YQ300 Musher Profiles

	Crispin Studer Age: 28 Residence: Carcrosss, Yukon Place of Birth: Biel, Switzerland Occupation: Geo Tech Hobbies: Biking Languages: German, French, English Spouse: Melanie Bedard Family: Yoann was born in December Handler: Melanie Bedard Comment on Handler: she keeps me in line and organized Kennel bloodlines: Kleedehn How many dogs in your kennel: 16 How many years have you been running dogs: 8 How did you get started running dogs: as a handler Recent sled dog races: Yukon Quest 2004, Percy Dewolfe 2004, Percy Junior 2008 and some local races What is your training style: hook up the dogs and run them Why do you run dogs: because it is fun What do you love most about running dogs: spending time with the dogs What are your goals for the YQ300: to have a good learning race SPONSORS: Underworld Resources
	Cristy Willett Age: 28 Residence: Tagish, Yukon Place of Birth: Winnipeg, Manitoba Occupation: R.V.T Level 3, Mushing equipment maker, Mom, and competitve musher Hobbies: Making native carving, photography, playing the fiddle, playing with dogs Spouse/Partner: Vanessa Willett Family: Ryan Widrig (16), Devon Widrig (11), Clara-Marie Simmons (4) Handler: Vanessa Willett Comment on Handler: I have a great handler, without her, the team's not complete Kennel name: Tamaska Kennels - Tamaska means mighty wolves in Cree. Kennel breeds: Mixed husky How many dogs in your kennel: 21 How many years have you been running dogs: 2 Describe your first time on a dog sled: It was thrilling, joyous. They dragged me for half a mile and I learned how to recover it safely. How did you get started running dogs: I first caught the bug when I was 8 years old. I got my own dog team and 6 from Kiara Adams and my kennel has grown from there. Recent sled dog races: Carbon Hill 2008, Copperhaul Twisters 2008 What is your training style: I focus on cardio, muscular, stamina and team work. Even in the off-season, I run my dogs 2-4 days a week. Why do you run dogs: I love dogs and the wilderness and what better way to enjoy both. I love the team work, freedom on the trail and the 21 smiling faces that greet me day after day. What do you love most about running dogs: spending time with the dogs About the dogs: Ginger is an intelligent, proud, careful and playful dog. She is one of my leaders that I can count on.She always has a positive attitude and works hard. Trust would be the biggest thing we have learned together. A give & take relationship. Greatest accomplishment as a musher: Going to my first race with the flu, a 102F fever, up at 5:20am, going to the race, competing, and finishing well What are your goals for the YQ300: The dogs and I are ready. Our goal is to have fun, stay healthy and to work as a team and do the best we can do. SPONSORS: Currently none
	Craig Houghton Age: 36 Residence: Fort St. James, B.C. Occupation: High School Vice Principal Hobbies: Running dogs, fishing, race organizing Spouse/Partner: Deirdre Houghton Family: Deirdre and Sean (5) Handler: John Douglas Comment on Handler: John is very knowledgable about sled dogs and a very accommodating driver. Kennel name: Craig Houghton Racing Dogs Kennel bloodlines: My lines are mixed but most come out of Nigel Hill's kennel in Saskatchewan and the other from Terry Quesnel's kennel in Alberta. How many dogs in your kennel: 16 How many years have you been running dogs: since childhood, but running recreationally for 12 year Describe your first time on a dog sled: I was too young to remember. How did you get started running dogs: Running dogs was a family recreational activity as a child. What is your training style: I run small teams, with heavy loads short runs after work and one long run on the weekend. Why do you run dogs: I enjoy working with dogs and watching each dog develop. What do you love most about running dogs: bring alone with your team int he bush with no outside distractions. Greatest accomplishment as a musher: Organizing the Caledonai Classic Sled Dog Races. What are your goals for the YQ300: I want to see the trail and visit the places I have often read about. My goal for the race is to enjoy the experience. I will also hopefully learn a few things about distance racing from the other mushers. SPONSORS: Dad, Mom and wife Dierdre.
