Say it with me: "GO TEAM!!!"
Allen and the SP Kennel Black Team, and Brent and the Wild and Free Team left Two Rivers checkpoint right on time, within two minutes of each other. The final leg is 73 miles to downtown Fairbanks. Two tough mushers, two extraordinary teams, two measly minutes. How exciting is that? This is really going to be a sprint to the finish with neither musher nor team giving an inch.
Allen left with 11 team mates on the line and Quito in single lead. He left Chemo and Outlaw with us. Chemo was nursing a tender triceps muscle and he is better to rest than push. Outlaw had been perfect but coming into the checkpoint, perhaps even going down the very last hill, he hurt his bicep/shoulder and is now back at the kennel with us. Both dogs made a huge contribution to the team effort and Allen was sorry to not have them for the final leg.
Chemo and Outlaw finish their race in Two Rivers
Both teams looked fired up as they left the checkpoint. Allen has run his team on this trail a few times leading up to the race, in anticipation of this very scenario. The dogs know that raw steaks and the cozy dog truck are waiting for them. Will that give them an advantage? I guess we'll know soon enough.
Whatever the outcome later this evening we are so proud of the team and thank you for your support during the race. We will leave the kennel a couple of hours before they are due to finish to set up ready to greet them. Keep an eye on the Yukon Quest Facebook page and website for up to the minute news.
How's that 'refresh finger' doing?
GO TEAM!!!
Pics and video to follow shortly.
