Race Time!

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Adult team on a training run in preparation for the Old Mail Trail

With the temperatures soaring and the snow melting, we're squeaking in one final race for the season! Tomorrow at 10:00, two Ryno Kennel teams will be embarking on the Old Mail Trail 200! The race begins in Nenana, Alaska and traverses through the Minto Flats to Manley, Alaska (approximately 85 miles). Once there, each team will take a mandatory 8-hour rest in Manley, and then run the 85 miles back to Nenana. The two teams consist of:

Riley: Ham, Katy, Sally, Rucu, Kindi, Supai, Perm, Fez, Niagra, Neptune

Ryne: Fire, Cartel, Derby, Brant, Coot, Eider, Drake, Fenton, Lefty, Belle

Since this is the yearlings' first race, the yearling team will take a more conservative pace, resting in the middle of the 85 mile run. Expect to see Ryne and the yearlings closer to the back. Riley and the adults will be giving it their all and testing their skills on the fast, flat trail. 

To follow the race, check out the Old Mail Trail, Nenana, AK Facebook page or http://www.oldmailtrail.com. Most updates will be posted on the Old Mail Trail Facebook page. Derek will be following the race in Manley, but most likely will not have internet access to provide updates. 

 

Old Mail Trail Preparation

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Studly Fenton 

This weekend, the yearling team and I headed to the White Mountains for our final camping trip before the Old Mail Trail 200 on Friday. The team consisted of leaders Fire and Katy, Derby and Belle, Fenton and Lefty, Drake and Coot, and Brant and Eider. CJ did not accompany us on this trip. She's been helping Derek on his trapline this winter, getting to experience trail breaking, overflow, and the life of a trapline dog! 

Throughout the winter, the yearlings have had periods of brilliance and periods of distraction. This trip, however, the yearlings were so mature and focused that you would not have known they were yearlings! We crossed glare ice and frozen overflow, climbed steep hills and passed many distractions like snowmachiners, snow bikers, and skiers. Throughout it all, they were real champs! Bring it on Old Mail Trail 200!

White Mountain camping

Pretty boy Eider

Handsome Lefty

Cute Coot

Happenings in Nome

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Following Aliy's finish, the SP dogs are enjoying their celebrity status. From left to right: Mac, Nacho, Izzy. 

Aliy, on the other hand, slept only a few hours then rallied to compete in the arm wrestling competition. Being competitive myself, I couldn't pass it up:

White Mountain

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Yesterday, we fueled up snow machines with gas and oil and rode the 77 miles to White Mountain. The trail parallels the ocean, traversing the infamous "Blow Hole," before turning north and winding through the Topcok Hills to the small community of White Mountain. Light wind and direct sunlight made for a beautiful, fairytale ride. 

Upon our arrival, Dallas was just leaving the checkpoint to begin his final run to the finish line in Nome. Mitch and Aaron's teams were resting comfortably in the sunlight. Jessie was finishing up a few last chores before heading to the community center for a much deserved nap. As she massaged dogs and packed her sled, I asked her about the lineage of her dogs, experiences on the trail, and overall impression of the race. She was in a great mood and very happy with the performance of her team.

About 45 minutes after we arrived, Aliy and Team motored into the checkpoint with Scout and Waylon in lead. Aliy was feeling sassy and the dogs reflected her attitude. After parking the team, we watched as the dogs ate EVERYTHING in sight, Aliy signed multiple autographs for the community kids, and the team settled in for a well-deserved 8-hour rest. When finally relaxing in the community center kitchen, Aliy was already thinking about her next competition: the arm wrestling tournament in Nome. Watch out competitors, Aliy has 1000-miles of ski pole muscles ready to dominate. 

Fast forward to "go" time: Scooter and Schmoe were barking enthusiastically, the team was howling in unison, and Aliy was packed, ready to arrive in Nome. With a "Ready, Hike!" the team lunged into the dark for the final 77 miles. 

Nome

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Sorry for the radio silence this past week, but we've been busy preparing the dogs for the Old Mail Trail 200 on the 27th (including yearlings….hint hint) and following the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Ryno Kennel does not have a team in the race this year, but we are enthusiastically following and cheering on SP Kennel!

