Mushing News Weekly Round Up (Dec 15)

Another week has flown by, and there's been another week of reports and articles from the mushing community! Here are the highlights I felt needed documentation and comment.


Iditarod once again announced that it is looking at increasing security within checkpoints and the trail. This is in response to the outcry started by Dallas Seavey after it was found that Seavey's dogs tested for drugs banned by the race. Seavey maintains that he did not administer the drugs at any time to any of his team during the race, and the Iditarod Trail Committee says they have found no proof suggesting that the musher doped his dogs. Seavey and other Iditarod veterans campaigned for better security for the race as there's speculation now that a third party tampered with dogs' well-being. The Iditarod also let it be known that they are working on re-wording the "gag rule", which mushers have asked for since its inception three years ago.

The Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race took place over the weekend. While not an Iditarod or Yukon Quest qualifier, it's a fun start to the racing season and many familiar faces were on the trail. The race is unique in that it does not set starting positions, and is based on the honor system as far as recording in and out times. It's a short race, but it sounds like it was a blast. Jessie Holmes came away with first out of 22 teams racing. Full stats can be found on their facebook page.



If you don't follow Blair Braverman on her quest to qualify for the Iditarod, then you're missing out. Blair is a columnist and a book author. Her best-selling book Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube: Chasing Fear and Finding Home in the Great White North has been well received by mushers and fans alike. Blair shared a little insight into the qualification process over the week when she shared the "musher report card" used by the Iditarod to qualify a rookie.

Montana's Race to the Sky's schedule is set for early February. The mid-distance race's main sponsor this year is the Essential Oil company Young Living - that name may sound familiar, they're the main sponsor of Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey, too. There isn't too much updated info on their website or their social media for the 2018 race. Doesn't even look like they have a roster yet. But, hey, they have a schedule!



Iditarod Trail breakers are getting prepared to start putting in the trail. Looking out the window, at this point, I'd be very surprised if they don't head to Fairbanks again. Hoping for snow and colder temps so that they can once again run the traditional trail.


Iditarod Photographer Jeff Schultz has had a difficult year. This summer his son fell during a training exercise at his firehouse and has been in the hospital and recovery ever since dealing with a traumatic brain injury. All reports on his son Ben have been extremely positive, but it's still a long road to coming home. Jeff was in the middle of putting together his newest photo book: Icons of the Iditarod. He reported last night on facebook that the books are finally in his hands and are ready for shipping/order. I joined his kickstarter campaign because I wanted to see this project happen. His book Chasing Dogs is gorgeous! (I do not get a kickback for promoting his work.)
And now some of my favorites from social media: