Well folks, it sure is a dog race! Allen and his team arrived into Two Rivers at 5.36am, two minutes ahead of Brent and his team. You weren’t planning on doing anything else today were you, other than watching the tracker?
Both mushers set about their arrival routines after checking in, which were very similar to each other. During an eight hour break Allen feeds the dogs twice so his routine at this checkpoint was to snack the dogs immediately, remove booties and leggings etc, put straw down, massage, then give them the first of their meals. He then set about packing his sled ready for the final leg and changing runner plastics on the sled. The veterinarians do a very thorough dog-by-dog assessment of the team at this checkpoint also to be sure everyone is in good shape to continue.
Two Rivers checkpoint, manned by many of our neighbors; Wendy, Meghan and Moira awaiting the teams
Aliy spoke to Allen briefly about his run from Central. Allen said it was the best run up Eagle Summit he has ever had, the team he has is the strongest he’s ever run up there. Schmoe, Scooter and Outlaw were barking on the way up the steepest part, cheering the rest of the team on and generally just expressing their joy!
He said they came across some gravelly patches on the trail near Mile 101 and up Rosebud due to the recent winds but they didn’t experience any of the winds on either hill.
Allen and the dogs are currently sleeping and will get a good lot of rest here. The whole team needs to rest, refuel and rehydrate ready for the 73 mile sprint to the finish. We are very excited about the prospect of these two fantastic dog teams racing to Fairbanks!
what a race!! I sure am glad this is an 8 hour stop- I can get some work done around the house, maybe even get a nap, & then settle in to follow the dash to the finish! go Allen!! go dogs!! woo woooo, SP Kennel!
I was SO excited to see Allen somehow got ahead of Brent! I get up at 2:00 am is to put wood in our stove–and immediately checked the tracker! I know it's a close call–but Allen is a go getter–and so is Brent. Will be praying for the best 🙂
Very best thoughts go with you, Allen and dogs and the whole kennel!!
Very exciting, and right in your own back yard. 🙂
Rest well Black Team. Then keep up the awesome race!
Show them what you've got left in the tank.
I spent my vacation refresh, refresh, refresh…first day back to work and the timing couldn't be better…while the boys rest taking their 8, I'm working my 8. I'll be glued to the screen when I get home!!!!
Good luck Allen…go team. Be Safe, Be Sure, Be Winners!
Yes, what a race!! I got absolutely nothing done all morning here at the Cabin…too busy watching the tracker and hunting around for race information! It's been a blast!! Good thing it's a federal holiday and I didn't have to work! This last leg will be equally exciting…I have never been so proud to be an SPK Fan!! Let's go Black Team!!
Sleep tight beautiful doggies, and arise and run like the wind!!!
Thanks for the updates so very much, (it is hard typing these words with fingers crossed).
A great race for the Black Team and one last cheer…
"Go Black Team" WOOF!!!
What an exciting race! This Coloradoan can hardly wait to watch the run for the finish…all the best to all competitors. Thanks for the constant updates…your fans are enthralled!
Well, I am burning up the work during this 8 hour stop, so I can be glued to the tracker for the last run into Fairbanks. Super excited Allen has the lead. Schmoe, Scooter, & Outlaw keep up your expression of joy and cheer leading. Spur the team to the finish line in first. Go swiftly & safely SPK.
Go Black Team and go Alan!! The two best teams are/will be in the sprint to Fairbanks. This is very exciting. I think following it on the tracker actually adds to the suspense. Really impressive to see the top teams progress.
Is there a radio or tv station in Fairbanks that covers it live that I can stream in Missouri or does everyone just follow live trackers and twitter?
Like Fay Wenger said: drive like you stole it
and come in with "guns a blazing"
Go SP team and be safe.
OK!…enjoy your well deserved 8 hour rest. (Don't oversleep)…and then "fly" to the finish line! We are with you in spirit. This is a great YQ race!
smooches and pats for Olivia too,
Tonia and Herb
Chena Hot Springs, Chena River, Chena, Chena, Chena – did I mention Chena asks everyone to pull for the Black Team???
Woof, woof, woof!!!
Go Black Team!!!
Run like the wind!!!
–Margaret
What an epic event has been set up here! The 2 minutes between these teams makes for an adrenaline fest.
Be safe teams and Team Black-run like your ass is on fire!
Hugs to our girl Sissy!
Holly Freeman
Christa,
The Quest website has a media partners page where you might find something.
GO SPK!
Christa,
Or Google "Fairbanks webcam"
and that should do it.
Steak and hot springs waiting!
I'm not sure I can stand watching these trackers leap frog each other another year, I don't know how you do it. And to think we have to do it all over again next month. No matter the outcome, I couldn't be prouder of Allen and his great effort to let the SP Kennel dogs shine. I can just picture him pinwheeling those ski poles faster every time Brent's light gets close. Safe travels to all the dogs and Allen. GO SPK!
Wisconsin loves Aliy and Allen and all the handlers and the awesome dogs at SP Kennel! Good Luck and God Speed. We are 3 hours ahead of you timewise so we are not planning on getting much sleep tonight. We are inspired by your performance!
I think it's much more than a dog race!!! It's a race for all of us, wishing the mushers and the dogs the very best and jumping on our seats, and waiting for the results!!!
I'm past crossing my fingers and toes, I'm crossing my eyes looking at every bit of this race!!!
Godspeed!!!
This will be a nail biter for sure. Getting my refresh finger ready for action. Go Allen and dogs! Cheering for afar and proud of the race you've run. Look out Fairbanks two freight trains will be roaring down the tracks as Allen & Brent battle it out. Bring it home Black Team!
One more thing guys, I saw a post by Aliy on her phone about the name 'Dos Rios! And, yes, Dos Rios is the place to watch right now!!! God bless all!!!
My 3rd-5th grade class let out a cheer when I told them Allen was in the lead. We were quite impressed with his strategy of doing practice runs from Two Rivers to Fairbanks to get the dogs geared up for a fast finish. Way to go!
FANTASTIC!! Go Black Team!!!!
Go Allen and Black Team. Bring it home. (well, Fairbanks, anyway). Give it to Allen (and Aliy too) to construct and patiently execute an excellent race plan!
Laine Family, Georgia
Wondering which 2 dogs were dropped and hoping all is well with them.
Reeeaaalllly rooting Allen, Quito, and ALL the pups on!
Debbi Robinson
Spruce Pine, NC
Am so grateful for all the work done on the blogspot. It really fleshes out details about the race, human and dog care that are so fascinating. I check this site as much as Facebook and Quest. Thanks guys for all you do. This kennel is a class act that is role model of dog care. Winning, hopefully, leads others to care for their dogs as meticulously are you do. That's the biggest reason why I want the Black Team to win! to show that racing is fun for the well-trained, well-cared-for dog.