Top spot still in reach with one race to go for Copper Haul
This past weekend’s Icy Waters Ltd. Race Day teams had some rough trail conditions, but a few inches of snow helped them get to the finish line.
Saturday saw a few flurries fall on the eight-mile course, which helped make the course a bit safer, second place finisher Jon Lucas said.
The temperatures dipped down to -19 C by race day Sunday, and teams left the start line in -14 C, but the weather quickly got warmer as the day continued.
“It’s been a funny season because it hasn’t been that cold,” Lucas said.
Twenty-one teams turned out for the second last race of the season.
Lucas said snowmobiling on the trail over the season has begun to take a toll on the conditions, causing moguls for the teams to tackle.
It means basically you just hang on,” Lucas said.
Further complicating trail conditions, is that there has been some vehicles four by fouring on the trail.
The Copper Haul trail is a strictly non-wheeled vehicle trail, according to a city bylaw.
“There’s actually a bylaw that says no wheeled vehicles on that part of the Copper Haul Trail,” Lucas said.
Race officials with the Copper Haul Twister are upset that the bylaw is not being enforced.
Due to the damage on the trail, both the kids and pet dog five-kilometre loops were shortened to four-km.
This was the first race after the Road Runner 100 race, held on Feb. 27, for a few of the participants.
Lucas said he was actually more sore after eight-miles than he was after the 160-km course.
“I actually ached far more after that race on Sunday,” he said.
He credits the aches and pains to pushing harder during the shorter race.
He says he increased his speed from an average of 10/mph during the Road Runner, to 14/mph for the Copper Haul race.
“My arms were just really aching,’ Lucas said.
Lucas did however enjoy being finished after only a short 14 minute run.
“It’s nice to just finish and get on with your day,” he said.
Lucas says the difference in length between the races shows what the dogs are capable of.
“It shows how adaptable the dogs are,” Lucas said.
After Sunday’s race, the top spot in the eight-mile Twister is still in reach.
Currently topping the league are Tony Radford with 30 points, Jon Lucas with 26 and Christal Bartczak with 18.
Crispin Studer is currently sitting in third with 20 points, but in order to qualify for a league position he will have to volunteer at the final race to be held March 21.
The next race will be the Optimum Pet Products Race Day, where the winners of the three categories, kids, pet dog and eight-mile race will be decided.
“Really it’s just like any other race,” Lucas said.
After the sled dog and skijor season ends, the action isn’t over for dog sports enthusiasts.
In May the Hot Hounds Dryland Races will begin.
Sunday’s race was sponsored by Midnightsun Alpacas, Yukon Grain Farm, Yukon Elk Antler, Yukon Brewing, Icy Waters Ltd, First Mate Dog Food, Aurora Booties, and C&D Feeds.
“Without them it just doesn’t happen,” Lucas said.
Four-km one pet dog
(all skijoring)
1. Jon Lucas and Asha, 14:40
2. Pippa Lawson and Tiramasu, 14:49
3. Elizabeth Weig and Big Hairy dog, 15:05
Four-km kids race
1. Alan Mark, four dog sled, 9:59
2. Seth Carey, two dog sled, 10:04
3. Erin Spicer, three dog sled, 11:20
4. Thea Carey, two dog sled, 12:00
Eight-mile Twister
(all 4 dog sleds unless otherwise noted)
1. Christal Bartczak, 30:05
2. Jon Lucas, three dog skis, 30:23
3. Crispin Studer, 33:07
4. Cynthia Corriveau, two dog skis, 34:07
5. Ali Pakula, 36:30
6. Sebastian Tallent, 37:04
7. Alexandra Rochat, 37:15
8. Jim Hajash, 39:03
9. Dave Desmarais, 39:08
10. Stephanie Routlay, 39:24
11. Amil Dupuis-Rossi, 39:53
12. Darryl Sheepway, three dog skis, 40:07
13. Debbie Last, 42:27
14. Martine Lelevier, 48:45
League leaders
One pet dog
1. Pippa Lawson and Tiramasu, 36
2. Jon Lucas and Asha, 32
Kid’s race
1. Erin Spicer, 24
2. Seth Carey, 18
Eight-mile
1. Tony Radford, 30
2. Jon Lucas, 26
3. Crispin Studer, 20
4. Chrystal Bartczak, 18
5. Trevor Braun, 12
6. Darryl Sheepway, 12