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Race on the Brazos 2011 organized by the Knights of Columbus to collect for local charitie

PICTURES OF 2010 RACE

Introduction

Instructions and General Information

Procedures on Race Day

Maps

Race Rules

Registration Form

Late Registration on Race Day

Prizes

This race is generously sponsored by

And other sponsors

Charities

Canoe Renters

Special Notices

This event is organized by
Knights of Columbus , Council 7445

Knights of Columbus, Council 7445, Richmond, Texas
P.O. Box 668 Richmond, Texas 77406

Last updated April 11, 2010

Contact the web master

RACE ON THE BRAZOS 2010
Introduction

A Great New Opportunity for Canoeing
The Knights of Columbus welcomes you to the Inaugural Knights of Columbus Race on the Brazos 2010. This is the first canoe race to be held on the Brazos River in the Richmond/Rosenberg area. While the distance is approximately 7.3 miles, the race could be a fast one as well as challenging. It will depend on the height and flow of the river at the time. There will be a portage and a land-to-land, start to finish. As the first such race, it is intended to be a short fun event, an adventure sprint, or a family outing, either for keen canoe racers or recreational paddlers. All canoeists are invited to the Knights of Columbus Inaugural Race on the Brazos 2010.

Local Support
Access to the Brazos River at the Rosenberg Community Park was made possible by the Rosenberg City Parks Director who assisted in locating a suitable launch site which was constructed by the Fort Bend County Maintenance Department and Commissioner Morrison. The City of Richmond will be the site of the end of the race. Similar requirements are necessary to the existing river banks into a smooth egress from the river.
The end of The Race on the Brazos 2010 is slated to be at the George Park facilities with an awards ceremony at the Pavilion where a BBQ lunch will be served to the race participants. The Knights of Columbus thanks the Commissioner and the cities of Rosenberg and Richmond for all their assistance in making this race possible.

We want to thank all the organizations that have contributed to this project, namely, The Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Houston Wilderness, Fort Bend County officials and maintenance department, and the Fort Bend Green Initiative.

Registration
Canoeists who are interested in participating in this Inaugural Race on the Brazos are encouraged to complete the Registration form and pay the entrance fee as soon as possible.

Please see below for full Instructions, Procedures and Rules, and the Registration form.

Race Specifications

WHEN:	1ST SATURDAY AFTER EASTER SUNDAY- APRIL 10, 2010, ALTERNATE DATE WILL BE APRIL 24, 2010 STARTING AT 8:00 AM
WHERE:	START AT: ROSENBERG COMMUNITY PARK FINISH AT: RICHMOND GEORGE PARK
HOW LONG	WILL TAKE 2-7 HOURS DEPENDING ON THE RIVER CONDITIONS
WHAT PARTICIPANTS:	2 PERSONS PER OPEN, STANDARD CANOE ONLY
WHO:	ANYONE 18 YEARS OR OLDER IN GOOD HEALTH
WHAT PRIZES:	10 PRIZES from $500 to $50
ENTRY FEES:	$50 EACH REGISTERED PARTICIPANT, 2 EACH PER CANOE, FOR PRIZE COMPETITORS. HALF FEES FOR FUN COMPETITORS. NO RETURN OF ENTRY FEES.

INSTRUCTIONS & GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Please see below for the official Rules and Procedures before you sign the Registration form.

2. Registration Please complete the attached Registration form, print in ink, and enter two canoeists for one canoe per form.

3. Types of Competitors Entrants may choose to race for the prizes or race for fun. Canoeists competing for the prizes and gifts, called “Prize Competitors”, are limited to 100 canoes. They will depart before “Fun Competitors” who are not eligible for prizes or gifts. The number of Fun Competitors’ canoes is limited to 30 canoes. The entrance fees for Fun Competitors will be half those for Prize Competitors. The canoeists in each canoe must both be Prize Competitors, or must both be Fun Competitors.