	Jocelyne LeBlanc Age: 34 Residence: Whitehorse, Yukon Occupation: Baker in the summer, dog sled guide in the winter Hobbies: Dogs, mountain biking, drinking coffee Family: my dogs Handler: Volker vonDerHeide Comment on Handler: he keeps me in line Kennel bloodlines: Schnuelle, Sawrenko How many dogs in your kennel: a few dozen How many years have you been running dogs: 8 Describe your first time on a dog sled: Schnuelle took me on my first dog sled and it took me days to recover. How did you get started running dogs: a friend Why do you run dogs: I like the rush and the calm. What are your goals for the YQ300: To finish with happy dogs and a tired musher. SPONSORS: Chocolate Claim, Sky High Wilderness Ranch Ltd, Family & Friends
	Pierre-Yves Duc Age: 34 Residence: Carcross, Yukon Spouse/Partner: Maren Bradley Handler: Maren Bradley Kennel name: Persistance Kennel How did the kennel gets its name: The good things in life need a little or a lot of persistance to achieve. Kennel bloodlines: a real motley crew How many dogs in your kennel: 28
	Karen Ramstead Age: 44 Residence: Perryvale, Alberta Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario Occupation: Dog musher Hobbies: showing my dogs and photography Spouse: Mark Ramstead Handler: not sure yet Kennel Name: NorthWapiti How did your kennel get its name: When we first started the kennel, we lived north of the Wpiti River in Alberta Kennel bloodlines: We have been breeding for almost 20 years, so our bloodlines are pretty uniquely 'NorthWapiti' now. All our dogs are registered, purebred Siberian Huskies How many dogs are currently in your kennel: 70 How many years have you been running dogs: 17 or so Describe your first time on a dogsled: Something just 'clicked' for me! I knew I had found something 'big' in my life. How did you get started running dogs: through my passion for Siberian Huskies Tell us about your dogs: Our dogs are accomplished not only on the race trail, but as well in the show ring. A few of my team members are Champion showdogs. I am continously inspired by the history and spirit of the Siberian Husky and feel honored to travel the trails with them. Recent sled dog races: 2008 Iditarod (56th), 2008 Seeley Lake 200 (11th), 2008 Goose Bay 120 (12th) What is your training style: Jamie Nelson was my mentor in distance racing, so much of my training style is based on her techniques and ideas. Why do you run dogs: Because it just feels 'right' - for both me and the dogs! What do you love most about running dogs: the special relationship it allows you to develop with your dogs! Whathas been your greatest accomplishment as a musher: Maybe it is still to come. What are your goals for the YQ300: because I can't afford to do a 1000 mile race this winter and I want to get a look at some of the Quest trail! SPONSORS: Eagle Pet Food Products, Donna and Doug Finner, Marlene Daniels, Jamie West and Harry Banks, and Morna Murray, Skookum Brand
	Mark Ramstead Age: 44 Residence: Perryvale, Alberta Place of Birth: Cold Lake, Alberta Occupation: Industrial Electrician Hobbies: watching NASCAR and making trails for the dogs Spouse: Karen Ramstead Handler: not sure yet Kennel Name: NorthWapiti How did your kennel get its name: When we first started the kennel, we lived north of the Wpiti River in Alberta Kennel bloodlines: NorthWapiti - all purebred Siberian Huskies How many dogs in your kennel: 70 How many years have you been running dogs: 17 How did you get started running dogs: through my wife Recent sled dog races: 2008 Goose Bay 120, Alaska; 2007 Neckbone 120, Saskatchewan; 2006 Knik 200 What is your training style: whatever my wife tells me to do Why do you run dogs: because it is fun What are your goals for the YQ300: to have fun SPONSORS: Eagle Pet Food Products, Donna and Doug Finner, Marlene and Doug Daniels, Jamie West and Harry Banks, Morna Murray, Skookum Brand
	Irvin Wai Age: 48 Residence: Bezanson, Alberta Place of Birth: Kamloops, BC Nationality: First Nation Canadian Occupation: Gas Industry Spouse: Angela Wai Family: Alexis (15), Sarah (7) Handler: Jack Douglas to my profile as my handler, Jack grew up in Whitehorse and is looking forward to coming to the YQ ,This will be jacks first time Handling dogs and is looking forward to coming home in the winter to visit with family and friends and thank you to Irene McNeil for sponsoring the team. Kennel name: Smokey River Runners - our home is located on top of the Smokey River Kennel bloodlines: various mix of local kennels - Peck, Wannamaker, Morrison How many dogsd in the kennel: 19 How many years have you been mushing: 5 Describe your first time on a dogsled: it was a wreck - skunks, blizzards and a porcupine. I will never forget that night pulling out quills at 2am. Tell us about the dogs: Our stories will be starting after our 2009 season, as we are all getting to know each other. Irvin has been getting his dogs together and building his team since spring 2008. We can see a lot of characters in this kennel. How did you get started running dogs: I was an extra in the movie Snow Dogs. One year later, I had a mushing mentor and here we are today. Why do you run dogs: I enjoy the wide open spaces of the outdoors and being with the dogs. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a musher: workign together as a team Why did you enter the YQ300? What are your goals for the race: to complete the race and prepare for the 1000 mile race. I have always wanted to live in the Yukon. This may be the start.
