Sled Dog Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska
Black Spruce Dog Sledding is open most of the year!
*Advanced reservations are required for touring with us*
2021 Copper Basin (from Jeff)-
This was my third running of this race, and I have to say, the third time was a charm. I came with the intent of running our main team on the minimum required rest (18 hours), and achieving a top ten finish. As I put together a race plan and food drop, I calculated a rough estimation for total race time. I fell on the number 54 (54 hours to complete 300 miles). Well, finishing at 4:22 pm on Monday afternoon, my team and I made it around the Copper Basin trail in 53 hours, 34 minutes, finishing 7th. Not only did we meet our goal, we had some incredible accomplishments from the canine crew-
First off, my man Moose started his second race this season in lead! He took charge of the team and handled over a dozen passes in the first 75 miles of our race. He exuded confidence, control and enthusiasm. This is a big step for Moose, who has been a somewhat insecure team member until this year. He did get a minor stomach upset on the second run, and ran the remaining four runs of the race in swing.
Owl, you finished the Copper! As many of you will remember, Owl was the one dog dropped from Katti’s team in the 2020 race. Well, she came back with confidence and determination. Not only did she make it to the finish, she ran the last 50 miles in swing (just behind the leaders) and won my vote for most consistent team member from start to finish (for attitude and drive). Outstanding work Owl!
My main boys, Forty and Qarth. Words can not describe my appreciation and admiration for your performance. These two led 3/4 of this race with absolute professionalism. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for Iditarod!
Of course, this race would not be possible without our handlers and house sitter. So, a very big thank you to my race handler, Steve! You were on it with the parking and timing, and always had the intel ready when I needed it.
Lindsey, you have worked with us for years, and it shows. You know how we think, and are always there with whatever we need. Thank you for taking good care of Katti!
Phoebe, the house and kennel are more important than anything, and it was great to have you at home, watching the place. Thank you!
(From KattiJo:) This year’s Copper Basin 300 was mostly a combination of obnoxious sugar-like snow (hard for the dogs to move in), death-defying downhills (for me, not the dogs) and painfully boring flat-and-easy trails (for human and dog alike). But then there was also this: The Hump. A heartbreaker for some non-hill climbing teams, but absolute bliss for me, and nbd for my dog team.
Completing last year’s Copper Basin was a major accomplishment for me on a personal level. I ran mostly on adrenaline and was carried by a beautiful, mature dog team whose abilities buoyed me. This year I came into the race as a veteran, which meant I had far less adrenaline to keep me going. I slept for at least a couple hours at every checkpoint. This was great for me, and also was a major help to my young team. And in the end, the accomplishment of crossing the finish line did not feel like my own, so much as the team that crossed with me. Big congratulations to these young dogs - Myra, Jae Bird, Chippewa, Itkillik, Arthur, The Wolf, Bjorn and Oyvind.
We officially have two teams that have finished the Copper Basin 2021!!
Jeff and his team trotted into the finish at 4:28pm with 8 dogs. KattiJo glided in with her team at 5:22am. Both teams (musher and dogs) are happy and healthy. Yay!!!🐾🐕🐾
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#teamdeeter #teamblackspruce #blacksprucedogsledding #copperbasin300 #copperbasin2021 #cb300 #happyhealthydogs #sleddogsinstagram #alaska #thealaskalife
A quick update while we await KattiJo at the finish line! I will do a full finisher post for both teams once KattiJo arrives. For now, here’s a few pictures of her team resting comfortably in Chistochina.
They rolled into the checkpoint fired up and ready for more. The team didn’t even let KattiJo get fully checked in before the popped the hook and requested to be parked. Haha. They ate their post run snack then settled in for a nice nap! KattiJo buried everyone that will tolerate it (everyone except Knox) in straw. It was hard to tell if it was a dog team resting or a strange configuration of small, breathing haystacks. Katti and I got a little rest while the dogs slept. As she started to prep the team to hit the trail, they were up, howling, and barking to get going before she had everyone’s booties on. They left the checkpoint looking strong! I may have teared up a little watching them embark on this final leg of their 300 mile journey. These dogs (and people) are incredible!!
Now we wait and refresh the tracker every 5 minutes (ok every 2 minutes if I’m honest). Run dogs run! Bring ‘em home KattiJo! 🐾🐾
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#teamdeeter #teamblackspruce #blacksprucedogsledding #copperbasin300 #copperbasin2021 #cb300 #chistochina #sleddogsofinstagram #mushon #alaska