Bike, boat, and run from the Wasatch Range to the Jordan River
Authored by Brian Tonetti
The Range 2 River Relay explores the Salt Lake Valley’s waterways, from pristine headwaters to buried creeks and channelized canal to meandering river. It showcases opportunities to connect communities, and ecosystems, from the Wasatch Range to the Jordan River, while promoting environmental stewardship and conservation.
Competitors line-up at the top of City Creek Canyon, each in their saddle. No two bikes alike, old steelies, crusiers, full-suspensions. “Are you all ready for the Range 2 River Relay?!” A competitor replies, “I guess.” All laugh. An arm is raised and lowered, and competitors begin to pedal.
They pedal along the path of City Creek, a major tributary to the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cyclist start along the exposed channel, just below the protected upper watershed. As the creek meanders towards urbanization, competitors notice it becomes channelized; a canal with concrete banks and bed. City Creek takes a turn onto North Temple and is completely lost to the asphalt of the city. Competitors continue on North Temple to the Jordan River, where City Creek spills out in an underground stormwater culvert. In a post-event ceremony, competitors would be made aware of efforts to bridge this gap through the Folsom Trail and daylighting of City Creek.
Batons are exchanged from cyclists to boaters. Competitors scramble down the banks of the Jordan into their watercraft – inflatables, hardshells, paddles boards, and a sea kayak. One competitor flips into the sediment-laden waters of the Jordan. She comes back up with a smile etched broadly across her face, slightly frazzled. She gets back into her boat and begins again, slightly wetter than before. This boat launch and the downstream take-out is part of a regional effort to create the Jordan River Water Trail. Boaters notice as the river becomes more natural as it flows further away from the City – a river reborn.
As boaters near the take-out at 1800 North Redwood Road, runners stretch, jog in place, do jumping-jacks – staying warm and getting the muscles ready. Again, batons are exchanged, some Brady-esque and others fumbled. Runners take off on the Jordan River Trail, a 45-mile paved trail through the heart of the Salt Lake Valley. Competitors fly past native Fremont cottonwood and invasive Russian olive. Each willing themselves towards the Finish Line Celebration at the Utah State Fairpark, dreams of Range 2 River Relay glory and a hefty prize pack dancing in their heads.
The Fainting Goats cross the finish line first; arms raised and teammates ready for a warm embrace. As subsequent teams cross the finish line, competitors are showered with applause, cheers, and a little heckling. All enjoy delicious food and drink post-event. A theme is predominate throughout, “Light on competition and heavy on fun!”
Click here to learn more about the Range 2 River Relay.
