Five years of Montana Snowkite Rodeos!

noah · Since 19 Oct 2006 173 Posts Bozeman, Montana Stoked

I still can remember the first time I arrived at Georgetown Lake. It was in November ’03. Keith Kallio had been telling me about this fantastic place – snowy, windy, a big lodge (and bar) – right next to the kitespot. Keith was not exaggerating (for a change), Georgetown Lake had it all!

Keith also had an idea: Georgetown Lake would be a perfect place for a new snowkite event. Five years ago, in 2004, the Montana Snowkite Rodeo was born!

Fast-forward five years: The lodge is gone. It’s been torn down to make way for condos. Keith is gone, too. He passed away much too soon. All his friends and family miss him and always will. However, the Montana Snowkite Rodeo lives on!

For the hundreds of kiters who have come to the Rodeo over the past four years, it’s been a fantastic place to kite, share stories, tells lies, party, and make friends. So many snowkiters from far-flung locations have come to the Rodeo and made it a real gathering of the tribe.

I’m looking forward to this year’s Rodeo as much as any. Montana is in the midst of a great winter. We’ve had plenty of snow and loads of windy days. For anyone who’ll be here for the 5th Montana Snowkite Rodeo, we all need to raise a glass for Keith who had the vision and to each other for making it come together.

See ya out there,

Noah

forrest · Tue Feb 12, 08 2:15 pm

Well said Noah, we'll keep him in our thoughts as we enjoy this weekend!

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Cheers!

There is a great crew out there holding it down and i can't wait to get out there and get some real snowkiting in!

Much thanks to all who have supported and help shed light on Montana snowkiting for everyone to enjoy!

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I remember my first experience at MSR and meeting keith.
I'll be raising my glass in his honor.
Thanks to Joel Beatty for continuing the tradition. I look forward to it this weekend.

here's a couple of videos from last years event if you need your snowkite fix before this weekend...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pCDdZI6j06E
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LayGKLOaMc0

See you there!
jim
206 715 6524

Airnsails · Since 22 Jun 2005 104 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

Still the Northwest's best snowkite event. Even though Keith is gone his dream and enthusiasm lives on.

If any of you are on the fence about going. GO. MT snowkiting Rocks

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

Here's what's in store for wind and snow this week for the rodeo...
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=MSO&llon=-113.713747&rlon=-111.958747&tlat=47.274584&blat=45.517084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=60&map.y=152

This Afternoon: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 29 by 5pm. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Northwest wind between 6 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. West northwest wind between 5 and 11 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 33. West southwest wind between 7 and 9 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13.
Presidents' Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

Wreknball · Since 13 Dec 2007 6 Posts New Member

Thanks for the support you guys, I'm like, emotional.

But hey its going to be another great event this year and if you can make it, DO IT!! Montana kiters are some of the greatest people you will meet and that's what makes this event special,...... that and good snow, wind and micro beer,

kite on, joel