	Thomas Arnold Age: 29 Residence: Whitehorse, Yukon Nationality: Swiss Occupation: Carpenter Spouse/Partner: Edward Handler: Manuela, Yuske, Frank Kennel Name: Muktuk How did your kennel get its name: Frank's friend Victor Allen used to bring muktuk to the kennel for the dogs. Kennel bloodlines: Turner, Halter, Johnson, Buser How many dogs in your kennel: I train 16 dogs How many years have you been running dogs: 2 How did What is your training style: motivational Why do you run dogs: because I love being out there with them seeing how much fun they have with what they do What are your goals for the YQ300: to finish with all my dogs healthy and happy SPONSORS: Woolpower, Northwest Transport, Celine Rivoire-Vicot, Shelley Cuthbert, Muktuk Adventures
	Lucy Tyrrell Age: 56 Current Residence: Healy, Alaska Nationality: American Occupation: Ecologist, now at Denali National Park and Preserve Hobbies:birding, traveling, writing, sketching, quilting Handler: Norman Eady Comment on Handler: he is a fellow member of Toastmasters International Kennel name: Raven's Wing - I love seeing ravens flying overhead while we are on the trail Kennel brloodlines: mostly Bill Cotter dogs How many dogs in your kennel: 12 About the dogs: My dogs are likely to be Keeper, Sparrow (both leaders) plus Zydeco, Waffles, Brooks, Pawpaw, Journey, Ceilidh, and Qiviut How many years have you been running dogs: about 11 How did you get started running dogs: I took a summer cart ride on the north shore of Lake Superior and I was very taken with the teamwork of dogs and musher. With the help of several mushers, I borrowed a sled and three sled dogs in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota. I trained initially at the nearby wildlife area and took some runs on frozen White Bear Lake. When I moved to Wisconsin I acquired dogs of my own. Why do you run dogs: it is a wonderful way to be outside in wild landscapes while working with fine dog companions What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: completing the Serum Run. What are your goals for the YQ300: I want to challenge myself and my dogs, to make this journey in a race format. I'm looking forward to working with my team to travel through what will be new country for us. I'd like to stay safe and do our best. Red lantern will be more than ok.
	Gerry Willomitzer Age: 39 Current Residence: Whitehorse, Yukon Nationality: Germany Occupation: Log Building Contractor Hobbies: dogs Kennel name: Blackjack Racing Kennel - Black leader "Jack" + mushing is a gamble Kennel bloodlines: Kleedehn, Gatt, Mackey How many dogs in your kennel: 50+ How many years have you been running dogs: 12 How did you get started running dogs: as a handler for William Kleedehn What is your training style: train for what you expect in the race Why do you run dogs: lifestyle What do you love most about running dogs: the dogs What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: taking care of the team What are your goals for the YQ300: train for the next 1000 miler SPONSORS: Skookum Asphalt, Wendel Carey & Ibex Services, 49er Feeds, Eldorado Logwork & Construction, Amy Wright & Peter Butteri, Dee Larson @ Sheep Mountain
	Kyla Johnson Age: 29 Residence: Whitehorse, Yukon Kennel: Blackjack Racing Kennel Place of Birth: Edmonton, AB Occupation: Dog handler, river guide Hobbies: skiing, paddling, reading, sewing, hiking, camping, backgammon Kennel bloodlines: Kleedehn, Gatt, Mackey How many dogs in your kennel: 50+ How many years have you been running dogs: 5 Describe your first time on a dogsled: In 2000, a friend and I were driving around north of Montreal and passed a tour kennel. We I paid an exorbitant amount for an hour of mushing in a circle on a lake. About the dogs: Last year I usually was running Gerry's yearlings - these were the Rolling Stones (Keith, Charlie, Ronnie, Billy and Mick) so I got to know them and their hyper personalities really well. Another dog in the yard that I really like is Joseph - one of the older, calmer dogs who gives really good hugs around your waist. How did you get started running dogs: As a university course in the Lakehead University outdoor recreation program. From there contact after contact