Yukon Quest festivities and formalities start Wednesday evening here in Whitehorse so Allen and I travelled over Tuesday night.
Scenes from along the road from Two Rivers to Whitehorse
Tonight is the Yukon Meet the Mushers event where public and fans get to meet all the starting YQ1000 mushers and get signatures and photos. It’s a fun, social occasion so if you are in or near Whitehorse come along and say “Hi”!
Both dog teams, escorted by Aliy, Mark and Wendy (who is handling for Aliy in the YQ300) travel over on Thursday while Allen is in musher meetings and at a luncheon for the “Quest Guest” auction winners. Moira has a handler meeting during the day also to learn about the checkpoints and the rules that apply to the handler team.
The teams will arrive on Thursday evening in time to get the dogs a hot meal then the humans go into the Starters Banquet and Bib Draw where we will learn when the Black Team will leave the start chute on Saturday.
Friday is a day of final preparation and rest for the 1000 mile racers while Aliy and the YQ300 team have compulsory vet checks and their musher/handler meetings and bib draw. The vet checks were not able to be completed privately prior to the race, and every dog racing with Aliy, regardless if they completed a vet check as a “potential” for Allen, will get a comprehensive top-to-toe check over by the volunteer vet team.
Then, Saturday from 11am the YQ1000 teams will leave from Shipyards Park, Whitehorse followed at 3pm by the YQ300 teams, on their way to the first checkpoint in Braeburn.
For more information about these and other events see the Yukon Quest website.
Chris and Ruth are staying at the kennel for the Yukon side of the race, caring for and continuing to train all those left behind. There’s still more racing after this so it’s important those not doing this race keep in shape.
Its posts like this that make me want to jump on a plane to join in on the festivities!!! A whirlwind of activities indeed planned to kick this race off to a great start! Safe travels for everyone and know we are with you in spirit! GO SPK!!!
Majestic landscape. Thanks so much for these pictures!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF – Go SP Kennel Red and Black Teams!!!
Whoo hoo. Save room for the Braeburn cinnamon rolls (that's where they are if I remember correctly)
Have fun with all the pre-race craziness!
Someday I'm going to be there to meet you at the finish line! In the meantime I will be cheering on from here in Erie, PA. Go SPK!
Yup Dawn, you are correct–had mine this summer! Ditto too wish I was there. Good Luck Allen and Aliy—-Go SPK!!!!!
Great pictures. Go Allen & Black team. Enjoy handlers meeting Moira. Yeah SPK!
The most exciting time of the season is about to begin! We know Allen will get the most out of the main team and Aliy will give the up and comers some great experience, too! Go SPK!!! Thanks for letting us be a part of this.
So exciting. These posts just build and build the anticipation. Thank you.
Oh hooray – I am excited to see the races start.
I agree that it is so exciting. The organization and logistics of all of this still amazes me each season as I read what it takes for mushers to get to the starting line and also the racing organizations. Looking forward to the Dawson Dog Camp coverage.