Tuesday, December 23, 2008

See the Oscar's Electric Race Day write up - two stories down

I'm only the editor, I have no idea why blogger put the story down below the results - but there it is, and it's jolly well worth the read I say!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Weatherpuppy!!


Weatherpuppy reports -36'C on Saturday evening, on the Alaska Highway. It is well known this area is considerably colder than Fish Lake Rd, where Sunday at 8am recorded -32'C on the Icy Waters Ltd Tank Farm - still, Brrr!

Thanks Weatherpuppy, for bearing all in such inclement weather!

Oscar's Electric Race Day Results

In moderately chilly temperatures somewhere around the -35'C mark, the winter solstice was marked by a great race under golden sunlight as 13 teams vied in the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister.

1 Pet Dog, 5 km

1 ASHA  Jon Lucas Bikejor 19.30

Kids, 5km

1 Jeff Diment 3 dog sled 13.42

The Twister, 12 miles
(all 5 dog sleds unless otherwise stated)

1 Kyla Boivin 53.01
2 Jon Lucas 59.18 2 dog skis
3 Laura Jane Lucas 1.01.36
4 Matthieu Renner 1.05.08
5 Kirstie Falkevitch 1.10.04
6 Gaetan Pierrard 1.10.05 3 dog skis
7 Valerie Bussieres 1.10.44 4 dog sled
8 Katrin Steiner 1.19.27 4 dog sled
9 Sarah Stohr 1.28.24 4 dog sled
10 Wendy Morrison 1.53.31 2 dog skis
11 Adrien Laydevant 1.59.40 2 dog skis

Prizes from Oscar's Electric (dosh, $$, cash), and merchandise from Yukon Brewing (glass wrapped T shirts) , Aurora Booties, Dazhaw Du Chiropractic Clinic, Yukon Agricultural Association, Icy Waters Ltd, First Mate Dogfoods


Oscar's Electric Race Day - Racing in the deep freeze

"Actually it was warmer in the Icy Waters Ltd deep freezer" said Jonathan Lucas as he handed frozen Arctic Charr fillets to all the volunteers that had guided the 13 frosty teams around the Twister trails today.

With the Weatheman suppressed because he is based out on the Alaska Highway and everyone knows it's way colder out there than up Fish Lake Rd, hardy mushers gathered in -30'C temperatures (look, that's what my thermometer said). Just as Wendy Morrison and Team 1 left the chute the sun shone golden and glorious on the trail, whilst the smoke from Colin and Simi's Pinocchio's Springs Kennel firepit and simmering chilli added to the atmosphere. Leaving second in bib 3 (because someone held onto Bib 2 after the November race - you know who you are!) Adrien Laydevant skijored past Wendy and then tore past volunteer Jeff Diment, exiting the stone chute at high velocity... and the wrong way: "I knew I was off the trail when I started to see houses (probably somewhere near downtown)" . Adrien than had a delightful steep climb back up to Jeff to go the right way, "But I could not stop them, they were so fast, and it was downhill" yes indeed, Adrien, new to skijoring has yet to realise his body is his brake. 

Gael - Snowpigs faithful leader for Season One - was back in Gaetan's 3 dog team for his inaugural Twister skijor. Kyla -Doggone- Boivin tore round the course, beating the previous race's winning time by three minutes and pushing skijoring Jon -Snowpigs- Lucas into second. They each have 18 points from two races, but Kyla leads the League table as she has the fastest time. Jon steps away from racing to volunteer in the 6/4 dog Alpine Vet race day on Sunday 18th January leaving Kyla the opportunity to pour on the points. The Whitehorse Star pin-up girl Kirstie Falkevitch missed out on the Yukon Brewing glass encased T shirt prize by one second  by beating Gaetan by that second, although the $30 prize for 5th still buys beer.

Laura Jane -Silverpaw- Lucas, flush with success after her straight (and $300) in the Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer, raced her first Twister finishing, just two minutes behind hubby Jon, in third and straight into the League points with her big furry pompom girls team.

In the Kids section, Jeff Diment braved two hours out on the course on volunteer duty and was the only entrant, finishing in about 13 minutes, picking up $25 and adding 10 points to his quest to be kid's league Champion. Whilst in the Pet Dogs, only Asha the Rottie had an owner keen/stupid/wrapped up enough to run the course and Jon (somewhat tired after the 12 mile) bikejored on the hard packed trail to victory, $25, and another 10 points.

Many thanks to the volunteers, and Yukon Brewing, Midnight Sun Alpacas, Aurora Booties, Dazhaw du Chiropractic Clinic, Icy Waters Ltd, Yukon Agriculture Association, and First Mate Dog Foods for all the prizes.

Next Race: Alpine Vet race day, Sunday 18th January, meet at Icy Waters Ltd at the NEW TIME OF 10.00am - woohoo, almost a lie in on Sunday morning!!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Trail Report - Saturday 20th Dec

Jon dragged a pallet down the trail this afternoon, smoothing a few small bumps in a otherwise pretty hard packed trail. There will be no problem putting a hook in. Beautiful weather - calm, clear, sunny.