led from helping train expedition dogs, to guiding tours, to finally working at a racing kennel. What is your training style: Still learning... Why do you run dogs: beats being stuck inside and I constantly learn new things from the dogs What do you love most about running dogs: dogs, lifestyle, and scenery - in that order What has been your greatest accomplishment as a musher? enjoying it and knowing the dogs are too, and feeling like its the right thing to be doing What are your goals for the YQ300: Mostly a learning experience and another step closer to the Quest 1000. My goal is to finish with happy and healthy dogs. SPONSORS: For Blackjack Kennels: Skookum Asphalt, Wendel Carey & Ibex Services, 49er Feeds, Eldorado Logwork & Construction, Amy Wright & Peter Butteri, Dee Larson @ Sheep Mountain For myself (gear): Ma and Pa Johnson, Evalisa McIllfaterick
	Moe Boksa Age: 35 Residence: Annie Lake Road, Yukon Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec Occupation: Purveyor of fine sandwiches Hobbies: writing, farming, wine tasting, dancing to 80s music Spouse/Partner: Grace Family Members: Finn (9), Maible (5) Handler: 2/3 of the Northern Chapter of Deep Root Organics Vermont Comment on Handlers: our world is our stage. What will come first, the chickens or the basil? Kennel Name: Moe' Better Kennels How did your kennel get its name: There ain't no better kennels than Moe' Better Kennels. Kennel bloodlines: Kleedehn, MacDougall, Streeper, my own How many dogs in your kennel: 17 How many years have you been running dogs: 15 How did you get started running dogs: An innocent conversation in a field with flotch (flotch: term to describe a well-rotted tomato) What is your training style: I train with integrity Why do you run dogs: Because I grew up with poodles. It was great fun dressing them up but I knew there had to be more. What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: never giving up on a dog What are your goals for the YQ300: to win Photo: Moe with dog Alfalfa
	Susie Rogan Age: 42 Residence: Whitehorse, Yukon Home Town: Kitchener, Ontario, now Whitehorse Hobbies: reading, writing, skijouring Spouse/Partner: Hans Gatt Kennel: Gatt Kennel Kennel bloodlines: Gatt How many dogs are currently in your kennel: 67: 42 are race dogs, 25 pups and retired How many years have you been running dogs: skijouring for 12 years, sledding for 1 Describe your first time on a dogsled: I thought it was like water skiing where you let go immediately so you don't get hurt. My dogs stopped and waited for me so it was fine. About the dogs: I had hoped to run some pups and older dogs but it now looks like I'll be running 'left over' race dogs from Hans and Newton's pool of Quest dogs. I'm training them now alongside Hans and Newton, plus training the 'D' team I guess you'd call the pups and older dogs, so I already have experience with the dogs I will be using regardless. They will be almost all small females if I get the ones I am training, which I hope will be the case. Wisdompicked her up, then noticed she was moving just a little. He put her on a cookie tray in the oven with the door open to warm her up for a while, then fed her and also made sure she got milk from Havanna, her mom. Now she will probably be my main leader. How did you get started running dogs: I kept taking in dogs and had too many to get them all out skijoring so I bought a sled. Why do you run dogs: I was hooked from the first time I tied my dog Emmett to my waist and put on my cross country skis for a run up the road. What do you love most about running dogs: You are part of a beautiful outfit of dogs. You see intelligence, honesty and strength in the dogs. Between the trees, sky, trail, and the dogs and everything else, it is like being on the best Disney ride ever. What are your goals for the YQ300: To have a series of clean runs, picking off the checkpoints and getting to the finish line in a competitive position. SPONSORS: Gatt Kennels feeds exclusively Eagle Pack Premium Foods for all our dry food and Holistic Solution supplement. Our racing harnesses are from Tanzilla Harness of Whitehorse. I am using Columbia Sorel clothing, as well as Northern Outfitter clothing.
