Monday, August 8, 2022
Lance Mackey gives update on health
Thursday, July 7, 2022
2022-23 Race Schedule
Race List
Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race
December 10, 2022
Facebook
Knik 200*
January 7, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
MUSH Synnfjell
January 6, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race
January 7, 2023
Website / Facebook
Gunflint Mail Run
January 7, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Copper Basin 300*
January 14, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Alpine Creek 200/300*
DISCONTINUED
Facebook
Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race*
January 19, 2023
Website / Facebook
It's Complicated
Warm Lake Stage Race
January 25, 2023
Website / Facebook
Kuskokwim 300*
January 26, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Pedigree Stage Stop Race
January 27, 2023
Website / Facebook
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*
January 30, 2023
Website / Facebook
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon*
January 29, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Femundløpet*
February 1, 2023
Website / Facebook
Caledonia Classic
February 3, 2023
Website / Facebook
Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
February 3, 2023
Website / Facebook
Yukon Quest Alaska*
February 4, 2023
Website / Facebook
Willow Jr. 100
February 10, 2023
Website / Facebook
Yukon Quest Canada*
February 11, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Goose Bay 150*
February 11, 2023
Facebook
Bergebyløpet N70
February 12, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Amundsen Race*
February 23, 2023
Website / Facebook
Race to the Sky*
February 10, 2023
Website / Facebook
UP200*
February 16, 2023
Website / Facebook
Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
February 18, 2023
Website / Facebook
Canadian Challenge*
February 21, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
February 26, 2023
Website / Facebook
Two Rivers 100/200*
TBA
Website / Facebook
Junior Iditarod
February 25, 2023
Website / Facebook
CopperDog 150
March 3, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Iditarod 51*
March 4, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Can-Am Crown International*
March 4, 2023
Website / Facebook
Finnmarksløpet*
March 10, 2023
Website / Facebook
Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Run*
March 9, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Taaqpak 120
March 11, 2023
Website / Facebook
Hudson Bay Quest
March 15, 2023
Website / Facebook
Nome to Council 200*
TBA, March 2023
Facebook
Kobuk 440*
April 6, 2023
Website / Facebook
Junior Kobuk 440
April 22, 2023
Website / Facebook
*Iditarod/Yukon Quest Qualifying Race
Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? I'm looking at a significant change in circumstance and while this blog has always been a hobby and will continue to be - and this list is more for myself than anything - if you can spare a few dollars to help keep this blog running I would greatly appreciate it. I hate doing shameless plugs, but readers have asked and I'm finally opening up to the idea. Please do not feel obligated, but know that all support (in every form, not just financial) is greatly appreciated! Click here to "buy me a coffee".
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Yukon Board responds to Alaskan Board's 2023 Quest Press Release
The Yukon board became aware of this Alaskan board press release this morning when our ED received a phone call from the Fairbanks News Miner. They were gracious enough to send us a copy so we could discuss the contents of it for their news article. The press release was created and sent out unilaterally by the Alaskan Board and ED with zero knowledge of it or involvement on behalf of the Yukon board.
There is a false statement that needs to be dealt. That being that the Yukon Board refuses to have a race without significant changes. In fact, the Yukon Board agreed to support a 1000 mile Yukon Quest International Race in 2023, with exactly the same rules as in 2020. And this was what the Alaskan board wanted.
We agreed to put the trail in to the border as usual, to organize the start banquet, start line, and checkpoints as per usual. We agreed to share the facebook page, website, etc. all as per usual.
There were two items the Alaskans did not like. One was that the Yukon board stated that we would raise the purse for the shorter races, while the Alaskans would be responsible for the purse for the 1000 mile race. The other was that we wanted to run the shorter races according to our format with mandatory rest. It was the Yukon's turn to host the 300. Both boards had agreed with the idea of having 2 or 3 shorter races in order to involve more mushers and develop their skills with an eye to them being feeder races for the Yukon Quest.
The Alaskan board however, decided that the Yukon would host a 300 mile race, according to the 2020 rules.