Temperature forecast is between -24 to -32 tomorrow, depending on which forecaster you look at, and no windchill, soooooo

OSCAR'S ELECTRIC RACES ARE ON

See you all at Icy Waters Ltd, km 4.2 Fish Lake Rd, 9.15am Sunday!!
Race Marshmallow: Brian McDougall

Friday, December 19, 2008

Sun Dec 21st Oscar's Electric Race Day

Trail report 8.30pm Friday

With temperature rising to -27'C Jon set off on his new (ooohhh) skis with Assman and Emma. Trail varies from very hard to soft in places (especially before the drop kick turn, very helpful to keep you slow approaching that one). Good Trail, and with temp set to be between -22 and -29'C out here on Sunday, in sunshine all looks good.

We await the Weatherman on Saturday evening with trepidation, and the trail packing report on saturday afternoon. See you all bright eyed and bushy tailed 9.15am on Sunday at Icy Waters Ltd -- and it's a POTLUCK, so please bring something to eat share :)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sun Dec 21st Oscar's Electric Race Day

9.15am meeting, Icy Waters Ltd, km4.2, Fish Lake rd

Bring goodies for the potluck round the warming firepit with firewood generously donated by Debbie and Fred Last.

12 mile Twister: sleds 2-5 dogs, skis 2-3 dogs
5km 1 pet dog race
5km Kid's Race, sleds 2-4 dogs, skis 1-2 dogs.

Pet dogs start immediately after Kids; Pet dog racers must stop to help any kid in difficulties if asked.

See you there, it's warming up for the weekend, The Weatherman will show all.

Cash prizes from Oscar's Electric
Merchandise Prizes from Midnight Sun Alpacas, Aurora Booties, Yukon Brewing, FirstMate Dogfood, Dazhaw Du Chiropractic Clinic, and Icy Waters Ltd.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Dog Gone Kennels

Thanks to Adrien Laydevant for the photos of the mushers passing Kyla's dog yard




Genessee Keevil stows a card








Hugh Neff with Walter and Watson in the lead.





Colby and Wild Bill lead Juho's string of Hugh Neff dogs.




Kirstie Falkevitch with Shufi and Avins. Great photo in the News, Ian!






Pierre Duc reaches for a card














Sweet Pea and Fred lead Jo Van Randen out. Aerial support by Raven Spotters.















Tajo and Gwen pull Renee LaPierre through the checkpoint









Sammy and Gray show Team Pom Pom's sense of humour






posted by Jessica Simon

Oscar's Electric Race Day Sun Dec 21st

Sunday 21st December, Meet 9.15m Icy Waters Ltd, km 4.2 Fish Lake Rd

12 mile Twister (14 years+): sled 2-5 dogs, Skis 2-3 dogs

5km 1 Pet-dog race, dog must be attached to you, but otherwise any non-motorised mode of transport goes

5 km kids race (5-13 years): sleds 2-4 dogs, skis 1-2 dogs

$10 entry fee all race. Prizes from Yukon Brewing, Oscar's Electric, Aurora Booties, Dazhaw Du Chiropractic Clinic, Icy Waters Ltd.

With snow gently falling this Tuesday morning, the trail is going to be very well covered.

Firepit (thanks Debbie & Fred Last) and potluck - bring some grub to share; Many thanks to Tamra Reynolds for bringing food to the Poker run!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Up Mt Mac and Back

Is there such a thing as the Church of Dog? 'Cause whenever Cool Dogs meet on Sunday the weather is perfect. The dogs loved it. We Reached for the Sky in a snappy minus thirty; no wind, golden sunshine, crisp air, fresh snow - every day should be like this.

At the entrance to Jackson Lake Peace Camp sunshine hiked down the hillside and turned the black spruce yellow. Thank you so much Kwanlin Dun for allowing us to enjoy our race on your land.

Quiet cut by the slice of sled runners, a snatch of verse, the occasional whistle warned of teams approaching Jackson Lake Road. Grinding gravel told of their departure. From Brian McDonald's more than one musher yelled out "whoa! WHOA!"

And because running times meant nothing mushers stopped on the trail to chat. Harvey van Patten packed carved ornaments up the trail for all the checkers and stopped to try on his Yukon Brewing tshirt at the top of Mt MacIntyre.

In fact, he pulled right off the trail and let a half dozen teams pass him. But the sun was out and the day would be short enough anyway. There was no rush. Harvey liked the fit of his shirt and picked up another to wear on the way. "I don't need any help with the team," was the last thing he told Mike before the six dog string shot off back way they came with Harvey and his sled on its side. Whoa, WHOA!

Crispin Studer ran dogs from each of his three lines - the goth dogs Banshee, Witch and Ghost, the bike line of Giant, Klein and Kona, and Becks from the beer line. Both he and Ed Hopkins blew past the checkpoint so fast I have no photos and by the time I got back to the finish line, they were already in.

