East Fork/West Fork Challenge

Generously Sponsored by:

The East Fork/ West Fork Challenge
Texas’ Only "Start at Night" Canoe Marathon

East Fork-West Fork Challenge logo
16 Miles in the Dark
Sunday March 10, 2002 4:00 a.m.

Lake Houston State Park From the East Fork
of the San Jacinto
to Forest Cove on the West Fork of the San Jacinto

| Rules and Course Description | Registration Form | About SJCC | Mar. 9 River Bottom Festival

Forests for Clean Water

The theme for the 2002 Canoe Challenge and River Bottom Festival is "Forests for Clean Water."

Recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and by Kingwood College students strongly indicate water is healthier where forest remains in the watershed. As forest is replaced with urban development, water quality declines significantly.

Read articles originally published in Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine:

Why Rivers Need Forests by Wendee Holtcamp
Moonlight Meander on the San Jacinto by Wendee Holtcamp

Proceeds from the Challenge benefit the San Jacinto Conservation Coalition, an affiliate of the 501(c)(3) non-profit Gulf Coast Institute. Started by environmental journalist Wendee Holtcamp, SJCC is working to preserve the natural resources of the San Jacinto watershed and to promote smart growth in the area.

The East Fork/West Fork Challenge
Rules and Course Description

Come join us on Sunday, March 10, 2002 for the third running of the East Fork/West Fork Challenge.

Rules

1) The race will start at 4:00 a.m. Sunday, March 10, 2002 at Lake Houston State Park.

2) Racers will line up in rows of 3 approximately a quarter mile from water for "Le Mans" style start. Racers will be placed preferentially according to their Texas Canoe Racing Association point standing. Out of state racers will be given the 3^rd position in each row in order of their date of registration. Non-TCRA members will be given positions according to their date of registration. Recreational classes will behind other classes. Solo racers will start in the water.

3) One racer from each team may be required to run/wade across Peach Creek prior to start.

4) All boats must cross the finish line by the cutoff time of 10:00am or will be disqualified.

5) Boats must have adequate floatation to float the boat and gear and a white light for night travel and an efficient signaling device (whistle).

6) Each racer must have a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device within reach.

7) Boats must have a race number in Arabic numerals affixed to the right side of the bow.

8) Bow spotlights and individual headlamps are strongly recommended.

9) All racers will enter this race at their own risk, and the judges, officials and sponsors will not be liable for accidents to personnel or damage to any property or equipment.

10) Racers are encouraged to be checked on a race morning no later than 3:00 a.m. Pre-race check in will open at 12:01 a.m. and close at 3:30 a.m.

Course Description

1) The race will start at Lake Houston State Park. After an approximate quarter mile run racers will enter Peach Creek and proceed downstream to Caney Creek, from Caney Creek racers will head downstream, to the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, they will then proceed to and cross the north end of Lake Houston and enter the West Fork of the San Jacinto River crossing the finish line at Blair's Resort. Course distance is 16 miles.

2) Peach Creek is a narrow, shallow stream, which ranges in width from 5 to 25 feet. In low water conditions, portions maybe too shallow for paddling. Wading and portaging may be required. Logjams and sweepers are common. Extreme caution should be exercised in watching for water moccasins while portaging log jams or wading through shallow water.

3) The confluences of the East Fork and the West Fork of the San Jacinto rivers with the upper section of Lake Houston contain many coves, dead end cuts and islands which can be extremely misleading to racers attempting to navigate at night. Fog can also add to the navigational challenge of canoeing at night.

4) The route across Lake Houston will vary according to which channels and cuts are used. Racers should be prepared for Lake conditions, which vary from smooth as glass to two-foot waves. High winds and waves can capsize boats.

5) All racers are urged to run the course at least once to familiarize themselves with it.

6) Boats are limited to two people maximum.

7) All racers must sign a waiver.

Note

At Lake Houston State Park everyone, even team captains and race officials, must show park officials either an annual pass to state parks or a day pass for Lake Houston State Park (cost $3/person).

Directions

Lake Houston State Park is located north of Houston/Humble East. To Reach the Park from Houston, take US Highway 59 north to the New Caney ext, FM 1485; travel east 2 miles to Baptist Encampment Road, turn south for 1.5 miles to the park entrance.

Forest Cove is located on the San Jacinto north of Humble. Take the first exit on Highway 59 north of Humble. Cross the San Jacinto River Bridge on the frontage road. Take an immediate right after crossing the bridge, onto Hamblen Road. Blair's Resort is on the right 1/4 mile past the railroad tracks. There is a fee for parking at Blair's Resort. The parking fee is included on race day as part of the entry fee.

There is a race pre-run on Sunday, February 24, 2002 at 11:00 a.m.