It’s 7am Friday
RED TEAM UPDATE
Aliy and her team mates are about 10 miles before Shageluk and going by current speeds, we expect them to arrive roughly around 9am after 55 miles of lonely, hilly trail. The trail notes mention that this trail is not often travelled and normally only put in once a year for this race. It is a really hilly section of trail, as evidenced if you were watching team speeds during this leg and by zooming in on the GPS tracker map to see the contour lines.
Shageluk is the first checkpoint of five that mushers can take their mandatory eight hour Yukon River stop. They can choose either Shageluk, Anvik, Grayling, Eagle Island or Kaltag.
If you haven’t seen the Insider video: “3 Contenders Hanging Out” check it out now. It is a cool clip of Aliy, Jessie Royer and Wade Marrs chatting at their camp spot back before Iditarod. The video of the team pulling into Iditarod shows Aliy talking about the trail. She speaks of trying to figure out how best to help the team in the soft, slow trail i.e. ski poling vs pedalling vs running behind. You know she will be doing whatever she can to help the team.
BLACK TEAM UPDATE
Allen rested his team for a quick two hours in Ophir before continuing on to camp at the same spot Aliy did, presumably Don’s cabin, earlier today. As you can see from the screen shot there are a bunch of other teams there also. He will rest a few hours before continuing to Iditarod where we expect he will rest his team again.
CREW UPDATE
I am driving back up to the kennel today with Ginger, Sanka, Barista and Felix so will be out of touch until late this evening. The best way to keep up with all the action is via the GPS Tracker and Insider Videos. The Leaderboard will also keep you abreast of who has taken their mandatory breaks, and where in terms of checkpoints the teams are. I will update when I get a chance.
WOOF WOOF WOOF
SP Kennel, 2 and 4 legs, is the BEST EVER!!!
Presently in a hotel with computer service (until power restored to town) 46% still without it and so many trees down and roads closed the officials have no idea how many!!!
We could have used Aliy’s ax yesterday!!!
Safe travels to you and your precious load – kisses to the doggies especially Felix. WOOF
The 3 Contenders was the best video yet! What a great, just plain ol conversation comparing notes. LOVE the insider videos this year. Thanks for pointing that one out. I tend to just look at the ones on the Current Race Standings page and I’ve missed some gems. Glad Aliy missed the blizzard. Good to be in the front pack right now.
Go teams!
I paid extra for the insider videos, but I can not find the “3 contenders” video. Where is it?
Hi Jane,
If you click on videos on the top bar, then just have to scroll through the pages. Last I looked it was page 4 about to be pushed to page 5.
Good call on timing. Aliy and her team are into Shageluk. Yes, the II video “3 Contenders Hanging Out” is fun. I watched it a few times. 🙂
Thank you for the update Moira. Hugs to Ginger, Sanka, Barista and Felix.
🙂
Wish I could help you out Margaret. Our sons are lineman but hope you get power soon!
Nothing worse than being with out power for the Iditarod!
The Insider is just GREAT! Love the stories! Thanks to SP Kennel tho for the added updates.
Never get tired of this!!!!!
GO SPK!
Margaret -sorry about your power loss and trees down – I can’t remember – are you out East?
I am sooooo routing for the SPK Teams and I can’t believe how FAST everyone is pushing even with crappy soft trails. It sounds like endless pushing, riding, ski poling and kicking…..through endless miles of bottomless soft snow trails. A real challenge but team after team are stepping up and making progress – including the Red and Black Teams. Way to go, SPK! WOO-HOOO!!!!!!! GO SPK! And it sounds like Aliy is in a good place. Can’t afford the ‘Insider’ so any info you all can share would be greatly appreciated!
I agree that the “3 Contenders” video is very cool. You can see Driver in the background stand up, turn around and make himself more comfy on his straw bed. Good boy Driver!
Also just watched the Heisler/Lee Insider video about the race. Wow, Mother Nature threw a curve ball with the mushers having to haul their drop bags from Grayling to Kaltag. The second half of this race is almost always unpredictable and dramatic.
I know you are driving carefully with your precious cargo (yourself included).
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As Fairbanks residents and strong supporters of the Yukon Quest, my daughter, Teresa, and enjoying the thought of Iditarod mushers packing gear along distances comparable to the YQ.
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Maybe the team will get that spark back – the Iditarod trail just wasn’t challenging enough – too many cushy stops along the way?
Thanks for mentioning the 3 contenders video. Go SPK!