Dallas, John and Martin will all have to wait and watch as some of the other top teams run out ahead of them tonight in Cripple. It's all about strategy at this point, there're obvious reasons why the leaders chose Cripple for their layover destination. Of course, they're not sharing that strategy with the rest of us.
While they are resting, Mackey, King, Seavey, and Schnuelle came pounding up the trail. All are in Cripple taking a breather before pushing on to Ruby. Last night's leaders will have to wait until Friday around 1:30am before continuing on. With King's impressive speeds, Dallas will be lucky if he stays 7 hours behind the 4 time champion. But Dallas has the drive and the energy to keep up, so long as the dogs hold out.
In other trail news, a seventh musher has scratched - bib #2, Linwood Fiedler, scratched in McGrath the official reason given by the press release was "best interest of the dogs". He had 11 dogs still racing when he scratched.
Speaking of dogs, if you see a dog named "Whitey" running by himself somewhere near McGrath, contact Justin Savidis who is hanging out in McGrath on his 24 hours hoping Whitey will return. If the dog is not found soon the team will have to withdrawl/be disqualified.
Some decent articles from those professional reporters (even if they don't do basic fact checking.)
Young Seavey has drive - ADN.com
Cripple has a long history of taking the steam out of teams! - IditarodBlogs.com
Pack of icons bears down on leaders - ADN.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Dallas Seavey First In Cripple
After the confusion of last night, we still have no communication as to what was wrong with the GPS reporting - if there was any. ADN.com is reporting that Baker and Seavey are out of Cripple and that they just breezed through, which is in start contrast to what Iditarod.com's current standings are reporting. It can be assumed the leaders at the moment are taking their 24
Dallas Seavey was first into Cripple this morning with John Baker just 11 minutes behind. In third place, somewhat of a happy surprise, is Martin Buser.
King, Seavey, Neff, Schnuelle and Haltman are all out of Takotna after taking their 24 hour manditory layover. Wonder what Mitch thinks of his kid taking the lead at this point.
It's gonna be another great race day!
Dallas Seavey was first into Cripple this morning with John Baker just 11 minutes behind. In third place, somewhat of a happy surprise, is Martin Buser.
King, Seavey, Neff, Schnuelle and Haltman are all out of Takotna after taking their 24 hour manditory layover. Wonder what Mitch thinks of his kid taking the lead at this point.
It's gonna be another great race day!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Where on the Iditarod Trail is John Baker?
Leave it to the GPS system that gives online viewers a 'live look' at the positions of the mushers on the trail. Of course, Jeff King's has been on the fritz since day one, where it won't update for hours on end... and now, it seems, John Baker is ahead of the half way point check point of Cripple - yet the Iditarod has no record of him making it into the checkpoint.For that matter Dallas Seavey - about an hour behind Baker - is also apparently MIA after it was reported that he was expected sometime around 8:30. The Iditarod does not have any update to suggest either team has made it in.
John Baker blew through Takotna and Ophir setting his eye on being the first into Cripple. Now it appears he's missed that mark and is headed up the trail. Is he truly lost? According to his facebook fan page, the GPS is not set properly for Cripple and that is the explanation one has for why it's not reporting correct data. But is that the only reason we have for why it shows him being where he is?
In 2004, Mitch Seavey followed the wrong set of trail markers for a good 15 to 20 minutes before he realized he was on teh wrong trail - it was a mistake that could have cost him the Iditarod title. Thankfully he was able to correct the mistake before another team took advantage of the situation.
Is this another case of a musher being misinformed? Is it the GPS? No doubt this will be a hot topic as the night/morning goes on.
Just where is John Baker?
Let the 24 hour rests begin!
We're hitting the part of the race where mushers must start taking their manditory 24 hour rests. It doesn't feel like it's time yet for them to be hitting Takotna and Ophir, but apparently the mushers disagree with that idea.
Jeff King was awarded with Penair's "Spirit of Alaska" award last night after he ran into McGrath - though he didn't stay much longer than the presentation before heading onto Takotna where it's reported that he will take his 24 hour layover.
Hans Gatt and Cim Smyth blew through Takotna during the night and are sitting in Ophir. Both are down to 14 dogs, while King is still holding on to 16. This is around the time that mushers drop dogs maybe not due to illness or injury but simply because they don't need that much dog power. Many of the teams are running at 14 dogs. Click here to read adn.com's article on Gatt's run into the Ophir checkpoint.
