What's Up Next

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Nile

I’m hoping to write up a few good stories from the Yukon Quest, but in the meantime, what’s up next for our athletes?

Starting next week, the athletes and I will be hitting the trails on several expeditions in the Chena River Valley as well as the Alaska Range!

Saeward has been training up a team of yearlings and adults to run the Two Rivers 100 in just a couple weeks!

Ernie and Bert are growing like weeds and now bigger than Sasha!

And Scarpa and Petzl were total NATURALS their first time in harness!

Spring is one of my favorite times of year. We’re gaining over six minutes of daylight every day, and the trails are in perfect shape for mushing. So basically, we’ll be spending as much time outside as we can!

Crunch

CJ and Cartel- so cuddly!

King Louie

Ernie and Bert

Bert

Ernie

Athlete Report

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We have lots of stories from the Yukon Quest as well as videos and photos to share, but what about those canine athletes?!

I’m so proud of this year’s team and am bursting with pride over their performances. While we finished with a small team, that was in no way indicative of the their drive and desire to run. And probably more important than being good sled dogs, they’re just wonderful dogs.

Lefty

Lefty- This. Dog. Lefty joined the team in Carmacks. He led a significant portion of the race. He’s certainly not fast, and he’ll let the gangline get slack if the dogs behind him try to run faster than his pace, almost like a stubborn grump saying, “this is my pace, like it or lead yourselves.” That being said, he’s one of the most reliable leaders in the team. Overflow, blizzards, open water, summits- Lefty will navigate it. He’ll find a blown-in trail or lead off trail if we’re setting up a camp or maneuvering around an obstacle. I trust him with my life. He’s finished everything he ever started.

Jana

Jana- I almost didn’t bring Jana on this Quest. She’s slowed down a bit (she’s 7, almost 8 now), and I was thinking the youngsters might be ready to fill her shoes. Boy, am I glad I changed my mind. Jana led the last 200 miles including over Eagle Summit, Rosebud, and through our “finish line storm”. Her pace is faster than Lefty’s, so they make a good pair, with Jana encouraging Lefty to speed up a tiny bit. In the finish video, you can see Jana still harness banging to go, although I have to admit this is partially because Jana HATES crowds. She prefers her one on one time.

Cooke

Cooke- Wow. This guy rocked it. He was the only two-year-old on the team, but you wouldn’t know it. He ran in team or swing the entire race, until the final leg when I thought, let’s give Cooke some responsibility and see how he does in lead. Cooke led from the Two Rivers checkpoint, through a blizzard, by our kennel (this is a huge mental challenge!), and broke trail down the Chena River. Normally the last leg takes 8-10 hours, but with the storm and trail conditions, our final run was turning into a 12-13 hour run, which is really long! At hour 11 of breaking trail and running through overflow, Cooke started to get a little overwhelmed and started running a half step behind Jana. I swapped him out for Lefty, telling him what an AMAZING job he’d done. This guy has a very bright future.

Rucu

Rucu- My Rock. Rucu probably pulled 70% of the weight from Circle to the finish line. When this guy retires, I’ll need at least two dogs in the team to fill his shoes, maybe even three. Even though we finished as a 7-dog team, it was more like a 10-dog team since Rucu was in it. He’s such a powerhouse and thrives in challenging conditions like Eagle Summit or breaking trail. He gives his heart and soul to the team. If the dogs voted on a Sportsmanship Award, he’d be the one to win it.

CJ

CJ- She’s done it again and finished another Yukon Quest! I jest because CJ is an under-performer in training and is easily distracted by squirrels, cars, other teams—really anything. She’s good at pacing herself and makes sure that she always has energy in reserve. That being said, there’s something about her happy-go-lucky attitude that is the perfect balance to the competitiveness and seriousness of the other veterans. She reminds us to not take ourselves so seriously. Chase that moose. Pounce on that bootie in the trail. Chew on that willow. CJ has spotted lots of wildlife for us, including a lynx outside of Circle, a wolverine outside of Eagle, and that pestering drone hovering about 1/2 mile away taking aerial shots (I actually love the drone shots, but CJ is good at spotting them from far away).

Katy

Katy- Katy added another 1000-mile race to her resume! She led the first 100 miles from the start to Braeburn, but the next 900 miles she ran in either wheel (immediately in front of the sled) or a spot up from wheel. Normally it’s nice to have a powerful dog in wheel to help maneuver the sled, but Katy is actually a spectacular wheel dog. She can easily duck underneath the gangline and move from side to side to avoid obstacles. She’s a favorite of the volunteers and vets because she’s tiny and cuddly and cute. It was nice to have Katy in reserve in case we needed another leader.

