Course Details and Schedule
Sunday January 31, 2021 - Thursday February 4, 2021
What you can expect from our workshop and pre-race online support:
1. Learn from the hard won knowledge of MYAU race veterans (see bios)! We are all locals (Marianne is an adopted Yukoner!) and we have spent thousands of hours in the Yukon wilderness and on the MYAU trail.
2. You will receive detailed trail notes and briefings that have been prepared based on our personal experience on the MYAU trail.
3. Receive help with your race strategy, whether you are trying to “go fast” or “just finish”. The team have different race strengths and experience and will openly share what we have learnt.
4. Access to a private facebook group as soon as you sign up, to discuss various race topics and questions as they arise. Past workshop participants who will be returning for the 2021 race will be part of the group as well.
5. Numbers for this workshop are limited to 10 to ensure you have a high quality experience and full access to the facilitators.
6. Accommodation is in the comfortable Takhini Hot Springs Hostel with access to the Takhini Hot Springs during your free time.
7. Visit Muktuk Kennels for lunch and see the sled dogs! Then walk the race trail from Muktuk Kennels to the Overland Trail in the daylight, so you can better plan your strategy for race day.
8. Practice all the essential skills you will need for the race i.e. lighting stoves, making fire, setting up your bivy, resting in your bivy. This will be done during the day and night.
9. Gear check and advice prior to the race.
10. Our goal is for you to have an enjoyable experience regardless of what happens on race day! We are all passionate about the trail, the race and the entire MYAU family.
The 4.5 day workshop will take place at the Takhini Hot Springs Hostel, about a 35 min. drive from downtown Whitehorse.
Accommodation is shared (2 people per room). Food, transfers and accommodation are provided.
Total numbers are limited to 10! Deadline for registration is Nov. 15th, 2021. Full payment due prior to Dec. 31st, 2020. Down payment of $300 due upon registration.
Full Workshop Fee: $1250 CDN
Online Component: $200 CDN
Online component+Feb 2-4: $650 CDN
09:30
Day One (Jan 31)
Pick up participants and gear at High Country Inn. Meet in the lobby.
10:00
Jan 31
Arrive at Hostel, unpack, get settled into rooms. Review of hostel and logistics.
Hand out rental gear and fill out paperwork.
Get gear sorted for afternoon outside.
11:30
Jan 31
Introductions, review agenda.
Discuss goals and expectations of participants and facilitators for workshop.
12:30
Jan 31
Lunch
13:30
Jan 31
Outside to put up bivys and light stoves.
15:30
Jan 31
Review greatest fears/weaknesses from the registration sheets.
Pick problems from the hat for discussion later in the workshop.
16:30
Jan 31
Free time for “fussing”, gear sorting, relaxing.
17:30
Jan 31
Supper.
18:30
Jan 31
Hand out trail description notes and map for review tomorrow a.m.
Back outside to set up bivies and start stoves.
20:00
Jan 31
Free time. Can visit hot springs, relax, fuss with gear.
07:30-08:30
Day Two (Feb 1)
Breakfast self-serve style. Stocked kitchen available.
08:30
Feb 1
First aid discussion. How to avoid, recognize and deal with frostbite, cold rebound, trench foot. Other common injuries seen by medics (blisters, rubs, shin splints) and how to avoid. Can also include how to avoid constipation. Discussion re: use of medication on the trail and impact of cold, sleep deprivation etc. Proactive routine for feet, etc.
09:30
Feb 1
Outside - Packing the pulk and organize to have ready to leave in afternoon
10:30
Feb 1
Trail description and map review for 100 miler.
11:30
Feb 1
Lunch.
13:00
Feb 1
Leave for sled pull. While on trail, we will stop to start stoves. Make water by melting snow. Set up bivy. Make a wood fire. Will also review lighting a wood fire.
16:30
Feb 1
Back to hostel and free time before supper.
17:30
Feb 1
Supper.
18:30
Feb 1
Evening session: SPOT use, what to do/expect in an emergency.
Review race rules. Checkpoint etiquette.
Finish trail and map review for 300 and 430 milers/100 milers have kit check.
20:00
Feb 1
Free time.
07:30-10:00
Day Three (Feb 2)
Self serve breakfast anytime after 07:30. Get sleds and equipment ready to go for an outing (food, water, etc).
10:00
Feb 2
Leave for Muktuk Kennels. Stop and have a look at the Takhini River Bridge on the way to the kennels.
11:00
Feb 2
Arrive Muktuk Kennels. Time to look around, see dogs etc.
11:30
Feb 2
Lunch at Muktuk Kennels.
12:30
Feb 2
Leave for Takhini River Road (Dawson Overland Trail Parking Lot) with fully loaded sleds. Approximately18 km, so will likely take about 5 hours.
17:00 ish
Feb 2
Arrive at Takhini River Road/Old Dawson Trail parking lot. Participants will make their own supper and set up bivys. Participants will also make a wood fire.
21:00
Feb 2
Pick up for return to hostel.
07:30-09:30
Day Three (Feb 3)
Breakfast at your leisure, sleeping in is allowed!
09:30
Feb 3
Review outing. Problem, surprises, changes required.
Mental/emotional challenges on the trail.
11:00
Feb 3
Kit check for 300 and 430 milers. Sorting gear and re-organizing kit.
12:30
Feb 3
Lunch.
13:00-15:00
Feb 3
Free time
15:00
Feb 3
Review problems chosen Saturday night and how you would fix them or deal with the issue on the trail alone.
Prep sled and kit so ready to go out for an evening sled pull.
16:30
Feb 3
Early supper.
17:30
Feb 3
Sled pull including starting stove and getting into bivy. Back to hostel by 20:00
20:00
Feb 3
Wind up/wind down party. Hot Springs, visiting, hanging out, any last discussion desires!
08:30
Day Four (Feb 4)
Breakfast and debrief. Evaluations (for the instructors! Your feedback is super valuable and appreciated!).
10:00
Feb 4
Pick up for the return to the High Country Inn (Coast Hotel) in Whitehorse.