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February 3, 2017 by

Allen and the Black Team will be starting down the trail wearing bib number 8! They will take off from the chute at 11.21am Yukon time.


Bib #8 sponsored by Moose Creek Lodge; Dog ID tags for our athletes

This evening was the sold out Start and Draw Banquet in Whitehorse which started out with a procession of the mushers led in by the Canadian Rangers – the team in charge of putting the Yukon trail in. Everyone was welcomed by Jessie Dawson, Councillor for Kwanlin Dun First Nation. Jessie shared some personal stories about what the Quest means to her and also how appreciative the First Nation were of the Quest Board who wrote to ask permission for the race to mush over their lands. We also heard Betsy Johnson from Ta’an Kwach’an First Nation blessing the mushers and the dogs.

The National Anthems of Canada and America were powerfully delivered by Barbara Chamberlain before we were welcomed by Jeanie Dendys, the Minister of Tourism & Culture, and the Mayor of the City of Whitehorse, Dan Curtis.

We even got treated to some live entertainment – the Yukon Quest Follies. There were songs about the Quest, dogs and mushers with some audience participation: “How much is that doggy in the window?” with “Questified” lyrics and “You’re a pain, I bet you think this burger is for you” about a couple’s favourite dog Brae. A crowd pleaser was a song about a man’s 12 favourite dogs and the views he has of them as a musher. I can’t really repeat many of the lyrics in polite society but it was pretty funny!

Each musher then came up to draw their bib number and say a few words. There is always many people to thank for helping just to get to the start line so there were heartfelt thanks to husbands, wives, partners, handlers, sponsors, volunteers, officials, vets, fans, and, above all, dogs.

We can’t wait to get this race started!

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14 Responses

  • Excited – I said that before, didn't I? I love seeing the two mushers looking happy and ready to roll.

    "You're so vain. I bet you think this son is about you" becomes "You're a pain. I bet you think this burger is for you" has me laughing out loud.

  • Bring it on we are READY 🔴⚫️🌨❄️🐾🐾👉🏻.Denali & Joanne 🇦🇺🐾🐾

  • That sounds like a fun and entertaining evening. Woo Hoo #8. Allen seems to have a knack for drawing low numbers. Last year YQ #4 and this year CB300 #6. Very nice picture of Aliy & Allen. Go Black Team! Run well, rest well and be safe.

  • Lucky number 8 did Allen well in 2014!!! He must be excited about pulling that number! Sounds like the gathering was fun and very well attended! Cant wait to get this started TOMORROW!!!

  • Ditto to all above.

    Thanks for the awesome reports and links – like a daily newspaper at my door each morning with stories I am interested in – woof woof woof!!!

    My best wishes to all 2 and 4 legged Black Team #8 participants is this 1000 mile adventure, and to the magnificent SP Kennel Crew who will do so much for all in the week plus ahead!!!

    Onward!!! (Translation: "WOOF WOOF WOOF")

  • Thanks SPK Team for doing such a good job bringing us along with you. It' virtual reality at its finest. Stella and I send the team a good luck "Hoowwwlll"!
    Louise

  • Good luck Allen and good luck Aliy on the 300 and good luck to all the SPK 4-legged superstars! We are ready to cheer you on.

  • Best wishes for a safe journey out there. We'll be watching from Delaware. Congratulations on #8! May the wind always be at your back.

  • Well, it's time to rock 'n roll, SPK! Looking forward to cheering you on from NYC. Thanks to all the SPK family for all the work you do to bring so much enjoyment to all your fans. Go Allen! Go Aliy! Go SPK!!!

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