This race is a Bay Area classic! No other local race comes close to it for scenery, variety of water conditions, tradition, and occasional mayhem in the mud flats!!

The race begins and ends at the Estero Americano, a tidal estuary that runs from the burg of Valley Ford down, some six miles, to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way the narrow and winding slough becomes wider and more picturesque, passing grazing cattle, the occasional river otter, and if we're lucky, golden eagles. Over the years, some of the world's greatest racing paddlers have participated; and as always, confirmed social paddlers enjoy the Pageant at their own pace.

This is a twelve mile flat water race, which is open to all paddle craft: traditional canoes, racing kayaks, one and two-person outrigger canoes, surfskis, sea kayaks, and so on. The race will divide into three groups, each separated by 20 minute intervals: recreational paddlers start first, followed by half-fast racers; the elite racers bring up the rear. The staggered start keeps all levels of paddlers generally together, adding to the Cow Patty spirit.

The race will be followed by an awards ceremony, raffle prize drawing, and no-host spaghetti feed at Dinucci's Restaurant in Valley Ford, a Sonoma County institution. Local wine will flow like water, and the full bar will cater to weary paddlers.

THE DETAILS
· Saturday, February 2, 2008
· Estero Americano put-in -- corner of Marsh and Estero Roads, just SW of Valley Ford
· "Cowstumes" encouraged (cow hats, shirts, paraphernalia.....)
· $20 registration fee pays for insurance and expenses -- all proceeds will be donated to the Sonoma Land Trust (which ensures the integrity of the Estero)
· Registration begins at 8:45 (more info to follow)
· Paddlers meeting at 9:30
· First heat begins at 10:00
· Everyone Off-the-water no later than 1:00 pm – lunch begins at 1:30

More info? Race hotline: patrick@laurelglen.com.....JOIN THE HERD AND PASS THE WORD!!