Update on Iditarod: Aliy is battling it out at the front and recently left Shaktoolik after staying only 1hr 15m. With 13 dogs, Aliy is posting competitive times. Next stop for her: Koyuk. Allen left Nulato a couple hours ago with 14 strong young dogs, racing a slower schedule and prepping the next generation for a competitive team. Last night, I arrived in Nome where the temperature is a balmy 0F and ZERO wind. The wind is predicated to pick up, but for now, conditions couldn't be more perfect. Tomorrow, Bridgett (Allen's daughter) and I will drive snow machines out to White Mountain (the second to last checkpoint, 77 miles from Nome) to see Aliy and the front runners. Hopefully I'll get some photos and updates. 

Readying the Arch

Visitors

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At Meet the Mushers after the Quest, I had the pleasure of meeting Amy (not to be confused with Amy Canine). Amy is a 3rd grade student who followed the Ryno Team throughout the Yukon Quest. Not only did she learn all about mushing, but she shared what she learned with the rest of her family. All that was left was to meet the team in person. This weekend, we made that happen!

Amy and her siblings Tyler, Alyssa, Kaylee visited the kennel this weekend, and with any luck, we've converted another mushing fanatic! As you can see, Drake and Sally were really shmoozing and put on the charm. 

Sally gives kisses

Drake gives kisses. 

Fenton and Tyler

Campout Refresher

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After their long break during the Quest, the yearlings needed a refresher campout. Here are some photos and a video from the adventure!  

Team Line Up:

Left to right: Pirate, Dana, Brodie, Sally

Sally (2 yr) Brodie (4 yr)

Pirate (3 yr) Dana (2 yr)

Fenton (1 yr) Belle (1 yr)

Drake (1 yr) Coot (1 yr)

Eider (1 yr) Lefty (1 yr)

Brant (1 yr) CJ (1 yr)

Belle and Fenton did exceptionally well in the hills, which goes to show that size doesn't matter since Belle is the smallest yearling and Fenton is the largest! Little Sally is developing into a rock solid leader and has no problem with either fast trails or deep snow! At first, Coot and Brant were a little taken aback by the length and size of the hills on our run, but they overcame their surprise and finished strong and focused. 

Brodie and Sally leading the yearlings on a refresher campout. 

FINISH! And Videos from the Trail.

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Wow! What an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING adventure. Thank you to everyone who helped the team reach the finish line. Volunteers, race staff, Ryno team, sponsors, fans, everyone….THANK YOU! Most importantly, I couldn't be more proud of Fire, Ham, Perm, Jana, Fez, Kindi, Charley, Rucu, and Supai. They have joined the elite 1000-mile athletes and reached a new level of amazingness. Until next time Yukon Quest...

Northern Lights of the Two Rivers checkpoint

Riley, Nicolle, Ryne and Tessa at the Two Rivers checkpoint

Check out Fire, Ham, and the team rocking the overflow on our way to the Two Rivers Checkpoint! 

A cow and calf moose get the team fired up!

Videos from the Yukon Quest Trail

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As the Ryno Kennel team moved through the checkpoints the last few days, the support crew has had no cell coverage, limiting our communication. Sorry for the lack of posts. 

With the increase in miles and temperature, the young dog team has been gaining more confidence. While Ryne has continued the run/rest cycle she adopted due to the earlier weather, the run times are getting faster and the dogs are gaining strength the closer they get to home. Did you happen to check the run from Central  to Milepost 101 which included the climb over Eagle Summit? Granted the dogs have had a lot of rest, but that was one of the fastest times, and probably their favorite run so far. 

The dropped dog in Central was Cartel, who cracked a toenail. Without the benefit of a full pedicure, Ryne felt it best to give the wonder dog a much deserved rest. The prissy little cheerleader was none too happy to be taken off the team, but Cartel became a love in the handler's caravan.

The incredible young team made another fast run into Chena Hot Springs last night. After the mandatory 8 hour rest, they will be headed to the finish line. Keep your eye on the tracker (http://www.yukonquest.com/race-central/current-standings/live-tracking), and those in Fairbanks, come on out and cheer these super stars home!

Below are a few videos captured from the team's travels. The first video has very poor, well really nonexistent video, but we thought you might enjoy Ryne's audio commentary. The second video gives an idea of how rough that jumble ice really is, while the third video is smooth sailing. So grab your favorite warm drink, be patient with the download, and enjoy!