TEAMS
The Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001
We are Going the Extra Mile..... The Extra 2,348 Miles to Find a Cure!
The Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001
We are Going the Extra Mile..... The Extra 2,348 Miles to Find a Cure!
Team Kruger, led by the renowned Verlen Kruger and Bob Bradford, placed first in their specialized canoe at 24 days, 17 hours, 51 minutes.
Verlen Kruger built this magnificent, winning canoe for this race. Please see Kruger Canoes for more information. |
Team Double Helix paddled by Clark Eid (event founder and chairman) and Kurt Zimmermann, placed second at 26 days, 6 hours, 40 minutes. This time is an unofficial record for fastest time down the Mississippi River in a kayak - all other records are 2 person teams in a canoe.
Clark Eid hand built the team's cedar strip kayak, the Double Helix, which serves as the flagship for this race, and for all those who suffer from Rett Syndrome. Special significance includes a representation of a Double Helix wood rose vine that can be decoded to spell "AMANDA'S DREAMKEEPER". Clark's daughter, Amanda, has Rett Syndrome. The Double Helix has been publicly placed at museums before and after the race to increase awareness of this charitable event and help to rally the cause for those suffering with Rett Syndrome! |
Team Alaska, who replaced a kayak lost in a rapids (capsized) during the race, ran a research study on wildlife, and remained on the river until May 31, 707 miles from the finish. Team Alaska supplied both kayaks for their team! Team Alaska also conducted a scientific survey on plant and animal life as they travelled! Several members of the Alaskan team completed a trip down the Mississippi river in 1999 as well.
|
Team Rebels with a Cause made a gallant effort but had to withdraw from the race May 13, 2001. Unfortunately the 4th original member of the team withdrew unexpectedly days before the race, leaving this team short at the start.
Kayak donated by Dagger, later sold by Carl Johnson to raise additional funds for Rett syndrome research! |
Teams Amazons of the Mississippi , the only female team to enter (and an International team at that!) made a gallant effort but had to withdraw May 12, 2001 due to a medical emergency. Kayak donated by Nelo.
|