Mille Lacs Challenge & Great Lakes Kona Cup

[Michael F]

Last September, The Challenge replaced The Crossing after an incredible, 28-year run. The focus switched from one BIG race to a full weekend of racing for both windsurfers and kiters. Racing provided the foundation that helped make windsurfing the fastest growing sport in the world.

Mille Lacs must always be synonymous with the word Challenge. Anyone who tests the winds and big water of Mille Lacs can relate to that word. Now we offer the chance to test and really develop skills by just trying to reach a mark before friends. Kiters and windsurfers alike, will share the waters on integrated courses, designed for those of all levels. And to keep the spirit of the Crossing present and relevant, a long-distance race is on the agenda, utilizing the double out’n'back format of the last four years.

This year would be the 30th year for the Mille Lacs Crossing, the longest-running and highest-attended windsurfing event in the western hemisphere. Since The Crossing was built off our racing program, anchored by one-design, it is only fitting that the Mille Lacs Challenge will also host the first Great Lakes Kona Cup. Kona One-design has become the most successful one-design program since the 80’s, because like the original Windsurfer, it entices entry-level development.

Contact us at Fleet-8@juno.com to receive a Notice of Race in a PDF format as well as lodging info. It should provide all the necessary information. We will be accepting electronic registration by e-mail. If you have registered for a Fleet 8 event in the past two years, just provide your name, category, shirt size and preferred e-mail address for receiving Updates. You can pay by Paypal with one of two PayPal Donate buttons, one for full participation and one for racer only or non-racer social. Guest fees can be paid at check-in time, so you only have to make one payment.

[Del Carpenter]

I sent in my registration & check on 9-6. I'll be sailing my Kona One-Design.

Are other Iowa riders going up Thursday (9-15) or early Friday (9-16)? I have room in my van for 3 more riders and room on the trailer for 3 more boards. My route can be on 218 & 35 or 20 & 35 from Cedar Falls IA.

Good winds,

Del

[Woody]

We will be bringing down a posse of Canadian's to "The Crossing"! Always look forward to see the whole gang again!

[MK]

Here's a post of more details: http://www.lakawa.com/lakawa-chat-f1/ma ... 13879.html

Looking forward to it:)

Mike

[Eric P]

Have you guys noticed the 10 day MRF for next weekend. I hope people bring the small stuff, cus it is going to Nuke.

[Professor Robae']

Yahoo Nothing like a good blow for Mille Challenge! Always a great time and definitely one of my favorite events of the year. What surprises/ tricks will the Canadians bring south this year? Thanks to everyone who helps make it happen. See you there and be sure to ask Michael and crew what you can do to help - that makes a huge difference!

[Woody]

I'm bringing Beer & Sticker's

Hope the forecast holds up!!

[tbayray]

TBAYRAY will be coming up Thursday night late.... I guess I will just go to the Goose... Y-Club...Harbor Inn????

See ya there...tbayray

[Bryce]

Looks like great wind almost all the way through the weekend!

I'll be there!

[MK]

Reserve your lodging before it fills up. I just booked at Garrison Inn:)

Lodging

-Budget Host Reasonable rooms, jacuzzi suites, whirlpool,

sauna, continental breakfast. 800-839-7006

-Garrison Inn & Suites Jacuzzi suites, indoor pool & spa,

kids under 18 free with adult. 320-692-4050*

-Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hotel with indoor pool, hot-tub

& sauna, food & gaming nearby 800-468-3517

-Gregorys Resort Cabins & motel rooms, game room & launch. 320-692-4415*

-Hunters Point New, ultramodern 2 & 3 bedroom cabins,

restaurant & bar. George & Linda 320-676-3227

-Lake Mille Lacs Resort New motel with sauna, spa, indoor

pool, restaurant & lounge. 800-657-4704

-Rolling Hills Secluded family resort, modern cabins, beach

1.5 miles behind Headquarters. 320-692-4348*

-Twin Pines Resort Lodging, restaurant, bar, wet bike rentals.

Linda & Bill Eno 320-692-4413*

-The Red Door Clean, spacious rooms with color TV.

Fred & Debbie 218-678-2660

Camping

-Barnacles RV hookups, tent camping, protected harbor,

bar & restaurant. 218-678-3122

-Castaways Tent camping, RV hookups, protected harbor,

restaurant and lounge. 320-684-2380

-Father Hennepin State Park Park permit required. 320-676-8763
-Gregorys Resort Cabins & motel rooms, tent camping. 320-692-4415*
-Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Self-guided nature trails, hiking trails.

Park permit required. 320-532-3523

-Wilderness Campgrounds Tent camping, RV hook-ups, nice, hot

showers in Garrison. 320-692-4347*

* Within 10 minutes of social and race meeting sites.

[Tighe]

hopefully I'm not jinxing this...and, the isobars are looking great for this weekend. Saturday has some great SE winds coming right into Garrison. Looking forward to the gathering of riders from around the region for this long standing event. Don't worry there is plenty of room for all. While this is promoted as a race event, the racing is completely optional. Many riders just come to ride, hang, and enjoy the day.

For those of you with a competitive spirit, or just wanting to push yourself a bit, there will be racing throughout the weekend wind permitting. The racing is open to all skilled riders (staying upwind).

Interested in new gear? Most team riders attend these event and will be more than willing to show you the new toys, talk shop and maybe even give you a demo. Local retailers/schools who sponsor the event may be there as well. Good time to get to know them and understand how they can help you enjoy your ride.

Hope to see you up there.

[JRN]

Just wanted to remind everyone to contribute to Fleet 8, whether you're racing or not. Help defray some of the insurance costs and other expenses, so we can keep these events on the calendar. A word of thanks to Michael Fox & his crew is always appreciated. Be polite, folks, the Canadians are watching!

[Woody]

Get up here guys! The wind is already blowin'! Should be an epic day & weekend on Mille Lacs

[MK]

Blew hard all day yesterday. So sore today. Winds light in Garrison. Held off at Y club hoping for more wind but left about 1. Decided to drive to Reddy, just in case. Winds blowing upper teens. Gears on and riding in 10 minutes:)

[jennb]

I had to leave in a hurry Saturday and forgot my board. Red and yellow, wipika, 127. If anyone happened to grab it, let me know. Thanks.

jenn at jennbarnett dot com

[MK]

Got it! I can bring it into the store early tomorrow.

Also ended up with a pair o Suncloud sun glasses. Anyone ... Anyone?

[Barry P]

Can we get a listing of racers? The top 10 finishers for the races? What kind of equipment the top guys/gals were using?