2008 Taiga Archives
DAN KADUCE WINS 2008 TAIGA!!!

We apologize for missing times, communications have been
down during this race we will update you as we can.

NEW UPDATE: Jason Cameron has scratched at Maclaren.

Darrel Otto has scratched at Wolverine.

Race Update April 1, 2008:
18 mushers will pull the hook at 12:00 today, sharp. The first leg is undoubtly the toughest section of trail these mushers will see in this race, covering sections of bare ground through winding trail in the trees, patches of ice, dirt, moss and steep hillsgoing both up and down with some glacieted ice. The mushers will arrive back at Wolverine Lodge after that 1st leg for an 8 hr mandatory layover. Once mushers complete thier 8 hr layover, they will have a 108 mile run to Maclaren River Lodge. Most mushers will break this run into two parts, resting somewhere in the middle. This run is flat and mushers will stay on the ice just about the entire way. There is a section of trail near the canyon that takes mushers on land for 200 yards at best. There's good ice bridges teams must cross to avoid the open water in the Maclaren. All mushers will be arriving Maclaren in the daylight hours, however they choose to run this leg. This is a beautiful section of trail with a great mountain view as teams arrive the checkpoint. The teams will rest 8 hrs at Maclaren and then continue on up the Denali Highway climbing Maclaren Summit 12 miles to the Glacier Lake trail. They will take a "Haw" on this trail and cover some easy rolling hills and winding trails, this section of trail has very good snow with little brush. Mushers will come out at mile post 40 on the Denali and head back to Maclaren for a 4 hr layover. The front runners will be departing Maclaren sometime early in the morning between 4-6am if everything goes as expected. Maclaren Lodge offers mushers a quiet place to sleep and good food during their layovers. It's 11:20am and it's time for me to head outside and assist where needed.

2008 Taiga Spring Break 300
Last Sled dog race of the Season on the Road System
300 miles of cross country travel in the Upper Susitna River Basin
The course will be mixed travel; hills, rivers and lakes, with the majority of the trail being on river systems. About 70 miles of the trail will be above timberline. Snow conditions are excellent through the entire route. The trail is in place with a good base. Normal temperatures range from a possible -20 at night, to +30 during the day.

The race will begin and end at Wolverene Lodge on Lake Louise. ( 907-822-3988; Mile 16.5 on the Lake Louise Road—turn off at mile 160 on the Glenn Highway 27 miles South of Glennallen).
Race will start at 11:00a.m. on April 1, 2008. 2 minute intervals.

The race will be a continuous event of approximately 302 miles, consisting of 4 segments. The 1st leg will be a 50 mile run from Wolverene Lodge, most of which will be hilly, returning on the Lake system to Wolverene for a mandatory 6 hour layover plus time differential. No handler assistance or planned help allowed here. Teams will then continue on a 111 mile leg to the Maclaren checkpoint. (Maclaren River Lodge at milepost 42 on the Denali Highway, 907-822-5444). This segment is entirely on Lakes and Rivers. There will be a mandatory 8 hour layover at Maclaren at which straw will be provided. The 3rd leg will be a 30 mile loop east on the Denali Highway, and returning through the mountains to Maclaren for a 4 hour layover. The last run will return to Wolverene on the 111 mile leg.

The Taiga Spring Break 300 is organized and operated by the Gin Gin Race Organization and is planned as an alternative to the Kobuk 440 in Kotzebue. We have great spring snow, fantastic trails and expect a good turn out. We are a Yukon Quest and Iditarod qualifying race.
For information contact

John Schandelmeier at HC 02 Box 7193
Paxson, Ak. 99586
Or: E-mail us