Amazing Streeper team takes the prize in the IPSSSDR
“We are very happy with the outcome of this year’s race. It was a great event, and our dogs did an amazing job,” Blayne Streeper said at the end of the gruelling International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. “Many other mushers were vocal about describing our teams as the best they have ever raced with.”
The standings on day eight were: Blayne Streeper 2:14.16, John Stewart 2:18:43, Bruce Magnusson 2:29:14, Alix Crittenden 2:29:21, David Turner 2:29:24, Aaron Peck 2:31:34, Ryan Redington, 2:32:39, Dennis Laboda 2:35:20, Stacey Teasley 2:35:21, JR Anderson 2:36:39, Sylvain Robillard 2:43:46, Jerry Bath 2:46:55, Jeff Conn 2:49:04, Andrew Letzring 2:51:56, Jenny Gregor 2:53:48, Frank Moe 3:08:14.
Overall times: Blayne Streeper 18:43:20, John Stewart 19:09:55, David Turner 19:49:41, Aaron Peck 20:07:37, Bruce Magnusson 20:42:31, Alix Crittenden 20:42:33, Stacey Teasley 20:44:33, Stacey Teasley 20:44:18, Ryan Redington 21:19:35, Jerry Bath 21:27:42, Dennis Laboda 21:34:14, JR Anderson 22:05:39, Jenny Gregor 22:14:55, Frank Moe 22:57:49, Jeff Conn 23:01:44, Sylvain Robillard 23:36:57, Andrew Letzring 24:48:27.
Racing in white-out conditions comparable to those that cancelled competition the day before, Blayne Streeper crossed the finish line first on Saturday to secure his fifth International Pedigree Stop Sled Dog Race title.
The Fort Nelson native completed the final 30-mile route between Bridger Valley and Evanston in two hours, 14 minutes, and 16 seconds for an overall time of 18:43:20 over the eight-day event. Streeper was the only musher to finish in under 19 hours and finished first in four of the seven stages. The next closest competitor, John Stewart of Salt Lake City, finished in 19:09:55, while David Turner of Sandy, Ore., placed third in 19:49:41.
For the Streepers it is a family affair
Lloyd Gilberson, a journalist covering the event, wrote: “As we’re waiting for the Big Piney stage results, I wanted to wish Buddy a very Happy Birthday today. Now let’s talk a bit about how the mighty ‘Streeper Machine’ really works. On closer inspection I see it isn’t a machine at all but rather a living, breathing dog-mushing team, and a family who does not like finishing anywhere other than first place. How do they do it? Are they unbeatable? No, Aaron Peck did exactly that last year. So in preparation for this year’s IPSSSDR, Terry Streeper went to some lengths not to let that happen again.
“Well, let’s say you have a couple of toddlers in your house and maybe have some errands to run like grocery shopping. How about hauling them thousands of miles to dog sled races all around North America? Imagine Bud and Lina Streeper’s family outings. ‘Okay, get in your car seats girls. Since we have so many very nice sled dogs, Lina, let’s take 50 or so with us, too. We can enter some races! We might even win some! Wouldn’t that be fun? Let’s ask our friend John Stewart and his wife Liz to join us. Maybe John would like to run some of his dogs in these races? Don’t forget Grandpa Terry, we have to ask him ‘cause he would be so much help. And Grandma Deb. Do you think she would come for at least part of the time?’
Forget Yukon Quest! Forget Iditarod! Five days after the IPSSSDR wraps up these brave people, the Streepers, will be at the start line of a three day race in The Pas, Manitoba — more than 1,300 miles from Jackson. Can you imagine? These trips are a logistical and emotional challenge that few teams and even fewer families would even think about much less actually attempt to pull off. Not to mention, finish in first place. As usual. Again, Happy Birthday, Buddy. Glad you brought the family to celebrate.”
The team is off to Manitoba where they will race in the World Championship this weekend. “The dogs are healthy and ready to race,” Blayne said. With three previous championships in this event he has cause to feel confident.
To see these amazing dogs race in a local venue mark your calendar for the Canadian Open which will be held in Fort Nelson on March 14th – 15th at Parker Lake, Fort Nelson.
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