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Two Rivers 100/200

Fri January 21 - Sun January 23 Fairbanks, AK 99712 US Directions

Events

Two Rivers 100

12:00PM AKST - 10:00PM AKST
Open to ages 18 - 99.

Two Rivers 200

12:00PM AKST - 10:00PM AKST
Open to ages 18 - 99.

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at http://trdma.info.

Place

Chatanika Lodge
5760 Steese Hwy
Fairbanks, AK US 99712

Description

We are excited about our Two Rivers 100 and 200 mile races for 2022! They will start on January 21 this year starting from the Chatanika Lodge and ending at the Pleasant Valley Store. 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at

Race Rules

Below you will find the Two Rivers 100/200 Race Rules.

Each racer MUST be a member of the Two Rivers Dog Mushers Association. Racer's individual emails are associated with club membership-- so make sure to use the correct email. 

If you have not signed up for membership this year, you will be redirected to membership sign up at the start of this process! You will go through membership payment before you sign up and pay for the separate race fee!

Please email tworiversdogmushers@gmail.com with any issues or questions with this process.

2022 TWO RIVERS 100/200 RACE RULES

TWO RIVERS DOG MUSHERS ASSOCIATION

(Updated August 8, 2021)

Date of Races: The 2022 Two Rivers 100/200 Sled Dog Races will start at 12:00 noon on Friday January 21, 2022. 

Location of Race Check-In, Start, Checkpoints, Finish Lines, and Approximate Trail Distances: 

·         Pre-Race Check In/Vaccination Record check/Bib Draw on Thursday, January 20, 5:00 pm at Two Rivers Lodge located at Mile 16 Chena Hot Springs Road (CHSR). 

·         Race starts Friday January 21 at Chatanika Lodge located at Mile 28.5 Elliot Highway in Chatanika, AK. Mandatory Driver Meeting at 10:00 am; 200 Mile Race starts at 12:00 noon.

·         The first checkpoint, approximately 60 miles into the race, will be located at Pleasant Valley Community Center (PVCC) off Cory Ranch Road at about Mile 23 CHSR.

·         The second leg of each race will be an approximate 40-mile loop in the Chena River/Two Rivers area winter trails.  The Finish line for the 100 Mile race, and second checkpoint for the 200 Mile race, will also be at the PVCC.  

·         Mile 52 Checkpoint: The third checkpoint for the 200 Mile race, at approximately 140 miles into the race, will be located at or near the old Carl Benson cabin at Mile 52 CHSR, just beyond Angel Creek.

·         The fourth and final leg of the 200 Mile race will be approximately 50 to 60 miles going up the Colorado Creek Trail and the hills of the Dozer Line Trail, then descending back to the Finish Line at Pleasant Valley Community Center. 

Race Qualifications:  All drivers must be members in good standing with the Two Rivers Dog Mushing Association (TRDMA). Drivers must be at least 18 years of age by the start of their race. Exceptions for Juniors can be made by the Race Marshall and with one recommendation from an experienced musher and with TRDMA Board approval. No one convicted of animal abuse or neglect will be eligible to enter the races. TRDMA may honor censure by any other sled dog racing organization.  

Registration and Entry Fees: Entry fee for the 100 Mile is $155 and entry fee for the 200 Mile is $305. Registration will be online at the website http://trdma.info with online payment via credit or debit card, closing at midnight Sunday January 16, 2021. There will be no sign-ups by postal mail. All fees (the race entry and TRDMA annual membership, if needed) are due at time of sign-up. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.  

Refunds, Substitutions, Withdrawals, and Switching Races: Entry fees paid by wait-listed mushers not allotted a starting spot will be refunded. Mushers that withdraw prior to the race start will forfeit their entire entry fee. Substitutions by mushers associated with the same kennel will be permitted. Entrants may be permitted to make a transfer of registration from the 200 Mile to 100 Mile race if the 100 Mile race is not full and there is no waitlist; the difference in registration fee will be refunded. 

Limit of Entries: There will be no entry limit.

200 Mile Race as Qualifier for Yukon Quest and Iditarod: The Two Rivers 200 is a qualification race for the 1000-mile Yukon Quest and Iditarod races.  A driver wanting to use this race as a qualifier must indicate that intention to the Race Marshal prior to the start of the race.  