	Ed Hopkins Age: 44 Residence: Tagish, Yukon Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec Occupation: Jack of all trades Hobbies: cycling Spouse/Partner: Michelle Family Members: Keegan (9) Handler: Spyke Comment on Handlers:great Kennel Name: Pristine Wilderness Tours How many dogs in your kennel: 50 How many years have you been running dogs: 25 How did you get started running dogs: watching the 1984 Yukon Quest finish What is your training style: up at 6am and in bed by 10pm Why do you run dogs: why not What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: doing it for 25 years SPONSORS: Yukon Zinc, Spyke & Lindy
	Martin Jahr Age: 40 Residence: Haines Junction, Yukon Place of Birth: Germany Kennel: Noah's Place Kennel - Noah was my first dog in the Yukon Handler: Gene Ennis How many dogs in your kennel: 24 How many years have you been running dogs: 6 SPONSORS: Icy Waters Ltd., Triple S, Kluane Machine, Sebastian Schnuelle Photo: Martin with dog Dodds
	Tamara Rose Age: 45 Residence: Fairbanks, AK Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington - raised in northern California Occupation: Veterinarian & Bakery co-owner Hobbies: working, dogs, running, cycling Spouse/Partner:Julie Handler: some unsuspecting friend looking for a 'road trip' Kennel bloodlines: Mackey, Zirkle, Osmar, Cotter, Gebhardt, Swingly How many dogs in your kennel: 22 How many years have you been running dogs: 4 How did you get started running dogs: I helped out Bob McAlpine a little then decided to have my own dogs to run around with Tell us about the dogs: I have dogs from a variety of kennels, in a variety of shapes and sizes; yet when I put them together, they form a really nice, uniform team. They work really well together. Why do you run dogs: I love to work outside; I love working with the dogs; and it's the best way to see Alaska that I can imagine. I also like to learn new things, and there is a lifetime of learning in this sport. What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: Learning how to finish a race with a happy musher and happy dogs. Why did you enter the YQ300: to see the country, to get a few more miles under my runners before doing a 1,000 mile race next year, and to familiarize the dogs with the east part of the trail. SPONSORS: Lulu's Bread and Bagels, T Rose Veterinary Service
	Bill Cotter Age: 63 Residence: Nenana, Alaska Place of Birth: Milford, NH Occupation: retired electrician Kennel name: Cotter's Kennel How many dogs in your kennel: 42 How many years have you been running dogs: 40 Sled dog races completed: 5 Yukon Quests, 18 Iditarods. How did you get started running dogs: My neighbor was Joe Redington Sr. I got some dogs from him and have been hooked ever since. Why do you run dogs: I just love dogs. I like to travel with dogs. Describe your general style: we keep that a big secret. What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: Winning the 1087 Yukon Quest. Why did you enter the YQ300: I want to do a 300 mile race before running the Iditarod.
	Juho Ylipiessa Age: 24 Current Residence: Tornio, Finland Nationality: Finnish Occupation: Wilderness Guide Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, birds, paddling Kennel name: Laughing Eyes Kennel Kennel breeds: Alaskan huskies How many years have you been running dogs: 4 Why do you run dogs: I blame Jack London What are your goals for the YQ300: to finish with 12 happy dogs Sponsors: Laughing Eyes Kennel, my girlfriend, Mom & Dad
	Spencer Thew Age: 67 Residence: South Colton, New York Occupation: Geotechnical Engineer Hobbies: hunting, fishing, sled dogs Spouse/Partner:Patti Thew Kennel name: Call of the Wild - Jack London and I enjoy remote areas Kennel breed: Registered Siberian Huskies How many dogs in your kennel: 15 How many years have you been running dogs: 23 How did you get started running dogs: I needed a commitment to get me out of the office. Why do you run dogs: For the pleasure of developing pups into a closely knit team. I love bring with the dogs on the trail. What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: Finishing the Iditarod with 16 of the 18 Iditarod I left Anchorage with. Why did you enter the YQ300: I have always dreamed of running the Yukon Quest and race in the Yukon where history runs deep.
	Will vanRanden Age: 42 Residence: Whitehorse, Yukon Occupation: Builder, timber farmer Hobbies: Dogs, woodworking, biking Handler: Jo - wife, handler, sponsor & musher How many dogs in your kennel: 29 (14 sled dogs, 15 retired dogs) How many years have you been running dogs: 15 Why do you run dogs: the boundless enthusiam of the dogs What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: Learning patience Why did you enter the YQ300: Enjoy the trail match my expectations to the ability of my team Sponsors: Jo- my wife and our good friends who dog-sit the retired dogs and make it possible for us to do trips and races.
	Richie Beattie Age: 34 Residence: Two Rivers, Alaska Occupation: dog tours Hobbies: bikes.beats.bass.birds Handler: bou - she's the best Kennel name: Tribe Vibe How many dogs in your kennel: 18 How many years have you been running dogs: 8 Why do you run dogs: every day life with the dogs.pups.learning together.wilderness. What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: 10 fingers 10 toes Why did you enter the YQ300: fun.pup training race. well have a few older hardcores with a whole bunch of fresh youngsters.give em a taste of the quest. Sponsors: bear lake hatchery.coho nation
	Ramey Smyth Age: 33 Residence: Willow, Alaska Occupation: Custom log home builder Spouse/Partner: Becca Moore Handler: Pam Aviza - very dedicated Kennel name: Homestretch Kennel How many dogs in your kennel: 67 How many years have you been running dogs: All my life Why do you run dogs: to watch animals develop What is your greatest accomplishment as a musher: winning the Kusko at age 19. Why did you enter the YQ300: to finish with a healthy dog team. Sponsors: Steve Ripp, Alaska Diesel Doctor, Aurora Trailers, Outdoors and More Sporting Goods