4. Entrance Fees Per Canoeist

	Prize Competitors	Fun Competitors
Pre-registrations - if registration by March 15, 2010, (as per postmark):	$50.00 each	$25.00 each
Late registration fee, up to race start:	$60.00 each	$30.00 each

5. Cancellation and complete return of fees will be allowed in cases of death, illness with a doctor’s certificate, or call-up to the armed forces. All other requests for cancellations or return of fees for most serious occasions must be addressed to the Race Committee, via the Race Chairman, Andy Bockholt, which may or may not allow a full or partial return.

6. Canoeists Skill Levels
Please use the codes on the Registration form as follows:

Skill Level	Beginner or Novice	Intermediate	Advanced or Expert
Code	BEG	INT	ADV

The skill level of a canoe will be assessed as the higher skill level of the two canoeists.

7. Mail the form with entrance fees postmarked by March 15, 2010, to qualify as a Pre-Registrant, to:
       Knights of Columbus Council 7445
       Race on the Brazos 2010
       310 Morton Street # 336
       Richmond, Texas 77469

8. Fees may be by personal check or money order made payable to ‘Knights of
Columbus Council 7445, Race on the Brazos’, or ‘KC7445 Race on the Brazos’.

9. A receipt will be sent by email to the first canoeist, if possible, if not, to the
second canoeist within one week of receipt. If you do not receive the receipt, please phone Andy Bockholt at 281-239-2755, or email BrazosRace@gmail.com.

10. The entrants’ packages will be available for collection from April 2, 2010, until April 7, 2010 at:
       Hausler Paint & Deco Store
       814 E. Highway 90A
       Richmond
This is about two thirds of a mile east of the Brazos River and has a Benjamin Moore paints sign outside. The entrant’s package will contain maps, Check-in form, numbered bibs depicting the canoe number, T-shirts. Bring photo ID as proof of entry.

11. On race day, at ‘Check-in’, the following must be available and visible for inspection:

* One canoe and both canoeists
* Numbered bibs attached to the PFD’s, one on the front for the forward canoeist and one on the back for the rear canoeist
* Supplies as per the Rules
* Equipment as per the Rules
* Check-in sheet as supplied in the entrant’s package
* Photo IDs for each canoeist
* A plastic envelope for the above two items, or equivalent so that the contents are visible to the race officials.

It is important to arrive within the Check-in times listed on the Check-in form. BBQ tickets will be given to canoeists at Check-in time.

12. After the race is over For your refreshment, KC BBQ will be served free to canoeists with tickets, and it will be available for a small charge to all others. Each canoeist will receive two free BBQ tickets.

13. Penalties may be issued by umpires at the Start, during the race and at the Finish. For the list of infractions see the Rules. You will be notified at the time, but you may not hear the umpire. A record will be available at the Data Table at the Finish at the Race Committee tent. Protests can be made to the Race Committee up to 30 minutes after the penalty is posted.

14. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, when prizes and certificates
will be given, one hour after the last Pre-Registered Prize Competitor canoe
finishes, or at 5 o’clock, whichever is earlier.

15. Rain Date
In case of severe weather or dangerous river conditions, this race will be held
on Saturday, April 24, 2010. All other terms, procedures and instructions will
remain the same. You will be informed of this decision by email first, as early as possible. Please also continue to view “Special Notices” for any changes.

16. Cancellation
The organizers reserve the right to cancel this race, in which event all monies will be returned within a week, or as soon as reasonably possible.

17. Contact us
Andy Bockholt Phone: 281-239-2755 Email: BrazosRace@gmail.com

PROCEDURES ON RACE DAY

1. The start location is in the Rosenberg Community Park. There will be signposts to the Start. Canoeists must go to the “Check-in” station between the times stated on their “Check-in” sheets, and then to the “Inspection” station as per their Check-in sheets, and then to the “Line-up” station again as per their Check-in sheets, as directed by the race officials.

2. Canoes will start at one-minute intervals at the times stated on their ‘Check-in’ sheets. The first canoe’s start time being 8:01 AM. Your canoe number on your bib will represent your start time, so that canoe number 38 will start at 8:38 AM. It is the canoeists’ responsibility to be ready for check-in, inspection and start at the stated times. If you are later than your allotted check-in time slot, you may delay your own start. The race start time for each canoe will be as stated on the check-in sheet, even if the canoe is late in arriving at the Start. Every effort will be made to fit late canoeists in as soon as possible.