Race Purses: Drivers that place first, second, and third in their respective race will receive a purse award and a check will be presented to them at the Finish Banquet. The minimum purse for each race will be at least 40% of the total entry fees received for that race, plus possible additional sponsorship donations and non-refundable fees from withdrawn racers.  The purses for each race will be distributed as follows: 1st: 50% of purse; 2nd: 30% of purse; and 3rd: 20% of purse.

Finish Luncheon: Race purse and award presentations will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday February 28 at Pleasant Valley Community Center. Each racer will receive two luncheon tickets and additional tickets can be purchased on day of the banquet (anticipated cost $10-$15). 

Race Cancellation:  If the temperature at Chatanika Lodge is colder than -44  at 10:00 am on Friday February 26, 2021, the races will be postponed or cancelled at the discretion of the race officials. After the race has started, it will continue regardless of temperatures.

Race Schedule January 20-23, 2021

Thursday, January 20  5:00 pm – 7:00 pm  Two Rivers Lodge  

                               6:00 Start of Bib draw

  • Race check in and present vaccination records. 
  • Race Marshall update and trail report.                        
  • Dinner optional/on your own. 

Friday, Jan 20 9:00 am – 12 noon Chatanika Lodge

  • Vet Check, Gear Check
  • 10:00 am Breakfast Buffet (approx. $15)
  • Mandatory Drivers Meeting and Bib Hand Out.   
  • 12:00 noon 
    • 200 Mile race starts at two-minute intervals.
    • 100 Mile race starts immediately after 200.

Sunday, Jan 23 12:00 noon Pleasant Valley Community Center

  • Finish Awards Luncheon.                                                                     

Start Positions: Start positions will be determined by luck of the draw based upon the order entries are received. The Start Draw will take place at 6:00 pm Thursday January 20 at Two Rivers Lodge, located at Mile 16 CHSR.

Start Interval: Teams will leave the starting line at two-minute intervals.  Any team that cannot leave the starting line within one minute of its designated time will be required to start two minutes after the scheduled departure of the final team of the respective race. Any team that cannot leave the starting line within 30 minutes of the last team’s scheduled departure will be disqualified. The 200 Mile race will start at 12:00 noon and the 100 Mile race will start immediately after the final 200 Mile racer has left.

 

Mandatory Rest Layovers and Start Time Differentials: 

Teams in the 100 Mile race will have a 4-hour mandatory layover at the PVCC Checkpoint, the approximate half-way point of that race. Start time differentials will be added to rest times for the 100 Mile racers at the PVCC checkpoint.  

Teams in the 200 Mile race are required to take at least 10 hours of mandatory rest at the checkpoints. Drivers may take their mandatory rest at any of the checkpoints. Rest time will be accrued in 30-minute increments until it adds up to a total of at least 10 hours before leaving the last checkpoint. Less than 30-minute increments of rest time will be rounded down (ex: one hour and 40 minutes rest will be counted as one hour and 30 minutes rest). All 200 Mile racers will be provided with a time card on which their total rest times at checkpoints should be tabulated.  Handlers are responsible for assisting their musher in this rest time tabulation and handlers should keep the time card in their possession and make it available to race officials. In addition, the start time differential for the 200 Mile racers will be added to rest times at the final checkpoint, 52 Mile Checkpoint. Therefore, drivers and handlers should be careful that all mandatory rest, the time-differential rest, and any potential time penalties are correctly taken before the team leaves the last checkpoint. 

Checkpoint and Finish Cut-off Times for 200 Mile Race: All 200 Mile racers must depart checkpoints or arrive at the Finish by the following times or be disqualified:

PVCC Checkpoint (after race leg 2): 12:00 noon on Saturday January 22

52 Mile Checkpoint: 10:00 pm on Saturday January 22

PVCC Finish: 12:00 noon on Sunday January 23

Food Drop Bags and Straw: Drop bags must be clearly marked with the driver’s name. A half bale of straw will be provided for each team at each checkpoint. Handlers are responsible for delivering drop bags prior to their musher’s arrival at the checkpoint. Checkpoint volunteers will provide directions on where to put drop bags and find water and the straw.  

