100+ MILES DOWN THE TRAIL!

Quick recap of yesterday: what a start in -44 degree temps. Yes, you read that right negative 44 degrees! And not everyone was as prepared as Ryno Kennel: #2 racer didn’t make the chutes but Kalyn had her pups ready and out on the course in a burst of joy. Similar start for Ryne with the racer prior to her not ready, and Ryne’s pups pulling hard at the hook to get down the trail. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the pictures at the start like we hoped with such quick starts.

After catching up at Point Lodge (warmed up to -38!), Ryne said the two year olds were looking great. Having started toward the back of the pack with bib #23, Ryne found Elmer was more in the mood of visiting than passing teams, so Cook moved up to lead with Goblin and that pair started cruising down the trail.

Rules for the race: All teams must take at least 18 hours of checkpoint rest during the race. Most of the top teams will take only 18 hours and this can be spread over the checkpoints in any combination, but with one mandatory six-hour stop (plus differential) at any checkpoint. With that, we know Ryne took a six hour break at Point Lodge, plus her differential and declared this her mandatory six-hour stop. She was back on the trail around 1:00 AM.

For the next section of the trail, the Copper Basin website says:

“From the Lake Louise checkpoint on the southern edge of the lake, the race trail crosses over Lake Louise itself for a distance of just over 3 miles to the lake’s eastern edge. The trail through this next section skirts or crosses over numerous lakes including Crosswind Lake (32 miles before Sourdough) and Fish Lake (19 miles before Sourdough) in a northeasterly direction before reaching the second checkpoint at Sourdough Campground on the banks of the Gulkana River. Total distance between the first and second checkpoint is ~ 55 miles.”

Remember:  ‘First into a checkpoint’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘first in the race’ because that team might have not have taken as much rest yet as those that arrive later. The answer to the question “who is winning?” is not so straightforward. The thing to look at overall is the total run time of the teams – the cumulative time since the start.

Kaylan charging down the trail!

Volunteer update! -50 At the Sourdough Checkpoint There is a volunteer team warming up the tents for mushers, handlers, and volunteers! They will be working through the night keeping the stoves going and welcoming volunteers and mushers