3. The sequence of starting will be:

1. Pre-Registered, Prize Competitors with advanced skills, followed by those with intermediate skills, followed by those with beginner skills.
2. Pre-registered, Fun Competitors, in skill level sequence as above.
3. Late registered canoes in the sequence in which they register.

Within each category the canoes will start in the sequence of registration dates. The skill level attributed to a canoe will be the skill level of the more skilled canoeist in that canoe.

4. Check-in will consist of checking age and identity of competitors. A photo ID will be needed for each canoeist. This must be carried throughout the race until the finish check-in. The numbered bibs must be worn from Check-in to Finish. The Check-in form must be stamped by the checking race official. Four BBQ tickets per canoe will be given at the Check-in.

5. The inspection will consist of checking all the required items listed in the Rules, that they are within specification, and in good condition. The check-in form must be stamped by the Inspector.

6. After check-in and inspection, competitors may not leave the assembly area, except for natural reasons, and nothing may be taken out of or into the assembly area. Food and water needed before the race, and during it, are part of the supplies specified as allowed in the Rules. Restrooms and trashcans are available on site. One participant must stay with his canoe at all times from Check-in at the Start to the Check-in at the Finish.

7. Your canoe number, or group of numbers, will be called to the line-up ten to fifteen minutes before your start time. It is the canoeists’ responsibility to know the time and their times of line-up and start.

8. Canoeists will move up to each line as directed by race officials.

9. At the start line, five canoes will be lined up, and the time for each canoe to start will be called out by the Starter. One canoeist must show the Starter the plastic envelope containing the check-in form for the canoe to insure that it has the two stamps on it and the photo ID’s. The start time will be according to a digital clock in sync with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Fort Collins Co. clock. The starter will call out, “Number NN, ten seconds”. The moment of start will be signaled by the drop of a flag by the Starter.

10. Canoeists must carry their canoe from the Start line to the water without any aid other than that supplied by the canoeists and the supplies that they carry.

11. It is unknown, while planning this event, what the river conditions will be. The race may be on a swift flowing river, or a rather stagnant stream; it may be over rapids, or over hidden rocks; it may be impassible in places that causes portage of the canoe to be necessary. The known rapids, or rocks, will be marked on the riverbank, and competitors will be advised of the expected conditions at Check-in on race day.

12. There will be two drum gates down the course. These must be navigated around, either clockwise or counterclockwise, without interference to other canoes.

13. Umpires will be at several spots along the course to check for fair play, adherence to the Rules, and to adjudicate any problems between canoes. Umpires can issue penalties, and will try to notify a concerned canoe at the time. No canoe may touch another canoe, and no canoeist may touch another canoe or a canoeist of a different canoe.

14. There will be a sign at the end of the race pointing to the landing where the Finish is. Canoeists must carry their canoes up the ramp to the Finish Line where they will be video’d to show their canoe number and the time on a clock that is in sync with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Fort Collins Co. clock. The canoeists will be told their finish time, and it will be recorded. The finishing times will be available at the Data Table. If two canoes arrive at the Finish Line at about the same time, the second canoe will have to wait for the canoe in front of it to be recorded, as directed by the officials.

15. After crossing the Finish Line as above, the two canoeists must proceed to an Inspection station, and have their canoe inspected, as at the start of the race, and have their Check-in form stamped again.

Please unload during your Check-in time and leave the park.
Parking available along streets and in school lot.

Parking in the George Park must be in one of the many designated parking lots. Roadside parking will be ticketed.

