A Race to Remember –
April 6th, 2012
Every year Martin writes a summary of the race. Here’s 2012’s:
2012 Iditarod Synopsis
“It’s what I do,” I told some people in Nome… while trying to explain the complexities of the race, the fact that I didn’t finish where I wanted and the almost impossible task of trying to describe a ten-day trip across some of the most beautiful, yet challenging geography.
From the very beginning of the season, the race promised to be something special, when Rohn decided to join the racing circuit, we were bound to have a lot of fun. When he ended up winning the Kusko 300, we knew we had some pretty good dogs in the training program and that heightened our expectations even more.
When we drew starting positions 41 and 62 respectively we had no idea that that minute fact alone was going to give us some problems. I encountered the first trail challenge about 300 yards from the start, the first 30 or 40 teams had a great trail on Willow lake but the hundreds of little doggie feet punched out the trail to the point where water started to appear on the lake. The newly fallen snow had been compacted to some degree but the snow machine and especially the dog traffic in front of us turned what used to be a bike trail like path into the equivalent of a soft sandy beach. We sensed that every step of the way, we had to exert just a little more effort to gain ground on the lead teams. By Ophir, where Rohn and I took our mandatory 24-hour layover, we were in the lead of the race but time-wise found ourselves about 6 hours behind the front-runners.
Temperatures dipped to -45 yet the dogs ran very well. We used a lot of booties and covered the dogs up with coats to retain body heat. Every rest we bedded the athletes on straw. This year Iditarod had exceptional bedding available. Fluffy, dust- free, long husked and dry are just some of the characteristics of good substrate. We kept marveling that without major strategic mistakes we kept falling farther back even while traveling at good speeds. On the Yukon river we decided to make a tactical move by going from Nulato to Tripod Flats cabin, bypassing Kaltag as a rest stop and dividing the run to the coast into more manageable sections. We caught up to Rick Swenson at the cabin; he had made some serious moves trying to catch up with the front of the pack. Just like us, he struggled to gain ground on the front-runners but we all were spinning our wheels so to speak.
A ground blizzard in Shaktoolik stymied about 15 racers and word spread that there were no markers and no discernable trail across Norton Bay. After about fourteen hours of rest, Rohn and I snuck out of the checkpoint in the middle of the night to tackle the storm. I wanted him to experience a blizzard like that in case he plans on racing more Iditarods. We quietly readied the teams, packed more than enough food and headed into the storm. Our leaders must have thought that Haw and Gee were their new names. We looked for and found enough reflective makers in the howling storm to make the passage but also knew that everyone back at Shaktoolik would have to work just as hard to make crossing to Koyuk. Once daylight came, I found it particularly funny when Rohn pulled out his GPS with a camera built in and started to take pictures of the ground blizzard. Most people would be completely occupied just trying to make head way, yet here he was snapping photos and popping off his sled here and there, grabbing blown over markers and sticking them back in the snow for the following teams.
The night departure from Shaktoolik gave us some breathing room from all the other teams and we found ourselves in sort of a private time pocket where father and son could travel in privacy. Mathematically, it was unlikely that we would catch other teams but we kept trying. Rohn and I took turns leading, camped together and reminisced, knowing and hoping that the next time we would compete for the crown.
As the finish line closed in on us, we planned a side-by-side finish. The race had been decided by one second for first before but we had never heard of a tie. So Rohn and I drove our dogs to the finish line side by side and crossed the burled arch in 18th place. While some people would be elated to finish in the top twenty, our results were bitter sweet. It is always good to finish the race, and this made 29 completions for me but I want to do better. “It’s what I do, who I am.”
Happy Trails
Martin
Special thanks to: Caribou* Lionel* TwoFace Sequoia Tambora Orion* Happy* Smiley* Weasel* Nikolai* Momba* Tenzing Peter* Hilary* Mike Barsky
*2012 Iditarod Finishers
Thank You EAGLE and WellPet for fueling our SUPER STARS!
