Speed Run!

Another trail run on Friday... I had work to do so we got out later than usual. Was getting dark by the time we came in from the trip. We were going to run the dogs over the bluff (a very hard hill to climb) but a bolt slipped out of my drag pad and I decided to cut the run short at 9 miles. Loosing a bolt like that is usually not a major deal but with our marginal snow conditions, and going down that huge hill, it would have been very tough to manage.

The dogs have also been feeling their oats STRONGLY this year and Ive been coming back with massive arm muscles from tweaking the sled constantly over frozen four wheeler ruts and trying to slow them down to 12 mph instead of 20! Even Hera is looking in tip top shape. I had my doubts about her last season since her performance was slacking off. This time out I don't think we could have gone fast enough for her!

Nita did very well on my other sled that hasnt been out in many years. We need to tweak the brakes though since she had so little control but she said it handled well. I felt better with her having a bigger sled to run that day since my little rec sled wouldnt stand a chance if she hit a tree with eight strong dogs.

In both of our teams every one was super strong and we didn't even attach everyone to their tug lines until we were well past the half way mark of our run. Both of us were running at about half power and I kept wondering when we should fully plug the others in. It was so much power and neither of us had nearly enough weight in our sleds. Both sleds are pretty heavy alone but a 44lb dog food bag was not enough to wear these guys out! I think we both need to carry at least 200 extra pounds.

Another sled run is scheduled on Monday. Hopefully we will have our gear all worked out and can bump up the miles again. We still have to be careful of where we go and how much we push our limits with gear and dog power. Everyone is doing very well but they are so strong that it constantly reminds me that I need to be on my toes more than usual. Hopefully after we get some more snow things will look a bit better. Snubbing off to trees is fine but not all of our trails have easy tree access.

Nita said Murphy Dome had gotten a dump of snow. As soon as we get our transportation up to speed I am anxious to get out there and put these boys to work. Something has got to slow them down cause we are obviously not giving them enough of a challenge!

No photos today, with the dark and my need to stay 100% focus there wasn't much opportunity. Maybe Monday we can get some good trail shots...