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Written by Theresa Daily
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Thursday, 11 January 2007 |
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 Coming to the Denali Classic is like visiting a dear old friend you have not seen in many years. It's a 200 mile race that follows along or near the Denali highway to Maclaren Lodge and back, covering what is arguably some of the most beautiful terrain in Alaska. The Denali Highway is a summer only gravel road, that is left to whims of Alaska winter snows. The temperatures just 24 hours ago was a frigid minus 45 with winds of blizzard strengths, tonight it is a balmy 15 above with a light breeze. As all the mushers know, colder, brutal temperatures can return as quickly as they left.
Tonight the mushers are gearing up. Tending their dogs, who are eagerly anticipating tomorrow's travel. The mushers are gathering in small groups, head lamps lit, talking about foot care, race strategy and sled construction.
Tomorrow morning after a hearty breakfast, all mushers will attend a mandatory meeting at the "Time To Eat Cafe" at the intersection of the Parks & Denali Highways, to draw their bib positions and get an up to date trail report. Starting at noon, mushers will depart two at a time from Cantwell. Saturday, the 13th, the junior mushers will depart Cantwell for a shorter 60 mile race running to Brushkanna Creek and back. Stay tuned.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 12 January 2007 )
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