Eukanuba Stage Stop: Day 1 Update

Posted on by Maia

An update from Gerry as the sun sets on the first full day of racing in the Eukanuba Stage Stop:

Yesterday was the “ceremonial start,” to speak in Iditarod terms: a quick 2-mile run through the heart of Jackson. Today was the first “real” stage, a 32-mile run in the hills west of Driggs, Idaho. 10 inches of new snow overnight obliterated the trail, and most teams barely averaged 10 mph. A lot of teams trotted more than they had in years. Unofficial times have me in second place behind defending champion Buddy Streeper, and just ahead of Streeper’s b-team. This current placing is way ahead of my expectations, and I will likely drop on the rankings. But I’ll do everything to avoid that.

Standings posted on the race’s Facebook page have Gerry averaging 10.2 mph on Saturday, with an elapsed time of three hours, seven minutes and 38 seconds.

 

The BlackJack team heads out during the ceremonial start of the 2016 Eukanuba Stage Stop race in Jackson, Wyoming.
The BlackJack team heads out during the ceremonial start of the 2016 Eukanuba Stage Stop race in Jackson, Wyoming.

 

The BlackJack team gets ready to take off in front of spectators gathered for the ceremonial start of the 2016 Eukanuba Stage Stop race in Jackson, Wyoming.
The BlackJack team gets ready to take off in front of spectators gathered for the ceremonial start of the 2016 Eukanuba Stage Stop race in Jackson, Wyoming.

 

More than a dozen teams prepare to begin the first full stage of the Eukanuba Stage Stop race on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.
More than a dozen teams prepare to begin the first full stage of the Eukanuba Stage Stop race on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.

 

Leo checks out the scene as mushers, handlers and dogs prepare to start the first full stage Saturday morning.
Leo checks out the scene as mushers, handlers and dogs prepare to start the first full stage Saturday morning.

 

Looking up the trail, you can see the starting line for the first full day of racing. Here we go!
Looking up the trail, you can see the starting line for the first full day of racing. Here we go!

 

Fresh snow overnight made for slow going on the trail between Driggs, Idaho, and Alpine, Wyoming.
Fresh snow overnight made for slow going on the trail between Driggs, Idaho, and Alpine, Wyoming.

Gerry hits the trail again at 9:33 a.m. local time Sunday. Follow the race at WyomingStageStop.org or on Facebook.

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