The Alaskan board also announced in the meeting last Friday that they had held a meeting with the Rules Committee that day, without inviting the Yukon Board or letting us know about it. They said the Rules Committee had already passed a decree that there would be NO RULE CHANGES, for the 2023 race. (Even though we had discussed previously that both sides had a few housekeeping issues they'd like addressed.) FYI, the 'Rules Committee' has no Yukon members, and one of the RC members sits on the Alaskan board, in fact is one of the two board members on the negotiating team. Anyway, the Alaskan team said the Rules Committee had already ruled that they would not change any rules, so no changes would happen. And we as the board asking for changes, need 3 votes of four on the negotiating team to change anything, which we won't have, so no changes would happen through this route either. That my friends is how it went down.
The Alaskan board concluded their negotiation by adding, 'the Yukon side pays for half of everything', (refering to the purse I presume), and the final insult, 'the Yukon Quest is an Alaskan race, originally organized by Alaskans, and will continue in Alaska...'The Yukon delegation stated that the existing Yukon board would not agree to this proclamation by the Alaska board, and that it was a surprise to us but we were prepared for it. I said this was not a negotiation. It was 100% what the Alaskan Board wanted, not one inch was given toward the ideas of the Yukon Board. We added that this was not done in good faith. (secret meeting with the rules committee included.) The negotiations were concluded, there was nothing more to discuss.
The Yukon delegation said we would have a special meeting on the Yukon side to ask our membership if they would like to work with Alaska in putting on the 2023 race according to their sole wishes. If our membership voted 'yes', then we would ask them to step forward to form a board and do the work. If they voted 'no' and therefore to have separate races, then we would have to talk about where to from here. (Just for this year? Permanently? Have a race at all? Dissolve the organization? Who gets what? name, logos etc.)This morning, before becoming aware of the Alaskan 'press release', we sent an email to the Alaskan board asking them to confirm 'what we heard' - and we itemized the contents of the meeting. We asked them to correct anything we got wrong. We went on to say we should work together in a spirit if dignity, honesty and respect, to honour the Yukon Quest and all of our stakeholders past and present. Having a public feud serves no one. And yet, here we are.
To be clear: The Yukon Board agreed to support the 2023, 1000 mile race according to the 2020 / existing rules. We AGREED to the rules and structure that the Alaskan board wanted. We never pulled an ultimatum. We said the existing board members would resign. We said we did not have the power to make a decision not to have a 1000 mile race, we would have to put it to our membership in a special meeting.
The only point of disagreement was the Alaskan board insisted that we would run the shorter races that we alone were hosting, the way the Alaskan board wanted it run. And they probably still had the feeling that we should pay half the purse for the 1000 as is normal, though that did not specifically come up.
These are the facts. I have the 'sent messages' to the Alaskan board to prove it if necessary.The Yukon board has still not had a single phone call or email from the Alaskan board, not even a copy of the press release. It was given out to everyone BUT the Yukon board.The Yukon Board objects to the way this 'press release' was handled. The reputation of the Yukon Quest and our stakeholders, deserved better. We do however feel that at this point, it is important to be clear about what the Yukon board said.
Susie Rogan, President of the YQIA (Yukon Board)
Bonnie MichaudvilleExecutive Director
It remains to be seen just what this will mean come February for "the other" premiere long distance race in Alaska, but by the looks of it, the Yukon Quest as we know it is gone for good.
Saturday, February 19, 2022
2022 Yukon Quest (Canada Side) Musher Rosters
Once again I am hastily finishing up this list the day of the race, but here they are. Like the Alaska side of the Quest, the Canadian side had small rosters so I'm including both races. You can follow the race via trackleaders as always, and of course check out the official website and facebook page for all the latest greatest information. I apologize for not doing another write up. I could list a bunch of reasons why but that may have to be a separate blog post. Thanks for hanging in with me! Now onto the rosters!
As always, comment below with any thoughts about the roster, or any corrections. If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).
