THE ACHE
Welcome to the 2026 Horsetooth Ache!
The Ache will be held Sunday, September 27. We welcome rowers from Fort Collins Rowing Association, Rocky Mountain Rowing Club, and Peak Rowing.
Boats should be on the reservoir, lined up with the South Bay docks and ready to row by 8:00 am.
Registration fee is $35 per seat.
Registrations must be received by Sunday, September 20.
No "day-of" registrations will be allowed.
All money raised will help to further our mission to promote rowing in our Northern Colorado community and teach young rowers skills that translate to a positive life.
Description
The Horsetooth Ache is a 13-mile scrimmage on the incredibly scenic Horsetooth Reservoir. The course starts at the South Bay docks and heads north to the northernmost dam at Satanka Cove, then returns south back to the starting point at South Bay. Directions >
There will be a buoy or some other easily identifiable object located at the north end to signify the turn around point.
The Ache will be a timed event, but it’s all in good fun. There will be food, possibly prizes, and plenty of great camaraderie. We hope you’ll join us!
Horsetooth Ache Rules
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All rowers must wear a PFD or have enough PFDs for each rower
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No official EMS services will be present.
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Boats must proceed in counterclockwise rotation
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Be cautious of shoreline hazards
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Bow Numbers must be picked up at the Registration desk (one per boat per race). All boats launching must have their bow markers secured. Bow markers will be collected at the launch site.
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Bow clips:
All boats must have a bow clip to which a bow marker can be secured. -
Bowball:
All shells MUST be equipped with a bow ball per USRA rules. -
Heel straps:
All boats MUST have heel straps securely in place at launch time per USRA rules. -
A crew being overtaken shall move aside and allow the overtaking crew to pass.
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A crew is deemed to be overtaking another crew when it has moved to within one length of open water of the crew ahead.
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Stand up paddle boarders and kayakers will not be part of the official scrimmage.
Horsetooth Ache Parking
Be sure to purchase a Larimer County parking pass at the entry to South Bay. Then follow the signs to car parking and trailer parking. Overnight parking for boat trailers is an option. Contact Larimer County Parks & Rec with any questions at 970.498.5610.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of inclement weather that makes the course unsafe for rowing, the Horsetooth Ache will be canceled. No refunds will be given.
Food
$5 burritos will be available at the registration desk before the event, while supplies last.
