Experiencing the Copper Basin 300 as a Volunteer
A handler assists with moving Julie Ahnen’s team at the Meiers Lake checkpoint during the 2021 CB300. Photo by Allison Sayer.
By Mackenzie Dysinger
Promising an abundance of both adventure and wonder, the world of dog mushing has lured many Alaskans into its grasp--both mushers and fans alike. Many volunteers and bystanders of the sport find themselves quickly infatuated with the eccentric personality that is the Alaskan sled dog.
Copper Basin local Aline S. volunteered at the Copper Basin 300 for the first time last year. After visiting a dog kennel a few years back, she fell in love with the breed. Anyone who has ever seen a dog kennel can attest to the zeal and joy Alaskan huskies have at all hours of the day. She said, “When I saw their joy and energy, I knew I needed that joy and energy in my life.”
Aline now owns three energetic sled dogs of her own. However, that isn’t enough for this avid dog-lover. She chooses to volunteer at the Copper Basin 300 for a variety of reasons, but largely for the time spent enjoying and helping the many dog teams.
Not wanting to miss any of the action, she volunteered at nearly every checkpoint last year. From the hustle and bustle of race central to the quiet stillness of Meiers Lake, Aline found every checkpoint to have its own memorable moments. The glowing light of the night stars reflecting on Meiers Lake as the mushers bedded their dogs was one her favorite memories. Aline remarked that the moment was “cold but beautiful.”
Amidst all the beauty and excitement, she was struck by the need for volunteers. Many volunteers pulled double duty by undertaking the task of not only setting up checkpoints, but also being in charge of them for the duration of the four-day race. Aline was more than glad to give others a few hours of relief and enjoyed the opportunity to help mushers check in as they arrived.
At Chistochina, the final checkpoint in the 2020 race, she enjoyed chatting with the vets and watching the mushers give their teams some much needed rest.
Aline laughed and said, “It’s funny because there is always one dog who doesn’t want to nap!” She was lucky enough to make it back to the race finish in Glennallen as the first teams were coming in. The last stretch of the race ran parallel to the Richardson Highway, so as she drove back, she was able to cheer some mushers on.
Aline urges anyone thinking about volunteering to go for it. She said, “There is work for everyone. It’s an opportunity for the community to get together in winter and help people accomplish their life-long dreams, whether that be finishing the race for the first time or qualifying for the Iditarod for the fifth time.”
This winter the Copper Basin 300 is scheduled for January 8-12. There are a variety of volunteer options still available for anyone interested. Inquiries should be made through the Copper Basin 300 website.
View photos from the Copper Basin 300 archives here.