Uno

Uno- This was Uno’s first 1000-mile race and she did spectacularly. In Dawson, while the rest of the team was enjoying the spa treatment, Uno was the first to start bouncing around, wondering why we were camping for 36 hours. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Uno tired. She had a brief mental lapse when we ran by home and continued to run for a few hours on the way to the finish line, but once she sensed the vibe of the rest of the team, she zeroed back in on the trail and powered forward.

Wingman

Wingman- Wingman’s race ended in Two Rivers but he was an important team member and sorely missed on the last run to the finish line. He worked hard, had a good attitude, and ate everything in sight. Every time we arrived at a checkpoint, Wingman loudly barked and screamed to announce “We are HERE! We had a great run! Hey everybody- we’re HEREEEEEE!!!” He was also a cheerleader leaving all the checkpoints, but his excitement upon reaching a checkpoint was unmatched.

Goblin

Goblin- Goblin has been a main leader for our past three 1000-mile races, and this race was no different. He joined the team in Pelly with the idea that he’d be well-rested for the remainder of the race. Unfortunately, Goblin developed a sore wrist and was dropped in Central. Up until then, he led through some of the gnarliest, icy sections on the Yukon River and was a big cheerleader for the team. Goblin and Boone made a fantastic leading pair. This was the first time Goblin has ever been dropped from a race, and he wasn’t happy about it.

Boone

Boone- I am soooooooo proud of Boone! She led from the very beginning of the race until she was left with the handling team in Circle. Her Achilles was slightly swollen, so we played it safe and ended her race early. But wow. She did so, so, so well! Her attitude was through the roof, she ate all her meals, and she increased the team’s speed by at least a mile per hour. Her only area of improvement would be leading over ice. I can’t really blame her, but she hated running across ice and would try to pull the team into the willows. She needed a strong partner like Goblin or Lefty to reassure her that the ice was safe to run across.

Wombat

Wombat- Wombat was the first athlete dropped in Pelly. She ran from the beginning to Pelly and was a big cheerleader for the team, but unfortunately, she developed a sore wrist from the hard packed trails. Wombat’s problem seems to be that she works too hard and injures herself. She needs to learn to settle down a bit, watch her step, and pace herself for the long haul. She’s a fantastic car companion though and cuddled in the backseat, causing no problems and being exceptionally adorable. Cuteness score- A+++

Fish

Fish- Fish and her mom, Perm, were the biggest cheerleaders in the team. Any time we stopped, left a checkpoint, or arrived at a checkpoint, Fish started banging her harness in anticipation to run. Her race ended in Scroggie when she developed tendonitis in her back leg. I had never seen this injury before, and Fish tried to assure us that it was no big deal, bouncing around as if to say “put me in coach! I can do it!” Like Wombat, she was an excellent car companion, but I think she’d have preferred to be running in the team. I know the team sure missed her mega-stoke attitude.

Perm

Perm- Perm and Fish were our two biggest cheerleaders, with Perm hitting a whole new level of motivational barker. I like to sing out loud on the trail, and Perm decided that she was a perfect back-up singer, especially when I’d try to hit high notes. Neither one of us have very pretty voices, but the team would get fired up anyway and we’d zip down the trail. Perm developed a stretched Achilles on the way to Trout Creek outside of Eagle. Much to her dismay, she had to ride in the sled for about 75 miles until we reached Slaven’s Roadhouse. Her race ended there, where the veterinarians and race officials made a soft bed in the roadhouse for her and splinted her back leg as a precaution. Once she returned to Fairbanks, Saeward took her to North Pole Veterinary Hospital where after x-rays, Dr. Lovely determined it was just a strain and surgery would not be necessary! Perm is on bed rest for 6-8 weeks, so she’s currently living in the cabin. She’s a hoarder, and I stumbled upon two bones, a roll of electrical tape, and a canister of bear spray hidden in her crate, so we’ve since “child-proofed” the house for Perm.

Supai

Supai- This is the first race in which Supai has ever been dropped. I was pretty emotional about it since he has run every race with me since the very beginning of Ryno Kennel, but Supai had developed a sore wrist and was dropped in Circle. He’s such a hardworker and LOVES big climbs like Eagle Summit, so I was hoping he’d bounce back after a nice long rest in Circle, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t in the cards. Supai was such a powerhouse all the way to Circle, ate everything, and had such a great attitude. I love this dog. A lot. He has an impressive resume and deserves to be on a Wheaties Box.

Even though we didn’t win, these dogs showed such perseverance, heart, and strength, and I’m honored to be part of their pack. I’m certainly biased, but they’re the best dogs in the world, and I wouldn’t want to travel 1000 miles with any other group of dogs!

Climbing Eagle Summit

Two Rivers Mushers- Best friends and neighbors!

Finish Banquet

Climbing Eagle Summit

Outside of Circle

Uno

Outside of Circle

Outside of Circle

Derek and Cooke

We Made It!

