Where: Creamer’s Field trails, meeting and race day registration in the farmhouse. 
When: Wednesday March 15, race day registration 5:30-5:45, meeting AT 5:45, first team out at 6:10 pm
Who: You with your one, two, or three dog team

How far: .5, 1.4, 2.7, 3.6 and 6.7 mile courses
How much: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, knock off five dollars if you pre-register!

Pre-register by emailing Jesse Warwick at harding247@hotmail.com BEFORE 10 PM Tuesday with your name, dog names, and distance you would like to race. 

We could use volunteers for handler and timer positions. 

Questions, registration, and volunteers email harding247@hotmail.com or call Jesse at 347.5451.

If it is colder than -15 at the airport at 3 pm the race will be canceled. Please check the hotline,907-45-SKIJOR (907-457-5456)  if the temps are close. But it looks warm and lovely in the forecast! Should be fun. 

Twin Bears is located mile 30 CHS road. We have the camp from 1 PM Saturday to noon on Sunday.

-There is no water available at the camp in the winter, please bring what you need and if you are staying the night, bring some to share and for cooking/cleaning.

-My understanding is that there are cooking facilities and equipment with propane provided. ASPA will have hot chocolate and some snacks in the kitchen building. I will get more details on Thursday when I pick up the keys.

-There are wood stoves in at least two buildings. We have to provide the firewood. If you are staying the night, please bring at least one tote of firewood, other contributions welcome!

-BYOTP is never a bad idea.

A few people have responded about spending the night and coming out for the day. Definitely let me know if you want to stay the night and we can plan a dinner and/or breakfast together. It would also be nice to know if you think you’d like to visit in the day, though you are welcome to decide last-minute. Questions or RSVP to stabbert@hotmail.com or call 479 0456.

We will not be planning your adventure so make sure you are traveling safely on the trails while you are out there. I will be out skiing myself in the afternoon but I’ll leave a sign-in sheet in the dining hall so we have an idea of who is out there and what the trip plans might be. You are on your own. Skiers without dogs are welcome! Remember these are multi-use trails and be ready to encounter anyone doing just about anything.

Here are a couple of sources for trail ideas –

http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chena/trails.htm

http://rivertoridge.org/chena-river-to-ridge-course-information/

Based on the actual and predicted weather we have decided to postpone the race at Chena Lakes by a week. Driving will be difficult and it is unlikely that the trails will be in good shape by Sunday.

We have not been able to find a race director for the Birch Hill race. We only have one date as an option (it has to correspond with the Tour of Anchorage) and although there are many people who have great affection for this race, we have decided this year to go with the race that has someone willing to take charge of it and the one that has most of the planning already taken care of. Thanks Nina for putting on this event and working to make the arrangements.

So, the good news is that the skiing at Chena Lakes will likely be spectacular after all this new snow. All of the registration and race information remains the same as in the earlier post, it will just be shifted to March 5. If you have not raced out there I would encourage you to give it a try – it is some of the most fun skijoring in the Fairbanks region.

HOW MUCH: $10

HOW TO REGISTER:  All racers need to pre-register by Thursday, February 25 at 6 pm by calling Nina Ruckhaus at 907-590-6016 or emailing noruckhaus@alaska.edu I will confirm your registration with a call or email.
WHEN: Sunday, February 26. Check in at or before 11:30, race meeting at 11:40, start at 12:00. Racers will start at 1 minute intervals.
HOW COLD: If it is -15 or colder at 9:30 am at 458-3745 extension 1113 on the day of the race it will be cancelled.  Call the ASPA hotline 457 5456 shortly after 9:30 to verify the status of the race.
WHO: One, two, and three dog classes

WHERE: Mike Agbaba trails, Chena Lakes. Take the Richardson highway through North Pole and follow the signs – the park will be to the left of the highway. Go through the main entrance and turn left on Lake Park Road. The trailhead is a short distance down this road near the children’s playground. SEE TRAIL MAP UNDER “TRAILS” SECTION AT www.alaskaskijoring.org.

HOW FAR: We are currently offering distances of 3.8, 6.5, and 9.5 miles, with a 12 mile option if anyone is interested. Longer distance racers will go out first followed by shorter distance racers. Start order within each distance class will be random. The usual race rules will be used and we will have a quick reminder of these at the race meeting. Be additionally aware we are guests on Borough property so cleanup and following park rules are very important.

HANDLERS: We may not have a dedicated handler at this race so if you need help, please make your own arrangements for a handler.

VOLUNTEERS:  We need a starter and two timers or the race will not happen!  Handlers and photographers would also be fantastic. Please contact Nina at the address above if you are willing to volunteer.