ASPA Race Across the Valley Results
February 10-12, 2006

Click to go to specific results:  Stage 1    Stage 2    Stage 3    Overall

Stage 1, February 10, 2005
Henrik Court Trailhead
(36° F)

The Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association held its first race ever at the Henrik Court trailhead of the Alaska Dog Mushers Association groomed trails.

It was the first day of the three day ASPA Race Across the Valley. Nineteen teams participated including six teams in the distance division (racing 7.8 miles) and thirteen teams in the short division (racing 4.7 miles).   The trails were freshly groomed and fast in the 36 degree temperatures. Because of the heat, some racers stopped to let their dogs roll in the snow to cool off.

Jim Herriges led the Distance division with Ole and Lena in a time of 33:14.  Brian Charlton with Sally, Aspen and Roxie came in second in 33.32.  Mike Malvick with Corky, Ingrid and Mons finished third in 34:13

Andy Warwick with Zip and Licorice led the highly competitive Short division with a time of 19:47.  Sara Elzey with Ayla and Cert were second in 20:05.  Chad Carroll with Tico and Penny at 20:23 were one second ahead of Peggy Raybeck with Carmen and Masey at 20:24. Kimberlee Beckmen with Iris and Teri rounded out the top five with a time of 20:52.

One of the top finishing participants reported, "it pays to pre-run the course" when made aware that at least six teams had difficulty following the race course.

Many thanks to the day's volunteers:  Pat DeRuyter-Race Director, registration, dog handler and timer; George Salmon-starter and timer;  Greg-putting out tie outs and dog handling; Claudia Ihl-picking up tie outs; Chuck Deehr-photography; David French-dog handling; Tom McGrane-trail grooming.

The starting area was crowded with skiers, handlers and dogs.  Don Kiely, Cindy Salmon, Jim Herriges, Pat DeRuyter, David French and Mike Malvick manage ten eager dogs wanting to get underway.  Photo by Chuck Deehr.		Chad Carroll, Tico, and Penny launch to an eventual  third place finish in the short course.  Photo by Chuck Deehr.

Stage 2, February 11, 2005
Isberg Recreation Area
(40º F)

The Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association had another hot day for Day two of the Race Across the Valley. Today's race was held at the Isberg trails. The 17 participants demonstrated the spirit of multiuse as they skijored by a gathering of friends around a bonfire next to the trail. The aroma of lunch cooking only distracted a few of the dogs. 

The twelve participants in the highly competitive short division again provided the closest race of the day with Andy Warwick (Zip and Licorice) finishing the 4 mile course in 17:24.  Susan Seitz (Mabel and Cheeks) were one second behind at 17:25.  Chad Carroll (Tico and Penny) were third in 17:47 just two seconds ahead of Peggy Raybeck (Smokey and Carmen) at 17:49.  Kimberlee Beckmen (Iris and Teri) rounded out the top five with a time of 17:59.  In the two day totals for the Short Stage Race, Andy Warwick with a time of 37:11 holds a 61 second lead over second place Chad Carroll at 38:10. Peggy Raybeck is third at 38:13.  Kimberlee Beckmen is fourth at 38:51.  Carol Kleckner is fifth at 39:48.  Ted Wu made up the most time today by jumping from 9th to 6th in the standings.

The five participants in the Distance division traveled over some challenging hills. Andy Seitz (Ed and Yeller) finished in 25:12, just 15 seconds ahead of Jim Herriges (Ole and Lena) who finished in 25:27. Mike Malvick (Corky, Ingrid and Mesa) took third in 27:22.  In the two day totals for the Distance Stage Race, Jim Herriges extended his lead over the field by posting a two day total of 58:41. Mike Malvick moved into second with a time of 61:35 followed by Brian Charlton at 61:46.  

Thanks to the Saturday volunteers:  Pat DeRuyter, Tone Deehr, Chuck Deehr, Amy Carroll, Tom McGrane, Brian Charlton,  and all the dog handlers.

Cindy Salmon, Coho, Sockeye, and Chinook are welcomed to the finish line at the end of Stage 2 at Isberg Recreation Area.  Photo by Chuck Deehr.		Brian Charlton reviews the course map with Cindy Salmon, David French and Ted Wu.  Race day was the first time many competitors saw the exciting new course at Isberg Recreation Area.  Photo by Chuck Deehr.

Stage 3, February 12, 2005
Northstar Golf Course
(37º F)

Twenty-one skijorers enjoyed the North Star Golf Club trails on a very warm Sunday.  The trails were slow and demanding as the teams passed the parking area midway through the 4-mile race and three times for the 8-mile race. All twenty-one teams were on the course at the same time so there was plenty of passing. The moose that ran across the course just prior to the start stayed in the woods during the race. 

Jim Herriges with Lena and Lily posted the fasted 8-mile day time of 31:50.  Cindy Salmon with Sockeye, Solo and Humpy came in second at 33:34.  Brian Charlton with Sally, Aspen and Roxie finished third at 34:36. 

We had a new winner in the 4-mile class as Carol Kleckner with Robin and Blackberry posted a time of 16:10.  Second and third were separated by one second as Andy Warwick with Zip and Licorice at 16:25 came in second and Peggy Raybeck with Carmen and Masey came in third at 16:26 .  Sara Elzey with Ayla and Cert placed fourth with a time of 16:35.  Chad Carroll with Tico and Penny finished fifth at 17:01. 

In the Long Course Stage Race, Jim Herriges extended his lead to finish with a total time of 90:40. Brian Charlton regained second place and Mike Malvick came in third. Cindy Salmon's second place finish today wasn't enough to make up for getting lost on Saturday as she placed fourth overall. 

Andy Warwick held his lead for a first place time of 53:36 in the Short Course Stage Race.  Peggy Raybeck moved to second place with a total time of 54:39.  Chad Carroll was third at 54:48. Carol Kleckner was fourth at 55:58 and Kimberlee Beckmen rounded out the top five with a 3-day total of 57:06.  The race within the race was sixth through ninth place which were separated by a total of twelve seconds after three days of racing.  David French (69:00), Gail Davidson (69:03) and Ted Wu (69:12) provided the middle of the pack competition.

 Thanks to the volunteers: Pat DeRuyter, Joy Morrison, Chuck Deehr, Don Kiely, Jessie Warwick and all the dog handlers.  A special thanks to North Star Golf Club for the wonderful trail.  Drawings for 9-holes of golf were won by Cindy Salmon, Claudia Ihl, Don Kiely and Joy Morrison.

Laura Thompson, Reed, Raffi, and Razelle exhibit a little indecision during their pass by the start chute after completing their first of two laps.  The distance racers were challenged by three passes by the start chute.  Photo by Chuck Deehr.		Ted Wu works his way up nine while Ty and Sky mug for cameraman Chuck Deehr.

Overall Race Across the Valley Stage Race Results

Short course Fab Five Finishers: Carol Kleckner, Andy Warwick, and Chad Carroll (standing), Peggy Raybeck and Kimberlee Beckmen (kneeling).  Photo by Chuck Deehr.		Long Course Survivors (left to right): Jim Herriges, Lena, Brian Charlton, Mike Malvick, and Cindy Salmon.  Photo by Chuck Deehr.