Fred and Debby Last were packing up the freight pull as well. Five dogs competed in one minute heats. When Jonathan Lucas' Asha timed out against Debbie Last's dog, it looked like the Rendezvous veteran Sherpa would take it. But, in the final heat Asha pulled, to the last second, to shift the weight and squeak past Sherpa.

Behind the finish line Harvey introduced his six-dog team. They've chewed up so much trail their teeth are flat, but they danced through the trees like teenagers. "These dogs really know. They've pulled me out of whiteouts before." When they aren't pulling tricks at the checkpoints.

Our success belongs to the support of our sponsors Yukon Brewing, First Mate, and Air North, the Yukon's Airline. Join us for Oscar's Electric Race Day at 9:30 this Sunday, December 21 at Icy Waters.
posted by Jessica Simon

Thank-you to the Kwanlin Dun

The organisers of Sunday's Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer would like to thank Roseanna White, Lands Administration Manager for the Kwanlin Dun for very kindly arranging for the gates at the Jackson Lake Peace Camp to be open for the race. Thank you!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Fresh from the Trail

Lynx and Cousteau lead Harvery Van P's team of pensioners - half are over 10


Best dressed team: Laura Lucas with Gray and Sammy leading Team Pom Pom

Jo Van Randen's Sweet Pea and Fred


















Spot and Flash keep Martine Didier on the trail












Trevor Braun pumps behind Shipton and Ginger



























Buzz and Ribs lead Ray Zadain








Martine Didier finishes her hand



After the finish

Genesee Keevil rewards her team
















Pickles dreams about how to spend Will Van Randen's winnings - new collar, harness, tail braiding



Kyla schmoozing with the best of them
posted by Jessica Simon

Laura Lucas rides Team Pom Pom home


commentary by Race Marshmallow Gene Ennis
posted by Jessica Simon

RESULTS!!!!!

In the aftermath of a long and successful day, I'm too tired (yes, indeed, I watched 19 teams start the gruelling hill climb to Mt MacIntyre (of which 18 actually came back under their own power, but that's another story), and I actively encourged Asha in the Freight Pull) to write of today's exciting events except to post the results, and here we go

First Mate Freight Pull

1st Asha  480lb Jonathan Lucas
2nd Sherpa 440lb Debbie Last
3rd Aklak 400lb Dave Desmarais
4th Keno 240lb Heather Desmarais
5th Isca 160lb Janet Keller

All competitors won 7 x 40lb bags of First Mate Extreme Dog Food, the remaining bags will be added to the Yukon Brewing CHT races prize pool.

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer

Times

1 Ed Hopkins 1:43 Dogs - 10
2 Hugh Neff 1:46 12
3 Kyla Boivin 1:47 14
4 Crispin Studer 1:55 10
5 Jo Van Randen 7
5 Juho Milpressa 10
5 Luc Twedell 1:59 8
8 Genesee Keevil 10
8 Will Van Randen 2:03 7
10 Rene LaPierre 2:04 8
11 Pierre Duc 2:08 8
12 Martin Lelevier 2:15 8
13 Kirstie Falkevitch 10
13 Maren Bradley 2:16 8
15 Laura Jane Lucas 2:29 7
16 Trevor Braun 2:40 10
17 Harvey Van Patten 2:55 6
18 Ray Zaidan 3:13 4

Scratch Marine Gastard 8

Every entrant received a block of Arctic Charr Dog Food from Icy Waters Ltd

But that didn't win any money, the Poker hand won the prizes:

1 Will Van Randen, Full house, $400 Cash (Yukon Brewing and Dryland Hot Hound racing) + $100 Air North Certificate

2 Kyla Boivin, Ace high Straight, $200 Cash (Yukon Brewing and Dryland Hot Hound Racing) + $100 Air North Gift Certificate

3 Laura Jane Lucas, 10 high Straight, $100 Cash (Yukon Brewing and Dryland Hot Hound Racing) + $200 Air North Gift Certificate

Thanks to all the volunteers - Race Marshmallow Gene Ennis, Race Official Mel Bedard, start line Dave and Heather Desmarais, Amanda, Simi Morrision; Route volunteers Katrina Wohlfarth Jessica Simon, Brian McDonald, Sunshine Valley Ranch, Sky High Ranch, Guillome Gravel, Mike Simon; Freight Pull Official Esther Keddie and volunteers Fred Last, Simi Morrison, and Janet Keller - can't be done without you.


NEXT RACE - Sunday Dec 21st, Oscar's Electric Race Day, Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League, 9.15am Icy Waters Ltd. 12 mile: Sleds 2-5 dogs, Skis 2-3 dogs + 5km 1 Pet Dog Race + 5km Kids Race (2-4 dog sleds, 1-2 dog skis). $10 entry fee all races.





Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Weatherman!!! Race + Freightpull is ON!!


The Weatherman says "Sled safely"; at temperatures around the -20'C mark all is good for the race and freightpull

and that was Public Service announcement 11-A23B from the CHT Org

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer - Trail Report 5.30pm Saturday

Just back from marking and flagging the trail: Great trail, good snow all round, reasonably well packed, trail taped and flagged with green and orange, or square red flags.

