Yeah!!!!
Ben and Fish, congratulations!!
You didn't look quite as scorching fast out of the gate at T2 compared to Darren and Lane, but then again, as was pointed out, the race isn't won in that first drop is it? There's, like, 20+ more rapids, a healthy dose of mixed class III and flatwater, a gnarly ass portage, and plenty of gnomes to spar with in the half hour or so that ensues over the 5mi stretch.
Scott, I know you've been hungry for it and I'm glad you got to pair up with a very accomplished paddler who could allow you to leverage your potential.
Ben, I know that since you were disrobed, you've been on a quest to get it back. I'm glad that you likewise had a match. It didn't take as many years as one might have thought. 2 robe wins out of 4 consequetive races is pretty damn good considering who your competition is. Way to go.
As for Darren, well, I guess you do occassionally end up settling for second best, but damn you are one consistantly tough dude to try to keep off the podium. I was blown away by both you and Lane's speeds outta the gate, and how flawless your technique was to boot.
But this race isn't just about the creme of the crop: HUGE PROPS to Kiwi Mike for dealing with the hand that the Robe Gnomes dealt him. And Joe, I hope your late night of drinkin the night before didn't retard your ability to help your partner. But not taking the Robe race at least moderately serious is flirting with Gnome Status for sure. Just look at my time last year (I held my partner back). That poor burn Mike just got has a huge, gaping, ironic smile under its nose now. Anyone got a boat he can hook up while he's in the states?
Mike, I'm just glad you're made of sturdy stuff, because I would not want to have to swim below Last Sunshine nor would I wish that fate on anyone.
Did Lief really confiscate the Gnome? Dude!!! Send that back with Kiwi Mike. That gnome has performed its service. Let him retire from Robe Canyon and venture abroad. Wasn't that the point?
Plenty more where that came from. I'd be willing to recruit and procure a new one. There's a few gnomes I am on a first name basis with so I'll ask around. (I'll get ya another gnome for next year's DFL Trophe- just send that thing with Mike. He earned it. Ain't no shame. sh*t happens and none of us are exempt. Just sayin.
What an awesome event and a fabulous sunny warm day for it!!
Huge thanks to Todd Gilman for concieving of and organizing this very pure and unique test of every quality an avid paddler possesses!
No hype, no prizes, no sponsors- just avid paddlers who want to smash through their personal bounderies, the competition only there as a structure and standard for each individual to strive and push past those limits where the average paddler would be content to not explore.
I feel honored just to be there. I raced with my partner, and I raced against myself. I suffered personal defeats, and tasted minor triumphs intermittantly throughout the day, but most importantly, I got to experience the physiological transcendence that such an athletic endeavor inherently requires, yet silmultaneously provides.
Edited by jP - 07 May 2012 at 12:35pm
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