 

Checkpoint Procedure:  Mandatory gear will be checked upon arrival at the checkpoint. Handlers may assist teams in and out of the checkpoints. Dogs may be dropped at the checkpoint. A Race Veterinarian will generally be available at the checkpoint, especially when teams are arriving. (Note: Because the PVCC Checkpoint will serve as a checkpoint twice in the 200 Mile race, a driver may opt to use their same resting spot twice there; in that case, the handler may help the team and driver return to their previously used spot at the PVCC checkpoint). A half-bale of fresh straw will be available for all teams arriving to rest at a checkpoint, whether they are re-using a spot or not. Handlers must start to clean the campsite within 30 minutes of the team leaving the checkpoint for the final time. A driver’s camping site at checkpoints must be cleaned of all straw and debris. Handlers may clean the campsite, but the musher is responsible for ensuring campsites are clean. Unsatisfactory cleanup will result in a time penalty assessed to the driver. 

Mandatory Gear: Mandatory gear checks will occur at the race start and on arrival at each checkpoint. All mandatory gear, except booties, food, and fuel must be in possession at sign-in at checkpoint. Common sense will be applied to consumables that are used up when camping or running the race. Lost mandatory gear may be replaced prior to signing out of a checkpoint. A 30-minute time penalty will be assessed for each missing item. Drivers must have all mandatory gear when leaving a checkpoint. 

·         Sled equipped with a standard brake, no attached caboose or trailer

·         Cooker with 3-gallon capacity

·         Cooking gear, including fuel sufficient for at least one feeding

·         Food sufficient for at least one feeding of driver and team

·         Cold weather sleeping bag

·         Booties, 8 per dog, on the dogs or in the sled

·         Hand ax with an overall length of at least 22 inches

·         A pair of snowshoes with bindings and at least 252 square inches surface area

·         Headlamp

·         Cable mainline, cable inside poly rope mainline, or an iron rope mainline

·         Snow hook

·         Assigned starting bib, which must be visible at all times

·         Vet book, provided by race officials (200 Milers)

·         A handler and dog truck

Sleds: Only one sled may be used during the race. Sleds must have brush bow and working brake. Any repairs must be done exclusively by the driver. No significant alterations as to weight and size will be allowed during the race. Sled and equipment must be in good repair. Equipment will be inspected at start of race. No caboose or towing device of any type will be permitted. 

Number of Dogs: Drivers in the 100 Mile race must start the race with no fewer than eight (8) dogs and not more than twelve (12) dogs. Drivers in the 100 Mile race must finish with no fewer than five (5) dogs. Drivers in the 200 Mile race must start with no fewer than ten (10) dogs and not more than twelve (12) dogs. Drivers in the 200 Mile race must finish with no fewer than seven (7) dogs. No dogs can be added to a team after the start. 

Proof of Vaccinations: All dogs must have proof of current vaccination for:

·         Rabies

·         Distemper

·         Canine Parvovirus

Proof of current vaccination must be presented to race officials at pre-race check-in on Thursday January 20. Copies of rabies certificates and purchase receipts for the other vaccinations are acceptable as proof.  

 

Veterinary Checks: Dogs will be checked for health and fitness by the Race Veterinarian prior to the start on race day. Dogs considered unfit will not be allowed to start the race. A veterinarian will be available at each checkpoint. Drivers in the 200 Mile race will be provided a small Vet Check booklet in order to maintain a record of dog care as the race proceeds. 

Dogs Entering and Leaving Checkpoints: Drivers must check in with all of the dogs with which they left the previous checkpoint. All dogs must leave checkpoints in harness and attached to the towline.   

Mistreatment of Dogs is Prohibited: Mistreatment of dogs will cause immediate disqualification. Such an action will also be reported to all major race organizations. Signal whips and dogs requiring muzzles are not permitted. The Race Marshall will have absolute authority over this matter. 

No Loose Leaders: Loose leaders are not allowed. A driver must make every effort to secure a dog that becomes loose.

Dropped dogs: Injured, sick, or fatigued dogs must be dropped at a designated Checkpoint. Drivers and handlers are responsible for their own dropped dogs. Drivers must have the means to safely carry dogs in the sled bag. Dogs cannot be led behind a sled or loose. Drivers will be responsible for any veterinary fees incurred by a sick, injured, or expired dog.

Drugs: Injectable, oral, or topical drugs in the racing dogs are prohibited. Drugs that may suppress the signs of illness or injury may not be used, put in drop bags, or carried in the sled. Race officials may require collection of dog urine or blood samples for drug testing. Drivers will be required to cooperate with race officials to accomplish the gathering of samples.