Rules are on this blog, we won't be going through them at the meeting.

Looks very nice indeed. 

See you all at 10am Icy Waters Ltd, please park in usual CHT parking area.

19 teams signed up, 6 places left

TAPLOW FIRST MATE FREIGHTPULL

 MEET AT 11.30 AM , ICYWATERS LTD, Sunday 14th

I TONNE OF FIRST MATE EXTREME DOG FOOD TO BE WON

$20 entry fee
Light, medium, and heavy weight categories

Trail PIcs


Laura Jane Lucas and team on Fish Lake approaching the "Tree Hole": this is Guillome's water source, please do not allow you dogs to pee on the trees.  Although a trail does turn onshore at the trees, go past about 20m and then take the trail onto the shore. If you turn at the trees you'll be in a yard. So, go past the trees, then turn onshore.



Running home....just ride the dragmat down to the Copper Haul Trail

7" snow fell over Thursday/Friday, we will be out today to pack it and flag the trail; -23 at 11am. Keep watching for later trail updates when we get back.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Trail Good, Race ON

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer is ON.

So fly Air North, go buy the best beer from the Yukon Brewing brewery and get your 5% reward saving, and compete in the Dryland Hot Hounds races next summer, so we can do this all over again next year!!

Trail to be flagged and checked Saturday, tune in to the blog on Saturday evening for final update; where is "The Weatherman"???? 

Lots of snow fell this week, you sleddy people can get a hook in now :) so be happy and have a fun run.

signed up so far are:

Harvey Van Patten
Genesee Keevil
Maren Bradley
Pierre Duc
Laura Jane Lucas
Ray Zaidan
Crispin Studer
Trevor Braun
Christy Willet
Luc Tweddell
Rene LaPierre
Hugh Neff
Hugh Neff 2
Hugh Neff 3
Kyla Boivin
Kirstie Falkevitch
Diddier Moggia
Diddier Moggia 2

7 places left

See you all at 10am, Icy Waters Ltd, Sunday 14th

Don;t forget it's a potluck!!!




Friday, December 5, 2008

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer - 9 places left!

Kyla Boivin and Doggone Kennel Jockey Kirstie Falkevitch signed up as entrants 15 and 16 today, 9 places left.

And don't forget the First Mate Freight Pull, same day, Dec 14th, but meeting at 11.30am.

Trail report - Thurs - Ray Zaidan hauled by leader Buzz (Lightyear) + Ribs, McKlusky, & Cooper over the course - "Beautiful trail" and the 4 dog team easily completes the course in under 4hours
Mel Bedard Confirms as Timer, Brian McDougall as Race Marshmallow and Gene Ennis as Freight Pull Marshall.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

14 teams signed up for Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer

Hugh Neff today signed up 3 teams, bringing the total to 14 - the same number as ran the race last year! 11 places left in this Dec 14th FREE entry Poker run for a chance of $500!

Why drive all the way to Alaska when you can run up local Yukon Mountains?

Linda Lewis roars out of the start chute

Two dogs fly down the track towing a beaming Linda Lewis in the season premier H Coyne & Sons Race Day. Linda and her dogs travelled all the way in from Destruction Bay.
(photo credit Vince Federoff)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Rule 24, rule change notification

24) Outside of, and on, race days, persons being disrespectful or rude to CHT Org volunteers, or bringing the CHT Org races into disrepute, may be refused entry to the CHT Org races. Such persons may not be allowed to handle nor compete, and neither may dog kennels they own or operate, in the CHT Org races. The CHT Org reserves the right to notify any and all other Races and Race Organisations of the ban and it's reason - volunteer abuse.

We think a lot of our volunteers, and we know all you racers do too. This just tightens the rule for their protection.

The CHT Twister Org will shortly be implementing a similar complaints policy to that in place at Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous: all complaints must be in writing, and the complaint will be forwarded to the person about whom the complaint has been made. The Committee will review complaint and response before making any decisions.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Race Schedule and details

Dec 14th, 10 am Icy Waters Ltd, Registration and Musher's Meeting: Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer Poker Run. Free Entry, skill testing question on disclaimer.

4-14 dogs; 23 miles, 1900' climb up, and then 1900' down. There is no skidoo support or sweeper.

4-6 dog teams will leave at 11am, 7+ teams will leave at 11.30am

Volunteers at: Haekel Hill / Jackson Lake trail turn off; Jackson lake road end (+ card pickup); Jackson Lake / Fish Lake trail turn off; Sunshine Valley Ranch (+ card pickup); Sky High Ranch; Fish Lake to Mt Mac Trail turnoff; Shoulder of Mt Mac (+ card & Yukon Brewing T shirt pickup); Mt Mac trail to Copper Haul Trail turnoff (+ card pickup).

Sponsors - Air North, Yukon Brewing, Hot Hounds Dryland Racing

Dec 14th Meet at 11.30 at Icy Waters Ltd for the First Mate Extreme Freight Pull: 3 classes, light 0-60lbs, Medium 61-100lbs, Heavy 101lbs+  compete for a share of the 1 tonne First Mate Extreme Dog Food Purse. 