March 21st, 2012
Below is a brief summary of the 2011-2012 racing season by TEAM EAGLE. (by Dr. Albert Townshend WellPet Staff Veterinarian)
This year’s sled dog racing season is over but by no means forgotten. Both the 1000 mile Yukon Quest and the Iditarod were races filled with exciting and dramatic events that captured the spirit and commitment of the participants, both man and dog.
Our Eagle Pack sponsored mushers, the “Team Eagle’ group of extraordinary individuals has once again lived up to their reputation and represented Eagle Pack and WellPet honorably.
Iditarod took a giant proactive step in letting the world know about the commitment both the race and the mushers make in the care of the dogs, not just during the race but all year long. Their video, “Why Do They Run” is an excellent testimonial to the dedication of the race and the mushers toward the wellbeing of the dogs. It was a great honor to be asked to participate in the production of the program. It was equally a testament to “Team Eagle and WellPet that Martin Buser, DeeDee Jonrowe and Aliy Zirkle were also asked to be the primary participants. Their comments came from the heart and their dedication to the dogs was made clear to all. The importance of nutrition, the knowledge gained in feeding performance dogs that has helped Eagle Pack to make better foods for all dogs was a significant part of the presentation. Iditarod is grateful for the support from WellPet and it was certainly expressed in the video.
The Iditarod Insider has been improved significantly and there were many videos of our mushers as they went down the trail. I hope you took the time to join the insider and experience the trail and the race through the excellent photography and the videos.
The Alaska weather was also a factor in both races with typical temperatures at times in the -40 degree range with all time record amounts of snow.
While the challenges were great, our mushers and their dogs produced an impressive record for the season. Below are just a few of the accomplishments achieved by “Team Eagle”:
Allen Moore: 2nd in the Yukon Quest. Allen missed 1st by 26 seconds and generated one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the race. The lead changed many times during the last half of the race which enhanced the drama for all that were following on the internet.
Aliy Zirkle: 2nd in the Iditarod. Aliy lead much of the way capturing the Penn Air Spirit of Alaska Award for the first musher to reach McGrath and the Wells Fargo Award for the first to reach the coast of Alaska. Aliy did a fantastic job of managing the team and staying competitive the entire race. I would encourage all to view her website as she has one of the best with actual video from the trail and her own commentary.
DeeDee Jonrowe: 10th in the Iditarod. DeeDee did a great job as always. She has consistently been a front runner in the many years she has run the race. This year she won the most coveted award for the best cared for team. The Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award is presented to the musher that, in the opinion of the veterinary team, has taken the best care of her dogs during the race. This is the second time she has won the award ( a side note, Martin has won it four times).
Martin Buser and Rohn Buser: Rohn finished 18th and Martin finished one second later in 19th position in the Iditarod. Father and son spent much of the race together on the trail. It was a learning experience for Rohn and he has a great teacher. This is Rohn’s second Iditarod and he captured the Horizon Most Improved Musher Award improving by 19 positions from his previous race. Rohn also won the Kusko 300 race this year: one of the toughest races in Alaska.
Karen Ramstead: Finished in 50th position in the Iditarod out of the 66 teams that started the race. Karen is one of just a few that run purebred Siberian Huskies and in addition she shows her dogs too. Several of the dogs on her Iditarod team are also show champions which is an exceptionally rare combination within any breed. Karen travels the world (most recently Australia, South Africa and the USA) promoting and educating dog lovers.
She is also the President of Mush with PRIDE (Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment) which is a prestigious international organization.
Our musher food was changed slightly this year and produced positive results for all. Steve Griswold and the Mishawaka team do a great job and it is a pleasure to work with them in continuing to make the best food possible for our sled dog teams.
Our mushers and our food represented Eagle Pack well as always. Four Eagle Pack teams in the top 20 is by far the best represented pet food on the trail and a testament to the quality and performance of the food. Their success will generate speaking engagements for them all and as always, they will promote quality nutrition and the WellPet brands where ever they go.
Buser Boys in Nome!
March 17th, 2012
We are thrilled with the simultaneous finish of the 2 Buser Boys and 20 Buser dogs at exactly 9:10 am today. All three lead dogs crossed the finish line at the same moment. Our dogs were so happy. The funniest moment was when we opened the gate from the finish chute all the dogs free ran down the street like the running of the bulls and turned right into Pat and Sue’s yard into their waiting dog houses. It was a sight that makes the heart sing!!! Such strong bonds between man and dogs and dogs and dogs and man and man.
