The Lost Rafting Trip

  It was originally planned as a trip to the Kitzmiller Section of the North Branch of the Potomac but when we got to River Riders Sunday morning, the level was 4.2 and dropping. We weren't really wanting to scrape down the river when it was about 25 degrees and 25 mph winds. We checked out the gauge and saw that the Lost and the South Fork of the South Branch (the Moorefield) were running so we decided to head that way. Amanda, Lauren, Melissa, Bill, Ed and I loaded up the gear and hit the road.

  When we got to the put-in for the Lost, it was running although low, about 3 inches on the bridge gauge, and we decided to check it out. Bill and I had done it before and it was the first time down for everyone else.

  It was cold when we started blowing up the rafts - new 12 ft self bailers that we purchased from NRS last season and wanted to try out. The weather warmed up quickly and with all the gear everyone had on, I don't think anyone got cold on the river.

  
The trip was a blast. Although it was a bit boney and we had alot of rocks to go around, everything went smoothly except when I fell out it the only class IV on the trip and we broached on the two rocks in the main drop. Ed and Bill and I hooked some webbing and a throwbag to it and were able to pull it off pretty easily. Ed and I then dragged the raft back up and ran it again for redemption and had a clean run. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful. We all enjoyed getting back on the water and are looking for spring to be here soon.

Matt, Ed, Melissa, Amanda, Rob, Lauren, and Bill

Ready or Not, Here Comes Summer!

  All of the staff River Riders have been working extra hard these past few months on summer preparations. The boys in the shop, as you can see, have been working on finishing the upstairs area which we are planning on utilizing as an extra check in area for the summer. Ben, Ed, Bill, and Adam are under the pressure of deadlines. They did finish the upstairs area in time for inspection, which went very well. Ed has been working double-time on finishing the counter (which looks amazing thus far) while Ben, Bill, and Adam moved on to repairing rafts and duckies for next summer.

  The girls in the office have been working hard as well. Angie, our administrative assistant, has been doing a great job working with vendors, paying bills, sending out tax information, setting up employee incentives, and working as Matt's right hand woman!

  The office girls Meredith and Rebecca, have been pounding away at their keyboards entering in important information to our database. When they aren't in front of their computers they are doing a wonderful job cleaning the retail area and getting it ready to display our new merchandise.

  Lauren and Amanda are working on setting up summer programs and booking reservations for larger groups with special requests. Lauren has been doing a great job updating our website and processing summer camp applications. Amanda is working with applications for employment, promoting the company at trade shows, ordering merchandise, and developing relationships with different parks and recs in the area. 

  Amanda is also working on getting musicians to play for us on Saturdays during the summer time.

  We are all working very hard on getting everything just right for you, our guests and employees! Here is to thoughts of warmth and the longer lasting sunshine of summer!