First Mate have generously donated 3.5 tonnes of dog food to dog sports competions in the Yukon since Dec 2007, and Icy Waters Ltd have shipped it all up.

DEC 21st 9.15am Icy Waters Ltd, Registration and Musher's Meeting: Oscar's Electric Race Day, Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League

$10; 12 mile: sleds 3-5 dogs, skis 2-3 dogs; 1 Pet Dog 5km, anything non-motorised goes, so long as dog remains attached to you; Kids 5km 2-4 dogs sleds, 1-2 dog skis.


January 18th, 9.15am Icy Waters Ltd, Registration and Musher's Meeting: Alpine Vet Race Day, Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League.

$10; 12 mile: sleds 3-6 dogs, skis 2-4 dogs; 1 Pet Dog 5km, anything non-motorised goes, so long as dog remains attached to you; Kids 5km 2-4 dogs sleds, 1-2 dog skis.

and Many Thanks to our other sponsors - Aurora Booties - dog booties, collars, jackets; Dazhaw Du Chiropractic Clinic, J F Latour - ointments and balms, plus chiropracty of course; First Mate Pet Foods, Yukon Agricultural Association, plus the race day sponsors to come - Chocolate Claim, Duffy's Pets and Tanzilla Harness supply, and  Icy Waters Ltd


Saturday, November 29, 2008

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer RULE CHANGE

Time to complete course extended to 4 (FOUR) hours

4-6 dog teams will start leaving at 11am (no exceptions - if you don't think your dogs will enjoy being passed take 'em in the Twister a few times, after 15 or so passes per race they'll soon be used to it), 7+ dog teams to leave directly after. 2 minute intervals

Jon and Laura rode their "Iron Dog" over the course with a GPS today and started flagging - orange and green, like last year. It is 23 miles, and climbs 1900', and then descends 1900'. Snow better than last year and no ice up to Jackson Lake. YECL reservoir (Head Pond No.1) track just off Haekel Hill road looks like YECL napalmed it - all brush has gone, trail is a ploughed depression in the ground - it has snow and it is smooth so no real problem, just a bit of a visual shock.

Here's some trail views - loverly

Laura Jane Lucas and Iron Dog at 4500' at the "Top". looking back to Fish Lake and where you are all going to climb up from

"The Far Side" - start of the descent back to the Copper Haul trail

Half way up from Fish Lake



Friday, November 28, 2008

Skijoring in the CHT

Photos thanks to Dave Desmarais at the drop kick corner: Wobbling skijorers make the turn without falling over! Skijorers dominated the H Coyne & Sons Twister finishing 1st and 3rd (have you heard that enough yet) - never fear, you sledders and Drew Spicer ("I don't think it's fair to have skijorers in there, I'd have been second without them") you get an extra dog for a 5 dog team at the Oscar's Electric on Dec 21st. whilst the skijorers stay at 3 (or 2 in Jon's case, cos that's his kennel this season)


Twelve places left!

The starting grid fills up for the Yukon Brewing, Air North, and Hot Hounds Dryland Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer poker-ish race with Trevor Braun, and Luc Twedell (signing up 2 teams) registering today.

Luc will have a drag mat this year, after the course and his wild dogs ripped his claw brake off last year. Luc then had a steep descent or two back to the start line with 10 detached tug-lines and two dogs actually pulling, and no brake apart from the rapidly wearing heels of his boots.

Trail is in better condition now, than at race time last year and still three weeks to go.

Twelve (12) places left!!

Don't forget the First Mate Freight Pull, meeting at 11.30am the same day, whilst all teh fitness fanatics are sloggin' up the hills. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Oscar's Electric Race Day Sun Dec 21st

Second Race Day in the League, Oscar's Electric, has 3-5 dogs for sleds and 2-3 for skis.

Firepit will again be roaring thanks to a generous donation of firewood from Debbie and Fred Last. 

Debbie, who has never been last in the Twister, is however looking forward to a chance to win the mini-palm sized lantern (no-one said it was red) for the Oscar's race.

Remember it's a pot-luck so bring something to munch and share.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Air North, Yukon Brewing, Hot Hounds Dryland "Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer: Poker (ish) run

is 
FREE
Yehaa!!! Entry still limited to 25 teams, and  no. 10 signed up this afternoon, so 15 free entrant places left.

No cost mushing for an $1100 purse
Race the CHT Org's races, 
where all the cool dogs go

No gambling licence applied for, entrance fee $0; skill testing question on disclaimer. Meet at 10.00am sharp, Icy Waters Ltd, Sunday 14th Dec.

Race Marshmallow Brian McDougall, Asst Race Marshmallows Gene Ennis & Mel Bedard
Retroactive Rule applies - RM/ARM  can create any rule at any time and backdate it to 5 mins before any incident occured


Air North, Yukon Brewing, Hot Hounds Dryland "Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer: Poker (ish) run

Crispin Studer confirms!!

