The Spirit of the MR 340: A Conversation with Scott Mansker and Steve Schnarr
Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Finding Your Epic Adventure Through Kayaking and Paddling, MR340 and BeyondShow Notes
In season two of Paddle Sports Lifestyle, we are introducing you to the people and stories behind this epic endurance race. And, what a perfect kick off to the season: a conversation with Steve Schnarr and Scott Mansker!
A few highlights from this episode:
👥 There's a unique culture thriving within the MR340 community – one of support, generosity, and an endless supply of advice for newcomers. It's about the journey, the river, and the people you meet along the way.
🏞️What drives the MR340 paddlers? A shared love for the untamed beauty of the Missouri River, and a passion for its preservation. Every racer is an advocate for this historic waterway. The MR340 is not just a race; it's an event to raise funds and awareness for the mission of Missouri River Relief.
‼️ Reminder: Preparation is key! Safety measures, gear adequacy, and weather awareness are essential. Our guests, stewards of the race and river, remind us of some precautions.
🆕 Newbies: do not fear! You can do this! There's wisdom in joining forces with veteran voyagers, harnessing collective knowledge, and training and communicating with those who have done this before!
🚣🏽♀️The rising tide of female participation in MR340 speaks volumes. Word is getting out, and this race is breaking boundaries and empowering women!
Steve Schnarr is a devoted steward of the Missouri River, serving as the Executive Director of Missouri River Relief, a Columbia, Missouri-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a profound connection between people and the river. Steve's leadership at Missouri River Relief has seen the cultivation of numerous programs, events, educational opportunities, river cleanups, and races, all with the goal of creating enduring and impactful experiences for individuals and communities drawn to the preservation and appreciation of the Missouri River.
Scott Mansker founded the MR340 in 2006, and has since grown the race from 16 racers the first year to the world-class challenge it is today. His unparalleled knowledge of every bend on the Missouri River and mastery at simplifying the most tangled logistics make him the go-to resource for all things Mr340. Having turned ownership of the race over to Missouri River Relief, Scott now serves as the Safety Boat Coordinator.
Some Additional Details:
Want a quick way to shop for your 2024 MR340 experience? Check out my "What's on the boat?" list! Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.
Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:
Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle / @kimberlylpeek Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/
Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!
More from Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Finding Your Epic Adventure Through Kayaking and Paddling, MR340 and Beyond
The final stretch of the Missouri River 340 tells a story of reinvention. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Klondike Park, where ancient silica sand fueled America's glass industry before becoming a beloved outdoor destination. We'll visit Weldon Spring, one of the nation's largest environmental cleanup success stories, and finish in historic St. Charles - a town that has welcomed explorers, immigrants, cyclists, and MR340 paddlers.
The Missouri River has always attracted dreamers. In this episode, we travel through Hermann, New Haven, and Washington to meet the immigrants, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who saw opportunity where others saw uncertainty. Discover how one travel writer inspired thousands of Germans to settle in Missouri, how Hermann's vineyards helped save the French wine industry, why New Haven continues to embrace life on the river, and how a simple woodworking project became the world's most famous corncob pipe. These are the stories of the people whose dreams came to life along the Missouri and whose legacies are still alive today.
After hundreds of miles on the Missouri River, we arrive at Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri. But Jefferson City wasn't a bustling river town that naturally grew into the state's political center. It was intentionally created to become Missouri's capital. We'll also visit the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary, discover the story behind Carl R. Noren Access, and make brief stops in the river communities of Mokane and Chamois before continuing downstream.
Every stretch of the Missouri River has a story. Some are about commerce. Some are about exploration. This one is about community. In this episode, we paddle into one of the most beloved stops along the entire MR340 route: Cooper's Landing. Long before it became a gathering place for paddlers, cyclists, campers, and live music, this bend in the river was home to the forgotten town of Nashville, Missouri. We'll explore how the Great Flood of 1844 erased an entire community, why people never stopped returning to this special place, and how Cooper's Landing has become one of the river's most iconic destinations.
Towering limestone bluffs. The only railroad tunnel on the Katy Trail. Seasonal waterfalls cascading down ancient rock faces. A bluff-top winery overlooking the Missouri River. Rocheport is more than just another town along the MR340 course; it's one of the most scenic places on the entire river. In this episode we explore how a natural harbor at the mouth of Moniteau Creek helped transform Rocheport into one of Missouri's busiest river ports, why Lewis and Clark stopped here, and how railroad engineers created the Rocheport Tunnel. Whether you're preparing for the MR340, planning a Katy Trail adventure, or simply curious about Missouri's river history, Rocheport is worth a visit, or even a long weekend.