
34 Daniel Stewart Remix 100% 11:34
35 Taylor Fearrington Greenboat 11:36
36 Eric Strittmater Tornado 11:37
37 Gareth Tate Greenboat 11:38
38 Adam Johnson Magnum 72 11:39
38 Keith Sprinkle Greenboat 11:39
40 Luke Hopkins Excel 11:41
41 James Kodaras Greenboat 11:47
42 Eric Henrickson Response 11:58
43 Brian Jennings Mystic 12:03
44 Mark Miller Burn 12:32
45 Rachel Curtis Jefe 12:45
46 Willy Witt Overflow X 13:20
47 Dewey Gibson Everest 13:36
48 Sarah Mello Greenboat 13:38
49 Preston Brown Pirouette 13:48

Lord of the Fork Challenge Results 2008

Jay Ditty, Chris Hipgrave, and Andrew Holcombe making a dash thru the race line at Climax



















It wasn't all fun and games for Andrew Holcombe as shown above. Andrew was blazing fast taking 1st place with a record setting time despite the small hiccup at the end. All photos provided by Lila Thomas and Susan Hollingsworth.

LORD OF THE FORK CHALLENGE
RUSSELL FORK GORGE
OCTOBER 25, 2008

Place Name Boat Time

1 Andrew Holcombe Greenboat 10:03
2 Bryan Kirk Momentum 10:14
3 Chris Gragtmans Greenboat 10:16
4 Pat Keller Greenboat 10:25
5 Toby MacDermott Remix 100% 10:28
5 Jason Beakes Greenboat 10:28
7 Chris Hipgrave Remix 100% 10:29
8 Clay Wright Greenboat 10:34
9 Adam Herzog Remix 100% 10:38
10 Matt Walker T-slalom 10:46
11 John Grace Remix 100% 10:49
12 Jay Ditty Response C-1 11:03
13 James Kodaras Greenboat 11:04
14 Paul Stamilio Greenboat 11:06
15 Dustin Marquart Tornado 11:10
16 Brian Menzies Greenboat 11:12
17 Clay Warren Greenboat 11:13
18 Howard Tidwell Infinity 11:15
18 Will Stubblefield Corsica S 11:15
20 Drew Austell Greenboat 11:17
21 Eric Chance Aq. Mystic 11:26
21 Ben Ledewitz Tornado 11:26
23 John McConville Excel 11:30
24 Robin Betz Remix 100% 11:41
25 David Herman Corsica S 11:42
26 Matias Nunez Momentum 11:44
27 Chris Gallaway Momentum 11:45
28 Jess Albright T-Canyon 11:46
29 Brian Mattingly Greenboat 11:47
30 Gareth Tate Greenboat 11:48
30 Jeff Clewell Corsica 11:48
32 Bill Sheppell Greenboat 11:50
33 Brian Griesemer Crossfire 11:52
34 Adam Bixby Tornado 11:55
34 Ben Huneycutt Pirouette 11:55
36 Ben Blake Corsica 11:56
37 Laura Farrell Greenboat 12:01
37 Tyler Fox Blisstick Mac 12:01
39 Keith Sprinkle Greenboat 12:02
40 Jon Crain Greenboat 12:06
41 John Angermeier Corsica S 12:09
42 Ed Gaker Greenboat 12:18
43 Mark Miller Burn 12:22
44 Jason Dillow Dancer 12:40
44 Pikey Bucksey Superhero 12:40
46 Willy Witt Overflow X 12:54
47 Matt Delong Rocker 13:13
48 Louise Urwin Mini-mystic 14:03
49 Charles Armentrout Megarocker 14:27
50 Delaney Albright Tornado 15:25
51 Trevar Bennington Greenboat 16:50
52 Brian Jennings Momentum 21:40