Check out the synchronized move with the snow hook in the first few seconds:::
adn.com great video from the burled arch
Thanks to all sponsors, friends, and family for traveling along on another Iditarod adventure!!!
Now we wait for Matt and future champions to get to Nome.
happy trails
Kathy & boys
Day 5!!!
March 9th, 2012
How cool was that to see the Buser Boys 1 & 2 in the Iditarod standings!!!!! ok — obviously the people on their 24 hour layover were really ahead but it was still just thrilling to see on the Current Standings.
I can tell you all, I got a really great sleep last night while my two boys were on their 24 hour layover!! Usually the only night during the race that is pretty peaceful. Of course, they don’t really sleep all night since they wake up about every four hours to make food for the kiddos. Ophir is just about the most ZEN place on the Iditarod trail. Google images might surely have some photos from there. There’s a giant spruce tree that acts as a sentinel to all who pass. It is the perfect place for the Buser Boys to work on the race plan for the next few days.
And speaking of the 24 hour layover, I just have to make a little comparison to the layover on the Yukon Quest – which by the way is 36 hours. AND by the way, allows the mushers to stay in hotels, go out to eat at restaurants and bars, and if the dog driver so chooses he or she doesn’t even have to touch his/her dogs. Other people can massage, medicate and work with the dogs who are allowed to be in a warm tented area. Both races have their unique challenges but some folks try to bill the Quest as more difficult. Apples and oranges, that’s all.
My math is not very good but I think Martin will leave Ophir about 17 minutes ahead of Rohn. Then it’s back to watching the tracker refresh every 10 minutes.
Just a little note: The race is really 3 races in one – first race to the 24, second race to Unalakleet, then to White Mountain and if it’s close you have to add the little sprint race White Mountain to Nome!!!!
BUSER BOYS 1 & 2*
March 8th, 2012
*Well not really since some folks already started doing their 24 hour layover. It still looks great, sounds great and could be really great about 600 miles from here.
Keep the faith and think positive thoughts of Buser Boys 1 & 2!!!!
Lots of Photos
March 6th, 2012
The dogs are doing their jobs now building up slowly to make a major move. Thanks for all your support.
We couldn’t make the journey without our long standing sponsors and friends!!!
I’m still making photo albums from the Start weekend. Check out what’s new at:
http://web.me.com/kchap1/Site/My_Albums/My_Albums.html
See PHOTOS
January 31st, 2012
I’ve posted several new Photo Albums – Kusko 300, Matt and James’ Finish of the Northern Lights 300.
Go to:
http://web.me.com/kchap1/Site/My_Albums/My_Albums.html
ROHN BUSER & TEAM win Kusko300 Race
January 26th, 2012
We could hardly contain our excitement last week as Rohn took charge of the K300 and his dogs loped into the finish line for an impressive victory. He was trailed by John Baker, the 2011 Iditarod Champion and Paul Gebhardt, last year’s Kusko Champ. 4 time Idit Champs Lance Mackey and his Dad were also in the field.
He attributed his win to his fast dogs and being quiet while they were running. They set a comfortable pace for themselves and he took good care of them on the stops.
This was Rohn’s third K300 and his first big win!
UPCOMING RACES!
January 13th, 2012
http://www.k300.org/
Only 7 Days Until the Running of the World’s Premier Middle Distance Dog Sled Race! In roughly one week, 18 of the most accomplished mushers in the world will take to the trail in search of glory in the 2012 K300. Stay tuned for updates in the days leading up to the race. For all your official race information go to
www.k300.org and encourage all of your friends to like us and follow along as well!
