A huge thank-you to all of our 2024 Taming of the Slough participants and volunteers!

Tune Up for Taming Allows Racers to Practice the Course in Advance

Tune Up is a series of training sessions open to Taming of the Slough racers and the general public. Meet at the foot of 17th Street outside of the Bass Street YMCA in downtown Moline. Sylvan Island mountain bike course will be very similar to the race day setup.

Tune Up for Taming Schedule:

• September 5th, 2024 from 5:30-7:00 pm
• September 12th, 2024 from 5:30-7:00 pm
• September 19th, 2024 from 5:30-7:00 pm

Get prepared for Taming of the Slough or just enjoy some time on the river, or bike the off-road trails on Sylvan Island. It's a fun and loosely-structured event promoting adventure sports in the Quad Cities!

Bring your own boat and mountain bike to try out the track. There are limited boats available for general use. To reserve a boat call River Action at 563-322-2969.

Packet pickup is from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Bent River Brewing Company in downtown Moline. 1413 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265. We will be set up on the back patio.

The race is Saturday Sept. 28, at 8:00 am.

• Please arrive for the race by 7:30 am at the latest.
• Greeting and race info at 7:45 am outside of the Bass Street YMCA.
• All transitions take place at the foot of 17th Street outside of the Bass Street YMCA in downtown Moline.

The Boat (Kayak or Canoe) is a 2.5-mile paddle in the Sylvan Slough.

The Bike is a short ride to Sylvan Island for a challenging mountain bike course returning to the Bass Street YMCA (2.5 miles paved, 5 miles off-road).

The Run is 2 miles on the Rock Island Arsenal Island.

Chip timers must be handed off in the transition area.

The Corporate Challenge pits three-person relay teams from local businesses against each other for our Corporate Challenge Trophy - "THE ROCK". Compete for bragging rights against other local businesses. If you win your team will be forever etched onto the trophy and it will go with you to display at your office until next year's event, when you can defend your title!

Q: When do I need to be there?

A: The race begins promptly at 8:00am, pre-race instructions and announcements start at 7:30am. Please arrive prior to 7:30 to register or check in if you didn't register in advance or for same day packet pick-up.

Q: Will we race if it rains?

A: The event goes on rain or shine, only thunderstorms or dangerously high winds will cancel the event. Trails on Sylvan Island stay open during rain.

Q: Do I need my own equipment?

A: You must provide your own equipment (mountain bike, helmets, paddles, life jackets, paddle boat). If you need to rent a kayak or canoe for the race, please visit our canoe & kayak outfitters below.

Q: What's the difference between a 2 and 3 person team?

A: The 2-person team competes together in all legs of the race, sharing a paddle boat, result is the average of each individual time. The 3-person team is a relay, where each member competes in a single leg of the race.

Q: What if I can't make packet pick-up on Friday?

A: Please arrive prior to 7:30am for same day packet pick-up or to register or check in if you didn't register in advance.

Q: Where do I park?

A: You may park in the west lot of the Vibrant Arena located at 1201 River Drive in Moline, IL or on 17th St. south of River Drive (near River House and Bad Boyz Pizza).

We have coordinated with a number of outfitters from the Midwest to rent canoes and kayaks for the event. If you need a kayak or canoe contact:

• River Basin Canoe & Kayak at 319-752-1857
• Paddle On! Outfitters Inc. at 815-762-4009
• Lundeen's Landing at 309-885-4555
• Arsenal Island Outdoor Recreation rental shop at 309-782-8630
• Maquoketa River Rentals at 563-357-4489
• Monticello River Rentals at 319-405-3697
• Rebecca's Rock River Rentals at 309-502-8003

You MUST CALL AHEAD or contact the outfitter to reserve your rental PRIOR to the day of the event. We do NOT have canoes or kayaks available at launch locations on the day of the event.

Are you an outfitter who wants to participate in Taming of the Slough? Email us.

Volunteers are needed on September 28, 2024, 6:30-12 noon, with two-hour shifts to help with help paddlers, bikers, and runners with registration, launching, transitions, and information. Positions include set-up, assisting with race transitions and boat launch, monitoring bikes and boats, and course marshals for the run. Location is the Bass Street Landing at the foot of 17th Street, Moline, IL

Sign Up Here!

Questions? Call (563) 322-2969 or email ahamerlinck@riveraction.org.