The 1050cfs in the Russell Fork Gorge for the 2008 Lord of the Fork Challenge once again proved to be a welcome change to the drought stricken southeast. Here is a writeup by the man pictured above Jay Ditty.
This is the first year since 2005 that Toby has had to give up the cup, and Andrew definitely deserves it. He laid down a blistering time of 10:03, just 10 seconds off the course record set by Chris Hipgrave in a Wavehopper 12 years ago. And this is Andrews first Russell Fork race! He received an engraved Mitchell paddle for his trophy, donated by Bernie from Whitewater Warehouse. There were 2 other boaters finishing close behind, both of them beating Tommy Hillekes best performance of 10:17. Bryan Kirk switched boats this year and was 34 seconds faster.
We didnt realize it at the awards ceremony, but Robin Betz beat her own womens record by 1 second, with a time of 11:41. She took away a nice tasty jar of pears preserved in Kentuckys finest high-test homemade sparkling water for her prize (actually I think the jar was empty within minutes!) Laura Farrell was not far behind, with a time of 12:01, proving that I seeded her way too low on the start list. I have a feeling that were going to see some really serious competition in the womens class next year. Lila, Sarah, Katie, youve got a year to train!
Keith Sprinkle blew away the hand-paddler record by 58 seconds. I will let that speak for itself!
We dont have a separate short boat category, but Ive got to recognize a great performance when it happens. Tyler Foxs time of 12:01 in a Blisstick MAC is probably the fastest time weve seen here in a short boat.
The carnage was legendary as usual. Brian Jennings stopped in at the Towers hole and apparently threw some aerial cartwheels in 12 foot boat before hitting the eject button. Apparently a member of our ace rescue squad had done the same thing just minutes before. And we had several great swims at Climax in full view of lots of spectators with cameras to record it forever.
The forecast called for rain and clouds, and we ended up with blue skies for the race. We had a huge turnout of 52 racers, with 36 of them beating the 12 minute mark. Lots of new faces, for 4 out of the top 6 it was their first Russell Fork race. Lots of veteran racers as well, with Chris Hipgrave, Howard Tidwell, Clay Wright, Brian Jennings all showing up a decade after they started doing this. And Willy Witt has now tied Eric Strittmatter for the most races, with 10 each. Were going to have to order more bibs for next year.
One of the greatest things to witness each year is the drama of personal rivalries. Weve figured out that 1 second of race time will cost about $5000 paid directly to our corrupt timers (cash only, Dr. Warren). And just who is the fastest boater in Louisville?
We have 3 racers that were definitely missed this year. John, Griffin, and Isaac would all have been here if they had the chance.
Thanks to Willy Witt for doing the start times, Matt Delong for helping with the finish times, Matt Walker for registration help, Eric Henrickson for bibs, Bernie Farley and Whitewater Warehouse for the paddle trophy, Gerald Delong, Dave Allnut, Brent Austin, and many others who helped with rescue support (sorry I dont have more names), and for anyone that helped to video or photograph the race.
So thats the race update. Who won the party?
Jay
I'll just add a thank you to all the racers who came out and put together one hell of a race. It takes lots of courage to sign up a race the russell fork. See ya next year! I'll try an add photos of other racers as I get them this is all I have right now!
Matthew Walker

2007 Lord of the Fork Race Results-35 racers

Eric H captures a great photo of Jules Campbell hot on the heels of John Grace in the new Liquidlogic race boat during the Lord of the Fork race!! Green Gnarrows race organizer Jason Hale getting the wavesport race boat dialed in for the narrows race!
Race Results
1. Toby MacDermott Remix 100% 10:27
2. Geoff Calhoun T-Canyon 10:28
3. Matt Walker T-Slalom 10:43
4. Adam Herzog Remix 100% 10:44
5. Bryan Kirk WS Excel 10:48
6. Eric Henrickson Mirage 10:51
6. John Grace Remix 100% 10:51
8. Julian Campbell Tornado 10:53
9. Jay Ditty New Wave 10:57 C-1
10. Eric Chance Tornado 11:09
11. Jason Hale WS Momentum 11:10
12. Howard Tidwell Spirit 11:13 (swam the finish line!)
13. Caleb Paquette Tornado 11:19
13. Andrew Austell Corsica 11:19
15. Paul Stamilio Tornado 11:20
16. Jay Moffatt Tornado 11:25
17. Isaac Ludwig Dancer 11:27
18. Eric Strittmater Tornado 11:33
19. Gifford Sanders Crossfire 11:49
20. Luke Hopkins Dancer 11:52
21. Brian Jennings New Wave Quest 12:04
22. Nate Helms Tornado bitch 12:06
23. Robin Betz Remix 100% 12:09 W
24. Will Lyons Cascade 12:10 C-1
25. Clay Warren Response 12:12
26. Jason Parker Tornado 12:28
27. Matt Delong Vortex 12:34
28. Brian Mattingly Jefe Grande 13:02
28. Mark Miller Burn 13:02
30. Jon Crain Jefe 13:05
31. Brad Buddenburg Crossfire 13:08
32. Josh Burton Habitat 80 13:13
33. Kirk Williams Tornado 13:18 Hand-paddle
34. Matt Rudolph Jefe 14:46
35. Katie Buddenburg Mamba 17:33 W (w/ a brief interruption)