RACE ON THE BRAZOS 2010
RACE RULES

1. 2 participants per open, stock standard canoe only, no pro canoes, minimum length 14’ to maximum length 20’, and 32” minimum width. See Special Notices
2. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and in good health.
3. No kayaks or inflatable/sealed canoes are allowed in the race.
4. A typical canoe may be made of ABS, Polyethylene, Aluminum, fiberglass, wood/canvas, or plastic with adequate flotation.
5. No motors or sails of any kind on or in the canoe, or outriggers
6. There shall be no devices to assist portaging other than carrying yokes, pads, tunglines, bow and stern lines, supplied by the participants.
7. Safety line of at least ¼” diameter and 6’-10’ length with a safety loop, attached one each in the bow and stern supplied by the participants.
8. Participants must supply the canoe, all supplies and equipment.
9. All must wear PFD type II or III without repairs that are in serviceable condition and correct size, approved by US Coast Guard, from the beginning to the end of the race. Penalty is disqualification.
10. All must wear their numbered bib visibly and attached to their PFD depicting their canoe number from Check-in to Finish. Penalty is 15 minutes per time seen.
11. Only standard single-blade paddles allowed. Penalty is disqualification.
12. No paddle holders or secured paddles to canoe or participant at any time are permitted. One extra single-blade paddle may be attached to the interior of the canoe. Penalty is disqualification.
13. No jeans or sandals are allowed.
14. Team members must start and finish the race in their original canoe and equipment, subject to final end-of-race inspection including ID check out. Penalty from 30 minutes to disqualification.
15. Canoe # assigned must be visible from both sides of the bow, attached by the participants.
16. Participants must wear the Race T-shirt for entire race. 30 minutes penalty
17. Each Race participant must have a whistle or horn to attract assistance.
18. Teams and equipment must be inspected prior to Race starting time. Any team starting before their assigned time will be penalized 30 minutes.
19. Teams must make a complete circle around the gate drum. 15 minute penalty.
20. Only race team participants are allowed to portage where necessary within the banks of the Brazos River. No help is allowed. 30 minute penalty.
21. Leaving the riverbed within the banks constitutes withdrawal from the Race.
22. There shall be no device to remove water other than scoops and sponges. 15 minute penalty.
23. Unsportsmanlike conduct including ramming, blocking, pulling, handling or touching another canoe or equipment, or foul language directed at officials or competitors is subject to 10 minute penalty up to disqualification - depending on severity.
24. Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are not permitted at any time at the race location. Immediate disqualification of the Race.
25. All trash must be disposed of properly. Littering will cost you 5 minutes penalty for each piece.
26. No glass containers in canoes or race site. 5 minutes for each container.
27. All team participants must finish the race by 5:00 pm.
28. Prize Qualification. The canoe and its canoeists must:

a)   Be registered race participants, paid in full as Prize Competitors
b)   Comply with the attached Rules and Penalties
c)   Finish the race in the shortest time plus penalties
d)   Pass all inspections.

29. A race official’s decision is final, but a complaint may be made to the Race Committee at the Finish.

Penalties recorded will be available at the Data Table at the Finish. Protests can be made to the Race Committee up to 30 minutes after the penalty is posted and before the Awards Ceremony begins.

REGISTRATION

Canoeists who are interested in participating in this Inaugural Race on the Brazos are encouraged to complete and mail the Registration Form from February 1. See any Special Notices first. Pre-registration closes on March 15. Late registration up to the start of the race is allowed at an increased fee. You may mail in a late registration up to April 3 by the postmark, or bring the registration form to the race on race day up to the time of the last canoe start.

LATE REGISTRATION ON RACE DAY
AND PACKET PICK-UP
AT ROSENBERG COMMUNITY PARK

Canoeists may register at the start of the race on Race Day between 7:00 and 9:00 AM.

Pre-registered canoeists: When arriving go directly to the Check-in Station, not the Registration Station, between the times already specified to you. Those who did not pick up their packets beforehand may pick them up at the Check-in Station on Race Day between 8:00 and 8:15 AM.

Canoeists registering on the day of the race: Please follow the signs to the Registration Station to register before going to unload at the Check-in Station. This may mean parking on the streets or in the school parking lot beforehand. A Check-in time will be given to you, with your packet, at the Registration Desk, if you register on the day of the race.

At check-in time: Canoeists may drive to the unloading station to check in, or they may carry their canoes to check in.   Besides your canoe, equipment and supplies, please have with you:
      Photo ID’s for each canoeist
      Your Check-in sheet in a plastic envelope.
      Your PFD’s worn over your race T-shirt
      Your numbered bibs over your PFD

All canoes set off at different times, one minute apart. Therefore, it is important to keep to your Check-in times.

