Jessie Royer.....watch this cowgirl!

Jessie Royer from the State of Montana is one to keep an eye on this race.  She is a talented Musher, photographer, and sharp shooter on the rodeo circuit!  Jessie has been running this race since 2001, when she finished 14th and was awarded Rookie of the Year.  She has positioned herself into 3rd place thus far by blowing through Shageluk and on into Anvik!  Go Jessie!   She is currently in Grayling....probably serving out her 8 hour rest like several other teams.  Aliy is closing in on Graying and is currently at mile 522 (Grayling is at mile 530).

After front runner Nic Petit ate his meal in Anvik and spent some 4 hours there, he hit the Yukon and ran into Grayling, where he is currently serving out his 8 hour rest.  It appears Kaiser and Mitch are also in Grayling, and Joar just arrived....but he could leave if he wants, as he has already served his 8 hour break back in Shageluk. 

Its been snowing a very fine granular snow all day on the Yukon, and may mix with freezing rain at times.  Miserable Mushing conditions, but better than plain old rain...but that could happen soon too.  It appears Mother Nature is laying a hand on the scale now....making the trail miserable for those out in front.....look for a lot of "after you" kind of racing to start happening, as people don't want to break trail for everyone behind them.  Swenson was famous for this....stalking behind the front runner, and when he would catch up to them he would set the snow hook and wait some more. Only when the front runner was worn down enough he would pass them....many would see this as strategy, but I see it as just plain rude.  Everyone should help break trail....take turns and then race....but it is a competition....maybe this is why I don't race....I don't have that competitive instinct. But I DO like watching a good race....and here we have one! 

Once the 8 hour rests are taken we will see who is in front....and then there is always Mother Nature.....a storm on the coast to mix it up??  Anything can happen!