Pinedale Stage 1

Good morning Pedigree Stage Stop Race fans.

Last nights ceremonial start went off without a hitch. Snow had begun to fall about an hour before the 6.30 p.m., which made for a very nice wintery atmosphere at the start line. The outbound trails was packed with spectators who cheered on their favorite Mushers. Not too surprisingly, local fan favorite Alix Crittenden from Bondurant Wyoming had the crowds erupt in cheers. It was a pretty emotional comeback for Alix, after sitting out last years race and battling brain cancer throughout the year.

Now today the real deal begins. Teams will travel up past Cora on highway 352 to the Upper Green River Trail head. I remember not too long ago, we were cut off from the world with having no cell reception out there. Then we had a starlink unit there the past 2 seasons, which made life much easier in terms of getting updates from the trail out in a timely manner. Now this year, we have added a starlink mini, which will go on the trail via snowmachine. It is going to be a bit trail and error, but should make for even better coverage yet.

In terms of weather, the stretch of sunny and cold days have come to an end. There is snow off and on in the forecast for the next several days. Not that much here in the town of Pinedale, but for sure more past Cora and even more yet once the trail leaves the Upper Green River Valley about 8 miles into the race course. Germany’s Michael Tetzner is the first team out, followed by Bib number 2 Austin Forney. The final team to leave the parking lot, each in 3 minute intervals is Stephane Roy from New Brunswick. Based on past years time, we should see the first teams returning after about 2 hrs and 20 minutes from when they started. A fast trail in 2022 when we also ran Pinedale twice was 2hr 14 min for Anny Malo. The same year, a day later, in very windy and snowy conditions, the fastest time was 2hr 29 minutes, also by Anny Malo.

Current conditions are 25F and about half an inch of fresh snow here in ” downtown ” Pinedale.