It’s going to be a tough one! This final leg is up over some big hills. The trail comes back on the same route towards the PVS but turns off towards Colorado Creek Cabin. Five switchbacks then up, up, up!
I did it once a few seasons ago with Aliy and Meghan and to this day it is still one of the physically hardest things I’ve ever done. Of course, it’s no Rosebud or Eagle Summit, nor am I an Iditarod musher or a former Navy SEAL but still, they are pretty big hills! In saying that, on a clear day or night, the view is spectacular. What’s that old saying about the hardest climbs reward you with the best views? Or something like that.
Aliy stopped her team at sunset up at our training camp site for a snack break and we expect them to finish around 10pm tonight. She will be down off the hills by now and looping around Two Rivers to finish at the Store.
Jeff left the Angel Creek Lodge checkpoint at 6:30pm after almost five hours rest. Evidently there is lots of overflow at the checkpoint. You never can tell in the planning what’s going to happen on the day but it is great training for dogs that have not seen water like that before.
As I mentioned previously, Jeff is taking a VERY conservative approach to this race. He has a bunch of inexperienced youngsters with him and he really wants them to finish positively. We expect him to camp up the top of the hill to rest and we won’t see them until tomorrow morning. the R&Bs are currently in the Red Lantern position.
Jeff left Gold and Bronze with handlers Jeri, Padee and Mark at Angel Creek. Both were simply tired and he didn’t want to push them harder than they could cope with. This is further and harder than they have ever been. Jeff has trained with them a lot this season so he has a good idea about how hard to push. They will be fine after some good, sound sleep.
Keep an eye on the TRDMA website and Facebook page for updates. We will head to the Store soon to see the Red Team home.
I have seen how seriously Gold and Bronze (and Prata) work. I’m glad Jeff noticed the youngsters needed to rest. What a great run for those two future super stars.
I hope he and the rest of the team make it to the finish strong and proud. A red lantern is much better than a scratch.
I expect Aliy is finished with her team 4th or 5th. I hope they are all healthy and happy.
It really is exciting to see so many one and two year olds competing in a race as competitive at the Two Rivers 200!
I’ve been impressed that the yearlings could do any part of this race and be as strong as they have been. They will rock and roll next year!
Bet Bronze and Gold had LOTS to share with their kennel mates when they got back! Good that Jeff made this a fun trip for them! Well done pups! Now on to the last leg!
Great race Gold and Bronze. We are very proud of your first race effort. You accomplished a lot on this run. Thanks Jeff for watching out for them. They will have a great future because of your watchful eye and positive training habits. That is why SPK is the best for the dogs. Go R&B team.
Thanks Jeri, Mark and Padee for doing a great job as the handlers. We appreciate all you are doing for the teams.
Go Red Team and R&B Team!
The Red Lantern position is good for having the youngsters on the team. Finish strong in whatever position you come in. You’re doing great!
“Future” is now, almost!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Yup, it is not how high you finish but whats best for the attitude and well being
of the dogs! Great finish Aliy and Jeff will bring the rest home in good form.
Thanks to the handlers for a Great Job! PLUS, the rest taking care of the dogs
at the kennel–Yukon Quest right around the corner!!!