Expired Dogs: Any dog that expires during the race for any reason must be taken to the next checkpoint or returned to the checkpoint last passed and reported immediately to race officials. The death of any dog may result in the withdrawal or disqualification of the driver, and/or possible prohibition from entering future TRDMA races. The Race Marshall and Race Veterinarian may require a necropsy be conducted on the expired dog at the expense of the owner/driver. 

Following the Trail:  All teams must follow the trail as marked. Deviations/shorter routes will be assessed a time penalty. Every effort will be made to keep trail markers in place, but TRDMA cannot be responsible for acts of nature or malicious acts. Two stakes on the side of the trail indicates an upcoming turn on that side of the trail; e.g. a left turn will have two markers side-by-side on the left-hand side of the trail; a right-hand turn will have two markers on the right.  Intersections that are to be traveled straight through will have a single marker on the right and left side of the trail. A trail description will be provided at the drivers’ meeting.

Calling Trail:  Respect your fellow racers. If you are being overtaken by another team within 50 feet of your team and the driver is calling trail you must stop your team. This means stop. Do not just lightly touch your brake. It is your responsibility to ensure your team isn’t interfering with the other team while passing and to have your sled pulled over as far as you can out of the way.  The passed team must remain behind at least 5 minutes before asking for the trail right-of-way to re-pass.

Keep the Trail Clear:  Drivers resting their team must keep the trail clear of dogs, food, and gear at all times as to not obstruct the trail for other mushers. 

Littering is Prohibited:  A minimum 30-minute time penalty will be assessed for littering on the trail. Be respectful to our trails and dogs. Some dogs like to eat candy wrappers and other waste tossed onto the trail. Dog booties and excessive amounts of dog food left on the trail are considered littering. Excessive dog food left on the trail is also considered tampering with another team’s race.

Tampering:  Tampering with another driver’s dogs, food truck, trailer, dog box, or gear will result in disqualification from the race and possibly exclusion from future races. The above are examples and tampering is not limited to those alone. Drivers are responsible for the actions of their handlers, friends, and associates. 

Outside Assistance: No planned help is allowed in the race. Handlers may assist in guiding the team to the start and finish area and parking the team at the checkpoints. No driver may receive outside assistance between the start and finish unless an emergency exists. The driver must not accept any assistance in the feeding or care of the team or for sled repairs. No driver may accept assistance from a motorized vehicle, including pacing. Pacing or help from a team outside the race is prohibited. A lost team will not be disqualified if the driver regains control and the team and driver complete the course and comply with the rules, including checkpoint requirements. A driver may receive assistance from another driver in recovering a lost team. Outside assistance will be allowed only if a team is unmanageable. The Race Marshall decision concerning this will be final.  

Protests: A driver may protest any action of a competitor that they feel is contrary to the intent of these rules. To be recognized as a legitimate protest, the infraction(s) observed by a musher must be presented to a race official in writing at the musher’s earliest convenience (at the next checkpoint preferably), and in no case more than 24-hours after a musher finishes the race. 

Appeals: Drivers may appeal Race officials’ decisions or penalties assessed by submitting, in writing, an account of the circumstances surrounding the decision or penalty being appealed.  The appeal must be submitted to a race official no more than 24 hours after the incident or driver’s race finish. An Appeals Board will be convened within 24 hours after the appeal being received. The Appeals Board will consist of a TRMA director, a Rules Committee member, a Race Committee member and, if veterinary issues are involved, the Race Veterinarian. An informal hearing will be held at that time. Decisions of the Appeals Board will be final.  

Time Penalties: All time penalties accrued will be applied at the last checkpoint or at the finish.

Withdrawal from the Race: A driver who would like to withdraw may do so at the start, finish, or checkpoint. If the driver lives in the local area and feels their team cannot make it to the checkpoint or finish line, please let officials know as soon as possible that you have chosen to drive your team home. If you choose to scratch alongside the road to be picked up by your handler, you must also let race officials know as soon as possible that you have withdrawn from the race.

Good Sportsmanship: Drivers shall conduct themselves in a courteous and honorable manner at all times. Officials, media, volunteers, and fans are all equal participants in the race and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain a good rapport with them at all times.  

 

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