16 places left and counting!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer participant list filling up

Confirmed list  for Sunday 14th 22miler up and over Mt Mac:

Genessee Keevil
Harvey Van Patten
Maren Bradley
Pierre Duc
Laura Jane Lucas
Ray Zaidan
Colin Morrison
Simi Morrison

This leaves 17 places available - it might be free, can you afford to miss $400 and a $100 Air North certificate? let alone your Yukon Brewing T Shirt at the summit!!

Whitehorse Army Cadet Corps 2685 have kindly agreed to come out and man the start line, Jackson Lake and Copper Haul card pick-ups; Pierre from Sunshine Valley Ranch today confirmed their card-drop, and Mike Simon will be up at 4400' with a snowmachine, cards, and a cooler full of Yukon Brewing T shirts - if it's cold he might have worn them all before you get up there so no slouching up that 2200 feet!!

As per Copper Haul Twister, the retroactive rule applies in this race

At 11.30 on the same day we have the First Mate Extreme 1 tonne freight pull at Icy Waters Ltd. First Freight Pull of the season and we'll see who's been training!!

Pooper Scoop

Michelle Phillips cruising round the corners

12-Mile Copper Haul

A look at the official times of this month's Copper Haul doesn't tell the story volunteers saw at the back of the trail. Terraforming has turned the gravel pits into gravel pyramids that pinch the turnaround loop into a figure eight, a corner of which has a knarly drop with a left leaning camber in a right hand turn - Jonathan's drop-kick corner.

Third place finisher Darrell Sheepway broke trail for everyone in the first race of the season, without falling in the Killer Korner, wobbly though it was. Drew Spicer won fourth place in time but first in style; team and driver in perfect harmony. And then came Jonathan Lucas, who won $80 for falling all over the trail and tangling up the mid-pack mushers behind him. Even Lee Kirkpatrick's attempt at misdirection couldn't keep him from first place.

Victim of the tangle, Yukon News sports musher Ian Stewart would have finished five minutes ahead of news writer Genesee Keevil, if he didn't have to wait for the ruedel of teams to clear. Only Marine Gastard found advantage when her team scooted past the knot to chase the first free team.

Kirstie Falkevitch won the Lucky 13 bag of FirstMate feed, and Alexie Ducastle won the red lantern, for which we now have a palm-sized red lantern award.

above: Genesee Keevil's wheel dog smiles for the camera
below: Linda Lewis enjoys a ski on a sunny morning


















Kids 5 km Twister

Although Keegan Hopkins and Jeff Diment's teams sprinted around the five k in good form, Erin Spicer took first, with a team that stormed the barricade in the final loop. Fourth place finisher Haley McCloud wins toughest racer for her tumble on the trail.


top: Haley McCloud nears the final bend
bottom: Keegan Hopkins takes a turn

Pet Dog 5 km
Asha won $25, for dragging Jonathan's bruised butt around the course in under 20 minutes. Jonathan won the red lantern for falling 100 yards from the finish line, giving Asha a chance to flop down for a snow bath. Somebody please give them competition next month.

posted by Jessica Simon

H. Coyne Race Day Official Finishes

12-Mile Twister
all 4 dog sleds except as noted

  1. Jonathan Lucas, 2 dog skis 56:45
  2. Kyla Boivin 59:14
  3. Darrel Sheepway, 3 dog skis 59:47
  4. Drew Spicer 1:03:30
  5. Maren Bradley 1:03:31
  6. Katie Young 1:06:05
  7. Michelle Phillips 1:08:09
  8. Linda Lewis, 2 dog skis 1:08:53
  9. Marie Claude Leroux 1:10:06
  10. Marine Gastard 1:10:35
  11. Genesee Keevil 1:11:08
  12. Ian Stewart 1:12:38
  13. Kirstie Falkevitch 1:14:23
  14. Kate Weeks 1:16:56
  15. Alexie Ducastel 1:34:09
Racers also took home prizes from Aurora Booties, Dazhaw Du ointments, Midnight Sun alpaca boot liners (mmmm, warm) and T-Shirts from Yukon Agriculture Association and Yukon Brewing.

Kids 5 km
  1. Erin Spicer 13:51
  2. Keegan Hopkins 15:01
  3. Jeff Diment 16:13
  4. Haley McCloud 18:45
Pet Dog 5 km
  1. Asha 19:46
Next month's Copper Haul is December 21, Oscar's Electric Race Day, Registration 9.15am, Musher's Meeting at 9:30 a.m. 

Don't miss Yukon Brewing, Hot Hounds Dryland, and Air North's Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer race up and over Mount MacIntyre on December 14, and First Mate's Freight Pull on Dec 14th also (whilst all the tough people are sloggin up that hill - not me says Jon, me n Asha (well Asha really) are doing the Freight Pull!!

posted by Jessica Simon

Sunday, November 23, 2008

H Coyne & Sons Race Day rated "major success"

Beautiful weather, great trail, excellent volunteers and 20 teams heralded the season premiere of the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League.

