The Nelson Area Paddlers
and
Nelson County Recreation
present
The Nelson Downriver
Canoe and Kayak Race
Saturday, May 2, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 virus the 2020 Nelson Downriver Race has been postponed. If we are able to reschedule for the fall a notice will be placed here.

Recreation, Awards, Fun
Table of Contents
  • HOME
  • Events
  • Instructions
  • Directions
  • The Rules
  • AWA Safety Code
  • Other Notes
  • Maps
  • Weather and Gages
  • Registration Form
  • Photos
  • Results
  • Race Classes

    • Contact Info. Claire Richardson 434-263-7130 or email roussos@lynchburg.edu
    Fee: $20 per person (ages 12 and under $5). Add $15 for a T-Shirt.
    Important Note: Prepared food will not be provided at the social gathering/awards ceremony. Bottled water and some packaged snacks will be provided.


    The Nelson Downriver Race is intended for anyone interested in canoe or kayak racing - from novices to national champions. Our goal is to promote recreation, conservation and sportsmanship through paddling rivers and lakes in and around Nelson County, Virginia.
    The Nelson Area Paddlers

     Important Notice: Depending upon water conditions some rapids on this section of the Tye River can approach class III. Beginners should not attempt this run.
    Main Events
    Downriver Race, May 2, 2020
    A beautiful run through Class I to Class II+ rapids on the Tye River's cool, clear mountain water.
    Registration: 9:00 - 10:45 AM
    Start: Rt. 662 along side the Tye River, 11:00 AM
    Finish: Confluence of Tye River and Rucker's Run
    Distance: 8 miles
    NOTES:
    In the event of low water the race will be moved downriver. In this case the put-in will be just upstream from the confluence of the Tye River and Rucker's Run (look for sign) and the take-out will be at the DGIF boat landing at Wingina.

    Picnic and Awards Ceremony
    About 1:30 PM at the take-out: You are encouraged to bring your own food from home or purchase food from our local grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores. We will supply bottled water and a limited amount of raw fruit and prepackaged snacks.

    Camping for the Night

    James River State Park has a variety of camping arrangements including primitive camping alongside the James river.

    Rocky Run Landing has a cabin for rent very near the race take-out. It sleeps 6.
    www.vrbo.com/253299
    kilowatt@aol.com
    323 Cedar Creek Rd. 434-263-5844

    Instructions
    Saturday, May 2, 2020
    Proceed to put-in on Rt. 662 alongside Tye River, two miles from intersection with Rt. 739 and Tye River bridge (see map and directions below).

    Register for race and leave boat(s). If you do not wish to race but only want to float the river please let the registrars know this and you will not be placed into a race class. Please note that safety boaters and snack food will not necessarily wait for those who come after the last racer so please try to put-in early if you are not racing.

    Proceed to take-out. Leave vehicle and shuttle back to put-in. Paddlers are reponsible for arranging their own shuttles. Most paddlers are able to arrange a shuttle with other paddlers. Note that the round-trip shuttle takes almost 40 min. If you cannot arrange a shuttle back to the put-in from the take-out then you may leave your vehicle at the put-in. You will be able to get a ride back to the put-in sometime after the awards ceremony.

    Notify race official when you are ready to begin race. You will be given a race number so please be ready to put in when your number is called. We will begin launching boats at 11:00 AM (possibly earlier for paddlers who are ready earlier). You should be ready to race at 11:00 AM

    Directions to Events
    Saturday, May 2, 2020
    To Registration/Put-In
    From Lynchburg and South
  • Take Rt. 29 to Rt. 739 in Nelson County just North of the Tye River Bridge.
  • Turn East onto Rt. 739 and follow 739 for about 1 mile into the town of Tye River Depot.
  • Just before the Bridge over the Tye River turn left onto Rt. 662.
  • Rt. 662 follows the Tye River. Follow 662 for about 2 miles to a point where the road leaves the river.
  • This is the put-in for the downriver race.
    • From Charlottesville and North
  • From U.S. Rt. 29 at Colleen, turn East onto Rt. 655 (Arrington Rd) towards Arrington.
  • In Arrington, follow 655 by taking a left across the RR bridge.
  • After the RR bridge take a right onto Rt. 662.
  • Follow 662 until you come to the river.
    • To Awards Ceremony/Picnic/Take-out
  • From U.S. Rt. 29 at Colleen, turn East onto Rt. 655 (Arrington Rd) towards Arrington.
  • In Arrington, follow 655 by taking a left across the RR bridge.
  • After the RR bridge take a left onto Variety Mills Road (still 655).
  • Follow Variety Mills Rd to Rt. 654.
  • Take a right onto Rt. 654 (Cedar Creek Rd).
  • Cross the bridge over Rucker's Run and proceed 1/3 mile to driveway on left.
  • Look for signs.
    • From Registration/Put-in to Picnic/Take-out
  • Take 662 towards Arrington (away from river) into Arrington.
  • Continue onto Variety Mills Rd. (Rt. 655).
  • Follow Variety Mills Rd to Rt. 654.
  • Take a right onto Rt. 654 (Cedar Creek Rd).
  • Cross the bridge over Rucker's Run and proceed 1/3 mile to driveway on left.
  • Look for signs.



    • THE RULES
    1. All participants must wear Coast Guard approved life vests.
    2. All participants are required to give aid to any boater in danger.
    3. Paddlers are strongly encouraged to wear whitewater helmets for their protection.
    4. Paddlers are encouraged to run the race course sometime before the actual race as there are a few 2+ & 3- rapids. You may also wish to consult Roger Corbett or Ed Grove's books for information on the lower Tye.
    5. Race classes are determined by the race officials. Where there is inadequate participation in a class it may be combined with a class of similar character.
    6. Paddlers may make appeals to race officials but, in all cases, the decision of race officials is final and binding.
    (I mean, come on, it IS just a race :-)

      OTHER NOTES
    1. Consider Camping and Picnicing at James River State Park (1-800-933-PARK) or at Rocky Run Landing (kilowatt@aol.com, 434.263.5844).
    2. For more accommodations please see http://www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/buscat/lodging/
    3. After the race on Saturday there will be a get-together/picnic for paddlers and their families at the takeout.
    4. Connect to www.NelsonCountyVA.org for more information about accomodations and sites to see in Nelson County.

    MAPS - detailed on-line maps of the Nelson Co. area are located at www.nelsoncountyva.org/#Maps



    A detailed shuttle map is located here.
    		 A detailed river map is located here.

    Nelson County Area



    Saturday - Downriver Race - Getting there is half the fun!



    James River State Park


    Nelson Co. Weather, Rain Gages, Rainfall
    Lovingston, Lynchburg and Charlottesville Weather

    Nelson Co. Rain Gages

    Tye River Stream Gage

    Piney River Stream Gage

    Rockfish River Stream Gage

    All Virginia Stream Gages

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