It’s 8.30am Thursday.
RED TEAM UPDATE
The Red Team has left Ruby after seeing out their mandatory eight hour rest. Aliy will have been able to get some good sleep herself and is hopefully feeling great now. In an Insider interview yesterday at her half-way camp spot she was concerned that the team was moving slowly, but towards the end of the run into Ruby they had picked up their speed again which will have buoyed her going into the break. Maybe they are now feeling better after “losing their mojo” a bit due to the tummy bug they had earlier. We hope so!
At the time of writing the standings haven’t been updated so I am unsure how many team mates she has with her. EDIT: Race standings show she has left one team mate in Ruby. At this stage we have no idea who it is so we appreciate your patience as we wait to get more information. Often times we won’t know until he or she arrives back in Anchorage and we will let you know as soon as we find out.
If you want to know what it looks like to have 16 dogs stretched out in front of you, Aliy took this video on one of the final training runs on our local trails in Two Rivers. The team isn’t the exact one she has with her now but it will give you an idea of how far the leaders are in front of you. It was a beautiful day too!
The weather forecast from weather.gov for the area shows it is now starting to warm up which I’m sure will be welcomed by the mushers and volunteers, but if it gets too warm can start to sap the energy and speed of dogs so resting during “the heat of the day” will become important.
BLACK TEAM UPDATE
The Black Team is back on the trail to Ruby having camped for five hours. As I write they are just over 15 miles outside of Ruby and moving nicely.
Race standings now show Aliy left Ruby with 15 dogs.
Thanks for the update. Was thinking the same as you did about that
run to Ruby. Maybe she will sing to them! Staying positive and
Go Red Team!
Allen is doing great with his 8 hrs. rest in already. Go Get U'm!
WOOF WOOF WOOF – lovely video!!!
Hope he or she who was dropped in Ruby was not in bad shape – perhaps only too thin after "bug" depletion effect?
IIRC the trip to Galena is the appetizer for the long haul up to Huslia…better done on an official 8-hour rest (get that out of the way)!
Mush on!!!
WOOF!!!
What an ideal time to share that inspiring video of Aliy and the team! Thank you so much for your frequent and informative updates. Watching from Littleton, CO! Go SPK!
I'm so glad Aliy got her 8 hour rest in at Ruby, and I hope she and her teammates are feeling peppy and enjoying the run to Galena.
Crossing my fingers, holding my breath, sending good thoughts, and prayers as they near the river. I hope she feels empowered, content and even excited about her accomplishment this year.
Get out and overcome Aliy.
Reclaim that trail. Make it yours again. Have a fun race!
We love you!
or rather, "the spot."
Is that Hotshot and Felix in wheel? I can only imagine the satisfaction that Aliy and Allen have seeing the offspring of their well-loved teams go on before them.
Thank you for all the wonderful updates and additional details! Our hearts are with all of you.
Amazing team spirit ~ 💕💕💕
Question: The GPS Tracker currently shows Michelle Phillips and Jessie Royer around a mile east of the trail line between Galena and Huslia (at 1:11pm AK Time). Is this a GPS Tracker glitch?
Thank you for these updates. Love every scrap you can pass on to us.
Isn't it something what technology can offer to us in these remote passages. Wonderful. Hope the tummy bug is over for all. GO Black and Red!
Holly
Go Red and Black teams!!!! Aliy you got this!!!! We are cheering you on and are out there with you in spirit. Can you feel the love??!!!
Look out Nome Aliy Z is in the way!!!
Heidi
Go SPK Go!!!!!
Frustrating to see that Aliy is not showing as checked in at Galena even though she arrived 90 minutes ago. Several teams that followed her have been checked in. Have to chalk it up to a Comms miscommunication.
Go Aliy!! We're cheering you on from Connecticut and praying for your safety, health and speed!! Woo-woo!
We are wondering why the race standings show Aliy as NOT checked in at Galena. But the GPS shows her as resting there?
Hugs and love,
Heather Kelley Henck and crew
Sending all the extra zip Aliy and The red team need she sound a bit flat on the insider ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🏃🏼♀️🐾🐾Denali and Joanne 🇦🇺
Sending all the extra zip Aliy and The red team need she sound a bit flat on the insider ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🏃🏼♀️🐾🐾Denali and Joanne 🇦🇺
I think I may have sent a comment in mid-sentence earlier. Oh well…. I watched Aliy arrive in Galena on the Live feed. The dogs looked happy and one dog particularly was jumping high, The camera was too far away to see detail, but they looked happy and energetic. Love the video in this post. BEAUTIFUL! I think Galena is a busy place right now so maybe they will get the race standings updated soon. Go SPKennelL.
Just saw the video of Aliy wrapping Champs wrists (precautionary treatment) and he was SO sleepy while she massaged him up and wrapped his wrist. How sweet!!! Aliy is known for her awesome dog care….here she is tired and trail worn herself but takes the time to wrap it up nice for Champ! I think he enjoyed the attention!
Rock on SPK Red & Black teams!
Thanks for all info Moira . Go Alit & Red team. Keep going Allen with Black team.
Such a cool video – just perfect for this "resting' part of the race. Thanks for keeping us connected!
Is Aily doing her 24 in Galena? She has been there a while.