Colin and Simi Morrison of Pinocchio Springs kennel tended the firepit and popular simmering Chilli; Race Marshmallow Brian MacDougall, ably assisted by R M/mallow Deputy Gene Ennis and Timer Heather Desmarais kept  everyone in line and things moving smoothly. Out on trail Dave D snagged top photo spot at the drop kick turn, that apparently only Jon Lucas stumbled at, whilst Jessica Simon, Amanda, Stephan, Eilidh, Larissa, Simi, and Lee guided the mushers round the subtly twisted course.

Snowpigs came storming home in two classes:  Flying the Snowpig and the Jolly Roger, Asha the Rottie breezed home 1 st in the Pet Dog (no, actually I am not going to explain that she was the only entrant....), who cares, that was a nice $25 for Jon and 10 points in the bag for the League; in the 12 mile ASSMAN & EMMA charged the course, knocking 4 mins of their previous best training time and took first in the 12 mile dragging hapless Jon "I do know how to skate ski, I think, honest, oops another crash" Lucas, almost 2.5 mins ahead of second placed Kyla "yeah, well, I could have won if my dogs didn't keep stopping to poop, or I hadn't stopped to admire the view so often" Boivin with 4 dogs and a sled, herself just a few seconds ahead of hard-driving Darrell "I'm gonna train very hard now" Sheepway with 3 dogs on skis.

In the kids race "Dogged Pursuit" jockey Erin Spicer took first by just over a minute from Keegan "mine's a Coke" Hopkins, closely followed by Jeff Diment and stalwart Haley McCloud running just 2 dogs.

Great day out for all, plenty of passing, plenty of twisting, plenty of good humour - good mushing fun. Photos and official times to come.

Many thanks to Aurora Booties, Dazhaw Du Chiropractic Clinic, Midnightsun Alpacas, Icy Waters Ltd, First Mate Dogfoods

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Trail Report - Saturday 22nd November

Jessica and Mike Simon, Gene Ennis, and Jon Lucas set out the snow fencing and pallet/stake supports on the trail this afternoon. Kyla Boivin flew past on a sled with 16 dogs and a cry of "Beautiful trail, see ya tomorow!" - that about says it all.

All set, looks good, see you all at 9.15am tomorrow!

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Masked Weatherman : RACE IS ON!!


Guest Weatherman shows off large apparatus indicating the temperature is relatively mild, and with no rising or falling temperatures forecasted for the weekend, the H Coyne & Sons Race Day is ON!!

Thank-you anonymous Guest Weatherman for stepping forward, after The Weatherman was inadvertantly delayed in his second job.

Applications for the post of Weatherman may be sent to Race Officials Laura Jane Lucas, Gene Ennis, and Mel Bedard, who will inspect the applicants credentials.

See you all at Icy Waters Ltd, km 4.2 Fish Lake at 9.15am on Sunday!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Snow Is Falling...

...On the hard packed trail. Another 1" fell last night and it's still coming down. Harris Cox of the KSA is grooming on Friday, and Jon and Gene Ennis (Race Marshmallow) are out on Saturday getting the new snowfencing (thank you KCIBR) in place ready for the volunteers to set out on Sunday.

Looking good.

Sadly the Weatherman will be unable to show himself off for this race, however if anyone else wants to send in photos of the temperature, please do so!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Great prizes for H Coyne & Sons Race Day

Apart from the very welcome cash from H Coyne & Sons, split as follows

12 mile CHT

1st - 50
2nd  - 40
3rd - 30
4th - 20
5th - 10

Pet dog and Kid's Race

1st - 25
2nd - 20
3rd - 15
4th - 10
5th - 5

Top five positions also get +20% of respective entry fees of each category,

ie if 20 teams enter the Twister, this is $200, and each of the first 5 positions increase by $40.

Prizes also kindly donated by  - Yukon Brewing: glass wrapped T shirts; Yukon Agricultural Assocn: T shirt (no really, a T shirt); Aurora Booties: Dog Collars; Dazhaw Du Chiropractic Clinic - Traumeel ointments; First Mate  - 1 bag of dog food for the lucky 13th place; and of course every entrant gets a block of heads and racks for their dogs, and every volunteer a couple of Arctic Charr fillets from Icy Waters Ltd.

What a marvellous day out, for $10 - remember the potluck, and bring a bowl and spoon for Simi and Colin's Chilli!

One Tonne First Mate Dog Food Arrives!

First Mate's one tonne of dog food for the Dec 14th Freight Pull has arrived, shipped by Icy Waters Ltd.

Dec 14th all set for a festival of dog sports - they might even be legal if DPSAY can get the Gambling Licence!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

H Coyne & Sons Twister Sunday 23rd Nov

Luxury is assured this Sunday as Colin and Simi of Pinocchios wooden assembly Springs Kennel will ensure the firepit is roaring with Mike Salvisburg's generously donated firewood with a cauldron of simmering chilli - so bring your own bowl and spoon!

Now where is the Weatherman and his amazing photo?

