Valley Funale 2007

The Valley Funale was an astounding success this year. Lots of teams showed up to race, along with a few skijorers....there were 16 teams for the 20 mile race (more like 26-27 miles) with 23 teams in the Adult 6 dog, 1 team in the Junior 6 dog and 3 skijorers. Additionally, there was an Easter Egg hunt, 1 and 2 dog classes for the little ones (34 racers!) and the Hungry Dog Contest. Lots of food and fun was had by all. I ran the 10 dog class, taking a few new dogs that I hadn't run yet. I had a crazy start...the snow hook was stuck and as I tried to get it out at my countdown, I had to step off the brake. As soon as I got the hook loose, the dogs lunged and I got pulled right off my feet! I jumped and managed to get a foot on the left runner, which caused the sled to tip onto it's side. So, there I was, at the start of my race, dragging on my face. Lucky for me, Scott Chesney was at the road. He dove onto the front of my sled and held the team, while Manny came up behind and helped me get righted. After that, I took off, having had one of the most embarrassing starts that I've EVER had. No wonder I hate race starts!!! The trail was really fast, with sharp turns all over. I did just fine, until I relaxed a bit, took a sharp, sloped turn and ended in the soft snow. The sled tipped, I landed into deep snow, which kept me in one spot while the dogs ripped the sled from my grip. Lucky for me, the dogs stopped just ahead, with the sled tipped in the deep snow. I must say, it was VERY scary! The rest of the run was pretty uneventful. We caught up with a few teams, but Dusk (in lead) was REALLY hot with the sun baking down. He just didn't have the 'umph' we needed to sustain a lope. I put Just in lead with him, relegating Zen to wheel. Just tried his hardest, but Dusk just wasn't into passing those other teams. Still, we managed a 9th place finish out of 16...really not too bad considering the heat, my goof ups with the team, etc.

Devlyn ran the 2 dog class with Munchkin and Herod. Sunshine just plain didn't have it in him to do the 2 dog...I almost had to load him due to the heat during the 10 dog class. So, Devlyn used his 2 faithful dogs. Devlyn took off and the dogs were hauling! He hit the bump in the trail, which caused him to fall to his knees. But, that boy just jumped right up, back onto the runners to finish the trail! He ended up tying for 2nd place, even with his bobble!! He earned a medal and a nice ice cream from Pleasant Valley store.

Next was the Hungry Dog Contest. I'd thought about entering Just, since he's such a chow hound...but changed my mind and took Inu. Boy, can that dog eat! He scarfs every meal down like it's his last, even during races. And he sure didn't let me down this time, either. Good ole Inu won the Hungry dog!!! Way to go, Good Boy! He won some biscuits and snacks.

We all had a good time, even Conor was out, running around in the snow. It turned out to be such a gorgeous day! The next event is MUSH for Kids Day, at Pioneer Park this Saturday, from 11-3pm. Lots of fun, food and information can be had. There's a Mushers' Olympics, puppies for petting, sled dog rides, demonstrations, etc. So, try to come on out! We'll be there, giving sled dog rides to all the kiddies.

Think Spring and Happy Easter!!

-Tammi