PRIZES

Finishing Position		Prize

First		$500
Second		$450
Third		$400
Fourth		$350
Fifth		$300
Sixth		$250
Seventh		$200
Eighth		$150
Ninth		$100
Tenth		$50

Prizes will only be awarded to the canoeists who registered and paid as “Prize Competitors”.

The “Finishing Position” is dependent on the canoe’s time from Start to Finish plus any “Time Penalties”. Some of the penalties are disqualification, and as such a disqualified canoe cannot be awarded any prizes, gifts or a certificate.

“Fun Competitors” will not be awarded any prizes.

Raffle

Any raffle prizes will be given to the canoe number drawn out of the hat. All Prize Competitors will have one ticket in the hat with their canoe number on it. No one else may be entered for the drawing of the raffle.

	Bob’s Taco Station Family owned since 1991 1901 Avenue H, Rosenberg, Texas Good Homestyle Tex-Mex Food	www.bobstacos.com 281-232-8555 bobalanis@bobstacos.com
	Nestlé Waters North America 21311 Skinner Ridge Lane Richmond, Texas 77406 The Healthy Hydration Company	Phone: 832-689-7301 Fax: 281-238-9304 jeanne.davis@waters.nestle.com
	Finnegan Auto Group Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac Chrysler Jeep Dodge 26433 & 26529 Southwest Freeway	Phone: 281-342-4200 Fax: 281-341-2524 Rosenberg, Texas www.finneganauto.com
	Impact Energy Resources, LLC HSE Consulting Houston & New Orleans	Phone: 713-775-4597 JGoodwyne@ImpactEnergyResourcesLLC.com RClark@ImpactEnergyResourcesLLC.com
	Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy mills Circle, Katy, Texas	281-644-2200 www.BassPro.com All your angling and fishing needs
	Recreational Equipment, Inc. REI Houston 7538 Westheimer Canoes kayaks camping hiking cycling	713-353-2582 www.REI.com/houston Houston, Texas
	Yucatan Mexican Grill 100 Liberty Street Richmond, Texas, 77469 Frida’s Kahlo Choice at Rancho Grande	Phone: 281-344-0886 Fax: 281-232-2531 www.yacatanmexgrill.com
	City of Rosenberg, Texas Parks & Recreation Department
	City of Richmond, Texas Parks Department
	Fort Bend County Road & Bridge

Rosenberg Richmond Helping Hands, Inc.	902 Collins Road Richmond, TX 77469 281-232-4904 & 281-341-7536 http://www.roserichhelpinghands.org/
Pregnancy Resource Center of Fort Bend County
	4203 Ave H, Suite 16 Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-2375 3425 Hwy 6 Ste. 103 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-325-0203 www.prcfortbend.org

Date		Notice
04/05/2010		Contrary to everything said in the web site THE START TIME WILL BE 9:00 AM Please read the Instructions and Procedures as if it is nine o'clock. Pre-registered canoeists have already been given their start times which are the same.
03/25/2010		Late Registration on Race Day arrangements are listed after 'Registration' .
03/16/2010		Rule 1 further clarification: A typical carbon/Kevlar "USCA Standard" racing boat is not allowed to enter this competition. This race is for recreational canoes Two possible places to rent canoes have been listed under "Canoe Rentals".
03/04/2010		BBQ tickets will be given at Check-in and not sent out earlier Maps of the Start and the Finish have been added.
02/04/2010		Rule 1 clarification "open standard canoe only" means stock canoes. USCA pro boats and ICF-2, while meeting the specs for size, do not meet the spirit of the race.
01/31/2010		At the suggestion of many canoeists, we have decided to half the entrance fee across the board. This also means that the prize money has been halved, only after we have doubled the number of prizes. The number of Prize Competitors has been limited to 100 canoes. There is a slight change to the specification of allowable canoes in that the wording "double-ended" has been dropped. bib numbers will be worn by canoeists as decals do not stick well to canoes.
01/29/2010		Description of pickup package location better explained.
01/25/2010		Acceptance of registrants will begin on February 1, 2010.