Yukon Quest

	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: Baby coming 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
	Rudi Niggemeier Age: 57 Residence: Salzkotten, Germany Occupation: Car Dealer Hobbies: Outdoors and sailing Family: Jan (17) & Sven (23) Kennel name: Blue Kennels How many years have you been running dogs: 15 Why do you run dogs: It is a part of my life. I love working together with the dogs. What are your goals for the YQ300: This is a learning race for the Yukon Quest.
	Maren Bradley Age: 25 Residence: Carcrosss, Yukon Place of Birth: Lethbridge, Alberta Occupation: Tourist Guide Hobbies: Chopping wood Spouse/Partner: Pierre-Yves Duc Family: Luna (2) Handler: Pierre-Yves Duc Comment on Handler: the kennel doesn't work without him 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 How many years have you been running dogs: 4 Describe your first time on a dogsled: organized chaos How did you get started running dogs: as a handler for Sebastien Schnuelle What is your training style: I am always learning new techniques - reading what dogs can do. Why do you run dogs: it's never boring or predictable What do you love most about running dogs: the dogs What are your goals for the YQ300: to finish SPONSORS: James A. Bradley, family & friends Additional comments: I would like to thank Ray Zaidin for raising such a great group of dogs. Thanks to my Mom, Dad, and Pierre. Photo: Maren with dogs Moose, Raven, TBone, & Bird (L->R)
	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
	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