Seems John Baker doesn't want to take advantage of all the hospitality Takotna has to offer, either, though he did stay for almost six hours (no doubt eating their wonderful pie offerings) he's on the trail headed up to Ophir. John's team is looking REALLY strong this year. Here's hoping he can finally make that win happen.
Dallas Seavey is somewhere between McGrath and Takotna running in 25th place according to the musher standings on Iditarod.com - the GPS tracker page won't come up for me this morning, drat!
Buser's team seems to be lagging back in 28th place, there's still a slim chance he can make up the time, but at this point I think we're just going to see a top 10 finish from him once again. At least teh dogs are having fun, and that's really all that matters (especially to Martin).
I have another stint at the Iditarod HQ tonight so this will probably be teh only update I can squeeze in. Keep watch at Iditarod.com, AlaskanDispatch.com and ADN.com
Jeff King was awarded with Penair's "Spirit of Alaska" award last night after he ran into McGrath - though he didn't stay much longer than the presentation before heading onto Takotna where it's reported that he will take his 24 hour layover.
Hans Gatt and Cim Smyth blew through Takotna during the night and are sitting in Ophir. Both are down to 14 dogs, while King is still holding on to 16. This is around the time that mushers drop dogs maybe not due to illness or injury but simply because they don't need that much dog power. Many of the teams are running at 14 dogs. Click here to read adn.com's article on Gatt's run into the Ophir checkpoint.
Seems John Baker doesn't want to take advantage of all the hospitality Takotna has to offer, either, though he did stay for almost six hours (no doubt eating their wonderful pie offerings) he's on the trail headed up to Ophir. John's team is looking REALLY strong this year. Here's hoping he can finally make that win happen.
Dallas Seavey is somewhere between McGrath and Takotna running in 25th place according to the musher standings on Iditarod.com - the GPS tracker page won't come up for me this morning, drat!
Buser's team seems to be lagging back in 28th place, there's still a slim chance he can make up the time, but at this point I think we're just going to see a top 10 finish from him once again. At least teh dogs are having fun, and that's really all that matters (especially to Martin).
I have another stint at the Iditarod HQ tonight so this will probably be teh only update I can squeeze in. Keep watch at Iditarod.com, AlaskanDispatch.com and ADN.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Pat Moon is 5th musher to scratch.
After this afternoon's mini rant about the confusion of reports on the trail, it was confirmed that four mushers had scratched. ADN.com reported the four mushers were out of the race as of about 3 in the afternoon.
Tonight's scratch is heartbreaking as Pat Moon's story is one of true inspiration. Moon is currently battling cancer and is taking a break from treatment in order to run the Iditarod. He was not in it to win it, but just to have the experience. Pat Moon is currently at Providence Medical Center here in Anchorage, follow the adn.com story here as the story develops.
Jeff King is letting his presense be known as he is currently leading the pack heading to McGrath leaving out of Nikolai in the first place position this afternoon. Schnuelle, Baker, and Mitch Seavey (who have been consistently in the top five the last 48 hours). Debates can be had about how long they all can keep their dogs up front, but it seems to be working so far. Lance Mackey is also in the hunt, though farther back, he seems to be waiting out the ride so far. Buser, Dallas Seavey, and Jonrowe are also back out on the trail headed up to McGrath. You can read about today's leap frogging and trail reports in this article from the ADN.
DeeDee has the running tally of most dogs dropped to this point, which is interesting so early on in the race, but chances are this is her plan. However she's at a low number so soon - at this time she's running with 11 dogs. There are no reports as to the reasoning, so one can assume this is part of her strategy and not due to injuries or illness.
Some mushers are having helpers keep us up to date on their races on their websites:
Martin Buser
Team Seavey
Jeff King
DeeDee Jonrowe
It's too exciting not to follow!
