It’s a ‘FOR SURE’ now.
Allen signed up for the 1,000 mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race on the last day to enter with the hope that “everything would work out” and he could in fact run the race. After invasive shoulder surgery and months of intensive rehab… of course, add in a few set backs… Allen will definitely be at the Starting Line in Fairbanks on February 1st.
The race field seems to be shrinking as the start date nears. This is not uncommon for the Yukon Quest. The enormous amount of preparation that goes into just starting a 1,000 mile international adventure wilderness race is overwhelming. It can not be understated. Mushers who have raced it year after year might make the preparation look easy… but it is not. As the race start looms, it sometimes seems easier or even necessary to withdraw. We are fortunate that Allen and the SP Kennel Crew will be part of the always daunting, sometimes scary, surely eventful Yukon Quest 2020!
The final hurdle to start the 2020 Yukon Quest was to pack 1,000 pounds of prepackaged dog food, snacks, vet kits, dog clothing, blankets, booties, people snacks, meals, gloves, clothing, etc. Then bag it all in an organized fashion so that Allen can sort through the food and gear efficiently during the race.
The fact that the Food Drop due date is a full 2 weeks prior to the race start is necessary for race logistics, yet challenging to pack for exact weather or temperatures. With the frigid Copper Basin 300 race temperatures on our minds we may have over packed dog jackets, pee pee warmers, gloves and chemical heat warmers but… better more than less.
Allen sorted and packed for the last two weeks. Padee was his ‘right hand’ and never hesitated to sort booties, bag snacks and even comb out our new wolf ruff pee pee protectors. Thanks gal!
Wendy showed up back in our frozen Two Rivers neighborhood (to a frozen house) just in time to sew dog gear and babysit dogs. Aliy took primarily indoors jobs this past week and cooked many pounds of bacon and made Allen’s oatmeal bars.
Karolyn is also R-E-A-D-Y for her Yukon Quest 300 race as well.
She was able to return from a super handling job at the CB300, although a little knackered and get packing. Literally!
Karolyn purchased more over boots and clothing options in preparation for staying warm (she hopes that it’s not -54 on Birch Creek… but she’s ready!)
Karolyn’s 300 mile race will be an adventure and we are all excited. She has packed enough supplies to make every mile special. She was worried about not eating herself during the race, so she packed creatively.
She most definitely wins the award for ‘Most Colourful Snacks’.
Wow. It’s so interesting to see how much preparation goes into each race. Hope your shoulder has healed and will not cause you much discomfort.
I cannot wait to cheer Allen and team on!
So much to think about and pack…all the what ifs and where at, this contingency, that contingency….now it’s done…check this task off the list! Cool you have helpers like Wendy and Padee to help out! SO glad to hear Allen is able to run the race…and super excited to watch Karolyn run her first big race!
Yummy looking oatmeal bar and bacon strips!!!
Stay warm, heal well, may the weather gods be kind to the teams (both 1000 and 300 Yukon Quest) and I’ve go my rally caps ready to root on both Black Team as well as R&B’s!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Great to hear that Allen has healed well enough to run the Quest! Will be watching him on the tracker!
Hope you are super well Allen as I will be checking the tracker on the race. Stay warm as the terrain
I know is brutal! Go Black Team!!
Karolyn Good Luck in your race. Will be cheering you on and checking the tracker also!
Thanks to all the helpers that are doing all the behind the scene work! The race would be very
difficult without you!!! Go Allen and Karolyn and all the wonderful SP dogs!!!
I am grateful that Allen can heal so well after something major like shoulder surgery. A race should never be run to please the fans, of course, but I can say honestly I would have really missed having him there along with Ryne.
Well, now that the race start is upon us – wow! Thanks to Padee and Wendy for being on hand. You are both the best.
I don’t doubt folks may be reconsidering with the continued low temperatures. This is sure to be another “interesting” race, and I love watching it as much as I do the Iditarod. It is a very, very special group of folks that take those trails and just as special are those along the trail who help. (Your coverage has shown that to me).
Best of the best of the best and I will be at the starting line.