Thursday 2 December 2010

2010/2011 Race Plans

Entries for the 2011 Iditarod closed yesterday and as some have pointed out to me, my name isn't on the list this time.
No, it is not an oversight. For the first time since 2002 we will not be heading to Alaska this winter. The decision is mostly a financial one.

But that doesn't mean that we won't be hitting the trails this season - not even close. I am actually very excited and very much looking forward to our race plans for the season!!

One of biggest surprises for followers of the kennel this season is the addition of a 'new' driver to the NorthWapiti team. Nope, I'm not kidding. Richard Todd of Lincolnshire, England will be driving a second team for us in any races Mark isn't running.
As you all likely know, Richard was here working with us last winter and we are thrilled to have him back involved with the team in an even bigger way this season.
(And just because I've already had a few inquiries - no, this isn't something we see ourselves doing on a regular basis. The situation with Richard is unique and unlikely to be repeated with others).

So our first race of the season will be the Eagle Cap Extreme in Joseph, Oregon - http://www.eaglecapextreme.com/  
(Karen and Richard racing)

Next up is the Elkford Wilderness Classic Elkford Wilderness Classic in (surprise, surprise) Elkford, BC
(Karen and Richard)

Then is the Rail Trail 200 in Grand Forks, BC http://www.railtrail200.com/
(Karen and Mark)

The Canadian Challenge will be our biggest race of the season. http://www.canadianchallenge.com/
(Karen and Mark)

I've always wanted to run The Percy DeWolfe in the Yukon http://www.thepercy.com/ , so this seemed like a good year to give it a go.
(Karen and Richard).

There may be a few changes and additions as the season goes on (I've been looking at the Torch River Run in Saskatchewan with interest) and we will be certain to keep the blog updated with our plans and how to follow us throughout the season.

As I said, we are all excited about these races and think that we will be fielding some really nice teams. All of this will have the dogs primed and ready to hit the Iditarod Trail again in 2012!!!!

Karen

8 comments:

Katerina said...

Awesome! Wishing You, Mark, Richard and all the canines all the best from all of us at Kipp d´Amundsen!!!

djqhusky said...

Excellent news. Lots of good races here, some not too far from home for you. Adds up to more than 1000 miles doesn't it?? Have a great racing season!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. Will look forward to following you, Mark, and Richard, and of course the Pretty Sled Dogs on your journeys.
Tammy

Susan said...

Thanks for the update Karen. I'll miss seeing your Iditarod online tracking but I can see the results on your other races.

Sherry Sutherby http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/ said...

Ditto on what Donna said~! Sounds like an awesome race season ahead!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to see the Yukon Quest off the radar for two more years, but will enjoy following you in these races and hope you all have a wonderful season of races!

JAne Eagle said...

It will be so much fun to hear about all these races! I'm sure you (and Mark, and Richard) will have a great season!

granimar said...

I have all of these races bookmarked AND have my maps out !!Some are pretty close to Montana also---hurray, maybe. Have already emailed you privately Karen about sponsoring "my" dogs and am getting a check in the mail today. sounds like a great season, am wishing you, Mark, Richard and the NW teams a wonderful racing season