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What is it like to be an Alaskan Musher? | Riley Dyche 

Riley Copper Basin 300

Meet the Mushers at Trail Breaker Kennel: Riley Dyche 

What is it like to be an Alaskan musher? That’s a good question that we get a lot. Earlier this season we sat down with Tekla Monson to chat about her first sled dog race. Today, we are chatting with veteran Iditarod and Yukon Quest musher Riley Dyche, Trail Breaker Kennel’s very own Kennel Manager.

Riley spent the first 18 years of his life in the small town of Farragut, Iowa. It wasn’t until he went to college in Leadville, Colorado, that he was introduced to the world of sled dogs. In 2013, he moved up to Alaska and has since opened his own kennel, participated in countless mid-distance and long-distance races across the state of Alaska, and joined the team at Trail Breaker Kennel.

We caught up with Riley before the busy summer season to learn more about Alaskan Mushing from a musher’s perspective in 2021! We think you’ll learn a little bit more about Trail Breaker Kennel, Alaskan Huskies, mushing, Sled Dogs, and more!

 

What sparked your initial interest in sled dogs and mushing?

I grew up with hunting dogs and always had an affinity for working dogs, but it wasn’t until I went off to college that I started working with sled dogs and learned about this lifestyle. That’s where my passion for the sport of mushing began.

How long have you been with Trail Breaker Kennel?

I had heard of Susan and David’s story when I moved up to Alaska in 2013. When I raced in the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest, I learned more about David’s story. In the fall of 2019, I joined the team at Trail Breaker. I’m honored to continue Trail Breaker Kennel’s legacy and have an opportunity to learn from the mushers here.

Who are other mushers you admire?

While training in Eureka this winter, Brent Sass (three-time Yukon Quest Champion) was a great friend and neighbor to me. He’s a great musher, and I was fortunate to learn from and mush with him this year. Working at Trail Breaker has allowed me to learn more about David and Susan’s philosophy. It’s no shock why they are held in such high esteem in the mushing community.

What races have you participated in? Which are you planning to?

I have raced in both 1,000-mile races in Alaska: the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. I have also competed in quite a few mid-distance races: the Two Rivers 200, Old Mail Trail 200, and Copper Basin 300.

What is your mushing goal for 2021 and beyond?

My goal is to maintain a kennel of happy and healthy dogs. The time I spent in Eureka at the Trail Breaker homestead really benefited my dogs and me. They are a fast, strong, happy, and smooth-moving team. In the future, I hope to become a serious contender in the Iditarod. That is where all of the best teams in the world congregate, so I want to show that my dogs and I can hang. I’m fully aware that it’s not an overnight process to get to that caliber, so I’m putting in my time and doing all I can to become the best musher I can be.

Anything else we should know?

I never grew up thinking that I would become a musher. But I’m happy I did! This career path has allowed me to share a mutual passion for mushing with my amazing canine athletes. I feel most at home when I’m on the trail with my dogs, exploring the great state of Alaska. I wouldn’t trade this in for anything.

Riley @ Tbk
Riley enjoying a sunny day at Trail Breaker Kennel

Keep up to date with Riley and our Sled Dogs in 2021!

Make sure to follow and like our Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what’s going on with Riley and all of the mushers at Trail Breaker Kennel in 2021!

Meet all of us in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Trail Breaker Kennel is conveniently located a mile from the Fairbanks International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Learn about Alaskan Mushers and why we have so many 5-star reviews for yourself by booking your Alaskan tour with us!

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What is it like to be an Alaskan Musher? | Tekla Monson

Musher Tekla Trail Breaker Kennel

Meet the Mushers at Trail Breaker Kennel: Tekla Monson

What is it like to be an Alaskan musher? That’s a good question that we get a lot. Today we will introduce you to Tekla Monson, one of Trail Breaker Kennel’s mushers who are about to hit the race trail.

Tekla Monson is the eldest daughter of kennel founders Susan Butcher and David Monson and is the Creative Director and Lead Tour Guide at Trail Breaker Kennel. She grew up surrounded by Alaskan huskies, spending the first years of her life at the Trail Breaker homestead in Eureka, Alaska. At the age of five, Susan taught her to drive her own one-dog team sled, and she has never stopped mushing. This March, Tekla will participate in her first mid-distance race, the 200-mile Ididn’trod Invitational.

