The Great Mississippi River Race for
Rett Syndrome, May 2001


Teams

Teams listed in order of final finish

Team Kruger
Team Page
Team Alaska
Team Page

Team Kruger was the only team to go through this MN culvert... all other teams walked over it (carrying gear). L to R: Verlen Kruger, Bob Bradford

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.


A little help please? Team Kruger has easy access to the St. Louis arch during due to the high flood. From L to R: Verlen Kruger(in boat), Bob Bradford (in boat), Clark Eid (standing), Jeff Romine (standing), Stan Hanson (standing).


Team Double Helix near the finish line (watch out boys!)

Team Double Helix paddled by Clark Eid (event founder and chairman) and Kurt Zimmermann, placed second at 26 days, 6 hours, 40 minutes.

The Double Helix is the flagship for this race. 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 is in the process of being placed in the New Orleans Convention Center to increase awareness of this charitable event and help to rally the cause for those suffering with Rett Syndrome!


Kurt Zimmerman of Team Double Helix paddles, while Clark Eid sleeps under the dome (aka Happy Hut) in the front cockpit. The front seat/front of the boat was built to allow the forward person to lay down flat to rest/sleep.

Team Alaska on flooded waters in MN - Who needs river charts when a road map will do?

Team Alaska, who replaced a kayak lost in a rapids (capsized) during the race, ran a research study on wildlife, and at one time remained on the river until May 31, 707 miles from the finish.

Team Alaska supplied both kayaks for their 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 Alaska, May 31, celebrating!


Team Rebels on the water after the start. L to R, Eric Kocher, Carl Johson.

Team Rebels with a Cause made a gallant effort but had to withdraw from the race May 13, 2001.

Kayak donated by Dagger, later sold by Carl Johnson to raise additional funds for Rett syndrome research!


Eric Kocher of Team Rebels quickly drove at to a nearby airport to shake hands with Gov. Jess Ventura (MN). L to R: Unknown, Eric Kocher, Gov. Ventura, unknown

Team Amazons of the Mississippi near the start. L to R: Megan Duffy and Cynthia Belbin

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.


Team Amazon scouts out a dam in MN.....Hmm, is there another way around?

Legal Copyright: The Great Mississippi River Race For Rett Syndrome, 2001. All Rights Reserved
Catch Another Great! Adventure at The Mississippi River Challenge for Rett Syndrome and Leukodystrohpy, May 2003!