A long, but nice day with some rest, some sun, and some oh, so beautiful scenery, Pete and the Team say hello to the second night on the trail. After taking a break in Rohn, Pete is off towards Nikolai and the Farewell Burn. Veteran fans will remember that the burn is known for little snow and rough trail in the sometimes absence of snow.
The jackrabbit in this year’s race is Nicolas Petit. After losing the trail and probably the race last year, he is definitely intent on winning back some pride and some winnings. Just recently, in the 2019 Kuskokwim 300, Petit got off the trail and it cost him several thousand dollars as well as dropping him out of the top 3.
It will be interesting, though, to see if he can hold this pace. Pete is maintaining a conservative 6/4 or even 4/4 run/rest schedule. I’m sure the soft snow of the Yukon and the wet coast trail are on his mind.
Comparing the total run vs total rest between Pete and Nic you can see very different racing styles.
Pete has rested his Team four times with a total rest of 11 hours.
Petit has rested his Team two times for a total rest of 8 hours.
I have to wonder if it is wise so early to use this strategy. Martin Buser and others have tried it only to have their Teams falter further down the trail. Consider that is is very rare for the first Team to the Yukon to win the race.
Here are the two mushers, Petit alongside Pete with the Run/Rest cycle.
