“Let’s get ready to paddle!” (photos)

Here is a piece of Alabama trivia.  Where does the longest running whitewater slalom race in the nation take place?

Answer: On the Mulberry Fork River in Alabama at the Mulberry Fork Canoe and Kayak Races (first race was in 1981).

The rivers north of Birmingham have been a mecca for fans of whitewater kayaking and canoe racing. In addition to the Mulberry Fork  race, since 1992, whitewater enthusiasts have converged on the Mulberry Folk and Locust Fork Rivers to participate in the “three stage” Alabama Cup Racing Series.

The first leg of the series, the Locust Fork Invitational, was held on February 4-5.

Special to Bham Now –  local photographer Matthew J Grcic has provided “scenes” from the Locust Fork Invitational race earlier this month.

Two additional whitewater races remain on the Alabama Cup series schedule.  They are:

• Mulberry Fork Canoe & Kayak Races – March 4th & 5th, 2017 (the oldest whitewater slalom race in the nation!)
• Paddlefest – April 1st, 2017

Don’t miss these action packed events located north of Birmingham.