YQ300
1 Sebastian Dos Santos Borges (Polar Team) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
2 Brent Sass (Wild & Free Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
3 Mayla Hill (Elevation Dogs Kennel) - Facebook / Kennel Facebook / Instagram
4 Connor McMahon (Feral Racing Kennel) - Facebook / Instagram
5 Paul Hamlyn (Braveheart Adventures) - Facebook
6 Aaron Peck (Elevation Dogs Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
7 Deke Naaktegeboren (Nautique Sky Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
8 Jerry Joinson (Bar-King Sled Dog Kennel) - Facebook
9 Michelle Phillips (Tagish Lake Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
YQ100
21 - Ilana Kingsley (StinkyPup Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
22 - Jonathon Alsberghe (The Fluffy Team) - Facebook / Instagram
23 - Martine Le Levier (Looping Kennel) - can't find an online presence
24 - Nathaniel Hamlyn (Step Up Kennels) - Facebook / Instagram
25 - Katherine Lapointe (Wonder Dog Sledding) - Facebook / Instagram
26 - Lori Tweddell (Echoes Kennel) - Website / Facebook
27 - Louve Tweddell (Echoes Kennel) - Website / Facebook
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
2021/22 Race Season Schedule
And now, without further adieu, the 2021-22 race schedule. As always this page will be updated as dates become official.
Race List
Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race
December 11, 2021
Facebook
Two Rivers Solstice 50/50
December 21, 2021
Facebook
Knik 200*
January 1, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
MUSH Synnfjell
January 7, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Gunflint Mail Run
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Copper Basin 300*
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Alpine Creek 200/300*
January 18, 2022
Facebook
Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race*
January 20, 2022
Website / Facebook
January 26, 2022
Website / Facebook
Kuskokwim 300*
January 28, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Pedigree Stage Stop Race
January 28, 2022
Website / Facebook
Tustumena 200*
Hoping to return in 2022!
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*
January 30, 2022
Website / Facebook
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon*
January 30, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Femundløpet*
February 2, 2022
Website / Facebook
Caledonia Classic
February 4, 2022
Website / Facebook
Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
February 5, 2022
Website / Facebook
Yukon Quest*
February 5, 2022 (Alaska)
February 19, 2022 (Yukon)
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Summit Quest (Formerly AK Yukon 300)*
February 5, 2022?
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Bergebyløpet N70
February 9, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Amundsen Race*
February 16, 2022
Website / Facebook
Race to the Sky*
TBA
Website / Facebook
UP200*
February 17, 2022
Website / Facebook
Yukon Journey 450
February 19, 2022?
Website / Facebook
Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
February 19, 2022
Website / Facebook
Canadian Challenge*
February 22, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
February 27, 2022
Website / Facebook
Two Rivers 100/200*
TBA
Facebook
Junior Iditarod
February 26, 2022
Website
Iditarod 50*
March 5, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Can-Am Crown International*
March 5, 2022
Website / Facebook
Finnmarksløpet*
TBA
Website / Facebook
Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Run*
TBA
Website / Twitter / Facebook
Hudson Bay Quest
TBA
Website / Facebook
Nome to Council 200*
TBA, March 2022
Facebook
Kobuk 440*
April 7, 2022
Website / Facebook
*Iditarod/Yukon Quest Qualifying Race
Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? I'm looking at a significant change in circumstance and while this blog has always been a hobby and will continue to be - and this list is more for myself than anything - if you can spare a few dollars to help keep this blog running I would greatly appreciate it. I hate doing shameless plugs, but readers have asked and I'm finally opening up to the idea. Please do not feel obligated, but know that all support (in every form, not just financial) is greatly appreciated! Click here to "buy me a coffee".
Monday, February 15, 2021
Dan Kaduce wins the Summit Quest
Kaduce kept close, and managed to pull ahead by day two. Kaduce and Neff would play cat and mouse for most of Sunday with Naaktgeboren catching up and keeping pace. Though Deke was third for most of the race, he stayed close enough to Neff that one of the key factors in how he turned in a second place performance was his rest schedule. When the top three pulled into the final Checkpoint of Circle, Deke had the least amount of time left to take (five hours). Kaduce needed 5.5, and Neff 6.
