The Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association's Stage Race, January 28-30, saw good weather, varied trails, and lots of fun. This year, racers could enter for one, two or three days. Both Friday's and Sunday's stages drew several "day racers."
Friday's race at Ivory Jack's tested skiers' double-poling and passing ability on narrow and sometimes exciting trail. No major mishaps were reported as passes went well, and miraculously, no one got lost. Nine racers competed, with Rocky DeMers besting the field with a time of 38:25 for the approximately ten mile loop. Mike Malvick (42:20) nosed out Cindy Salmon (42:29) for second, and George Salmon was fourth in 45:49.
Saturday's race at Lee's Cabin drew six racers. Due to the recent heavy snow, the race turned around at the trail intersection approximately. 0.5 miles from the cabin, cutting some distance off the normally 14 mile trail. Rocky DeMers again led the way with a time of 57:05 for the 12.5 mile out-and-back trail. Cindy Salmon was second (59:34) and Eric Breitenberger (1:14:34) third. Despite the head-on passing and lots of non-race traffic, the racers reported that the only problem some had was getting the dogs to turn around and head back the same way at the turn-around!
The final stage was held at Creamer's Field, where ten racers competed on a 10.3 mile loop which took them out past the Fairgrounds and golf course. Rocky DeMers placed first with a time of 44:33, followed closely by Cindy Salmon (45:53), Mike Malvick (46:30), and George Salmon (47:55). The reverse order start sent the fastest skiers from the previous day's race out first, creating exciting neck-and-neck finishes.
Five racers competed for the overall Stage Race title by racing all three days. Rocky DeMers finished with a cumulative time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 3 seconds for the 33 total miles. He was followed by Cindy Salmon (2:27:56), George Salmon (2:48:42), Eric Brietenberger (2:57:30), and Ken Severin (3:04:57).
Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped out: Tom McGrane helped with timing and handling and Mike Malvick swept the Ivory Jack's loop after the race. Thanks also to Jessica Larsen, Sandy Malvick, Evan Thoms, Jim Logan, Jim Herriges, Kimberly Beckman, and everyone else who made it all run smoothly!
A special thanks to race organizer Michelle Coombs!
Final Results
Day One - Ivory Jack's (10 miles)
1. Rocky DeMers (Mowhawk, Piaute, and Sammy) 38:25
2. Mike Malvick (Corky and Billie) 42:20
3. Cindy Salmon (Taggish, Benny, and Condor) 42:29
4. George Salmon (Pike, Happy, and Tex) 45:49
5. Eric Breitenberger (Suka and Brio) 50:13
6. Paul Gregory (Pingo and Bobby) 51:33
7. Jim Logan (Foxy and Rita) 51:58
8. Evan Thoms (Maggie, Badger, and Eli) 52:53
9. Ken Severin (Razzle, Roxy, and Lucky) 55:20
Day Two - Lee's Cabin (12.5 miles)
1. Rocky DeMers (Piaute, Mowhawk, and Trouble) 57:05
2. Cindy Salmon (Condor, Benny, Pumpkin) 59:34
3. Eric Breitenberger 1(Suka and Brio) 1:14:34
4. George Salmon (Happy, Tex, and Pike) 1:14:58
5. Ken Severin (Razzle, Lucky, and Zipper)1:16:52
6. Kari Peterson (Quark and Spike) 1:41:51
Day Three - Creamer's Field (10.3 miles)
1. Rocky DeMers (Piaute, Sammy, and Trouble) 44:33
2. Cindy Salmon (Condor, Benny, and Pumpkin) 45:53
3. Mike Malvick (Corky and Billie) 46:30
4. George Salmon (Happy, Tex, and Pike) 47:55
5. Eric Breitenberger (Brio and Suka) 52:43
6. Ken Severin (Lucky, Razzle, and Zipper) 52:45
7. Paul Gregory (Pingo and Bobby) 59:00
8. Jim Logan (Rita and Foxy) 59:36
9. Janet Schaefer (Smoke and Shiner) 1:09:48
10. Jessica Larsen (Maggie and Badger) 1:20:25
Overall Results
1. Rocky DeMers (2:20:03)
2. Cindy Salmon (2:27:56)
3. George Salmon (2:48:42)
4. Eric Breitenberger (2:57:30)
5. Ken Severin (3:04:57)
This page was updated January 16, 2004
Please send corrections or comments to Tom McGrane.