Ride along with KUAC FM on the Yukon Quest
February 11, 2021
Due to the pandemic and the Alaska-Canada border closure, the Yukon Quest will be a different race in 2021. The 300-mile Summit Quest, which departs Fairbanks Saturday at 11 a.m., promises a much faster-paced race, which could lead to lots of action and tight finishes.
Seasoned Quest reporter Lex Treinen will provide coverage from Feb. 11-17, and you can “ride along” by listening to reports during KUAC FM’s morning newscasts.
Here’s a Q&A with Treinen.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to watching how the mushers do going over Rosebud and Eagle Summits. In a normal year, those can be a deciding factor in a race and with the shorter distance this year, they’ll be even more significant! I’m hoping I’ll have time to hike over to Eagle Summit from the highway (it’s about a 30-minute walk from the highway through sometimes deep snow drifts) but with the fast pace of the race, that might not happen.
Are there complications for you being on the trail during a pandemic?
I’ll be taking a few extra COVID-19 precautions for this year’s race. Organizers are trying to keep the footprint of the race small and aren’t providing school gyms for reporters to crash in. Luckily, my Dad has a camper van that he’s letting me drive up (his donation to the Quest). To get internet out on the Steese Highway, I found a gracious resident of Circle who is allowing me to park in front of their house while I’m there. And I’ll be eating mostly camping meals, but am hoping to stop for a meal at the Central Roadhouse or at the famous Circle village bake sale.
I’ll also be carrying a mic boom that will extend my reach six feet. And of course, I’ll be masking around any crowds.
What surprises may we expect?
I think the return of former champion Hugh Neff to the Quest race is a surprise in itself that I’ll be watching. He’s had a rocky history with the Quest organization and hasn’t been racing much over the last couple years, so it will be interesting to see what attitude and form he and his dogs bring.
Anything else?
This year will really be a test of the Quest organization after losing a longtime Alaska race director, having a relatively low musher turnout last year, and of course, navigating a global pandemic. Pulling off a successful race with happy dogs, no COVID-19 disruptions, and attracting the attention of fans will be key to putting on a successful 1,000-mile race next year.