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Ryne here-

Thanks so much to everyone who followed along during our Yukon Quest and came to cheer on the team at the finish!

I couldn't be prouder of the team, especially the finishers Jana, Lefty, Katy, Cooke, Rucu, Uno, and CJ! While a small team, they had enormous drive and heart. Ironically, the last 20 miles into the finish down the Chena River and through Fairbanks was some of the most challenging conditions we had encountered all race! Cooke and Jana led the run into town, until after hours of breaking trail, young Cooke needed a break so Lefty took over. The Chena River was flooded with hidden overflow and open leads. With the trail and trail markers being blown away in the storm, we decided to hunker down for a short while until visibility was better. I never thought my first experience of hunkering down during a storm would be on a river bank below one of the houses of Fairbanks just six miles shy of the finish line! Ha! Thanks to the friends and family who patiently awaited our finish and even though the canine athletes aren't on Facebook (I don't think)- thank you to these wonderful dogs who pulled me through and showed such perseverance, trust, and strength. As I sit on the couch surrounded by my sleeping teammates and family, our hearts are full!

More Pictures and Videos from 2019 Yukon Quest

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After the mandatory 8 hour rest at the Two Rivers check point, the team is on their final push into Fairbanks! The “magnificent seven” headed out at 8:40 this morning close behind Nathaniel Hamlyn (thanks for breaking that path for us!) Over flow and fresh snow might slow the speed but not the excitement of crossing the finish line tonight.

Pictures and videos from the trail for you to enjoy while following the tracker at www.yukonquest.com

Leaving Two Rivers!

Ryne is showing off her make-shift waders! Fancy pants in anticipation of over flow.

Birthday breakfast in Central — #30!

Later in the day at Mile 101:

Resting under the northern lights in Central.

Above and below are coming off of Eagle Summit into Mile 101 check point.

Rucu getting some loving

Lefty relaxing after Eagle Summit

Off to Dawson & Mid race update

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Time to booty and put on coats — early wake up call!

Go team go! Next stop Dawson

After arriving yesterday in Dawson City at 6:39 PM, Ryne and the dogs were taken over to the dog yard for a formal Vet check on each dog. And boy, did they enjoy the individual attention. No poking and prodding, just range of motion moves, temperatures, massages, hugs, and more treats and food. A dog’s life!

Kalyn spent the night with the team: feeding, massaging, walking to stretch out, and most importantly, resting. Thank you for all the love Kalyn.

After check in at the dog yard (Ryne had eaten pizza on the way over), she promptly crashed for 12 hours straight (no massaging, no walking to stretch and no food — just rest!) But after waking, she was off to the dog yard to check on everyone. Following is her report on her team:

  • Boone: she has lead the team from the start. Exceptional and very strong. And best of all, eating is not an issue with this one!

  • CJ: a little hot and cold, but hanging out in wheel. Works hard on the hills (and yes, definitely some hills this last leg), but when the team is coasting down or on the flats, CJ lets her mind wander a bit.

  • Cooke: running in swing as the only 2 year old! Flawless. Not an initiator, but loves to join into the barking; always ready.

  • Goblin: hopped onto the team at Pelly Crossing — saving him for leading later in the race. Definitely the initiator — first to start the barking.

  • Jana: joined in Pelly Crossing. Super hard worker, no nonsense, always driving. One of those that quietly gets the job done.

  • Katy: lead the first 100 miles but then moved to wheel. Some might say she is small for wheel, but Katy is very agile, and because of her size, she can duck under the gang-line, maneuvering around.

  • Lefty: lead since Carmacks where he jumped on the team. Doing really well. Excited with any wildlife so runs with his head high trying to be the first to spot any critters out there.

  • Perm: rock solid since the start of the race. Loves to join in when Ryne sings; Perm gets everyone else fired up. Favorite is Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant” —

    We come from the land of the ice and snow
    From the midnight sun, where the hot springs flow
    The hammer of the gods
    W'ell drive our ships to new lands
    To fight the horde, and sing and cry
    Valhalla, I am coming!

  • Rucu: joined the team in Pelly Crossing. So big and strong; great to have his strength in the hills.

  • Supai: pulling since the start; hardest puller on the team. Also, great eater! Wrist has been acting up a bit but managing that.

  • Uno: working the whole race; ready since 1st day to get on down the trail. In Dawson City at camp, she is already bored and wondering why the team has stopped so long.

  • Wingman: running since first day and eating everything in front of him (and next to him!) Loves to eat. But what he loves more — trucks. If you heard a dog barking at the trucks in Braeburn or Dawson - bet it was Wingman!

  • Fish: had to be dropped in Scroggie due to an inflamed hock. Ryne was very bummed to leave Fish, the cheerleader. Fish would scream at all the checkpoints getting everyone excited.

