The 2nd Race of the season
It was very hard to believe: Jocelyne and me both on our way to Alaska, having time to both go racing together, even more so, Jocelyne to actually come race and not only to watch.
John
Schandelmeier ist the brains and organizer behind the Denali Dash,
a 120 Miler from Meiers Lake to MacLaren Lodge and return on the
Denali Highway. With only 7 dogs and no fooddrop a rather different
race format, which was bound to draw quite a few teams. There were
40 teams signed up all together, many Kennels bringing 2 or 3 Teams
to the race.
On the way there Joc and me quickly stopped in Tok and got in around
6 p.m. to a nice Motel Room in Meiers, what a treat after one night
in the truck. We signed up and drew number 37 and 38 right next
to each other, very convenient for hookup. In Tok we quickly saw
Dr Kruseberg, Tang had a strained Archillies Tendon. I could kick
myself for not bringing a spare dog..... again. We opted for Jocelyne
to take her instead of me, knowing she would go slower than me and
with that less accident prone. As she already had, Dancer, Eman,
Libby, Eagle, Circle, which were 5 of my other leaders, that left
me with Softhead Brownie and Alligator Chevy.
I
always love race atmosphere, so many dogged people at once, all
crazed about the sport, talking dogs nonstop.
The trail was in perfect condition, John and crew did an excellent
Job, it over some swamps leaving Meier to Paxon Lake, arriving in
Paxon after 17 Miles and than following 42 Miles the Denali Highway
west to MacLaren River ( and Lodge ). It was a fast trail, specially
on the highway and I checked in after 6hrs and 14 minutes. Jocelyne
came a bit later after 7hrs and 24 minutes. After tending to the
dogs, we enjoyed the hospitality and great atmosphere at the MacLaren
Lodge, we even had the luxory of an own room. The night was a bit
noisy, many loose teams and dogs, but at least I could use that
time to get up and massage the dogs, who are not used to run that
fast on hard trails.
The restart was set for 10 a.m., thank god no reverse start. The
run home was even faster with only 5 hrs 51 minutes, and for most
of the way I had John Little chasing me right in sight, which made
me run up the hills. The weather was picture perfect and the team
just flying accross Paxon Lake for the last 10 Miles. Jocelyne also
improved her time and came in just unter 7 hrs and finished in 21st
place for her first race. Not only did I finish an unexpected 4th,
but also got awared the Vets award, which made me specially happy.
All 14 dogs finished in good spirits, nobody is hurt or sore and
tomorrow Mike and me will head out to the Braeburn Camp with them.
Each musher got a nice gift at the end, the first 5 places paid
money. Here a link to the times: sleddogcentral
A
big thank you to John and crew for putting on such a great race,
very well organized, super musher friendly. The whole atmosphere
was just great. We hope to be able to come back next year. A few
more weeks and the Copper Basin 300 is on, I hardly can wait to
go again.
