Congratulations to Aliy, Lester, Boonie, Daisy, Amber, Violet, Driver, Iron, Champ, Sandy and Chemo, plus Chena and Sparkie at home, on their 2nd place finish, just as the sun was setting, in an exciting Yukon Quest 300. The Red Team under Nordale Road bridge on Saturday afternoon soon after the … Read More
Both handler crews are in Circle City! Our drive over to Circle was beautiful but it can be a treacherous journey so we decided to do it before it got dark. We knew we would have a long wait at Circle for any mushers to come in but it was … Read More
Aliy left Sparkie with Wes and Wendy at Central. Just before they came into the checkpoint Aliy noticed Spark had a bit of a “head bob” indicating a limp in his front end. She had the veterinarians check him over and she decided to leave him. She left him on … Read More
Like all sled dog races, the YQ rules require a certain number and length of mandatory rests in specified checkpoints. The primary reason for mandatory checkpoint rests is so that veterinary crews will have numerous opportunities to check on the dogs. The first mandatory rest is a 4-hour stop to … Read More
Aliy left Mile 101 checkpoint without Chena. As she was bringing her team up from her parking spot to the checkout area she noticed Chena was limping a little and appeared to have a sore shoulder. Although she thought it could have just been a cramp from sleeping, as the … Read More
The Black Team handler team is currently in Central having just seen Allen and the gang come and go through the checkpoint. They have a long road to Circle and it is short by road miles so we are holed up here for a couple hours (I think the others … Read More
Compared to the recent CB300 — a short, fast race in which top teams take only the mandatory rests, and cumulative run-times between checkpoints is all that matters — the YQ1000 is a far more complicated race to follow. Here are a few things to know if you’re new to … Read More
As I write this Allen and his team are still camped out, a few miles before Two Rivers checkpoint so there shouldn’t be much need to stop at the checkpoint. He is likely to “blow through” stopping only to check in, let the vets check the team and grab a … Read More
I hope you enjoy these quick videos of both teams leaving the start line in Fairbanks earlier today.
Ray changes runner plastics; Aliy ready to go (Photo: Barbara Swenson) It can be difficult to get a picture of Sparkie Boonie enjoys a snack At the truck, about to leave Chena and Lester getting ready At the start line GO! (How many different directions can a dog team go?
