Valley Funale

We participated in the Two Rivers Valley Funale race yesterday. Took the 'race' team out on the lakes for a trial run the day before. Everybody did great and really flew... come race day they were ready for the slick fast trail.

It was a very fun route, got some air on a few road crossings and had a blast. Had to load Salmon for about half a mile, shes having trouble with our max speeds. Poor girl, her heart is so into it but her body is getting older.

I had her in the team for most of the race but slowed every one down a bit so she wouldn't get hurt. We did a few stops for snow breaks, the sun was out for some of the trail, but over all we pushed through most of the way. I saw our standings this morning and was pleasantly surprised that we are still at the bottom of the pack... a very nice place for us to be! : )

I was reminded of a few things that day... that racing is best left up to those who thrive on speed/competition, that its very nice not to be at the top with the constant worry on times and keeping the sled upright and that racing of any kind doesn't hold a candle to our back country treks breaking trail and exploring.

The 10 mile race was over far too quickly. It seemed as soon as we hit the trail we were done. I came home wondering if I had done anything at all with my team... I'm sure many folks love to race and wouldn't have it any other way but for me my heart is out deep, deep in the forest on troubled trails and hard work that waits for both musher and team.

That being said I still plan to do many more races next season, hopefully all three of the Two Rivers ones, for the sake of getting the dogs out there with other teams, show them something new and to push ourselves to grow... not in speed but there are many things one can learn when stepping out of their comfort zone.

My mom was there to take pictures, thanks mom! She got nice shots of all my friends taking off from the start. That was neat in many ways... purely by coincidence we all parked next to each other and took off in that order. I was first to head out, then Robert, then Kathy then Brendan. It was comforting to know that if I did get passed, which I did right at the finish, that it would be by a friendly face.

The highlights of the day were the brief hilarious exchanges of trash talk between Robert and I before the start and that it was Kathy's first race ever!! My first student, all growed up and racing no less! I'm very proud of her courage...

It was also Remus' first race ever and he did very well! He got a little hotter than the rest but he was a real trooper. I think it was Juno's first race too, and in lead no less! She was amazing, as always!

Heading out to the ARDM bonfire now... more pictures and updates to come!