Bryan Kirk and Geoff Calhoun making super quick work of the tough middle line at climax
The 2007 Lord of the Fork Race saw more racers this year than ever before, and a very fast field. If you didn’t finish in less than 12 minutes, you didn’t even make the top 20! We had 35 racers in all, beautiful weather and fall colors, and a huge group providing rescue support and filming video (mostly the local KY crowd). A big surprise this year was the arrival of the new LL race boat, although the boat doesn’t matter near as much as the driver. Toby MacDermott proved once again that he is the man to beat on this river. This is 3 wins in a row, and his fastest time yet. 10:27 puts him only 10 seconds away from Tommy Hilleke’s fastest time several years ago. (The race record is still 9:53 in a Wavehopper by Chris Hipgrave in ‘96). The margin for the win this year was only 1 second. Geoff Calhoun showed up and blitzed the course, only his second weekend riding this river. Watch out for him next year, he doesn’t like second place! Third place was Matt Walker in his retro T-Slalom and an even older spray skirt. I think the boat stays dry only because the water doesn’t have time to leak in. This was his personal record as well, at 10:43, edging out Adam Herzog by 1 second. Rounding out the top 5 was Bryan Kirk(shown above). Robin Betz was once again the fastest woman on the course, even with a little speedbump in Maze. She holds the women’s course record and is now the women’s champ 4 years running. Katie Buddenburg made a strong showing as well, and was much faster than her time suggests. Her run was interrupted in the last 50 yards by a rude awakening against a rock wall. Such is life, I’m sure we’ll see her again next year with an eye for the win. Kirk Williams was the fastest (and only) hand paddler this year, somehow guiding the Tornado through the course with expert skill. The C-1 record finally fell. I’ve been chasing Andy Bridge’s time of 11:23 for the past few years, and this year the flatwater and upriver training sessions finally paid off. My time of 10:57 was just barely in the top 10 overall though. The boat is over 25 years old, very fragile glass, and I didn’t show it any mercy on the rocky lines. Like Neil Young says, it’s better to burn out than to fade away. Will Lyons was also looking fast in his Cascade. (And both of us are always fearing that Bernie is going to enter the race and show us how its really done.) One of our veteran racers had a spectacular wreck just above the finish line, broaching at the lip of the Box, falling in backwards, into the wall, and then swam like hell for the finish. And of course it’s all on film! I’m sure there’s more stories out there from the race, lots of new faces and some personal rivalries that are always fun to watch. Thanks again to all our rescue support from the BWA and the local folks. Barry Grimes and John Mello are putting together a video from all the combined footage, stay tuned for that at this year’s NPFF in Lexington. Thanks also to Matt Delong for helping us with the start times, Whitewater Warehouse for one of the trophies, Eric Henrickson for the bibs, and Teamscum for some extra prizes. The party was great once again, with a nice fireworks display, a shoeless drunk running through the fire, kick-ass bluegrass music and some belly-dancing. Results are listed below, and on the website soon. See you next year!