Kaduce along with his wife Jodi Bailey has mushed for over twenty years. The duo have raced mid-distance and long distance races for many years and are fan favorites. The next major race for Dan will be the Iditarod.
Kaduce and Naaktgeboren race to the finish, Neff gives chase
The Summit Quest should see its champion crowned tonight. Dan Kaduce of Dew Claw Kennel lead the charge out of the final checkpoint of Circle at 10:34am. Deke Naaktgeboren of Nautique Sky Kennel followed at 10:50. With needing an hour more than Deke, and half an hour more than Dan, of mandatory rest left on his plate, Hugh Neff (of who knows which kennel he is using these days he has so many different ones on social media) was third to leave Circle at 11:21am.
The teams will now run back down the trail to finish in Central. Of the top three's runs INTO Circle, Dan was fastest at 8hr40m, next fastest was Hugh at 9hr5m but Deke is right there with him at 9hr 7m. If they keep their current speeds Kaduce looks to have this one in the bag and it will be a photo finish for second. Still, so much can happen in the switchbacks, and there's still a lot of trail left. Any one of these top three could end up pulling off a win.
Should Neff manage to catch and surpass both of the front runners, this will be the first significant win in his return to the Quest. The musher was suspended from the race in 2019 following the death of his dog Boppy. Neff's application to run in the 2019 Iditarod was denied by their Qualifying Review Board citing concerns over dog care in the 2018 Quest. As part of his censure, Neff has to complete the Yukon Quest 300 (this year called the Summit Quest) before he can apply to run the full thousand mile race again. Neff's wife, Olivia Webster (Shank) was allowed to enter in both the 2019 and 2020 races - she completed her first Yukon Quest last year.
Should the teams keep pace with their outbound time start paying attention around 6:30 to see how close teams are. We could have a champion just a little after 7pm tonight (Alaska Time).
Friday, February 12, 2021
2021 Summit Quest musher roster
2021 has been a strange year for the sled dog race season, and one of the biggest changes was the cancellation of "the other thousand mile race", the Yukon Quest. It came really as no surprise to many race fans for the simple fact that the Quest has a border crossing, and with Canada's continued closure of the border for non-essential travel to and from the States, there would be no way for the Yukon Quest to run in the year of Covid.
Quickly talk started on continuing the tradition of the Yukon Quest 300, the mid-distance race run by the organization that is used by many as a qualifier for both the Quest and the Iditarod. The powers that be decided to go ahead with the YQ300 but rebranded it and renamed it. Now the Summit Quest 300, it signifies the Alaska version of the 300 race.
You can follow the race via the lovely trackers run by trackleaders.com, and on the race's facebook page. No preview for this blogger... I've run out of time (obviously).
Without further adieu, the musher roster in Bib order.
Musher Roster
1. Jodi Bailey - Website / Facebook / Instagram
2. Hugh Neff - Facebook / Instagram
3. Eddie Burke Jr. - Facebook / Instagram
4. Marla Brodsky - Facebook
5. Kai Leddy - Website / Facebook / Instagram
6. Tabitha Hughes - Website / Facebook (I assume based on race fb posts)
7. Dan Kaduce - Website / Facebook / Instagram
8. Vickie Justice - Facebook / Instagram
9. Lauro Eklund - Website / Facebook / Facebook 2 / Instagram / Instagram 2
10. DJ Starr - Facebook
11. Misha Wiljes - Website / Facebook
12. Leigh Strehlow Pagel - Website / Facebook / Instagram
13. Benjamin Good - Facebook / Instagram
14. Phillip Hanke - Facebook
15. Dan Powell - Website / Facebook / Instagram
16. Deke Naaktgeboren - Website / Facebook / Instagram
17. Adam Lindenmuth - Facebook / Instagram / Youtube
18. Bridgett Watkins - Website / Facebook / Facebook 2 / Instagram