YQ: Bib 4!

Tonight was the Start Banquet and Bib Draw for the Yukon Quest. Padee and Bridgett captured some images from the evening for you.

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The first act of the evening was the presentation of colors by UAF US ARMY ROTC followed by Eve Baker who did a stunning job with the national anthems of Canada and USA. David Booher, Youth Director of the First Presbyterian Church did the invocation – blessing the dogs, mushers and the race. Jim Matherly, the Mayor of the City of Fairbanks and Colonel Christopher Ruga, Ft Wainwright Garrison Commander officially welcomed mushers, teams, volunteers and supporters.

Marti and Shayna who are the Executive Directors of the Quest (Alaska and Yukon respectively) reiterated the welcome and told those present a bit about the race and sponsors.

The packed house then got to enjoy a roast chicken dinner (winner, winner, chicken dinner…?), called to the buffet table by checkpoint – each table was designated a checkpoint to stagger the hungry hordes.

After dinner the veternarian team and officials were introduced before each musher took to the stage to draw their bib for the race and determine their start time. Allen was the last to draw a number from the bunny boot as he was the last team to sign up for the race. The other mushers left him bib number 4. He and the Black Team will leave the start chute at 11.09am AKST (tbc). Here is his speech, thanks to Lisa for recording.

You’ll hear Allen tell us that is “Quest Guest” for the first couple of miles of the race will actually be six people – his daughters Bridgett and Jennifer plus their kids Jacob, Timber, Khloe and River! Quite a family celebration.

Earlier in the day the mushers had meetings with the officials, including the vet team, race officials and the trail team. You can read the trail report here. This of course will be updated as the race progresses and mushers are kept abreast of any changes. Mike Reitz, Trail Coordinator for the Alaskan side said the trail is in excellent shape this year, with plenty of snow coverage, very little overflow and virtually no jumble ice. Mushers were cautioned to keep an eye out for wildlife, however, as the trailbreakers reported high levels of moose and caribou activity in several areas. Jodi Bailey was the armchair musher last year and wrote this great article on overflow and jumble ice for those interested to find out more.

Tomorrow is all about YQ300 and we’ll bring you pics and updates on what happens.