Meier's Lake

Ryne’s handler (Derek) sent out a text message about 1:30PM AKST today saying he had reached Meier’s Lake and briefly had cell service until it was overloaded. The news: Ryne’s pups looked good coming into Sourdough and had a good attitude leaving. Sourdough is typically the coldest checkpoint on the race and has no services. Probably everyone is looking forward to Meier’s Lake in the hills with the warmer temperatures. Of the first four racers, Nicholas Petit and Ryne are the only two who have taken their mandatory 6 hour rest plus differential. Tonight should be interesting as Brent Sass and Aliy Zirkle take their six. The run out of Meier’s is usually the most difficult with a 4,085 foot climb between Meier’s and Chistochina. Looks to be a close race! Since Point Lodge, Ryne has run with 11 dogs since Oryx was benched due to a slightly sore muscle.

From Kalyn’s handler (Saeward) a text early this morning: headed down to Sourdough where a race volunteer said it was -60 there last night! Hoping it will be a bit warmer today, but not planning on lounging there long! The dogs were looking really good and screaming to leave the last checkpoint. Katy was benched at Point Lodge from Kalyn’s team — sore pad issue, but with 5 prior Copper Basin runs, Katy might have remembered how cold Sourdough can be!

Saeward shared that they were hanging out on the ice at Lake Louise, and it kept popping as it contracts in the cold. Made everyone jump, dogs and humans alike, although there was no risk whatsoever of unstable ice. It was a beautiful bright moon and gorgeous for running dogs.