Comments on: Yukon Quest 2016 – Day 10

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 04:39:58 +0000

The Quest was moved to the beginning of February a few years ago to give teams more time to rest between the two races. If you have both races start at the same time, the Iditarod could have a major problem if they need to use Fairbanks like they did last year. Fairbanks has a long term commitment to the Quest. The Iditarod would have to shift to January, but even January is iffy any more.

It is a mess, and denying that it is a problem isn’t helping.

By: JuanitaM

JuanitaM — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 02:32:00 +0000

Sooner or later they are going to have to change the date of the Iditarod because of the trail conditions.

This brings up an interesting question. Several people enter both races, so considering the toll that a 1000 mile race takes on the dogs and people, how much time is needed for them to recoup? It’s only a couple of weeks before the Iditarod starts as it is, so I expect that they would probably have to choose one or the other if they moved the date earlier.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 01:06:32 +0000

Despite the lack of snow at the start, this has been a fast race . The three former champs finished 1,2,3. Hugh’s all out rush to Braeburn paid off. Brent cut it in half, but just couldn’t make it all up. I think Allen was saving his team for the Iditarod as he is finishing with 13 of his 14 dog team. Hugh crossed the line with 9 and Brent 10.

Sooner or later they are going to have to change the date of the Iditarod because of the trail conditions.

By: JuanitaM

JuanitaM — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 15:52:22 +0000

Sitting here watching the snowfall turn to sleet and freezing rain, so it seemed an appropriate time to check up on the Yukon Quest! In looking at the Quest site, I noticed that they have live tracking for the public which is nice. I believe the Iditarod only offers that under their paid subscription.

Just checked and Hugh Neff is now about 17 miles ahead of Brent Sass, two-thirds of the way from Carmacks to Whitehorse (if the live tracking is really “live”). That’s still a ways to go, but it’s looking good for him. Hugh’s been running the Quest now for several years and always does well, but has never won, I don’t believe. I think he’s pretty careful with his dogs.

This is the time of year that slows down here a bit, and I like to enjoy my week or so of following the Iditarod. Most often I only have time to get the tail-end of the Yukon, but it’s a great race.