SPK Dog Log

Two days after winning the Yukon Quest, Allen and the team, and a few 300 milers, went for an easy five mile run around the local trails. This gave the dogs a chance to stretch out after taking a couple of days off.

It’s important to keep the dogs moving, even just a little bit, until they are ready to step it up again for that next big race that’s coming soon…

The two teams in these pics are: with Allen – Quito, Ranger, Scruggs, Scout, Chica, Nacho, Tatfish and Biscuit and with Moira – Beemer, Honda, Puppet, Olivia, Boris and Willie. I.V. and Scooter went on a ten mile run with Meghan later.

Excellent coverage of the finish and a nice interview with Allen!

We are so incredibly proud of the team. Take a look at them crossing the line looking AWESOME!

More to come later. We are going to get everyone back to the kennel and get some rest. Thanks for coming on this ride with us – we appreciate your support!

Just received these photos from Aliy at the finish line… Congratulations to Allen and all the fantastic dogs of the SP Kennel Black Team!

We are heading out to Fairbanks now to await the finish at the line. VERY little sleep was had at SP Kennel so thanks for staying up with us.

We will see them in and I will post as soon as I am anywhere near an internet connection.

GO TEAM!!!!!!!!!

The Black Team left the Two Rivers checkpoint right on time at 10.31pm.

The eight hour layover was used to good effect with both musher and team getting good rest, good food and psyching up for the final push to the finish line. The exit wasn’t pretty; there were a great deal of people lining the trail making it a bit confusing for Quito and Olivia to lead out but with Allen taking the lead they were soon on their way. At this stage it doesn’t have to be pretty – just effective! These dogs know this trail well as Allen has run from this checkpoint to the finish line a few times this season.

You will notice he put neck-lines on a few of the dogs, this will be simply to keep them focussed on the task at hand.

I’m not sure if the video conveys the tension in the air; it really was palpable and continued through while Hugh Neff left 16 minutes later.

So, who’s sleeping tonight?

Allen beds the team down for the eight hour layover

L-R Allen gives Chica a kibble snack then heads towards to food tent for four helpings!

L-R The media want to talk to Allen and so do his supporters!

At 2.31pm Allen and the Black team raced into the Two Rivers checkpoint in first position. Here they have a mandatory eight hour layover for the dogs and mushers to rest up before the final push into Fairbanks.

He came in with Scout and Quito in the lead and nine happy, wagging tails behind them. Hugh Neff followed them in 16 minutes later.