The Black Team crossed the line in Dawson at 9.18pm looking absolutely fantastic. They were animated, had wagging tails and eagerly ate up their thawed steaks in front of a crowd of media and onlookers.

Allen himself was great! But, I’m quite certain he will be looking forward to a sleep.

The run/rest schedule Allen has run thus far looks to have paid off as the dogs still were perky and had good energy. Remember, they have 24 hours here in Dawson, not 36 as they have in previous years. There are 12 fewer hours to rest and recharge.

What happens now? Aliy took over the team and mushed them across the river to the campground where Spencer (who got a lift by truck) was waiting for them with a big warm meal. Aliy and Spencer then undressed the dogs of all their coats and harnesses etc. The veterinarian team will do their thorough dog-by-dog check on them before the dogs settle for a rest.

At various intervals throughout the night and tomorrow we will walk, feed, massage them etc. It’s important to get lots of calories into them so they are primed ready to go the next 500 miles.

As far as Allen goes, Ray whisked him immediately off to the truck to change into some dry clothes. He will head over to the camp for the vet checks then we’ll get some food into him before he catches some sleep. He will need no rocking tonight!!

Ray then takes Allen’s sled to the RCMP facilities where he will thaw it out, check it out for any necessary repairs and get it ready for Allen to pack up in 22-odd hours from now.

Check out the Yukon Quest Facebook page for good pics and video of the team’s arrival. I have some footage and will get something up as soon as I can.

21 Responses

  • Yahoo!! Welcome to Dawson Allen and the full compliment of 14 SPK canine superstars!! Awesome run thus far!! I must admit I fell asleep on the "ole Arm Chair Musher runners" when the Team was 10 miles out yet….it was getting late here on the east coast but I'm jumping for joy now!! I'm sure the resting and pampering has already begun….please give Chemo an extra kiss on the nose and tell him his Sponsor Moms are SO proud of him!! GO Black Team!!!

  • Thanks so very uch for these and your truly amazing commentary!!!

    Best,

    Margaret
    P.S. Woof, woof, woof!!!

  • Amazing epic run you guys!!! So glad you get to rest, eat, and that the dogs get all the rest and pampering possible!!!
    Why did they reduced the time for the layover in Dawson?
    Congratulations to all!!!

  • Great run to Dawson in some tough conditions. Way to go Black team!
    Brent and Allen competing for next half of the race, might wear the tracker out over the next few days!

  • 24 hours rest, pampering,
    and I hope a little rest for the handlers too.
    That includes you Aliy. You have an appointment next month.

    Allen and Black team, you're doing fantastic!

    Hoping the Black team can head to Eagle firing on all fifteen cylinders tonight. 🙂
    Wooop wooop woohoo!!!

  • Go Allen Go!!! From the photos I have seen the pups and human look good, I am sure they are tired. Hope you get some good rest and sleep, not to mention some good food in all your bellies.

    Looking forward to following (via computer) the "second half" of the Black teams journey and cheering them on…

    Stay safe Allen!!

    Heidi

  • My bed called me away last night before Allen "landed". I'm afraid the same will happen tonite when he flies. I'm with you in spirit!

  • Congratulations on another stellar run up to Dawson. I'm so happy to see how good people still can make it happen in this "dog eat dog" world. If I was a dog, I would want to be on your team, because I would be king. Thank you all for the hard work you're doing. Go Allen and your little four-legged well oiled "Ferraries", I know you're giving it 100 percent, more than good enough in my book. I love you all! May God be your trail marker!

  • Wish I could lend a hand even if it was only "tootsie roll" patrol. Enjoy the recharge little, mighty doggies! and Allen, too. Go get 'em when you are up!

  • Great run into Dawson, Allen & Black Team. Now it is time for all to rest, eat, & recharge for the next 500 miles. You are in capable hands with the great handler team. Allen you & team are looking great! Thanks for great pictures and update.

  • I was told the reason for decreasing the 36 hour layover was two fold. First mushers and dogs were often ready to go, as they are in the Iditarod and they wanted to mandate additional layovers. They added the layover at the onset with the time adjustment, e.g.

  • Lourdes VT,
    After receiving input from mushers, veterinarians, officials and staff, the Rules Committee reviewed the mandatory stops in the race and resolved to make some significant changes. The layover in Dawson City has been decreased from 36 hours to 24 hours. That rest time has been applied to other mandatory stops by increasing all previous four hour mandatories to six hours and adding another six hour floating mandatory in the last half of the race. Drivers will have their choice of location for this mandatory. The final eight hour stop still remains in Two Rivers.

  • Or maybe the tracker has been moving with the sled to the RCMP, and now it's at the campsite?
    That tracker page just doesn't tell the whole story, LOL.

  • Minus 52 deg. below zero! Jumble ice! Overflow!…Allen and Aliy and SPK dogs, you are an inspiration!
    (Olivia, we wish we were there…However, we're thinking about you and kin…and we send smooches and pats to all. Congratulations on a great YQ300).
    Allen, travel safe and swift.

    from
    Tonia and Herb

  • Wow !!! How sweet it is! Most excellent Birthday 4 me… Black & Red teams R AWESOME Competitors…
    Julia in New Mexico mountains

  • Wow! What a team. Everyone! I Love your dedication 🙂 Thank you so much for the updates. Travel safe Allen and the Black Team. ☆★

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