Tonight's scratch is heartbreaking as Pat Moon's story is one of true inspiration. Moon is currently battling cancer and is taking a break from treatment in order to run the Iditarod. He was not in it to win it, but just to have the experience. Pat Moon is currently at Providence Medical Center here in Anchorage, follow the adn.com story here as the story develops.Jeff King is letting his presense be known as he is currently leading the pack heading to McGrath leaving out of Nikolai in the first place position this afternoon. Schnuelle, Baker, and Mitch Seavey (who have been consistently in the top five the last 48 hours). Debates can be had about how long they all can keep their dogs up front, but it seems to be working so far. Lance Mackey is also in the hunt, though farther back, he seems to be waiting out the ride so far. Buser, Dallas Seavey, and Jonrowe are also back out on the trail headed up to McGrath. You can read about today's leap frogging and trail reports in this article from the ADN.
DeeDee has the running tally of most dogs dropped to this point, which is interesting so early on in the race, but chances are this is her plan. However she's at a low number so soon - at this time she's running with 11 dogs. There are no reports as to the reasoning, so one can assume this is part of her strategy and not due to injuries or illness.
Some mushers are having helpers keep us up to date on their races on their websites:
Martin Buser
Team Seavey
Jeff King
DeeDee Jonrowe
It's too exciting not to follow!
As many as five reported as scratched.
Confusion has begun for spectators relying on the internet and other news sources as reports begin to swirl about a number of teams scratching today. Iditarod.com's message boards are a buzz with the idea that so far there has been no one to scratch, but on facebook mushing groups this morning it was reported that Kirk Baunum of California had withdrawn, Anchorage Daily News reported three different mushers as scratched, and it's rumored elsewhere that another unnamed musher has also scratched from the race.
This is the first year in recent memory where so much confusion and miscommunication in regards to teams scratching. For fans stuck in their cubicles or homes living vicariously through the Iditarod Insider and other sources, one would hope to be getting the very best coverage. Can't blame it all on financial downfall, so what gives?
At this time it looks like Karin Hendrickson, Michael Suprenant, Zoya DeNure, and Kirk Barnaum have all reportedly scratched.
This is the first year in recent memory where so much confusion and miscommunication in regards to teams scratching. For fans stuck in their cubicles or homes living vicariously through the Iditarod Insider and other sources, one would hope to be getting the very best coverage. Can't blame it all on financial downfall, so what gives?
At this time it looks like Karin Hendrickson, Michael Suprenant, Zoya DeNure, and Kirk Barnaum have all reportedly scratched.
Weir withdraws from Figure Skating World Championships
US figure skater Johnny Weir announced today that he would not be attending the World Figure Skating Championships later this month. Weir finished sixth in Vancouver during the Winter Olympic Games. Since then Weir, like teammate and Olympic Champion Evan Lysacek, has made the rounds in Hollywood enjoying the stardom that comes to many Olympians returning home from the Games.Weir stated that he will be training through Worlds and hopes to work out the kinks in his wrong technique so that he may become a top contender and continue to win medals for the US next season. How one is going to do that while attending all of the fun hollywood parties, one can only wonder. However, after two Olympic Games and multiple national and world championships Weir deserves a little time off. Though, he seems to take quite a bit of time off to play around in the glitz and glam every season.
The announcement is good news for fans of other skaters, with Lysacek pulling out of Worlds to take full advantage of his new found fame by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, as it stands the unofficial World Team for the Men's event will be Reigning US Champion Jeremey Abbott, Ryan Bradley (fourth at the last US Nationals), and Adam Rippon (said to be the US' next big star). So far the USFSA has only confirmed Rippon's addition to the team.
Gotta wonder if we'll see three spots on the world team slip through our fingers when the men take the ice in Torino.
Top Mushers in the Burn
It seems most of the top names have gotten out ahead of the massive storm that hit south central last night and are now in the burn. Reports are that the Burn is almost without snow, which means it will most likely be slow going - though there are some meteorologists predict that it could have gotten upwards of two inches of snow dusted on it last night. Still, most of the teams are keeping a steady pace of 8mph.
Both Seaveys are in the burn (Dallas is apparently resting at the moment according to teh GPS tracker), as are Gebhardt, Schnuelle, King, Mackey, Steer, and about 13 others.
We're moving right along in the race!
Both Seaveys are in the burn (Dallas is apparently resting at the moment according to teh GPS tracker), as are Gebhardt, Schnuelle, King, Mackey, Steer, and about 13 others.
We're moving right along in the race!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
New Poll!