We sat down with Tekla in between training runs to learn more about Alaskan Mushing from a musher’s perspective in 2021! We think you’ll learn a little bit more about Trail Breaker Kennel, Alaskan Huskies, Sled Dogs, and more!

 

What sparked your initial interest in sled dogs and mushing?

Tekla:  I grew up surrounded by sled dogs and mushing. There isn’t a time I remember where sled dogs weren’t involved in my life. But, growing up around sled dogs and mushing because of your parents is different than sparking your own interest. My interest in mushing and sled dogs began when I moved back home to Fairbanks in December of 2019. After spending a year and a half in New York City, I started to appreciate the lifestyle I grew up in. Living in a city really made me miss that.

How long have you been with Trail Breaker Kennel?

Tekla: My whole life! Throughout my childhood, I would watch my parents welcome visitors to the kennel on the Riverboat Discovery. Around age 12, I started helping out, spending my winters at school and summers working at the kennel. About a year ago, I moved back to Alaska full time and became TBK’s Creative Director. It’s been fun to get more involved with the business my parents started so many years ago. It’s a new generation but still feels like classic TBK.

Who are other Mushers you admire?

Tekla: I am fortunate to have grown up as the child of Susan Butcher and David Monson because right there are two mushers I greatly admire. My mom broke barriers in the sport of mushing, showing that women could compete on the same level as men and win. People tell me how much my mom inspired them, which is amazing to hear because she inspires me too. This winter was my first time seriously training for a race, and my dad was a constant supporter. I grew up understanding that he was a musher, but it’s been fun to see him talk about the details and specifics with me. I now know why he and my mom made such a great team.

What races have you participated in? Which are you planning to?

Tekla: In 2006 and again in 2012, I mushed 700 miles of the Iditarod trail with my dad and younger sister to honor my mom’s legacy. While I wasn’t competing, it was a great experience to get out on the actual trail, travel with the racers, and visit the communities and villages my mom stopped at numerous times throughout her career. This year I’m participating in my first mid-distance race, the 200-mile Ididn’trod Invitational.

What is your mushing goal for 2021 and beyond?

Tekla: I hope to finish my first race with a happy and healthy team. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, as this is my first foray into competitive mushing, but I’m looking forward to getting out into the Alaskan wilderness with the Trail Breaker dogs.

Anything else we should know?

Tekla: More than anything, I love the hospitality along the trail. Coming together over some frozen trail snacks at a shelter cabin is my idea of a winter evening well spent. Dog mushing allows for this lifestyle, and it brings me so much joy to share these experiences with my fellow recreational and competitive mushers.

Tekla & David
Tekla with her dad, and founder of Trail Breaker Kennel, David Monson

Keep up to date with Tekla and our Sled Dogs in 2021!

Make sure to follow and like our Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what’s going on at Trail Breaker Kennel in 2021!

Meet all of us in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Trail Breaker Kennel is conveniently located a mile from the Fairbanks International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Learn about Alaskan Mushers and why we have so many 5-star reviews for yourself by booking your Alaskan tour with us!

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Alaskan Tips News

What Do I Wear for an Alaskan Dog Sled Tour?

Winter sled dog Tour

Things to Know About Your Trail Breaker Kennel Winter Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska

Before we get started on what to wear for an Alaskan dog sled tour, Yes, you need to reserve your spot on a winter tour with us at Trail Breaker Kennel. We do not accept walk-ups. You can book your tour here. Also, because it’s been a crazy year with COVID19, please read our current policies as of January 2021 here. 

What is the Winter Dress Code in Alaska?

One crucial thing to know before packing what you’re going to wear in Fairbanks, Alaska, for a winter dog sled tour or just on your Alaskan vacation: Think practical; there is no set fashion code in Alaska. 

We cannot speak for everyone, but many people in Fairbanks wear the same clothes for work, errands, and dinner at a local restaurant. So if you’ve been out exploring the Alaskan frontier all day and ready for dinner, don’t think you need to go home and change first for any reason. Any warm and comfortable clothes will do!

How to Dress for Winter in Fairbanks

The average winter temps in Fairbanks, Alaska, are undoubtedly cold. From November 8 to February 26, we have an average daily high temperature below 16°F. January is typically our coldest month with an average high-temperature of 1°F. Look at the data if you don’t believe us!

You will need the proper attire to enjoy your tour. Cold hands and cold or wet feet will not make for a good experience. You want to keep your extremities safe! Make sure to be prepared with good socks, base layers, insulating layers, a neck gaiter/scarf, and a hat.

