A little more than a decade ago, it wasn’t common to see many stand up riders out on the water in MN. A couple of the local riders were looking for a way to connect with others and grow the sport. The TC JetPilots were born and the group quickly grew from a handful to a solid group of a few dozen. The next year they put together a small group ride on a sandy island on the river and called it “the sortie.” Fast forward 10 years and the group has exploded, inspiring other organized groups and rides across the Midwest.
This year marked the 10th annual TC Jet Pilots Sortie and it was one for the record books. Members started showing up as early as Wednesday to grab their favorite spot. Hundreds of riders from all over the Midwest attended and brought a huge variety of machines. If it floated and burned gas, you had a chance to check it out. Trades and test rides were common sight all weekend, from fully built custom skis to vintage X-2s. WaveBlasters to X4s. We even had a Jet-mate, a Wetbike, a Sea-Doo 3D, and of course, the one of a kind Lil’ Wake.
We owe a lot to the numerous sponsors that contribute swag and marketing support to the event. It was a huge thrill this year to bring up the Liquid Militia crew and team rider Mark Gomez to show them a little Minnesota hospitality. They were our first sponsor and have been huge supporters ever since. The highlight on the water was the huge double up session on Saturday.
The steep-V wake from the two boats plowing side by side gave riders a chance to work on their backies, rolls and of course, epic bails. Making good use of the Midwest “surf” Gomez was going huge and showing everyone how to take it to the next level. Be sure to check out the killer video on TCJetPilots website and more photos at TCJP Sortie Photo Album on Facebook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvXq6KVS4DM
The three day weekend was also a great opportunity to get together and hang out. The local Kiwanis prepared a killer breakfast Saturday morning and came back with a pig roast that night. After that it was on to the raffle where we gave away a ton of swag and the grand prize – a mint Sea-Doo HX thanks to Westside Powersports. From the raffle we raised $4000 for the Kiwanis Club of Lake City. After the raffle the DJ fired up and pushed things late into the night to bring the party to a close.
The TC Jet Pilots are grateful to all of our sponsors for their support and our members for making it such an amazing group. We look forward to seeing you at the Sortie next year, August 26-28 2016. Special thanks to sponsors: Liquid Militia, Jet Lift, Westside Powersports, St. Boni Motorsports, Prowatercraft Racing, Jet Renu, Rhaas Products, Hydro-Turf, Skat-Trak, Blowsion, Bomber Eyewear, Jettrim, Atlantis Enterprises, Watcon.com, Robotow
Photography courtesy of Kait Brown