  • Wombat: dropped in Pelly Crossing for a sore wrist. Showed no signs of a problem on the trail, but after the rest some definite soreness. Plus, Kalyn’s cuddler!

Dog truck back in action — headed to Fairbanks

Handler: Update #2

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Whew, we are so excited to have the Ryno Team with us here in Dawson City! What an exciting race this is. But while we wait for Ryne to decompress a bit and catch a little sleep, let’s update a bit on the handlers’ ride into Dawson City.

As you might remember, big Red was out of commission as of Carmacks, and we had enlisted our trusty little Suby to fill in as our dog truck in Pelly Crossing. Once the Ryno Team was back on the trail from Pelly Crossing, the handlers with Jezzy and Sasha and new mate, Wombat (dropped in Pelly Crossing when she woke up with a sore wrist) headed back to Carmacks to re-access. But the first pictures should tell the story. Suby is still activated as our “new dog truck!”

The handler team arrived in Dawson City last night, caught up with some much needed sleep, and then set to work building the Ryno Team home for Dawson City.

Derek building the base for dog tent

Kalyn shoveling in the entrance

Ready for the team!

After arriving in Dawson City and checking in, the dogs were driven to the official dog yard for vet checks followed by much deserved rest. All pups are doing great and eating like champs. At this time, Fish will join the handler team in Suby for the drive back around to Fairbanks (sore wrist from that hard packed trail.) This little Suby is AMAZING!

Vet check in Dawson at dog camp

All quiet: afternoon of 2/6/19

For a fun read, check out Jodi Bailey’s posts as the “Arm Chair Musher” for the Yukon Quest:

https://www.yukonquest.com/news/armchair-musher-what-not-ask-your-musher-dawson%E2%80%A6

Life as a Handler

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Okey dokey. The Ryno Kennel team is cruising down the trail from Pelly Crossing, and we won’t have pictures or updates for awhile. Hopefully you have better WiFi than we do, so keep an eye on that tracker for us! Think about sending some questions in the comments below to pepper Ryne with in Dawson City (once she has rested!)

In the meantime, thought I’d run a book idea by you; not another musher story, but a handler team story, an extraordinary team:

Ryno Kennel’s handler team’s story actually started days before the Yukon Quest even began. Katy (Mom, not 🐶) had rented a car months prior while in the lower 48. When Ryne, Katy, and Kalyn showed up to get it, not only were they informed that they couldn’t go into Canada with the car (this is the agency that sponsored Ryno Kennel in a prior Yukon Quest—which does involve crossing the border) but that Katy could be put on a “no rental list” for driving into Canada, and no national rental agency in Fairbanks allows driving into Canada. Well, as the agent sternly reprimanded them, Katy stepped away, booked a car online, followed up with a call to that agency at the airport who stated “as long as you bring it back, sure you can go to Canada!” So, the adventure to the Yukon start continued after picking up a nice new Subaru Outback! But....Ryne and Katy weren’t even across the border before a big ol’ 18 wheeler headed the opposite way threw out a rock to crack the windshield 🤬. Still love the Subaru!

In the meantime, as Derek and Kalyn hopped in the dog truck with the Ryno Kennel athletes, they quickly discovered the truck wasn’t going anywhere. The big green machine had thrown a rod. Quickly, the handlers unloaded all 14 dogs, transferred the dog box, and all the gear onto the “newish” big Red truck. A quick visit first thing the next morning to register big Red, and they thought they were Yukon bound. But no, the fuel lines kept clogging, so had to be cleaned before leaving town (spoiler alert: not the last time these lines play a role in this story.) Dogs in boxes and all lifted high to clean the lines, and then, finally....the team was Yukon bound.

So, the handlers are feeling pretty good about life until....Carmacks. After getting the team back on the trail headed to Pelly Crossing following that leap over the snowless trail and 12 hour layover, big Red would not start. Yikes! The handlers needed to beat the Ryno Kennel team to Pelly Crossing to deliver the last three members to the team (that’s Jana, Rucu, and Goblin).

Save the day Subaru was there to the rescue. (Did I mention Ryno Kennel pet dogs, Jezzy and Sasha, had tagged along on this venture playing co-pilot in big Red? Well, they had.) So, Derek, Kalyn, Katy, Jezzy, Sasha, Jana, Rucu, and Goblin all piled into the little Subaru to race the rest of Ryno Kennel team to Pelly Crossing. Oh, and because race dogs don’t do well inside warm cars, the little Suby windows had to be open. But don’t worry about the handlers — the temperature had risen to -18!

And, not only did the handlers manage to beat Ryne’s team to Pelly Crossing, but the newest teammates were able to jump into another teams dog truck for a quick acclimation back to “team” life.

So, what do you think? Do we have a pretty good start to a story of life on the handler’s trail? Want to join our handler team? We haven’t laughed so much in a long time and we aren’t even half way through the race?