James Volek and Matt Failor represent the kennel at the Copper Basin 300. Race begins noon on Sat. Jan. 14!!! Follow along:
http://www.cb300.com/
KNIK 200
January 7th, 2012
From Martin’s Facebook Post:
Holly molly ! A new Happy Trails record, six teams in the same race …. what was I thinking? Matt will leave first with bib number 3. Dan Dent has number 17. Martin is leaving in 31st position, Rohn is right behind me in the 33 spot. Mike Miller will start his very first race with number 35 and James Volek starts his racing career in the 36th position. Good luck to all. We will be camping this one around all the way.Leisurely pace, enjoying the dogs, fresh snowy trails and a full moon. Happy Trails
From Matt’s Facebook Post:
Tomorrow January 7th, AIE’s own, Matthew Failor & James Volek will be running in the Knik 200 sleddog race! Martin Buser, Rohn Buser, Michael Miller & Dan Dent will be running teams from the kennel as well! Starting time for the race is 11am (alaska time). THERE ARE SPOT TRACKERS attached to the sleds for locating your favorite mushers online during the race… http://www.knik200sleddograce.com/live-tracking.html
We six mushers will be using this race as a big training/learning experience for my young dogs (we are planning a few long rests along the trail to teach the young dogs to ‘camp’ and conserve energy) as well as a learning experience for James and Michael (their first races!). Congratulations to them! Thanks for you support! Stories to come after the race weekend.
From Kathy:
I spent most of the week cooking for Iditarod. 6 bundt cakes, and packages of the following: 34 moose strogonoff, 10 tenderloin (Martin only, sorry Rohn), 15 spaghetti and meat sauce, 18 pasta with butter, 34 rice, 22 bolgogi. They will have a little taste of home all along the Iditarod trail.
Happy Trails Honored
December 16th, 2011
Happy Trails Kennel was awarded the MEMBER of the MONTH from the Anchorage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau – now operating under the name of VISIT ANCHORAGE.
We appreciate the recognition and look forward to many visitors in 2012!!!
Martin accepts from VISIT ANCHORAGE’s Steve Halloran
Happy Trails on the Travel Channel
December 11th, 2011
Training well Under Way
November 22nd, 2011
Thanks to Matt Failor for the photo.
RISING STARS
October 21st, 2011
Some of the New Kids on the Block. Sleek, fast, young and eager! Two Face
Momba
Hilary
Reservations for B&B now online!
September 30th, 2011
To make reservations for our B&B, go to
http://www.airbnb.com/
and in the box that says where are you going
type in Happy Trails B & B
Easy reservation system.
We are also now listed on craigslist.com Anchorage
A friend who owns a B&B in the Homer area recommended airbnb and it seems to be a very complete site.
Maybe we’ll see you at the B&B sometime. Feel free to use the B&B as a snowmachine/bike or ski base in the winter.
THANK YOU to our SUMMER VISITORS!!!
September 8th, 2011
We’re shifting gears. Summer Tours are basically over. The birch trees are dappled yellow. Cool mornings signal the oncoming 4-wheeler training.
We’d like to thank all our visitors for taking the time to tour our working kennel. We have enjoyed sharing the stories of our dogs and our lifestyle. We are so happy to see people appreciate our canine family and their accomplishments. We hope folks will stay tuned online throughout the season.
I think we will see some of you back here in March!
Torchlight Parade in Seattle
August 3rd, 2011
For the third year, Happy Trails Kennel, was invited to attend the Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade celebration in Seattle. Since the puppies were such a hit last year we brought them again. The rowdy bunch of six were walked, petted, and loved to exhaustion. Some of our regular Nome Dog Squad helped out with the dogs. We appreciate Alaska Airlines acknowledging the unique relationship of Alaska huskies with the state of Alaska, the sport of dog mushing and dog lovers everywhere!!!
2012 Iditarod will be Martin’s 29th
June 26th, 2011
With a renewed spirit of determination, Martin signed up today for his 29th Iditarod!!!!! AND he was the fortunate winner of one of the 2 FREE entry fees drawn at the end of the day. His name was pulled out of the hat a few years ago but we were not there due to a previously scheduled tour at the kennel. We are hoping the luck part begins today.
EXTEND your TRIP in ALASKA
June 24th, 2011
To get out to the more remote areas of Alaska, visit our friend Lori’s website and arrange for a custom flight seeing tour most anywhere in Alaska. She’s a great pilot with an intimate relationship with the skies and weather of Alaska!
http://www.skytrekkingalaska.com