We want you to be warm and safe on your sled ride or any winter experience you have with us. Great gear can be expensive. If you don’t want to invest in cold weather gear for your trip to Alaska, we highly recommend renting quality outerwear through our partners at Alaska Element. For only $30 per person per day, they will hook you up with all the winter gear you will need to keep you warm for your time in Fairbanks. Send an email to heather@alaskaelement.com, let her know Trail Breaker Kennel sent you, and they will handle all the rest! 

Dressing in Layers in Alaska is a Must

The primary key to dressing for Alaska is layers! You should have enough layers to feel comfortable without losing your mobility. You should able to put your arms down for putting on your boots. Layers can capture insulated air to conserve the heat that your body produces. They should also help you keep your temperature regulated.

We want you to be warm, but not too warm. You may have too many layers; you could end up cold and damp, which is not what you want! Make sure your layers can fit over each other, do not be afraid to size up accordingly by layer!  

Suggested Gear for a Dog Sled Ride or Winter Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska

We ask that you refrain from too much cotton; it does not insulate as well in the cooler temps, especially if it becomes wet! Also, avoid rubber boots without any wool liner.

Here is what you will need:

  • A warm hat that covers your ears
  • A neck gaiter, which is sometimes called a Buff or neck warmer, is a small clothing accessory worn around the neck and can be easier than a scarf
  • Base layers, long underwear/leggings (think moisture-wicking materials like polyester)
  • A light insulating layer to go over your long underwear (fleece or wool)
  • A Down or synthetic vest 
  • A Heavy insulating layer – Primaloft, wool, or down 
  • A Windproof/Water Resistant Shell (Remember to size up with layers)
  • Wool or wool-blend hiking socks (Probably want to double up)
  • Winter boots that are big enough to allow you to wear a couple of pairs of thick socks ( Like your layers, you don’t want to lose mobility of your toes)
  • Light Liner gloves, it might be a good idea to have a second pair just in case, too (your first pair of two)
  • Windproof gloves or mittens 
  • Probably also want to pack hand and toe warmers, chapstick, sunglasses, and anything else that will keep you comfortable.

Now that You Know what to Wear in Alaska

Book your Alaskan dog sled tour with us! Trail Breaker Kennel is conveniently located a mile from the Fairbanks International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. This must-experience for dog-lovers is perfect for all Fairbanks, Alaska visitors. Learn why we have so many 5-star reviews for yourself!

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Trail Breaker History

Trail Breaker’s Founding Principles: Trust and be Trusted

Susan Butcher & Alaskan Husky Pup

Trust is Where The Journey Starts

Susan Butcher, Trail Breaker Kennel’s founder, and four-time Iditarod champion accredited her groundbreaking career in the sport of dog mushing to her deep connection with her Alaskan husky teammates. Susan raised all of the dogs she raced with from the time they were puppies. She believed that bonding with her teammates early in their lives created a unique relationship that would guarantee safety and success out on the trail.

 

 

How Did Susan Butcher Bond With and Train Her Alaskan Huskies?

During the first week of her dogs’ lives, before their eyes even opened, Susan would pick each puppy up and blow across their nose so they could grow accustomed to her scent. As the puppies grew, she would take them for walks in the woods and encourage them to overcome different obstacles. These exploratory hikes would build their confidence in her and one another. It would also give them self-confidence. The dedication and time that Susan invested in her dogs paid off. The result was a joyful bond between Susan and her dogs that led to four Iditarod victories.

Susan At Finishers Banquet With Granite And Tolstoy In Flowers After Winning Race 1988

Trust and Be Trusted

In a 1989 interview, Susan Butcher said, “We are just trying to teach them to respect us and trust us, and vice versa. I have to trust my life in their hands all the time, and they should learn to trust me with their life. And then when you are out there racing, that trust is what is going to make you able to win.”

Susan’s belief in “trust and be trusted” is the founding principle of Trail Breaker Kennel. It’s something all of us at Trail Breaker Kennel stand by to this day. It’s also the foundation of the relationship between musher and husky.

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to trust your family, your neighbors, and your teammates here on earth. The more mutual trust and respect we have for all of our human and animal friends, the better off we all will be.

 

Visit our Mushers &  Huskies

We would love to see you at Trail Breaker Kennel on your next visit to Alaska. We are located in Fairbanks on the Chena River, only a couple of miles from Fairbanks International Airport.

Join us for a tour of our kennel or an Alaskan dog sled ride.