Aliy’s Red Team was first to arrive at the Mile 101 checkpoint. According to the YQ site:
“Aliy Zirkle came storming into Mile 101, not realizing she was the first of the YQ300 mushers. She’ll be taking her mandatory four hours stop and getting some rest herself after bedding the dogs.”
As always, Aliy’s focus is on the dogs and she lets the standings take care of themselves.
The team will take its mandatory rest, during which Aliy will spend most of the time pampering the dogs and maybe get a few minutes for herself to eat and rest.
Unless you’ve been there to see it, folks, it is almost impossible to understand and appreciate how much time, attention, energy and even personal sacrifice a great musher like Aliy will expend and endure on behalf of the dogs.
It’s humbling to witness what she does for the love of her dogs.
According to the tracker, Chase Tingle arrived at Mile 101 about a half-hour after Aliy, with other teams following pretty close behind. That means this is a very competitive race, and guaranteed to be very exciting — and stressful for all of us! — over the next day or so.
It’s frustrating that we don’t have any photos or video of Aliy yet, but when I explain in a future post just how impossible the logistics and communications are for both YQ races you’ll have a better sense of why that is. For now, trust me when I say it’s truly amazing that we get anything at all from “way out there”!
Macgellan – these are GREAT posts! Thanks so much for doing this!
DITTO!!!
You're the best!
I agree… thanks for the posts. If you get the chance, can you tell us the main differences between the 300 and 1000 besides miles? Strategies? Do some dogs do better in the shorter races?
I'm confused… Yukon Quest, YQ300, do they go on at the same time?
Paula — The YQ300 starts 4 hours after the YQ1000, runs the same trail to Circle then turns back to finish at Central… So, yes they run at the same time, sort of.
Leanna — Great question!… I'll try to whip something up for you soon!
Yukon Quest = 1000 miles, starts earlier; Allen, Black Team in this
Yukon Quest "300" is just that – 300 miles, started later in the day on Saturday; Aliy, Red Team, in this.
Helped check aliy in at two rivers last night. Dogs looked great and were tugging to go
Ditto Mac. Thanks so much for keeping us informed. Yes Aliy does have a great love for her dogs.
It's humbling to hear how you describe Aliys love and care for her Team……this is exactly why I follow SPK….."Dog First" Competitive Sled Dog Racing at its finest…..Makes me proud to be an SPK supporter!! Go Red and Black Teams….AND Ryno Team…..one big happy family!
I am interested that Aliy would be resting in Mile 101 longer than 2 hours (as have several other mushers) only to have to rest again in Central for 6 hours.
Awesome insight you're sharing. Thanks so very much!
Aliy has it right, it's all about the dogs. If you take care of them, they will take care of you and the outcome of the race. having spent quality time with her and Allen, I've experienced the dogcare and love for the dogs first hand and it's impeccable. Love them both and wish them both success.