Genessee Keevil FIRST to sign up for Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer

That's right, competition hots up for the remaining 24 places for the second outing of this notorious "poker" run. DPSAY are applying for a gambling licence to make us all legal, otherwise I'll have to refund all your entry fees and you'll have to answer a skill testing mathematical 4 step question - whatever happens, it'll be a larf and three monkeys will be walking (hopefully - naw, it's not that steep - no skijorers allowed though) away with $700 cash and $400 Air North certificates.

Remember it's 22 miles, and 15 of those are up 2000 feet, 3 of them are down 2000 feet and 4 are nice and level.

Email llucas@yknet to register and send a crisp crackly $20 to Jon (for the entry fee, the CHT is incorruptible)


Monday, November 17, 2008

Trail Report - Monday 17th

Jon skijored the 12 mile again and fell over more often  - very very firm. If the public would stop driving wheels over it it would help, but hey, they really pack it down and if the skis can get in a tyre track it's almost like skating on ice (erm just hang on and keep going).

Looking very nice for Sunday - Pinocchios Long Nose Springy Kennel (what a quaint name) - Colin and Simi Morrison are bringing a big pot of Chilli and Colin might not realise it just yet but he is in charge of the firepit with firewood supplied by Mike Salvisburg's "Mike's Firewood" company. It is a potluck day, so please bring some goodies to share around. Coffee as always supplied by Icy Waters Ltd so don't be shy about putting a brew on.

Rumour has it Hans Gatt might be out again on skis - c'mon here's your chance to beat a Quest Champion, although Jon (Wot's a brake, drag pad, hook?)and Assman know they have to battle arch-rival Susie (I swopped my skis for a sled in the Junior Percy) Rogan and "Total Teeth Tundra".

We look forward to the return  of "the Weatherman" on Friday, with the pre-race temperature prediction, and don't anyone argue with Race Marshmallow Gene Ennis (I had a bad night and are you looking at me?).

It's $10, it's fun, why spend $50 on gas to do the Canol road (again...and again... oh yes, and again) come and get some thrills and spills (ah... spills... take note, the new end turn is a sight to behold and Dave D has already bagged the photo opportunity - naw, it's not that bad, Jon keeps falling over there, but that;s cos he expects to - anyway, it's nothing like THE POST - long ago fed into someone's stove, thank you, nameless vandal)

See you all Sunday, at the new, later time of 9.15!!!


Saturday, November 15, 2008

Trail Report - Sat Nov 15th

Jon skijored the 12 miles this morning. Very nice, firm trail. A good covering of snow with enough cushioning for the occasional tumble. Trail is back to the Season 1 route (more twisted than last season) and lots of fun.

Please remember this was originally set up as a training race, to accustom the dogs to all the wild and wacky things that can occur, in a friendly and sharing environment, so that we can learn from the experiences in a safe(-ish) situation. You gotta expect novices, people trying new stuff, plus the usual other inputs from the public: that was the point of the race.

Merry training


Friday, November 14, 2008

CHT Org Race Schedule

Sunday 23rd November

H Coyne & Sons Race Day, Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League: 
12 mile sleds 2-4 dogs, skis 2-3; 5km Kids sleds 2-4 dogs, skis 1-2 dogs; 5km 1 Pet Dog

Registration 9.15am Icy Waters Ltd, Km 4.2 Fish Lake Rd

Sunday 14th December

Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer Poker Run - 22 miles, 2000' climb, 2000' descent.
(Sponsors Air North, Yukon Brewing, Hot Hounds Dryland Racing)

4-12 dogs; ENTRY LIMIT OF 25 TEAMS - turn up on the day, or email llucas@yknet.ca to register and pay $20 to Jon at Icy Waters Ltd before Race Day. DPSAY applying for gambling licence - if no licence available entry fee refunded on race day and skill testing question will be added to disclaimer.

Meet 10am at Icy Waters Ltd


First Mate Extreme Freight Pull, meet 11.30am, Icy Waters Ltd. 1 tonne of First Mate Extreme dog food to be won - whilst the energetic souls climb Mt Mac, the freight pullers battle it out at Icy Waters in Lightweight (0-60lbs), Mediumweight (61-100lbs), and Heavyweight (1o0lbs+) classes.

Register on the day at IWL, $20 entry fee.

Sunday 21st December

Oscar's Electric Race Day, Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League:
12 mile sleds 2-5 dogs, skis 2-3; 5km Kids sleds 2-4 dogs, skis 1-2 dogs; 5km 1 Pet Dog

Registration 9.15am Icy Waters Ltd, Km 4.2 Fish Lake Rd

Sunday 24th January

Alpine Vet Race Day, Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League:
12 mile sleds 2-6 dogs, skis 2-4; 5km Kids sleds 2-4 dogs, skis 1-2 dogs; 5km 1 Pet Dog

Registration 9.15am Icy Waters Ltd, Km 4.2 Fish Lake Rd

Feb and March races (Chocolate Claim; Duffy's Pet and Tanzilla Harness Supply; Icy Waters Ltd) date to be determined.