Along with everything else going on at the kennel this week, the major matter of Yukon Quest 1000 and 300 drop bags had to be attended to!

Each time we run a race we do a “debrief” about not only the dogs and the race plan but also logistics including handling, travelling and drop bags. We took the plan from 2014 (the last time the race started in Fairbanks), made some tweaks identified in the debrief, then with the help of lots of good friends and neighbors, we packed the bags ready to be dropped off on Saturday afternoon. It is a major undertaking.

The drop bags include:

  • 6-8lb packs of two different kinds of kibble
  • packs of 14 (12 for YQ300) meat snacks including salmon, turkey skins, beef and tripe (yummy)
  • packs of 14 (12 for YQ30) booties
  • extra dog jackets and blankets (extra to what Allen and Aliy will be carrying with them in case they get damp)
  • packs of vet supplies to refresh the kit in the sled including Algyval, foot ointment and vet-wrap
  • human food including freeze-dried meals, oatmeal bars, nuts, bacon and some “proper” seam-sealed meals to drop in the cook pot
  • sled runner plastics
  • spare equipment and clothing for dogs and humans (and anything else they might need along the way!)

We then have to do an inventory of each bag so the ones that have to cross the border over into Canada can get through Customs smoothly.

Sincere thanks to the whole team who have been working hard to get these done, along with Two Rivers 100/200 preparation this week!! We couldn’t have done it without you. Y’all free again next week for Iditarod bags???


Labelling comes first; Wendy is the Booty Queen!


Chris cuts salmon into snack sized slices; Madi crumbles turkey skins for use as a meal additive


Mykena bags salmon and Padee bags beef for snacks along the trail


Tami bags kibble for meals; Wes has kibble ready for meal time


Moira makes more oatmeal bars than you can shake a stick at; Allen packs it all in

13 Responses

  • Yum. If you have time maybe we could get the recipe for those bars? then we could have a more immersive experience as we watch the trackers at a race party – ALL night long. Thank you for all you do.

  • You are so right: it takes a village! Your descriptions and pictures prove that.

    Will be watching on the "sidelines" from VA and pulling for the Red and Black Teams of SP Kennel.

  • Oatmeal bars – yummy!!!

    Also wish I could have been there to help – but I have been thinking about these tasks and who would be volunteering to do them/help doing them!!!

    SP KENNEL TEAM PREP DIVISION – Woof, woof, woof – you are the best!!!

  • Maybe to cap off the season the Two Rivers musher community will do that neighborhood race again. The one that starts in a sleeping bag in the parking lot. What a riot!

    Congrats on getting the bags done. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. We'd all help out if we could.

  • What great support to get drop bags ready for YQ. Great pictures detailing all the activities that go into major race prep. This weekend racing at Two Rivers, yeah. Thanks for great post.

  • A well oiled machine. The logistics of all of it is impressive. And to think about other kennels doing the same preparation…and those organizing the race have their own preparations…it's a big deal. Thanks for taking the time to include us in this busy time.

  • Hey Barb, the recipe was posted January 26, 2013 – "Eat Like an SP Kennel Musher"
    Enjoy!

  • Barb I looked up the recipe here it is
    1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
    0.5 cup white chocolate chips
    1 banana (squished)
    0.5 cup sugar-free peanut butter
    0.5 cup sugar-free shredded coconut
    1 tsp vanilla
    0.25 cup Agave syrup

    Combine all ingredients, flatten into a baking dish then freeze.

    thank you Aliy and Allen and go spk

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