Jay

2006 Lord of the Fork Race Results-Epic high water

Be careful what you ask for. In 2006, we decided to move the race to the last release weekend, with the idea that we'd have some extra water for the long boats (1100 cfs). Mother nature delivered way more than expected though, dumping a couple inches of rain over the entire Appalachians the night before the race. Creeks were high from the Smokies all the way up to NY state. The Russell Fork raged at 4500 cfs on Saturday, and only 2 strong boaters chose to run the gorge. Adam and DJ may have bitten off the highest level ever run through the gorge, but I'll defer to some of the old-timers on this one. The rest of us split between Little Stoney and Grassy Creeks, both of them screaming tight bobsled runs. The race was postponed until Sunday.
The river was a bit more manageable Sunday morning, just under 2500 cfs. We did a quick trip through the gorge (with a portage at Top Drop). One hour before the scheduled race time, we stood looking at the top hole in Triple Drop, watching the terrible recirculation, and hoping that the dam operators had cut back just enough to drop the level for the race. It was a big gamble. If the level held, the top hole would stop almost anyone, even some of the best race boaters. If the lever dropped back to 1400, the top hole would let us through. We had no way of communicating with the dam operators, just a good guess based on all the combined knowledge of the local water level gurus (Steve and Gerald and friends). We decided to go for it and have a race.
Our plan worked. the level was just over 1400, the sun was shining, and the top hole allowed all to pass. A lot of the local crowd helped to set safety at the more notorious hazards, but no major carnage occurred. Toby blew everyone away, Robin almost caught her own record, a local favorite hit the number 2 spot, and a rivalry of Louisvillians may have been born. One man swam across the finish line, trying to prove that his initials have nothing to do with DNF.
There is no greater feeling than cruising alone at top speed on class 5 water through one of the most magnificient sculptured rock gorges in the world. It's always a relief landing off the boof at Climax, thankful the race is over again this year, and knowing that there's only 365 training days left until the next one.
jay

1.Toby MacDermott: 10:32
2. Matt Walker: 10:59
3. Adam Herzog 11:17 (tie)
3. James McLeod: 11:17 (tie)
5. Eric Henrickson: 11:20
6. Jay Ditty: 11:30 (C-1)
7. Robin Betz: 11:50 (W)
8. Griffin Sanders: 11:56
9. Dave Finney: 12:01
10. Eric Nies 12:35 (tie)
10. Willy Witt: 12:35 (tie)
12. Brian Mattingly: 13:08
13. Jon Craine: 13:29

Past Overall Russell Fork Race Champions!

Jeff Snyder won the first Russell Fork race in 1995 with a time of 10:52 just beating eventual race champion and record time holder Chris Hipgrave. Since the first race there have been six overall champions, five C1 champs, and five female winners!

Andrew Holcombe 2008 (Dagger Greenboat 10:03)

Toby MacDermott 2005, 2006, 2007 (10:27 LiquidLogic Remix100%)

David Jacobson 2005 (10:51 Prijon Tornado)

Tommy Hilleke 2002, 2003, 2004 (10:17 Quest)

Chris Hipgrave 1996-1999, 2001 (09:53 course record-Wavehopper)

Danny Inman 2000 (11:00)

Jeff Snyder 1995 (10:52 Wavehopper)

Past Female race champs!

The Russell Fork race has seen five of the top female kayakers in the world taking home the trophy. Here Robin Betz charges for the finish line for her win in 2007!

Female winners:

Robin Betz 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (11:42 course record female Tornado)

Nikki Kelly 2003 (12:20)

Buffy Bailey (12:34) 2000

Shannon Carroll 1998 (12:10)

Amy Brown 1997 (12:00)

C1 Russell Fork race champs!

Above C1 race champ Jay Ditty enjoys a post race moment and Will Lyons cuts for the finish line! Since the first Russell Fork race the C1 presence has been felt with three time Russell Fork Race champ and US wildwater racing champion Andy Bridge. Andy set the C1 course record in 1998 with a time of 11:23 finishing 4th overall that year. Recently, Jay Ditty (pictures above) has held the title 2004-2007 and broke the race record with a time of 10:57 in 2007. A special mention should be made to Steve Frazer and Paul Fantetti who both race the open canoes-Quite impressive! Here are the C1 race champs:

Jay Ditty 2001, 2004-2007 (10:57 C1 race record new wave glass)

Yves Narduzzi 2003 (11:37)

Sam Davis 2002 (11:30)

Harry Field 2000 (13:35)

Steve Frazer 1999 (14:45 OC-1 quite impressive)

Andy Bridge 1995, 1997, 1998 (Response)