Informal races have been happening on the Russell Fork Gorge since at least as early as the early 90s. The class V gorge section of the Russell Fork River is for expert paddlers, and the race is intended only for the very best.
The Russell Fork Rendezvous and the race on the gorge can trace their roots to the same time period and people. Friends would gather each year for the race and then stay for the after party.
The race has undergone many changes since its inception, including the starting location and name itself (the name “Lord of the Fork” was given to the race in 2004 to honor John Lord, who died earlier that year at Towers rapid).
Today, advanced paddlers come from all over the country (and world) to compete it the oldest Class V river race in America.
While the Rendezvous and the race are no longer technically affiliated, there is still a strong tradition of support between the two events. Every year, non-racing Rendezvous attendees hike into watch the race and cheer on their favorite paddlers. The race awards still take place at Rendezvous on Saturday night.
In 2019, there will be a free shuttle offered to Rendezvous visitors that will leave from the festival grounds and drop race-goers off at the trailhead to the hike into the “El Horrendo” rapid.
About the Shuttle
A bus will be available to serve as a free shuttle from the festival grounds to the trailhead for the hike into the race.
This is a free service for festival attendees and everyone is encouraged to use it to avoid overcrowding at the trailhead’s roadside pull off.
The bus holds approximately 30 people and will be first come, first serve.
The tentative departure time from the festival grounds is 1:00 pm. However, if there is enough interest to warrant a second shuttle, this time may be adjusted.
The ride to the trail head will take approximately 30 minutes. The hike into the race will take about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. The race starts at 3pm and lasts approximately an hour and a half.
The shuttle group will hike out together at the completion of the race.
About the Hike
The hike into “El Horrendo” takes approximately one hour.
The hike begins at a small roadside pull off area on Hwy 80. Hikers climb over a guard rail and descend a steep but manageable quarter mile to the railroad tracks. Once on the tracks, hikers will cross over a rather intimidating railroad bridge with a beautiful view into the river below. A ways on down the tracks, they will pass through a very dark railroad tunnel. It is very rare for trains to catch people on the bridge or in the tunnel, as you can hear them coming from a long way off. For obvious reasons, hikers try to avoid this scenario.
The walk on the tracks is about a mile long. An old coal tower marks the spot where hikers can begin their final descent to the river. It’s only a few hundred yards from the tracks to the rapid below, but it is steep and can get muddy from traffic on race day. It’s helpful to bring along a rope to help you descend and ascend safely.
Once at the rapid, hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of El Horrendo and the racers passing through. There are large boulders to sit on, and many people bring along a drink and a snack to enjoy during the race.
What to wear, bring and leave behind
- WEAR shoes or boots with good traction that you are not worried about getting muddy
- WEAR comfortable, weather appropriate clothes
- BRING your sense of adventure and the knowledge that you will be out there for several hours
- BRING extra layers for the widely fluctuating temps (it’s colder on the river!)
- BRING a headlamp or flashlight for the tunnel
- BRING signs and other festive items to help cheer on the racers (optional)
- BRING more water than you think you’ll need
- BRING drinks and a snack (impairment is dangerous on this hike)
- BRING any medications that may be required like an epi-pen or inhaler
- BRING a camera (you’re going to want it)
- LEAVE your dog back at camp
- LEAVE any children under 6 years old, or who may fall into the river, be unable to navigate the long, moderate hike or who may be afraid of loud noises, extreme and prolonged darkness, or heights