‘River Crowd’ Brings Party To Lake Elsinore

Shiny jet boats, tricked out trailers, loaded 4x4 trucks, luxury motor homes and water lovers with Buds in hand lined Lake Elsinore’s levee Friday in preparation for this weekend’s Thunder in the Channel 5.

The event features side-by-side drag boat racing where competitors reach speeds of up to 200 mph. It’s one of just six National Jet Boat Association-sanctioned events scheduled this year and is the only one slated for Lake Elsinore in 2012. ( to read about the March 2011 event on Lake Elsinore; to read about the local Fall 2011 event.)

Friday afternoon at the levee felt like a trip to Parker Dam at the Colorado River. A low-key party was underway as the sun beat on the water’s edge. Some competitors took to the lake to test and tune their boats, while others hung back and talked racing over cocktails and barbeque grills.

“From the River to the race,” said Mike Fry, who was in town with his family to compete his 3200 horsepower boat that reaches speeds well above 200 mph. His machine can do a quarter mile in 5.4 seconds, he said.

“I’ve got the second quickest Alcohol Hydro in the country right now,” he said of his boat, Mean Streak II. “We’re the show of the NJBA.”

Wearing a wide grin, dark suntan and board shorts, the 50-something exuded the energy of a man half his age.

“The River crowd – it’s the same atmosphere here,” Fry said with beer in hand.

Georgine Roadstrom was at the event Friday with her husband, Roger. The Sun Lakes couple’s 42-year-old son, Roger Jr., will compete this weekend.

Georgine is in charge of NJBA membership. She said the Lake Elsinore event is one of the most well attended because the “Inland Empire is a River crowd.”

“A lot of people here have boats. They come spectate,” she said.

They also come to party.

“Young guys looking at the girls -- that’s all going on,” Georgine explained with a smile.

But she said the event is very family oriented.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie. We’ve all known each other for so long. There’s definitely a lot of family here,” she said.

For those who want to check out the action this weekend, qualifying rounds are scheduled Saturday, and Sunday will see eliminations. There are small cash winnings, maybe a trophy, for the racers who come out on top.

“There’s no money in boat racing,” Roger Roadstrom said. “It’s about having fun.”

For those who want to catch this weekend’s Thunder in the Channel, parking at The Diamond Stadium parking will be available. Thousands are expected to attend. Cost to spectate on the levee is $32 for a weekend pass; or $18 Saturday and $24 Sunday.