Make sure to come to the main part of my blog and vote for who you believe will win Iditarod 38! If you don't find your musher choose other and then comment below with your pick!
Highlights from the Ceremonial Start of Iditarod 38
The ITC could not have ordered a more perfect day. It was overcast, but not too warm or cold, and the few snow flurries that happened throughout the day just made it feel more "Iditarod".
Dan Seavey was the first of familiar faces to come down the trail. He drove a traditional looking freight sled while his dogs wore dog coats with the Iditarod name on them. Conway Seavey - Mitch's youngest - rode the second sled (brake sled).
Being a trail coordinator was fun and challenging. A lot of people couldn't make it after signing up (though only four informed me ahead of time) so we were a little taxxed on manpower - next year I am going to do a whole lot of recruiting and we'll just wean the list down with whomever does not show up (without prior heads up).
I want to give a thanks and shout outs to:
Jeff Reitter
Alan Reitter
Sue Reitter
Duane Reitter
Ed Mallott
Tom Frolich
Gary Caddell
Lori Cochran
Charmaine Ramos
Judy Imperiale
Danielle [sorry I forgot your last name! ack!]
All were vital to the success of the Tudor Crossing event, and I'm sure your contributions were appreciated by all involved!
The hay bales that seem to be a thorn in the side of certain others in our group (and the trail committee) went off without a hitch, and the area where they were placed was great fun. Jeff, Alan (my dad), and Duane (my brother) all helped in that section and, while there were some spectacular crashes, there was no problem and no injuries (mushers have scratched due to problems on the ceremonial start). My parents and brother were 'rookies' to the modern trail guarding duties and had a blast. I think we have some new diehards now!
All of the teams look great, and I love the ceremonial start for the celebration atmosphere. Jeff King riding the front of his sleds on skis using a rudder to steer his sled while the Make-A-Wish rider sat safely and warmly under a black bear rug of a blanket. DeeDee Jonrowe and her fullout pink team. Booties were flying, hot dogs were sizzling... fantastic, wonderful day.
Wonderful even when Dallas Seavey's team went running at me while I took photos, and then as he laughed (oh the joys of knowing a mischevious musher) he knocked over a hay bale (no doubt he wasn't paying attention to where his sled was going, but he still claimed to have done it on purpose). That's what the ceremonial start is about, having fun - and, apparently, having 16 dogs try to dog pile in your lap (I got out of the way in time).
All in all it was one to go down in the books as one of the best of all time.
Can't wait to see how the race turns out!
Dan Seavey was the first of familiar faces to come down the trail. He drove a traditional looking freight sled while his dogs wore dog coats with the Iditarod name on them. Conway Seavey - Mitch's youngest - rode the second sled (brake sled).
Being a trail coordinator was fun and challenging. A lot of people couldn't make it after signing up (though only four informed me ahead of time) so we were a little taxxed on manpower - next year I am going to do a whole lot of recruiting and we'll just wean the list down with whomever does not show up (without prior heads up).
I want to give a thanks and shout outs to:
Jeff Reitter
Alan Reitter
Sue Reitter
Duane Reitter
Ed Mallott
Tom Frolich
Gary Caddell
Lori Cochran
Charmaine Ramos
Judy Imperiale
Danielle [sorry I forgot your last name! ack!]
All were vital to the success of the Tudor Crossing event, and I'm sure your contributions were appreciated by all involved!
The hay bales that seem to be a thorn in the side of certain others in our group (and the trail committee) went off without a hitch, and the area where they were placed was great fun. Jeff, Alan (my dad), and Duane (my brother) all helped in that section and, while there were some spectacular crashes, there was no problem and no injuries (mushers have scratched due to problems on the ceremonial start). My parents and brother were 'rookies' to the modern trail guarding duties and had a blast. I think we have some new diehards now!
All of the teams look great, and I love the ceremonial start for the celebration atmosphere. Jeff King riding the front of his sleds on skis using a rudder to steer his sled while the Make-A-Wish rider sat safely and warmly under a black bear rug of a blanket. DeeDee Jonrowe and her fullout pink team. Booties were flying, hot dogs were sizzling... fantastic, wonderful day.
Wonderful even when Dallas Seavey's team went running at me while I took photos, and then as he laughed (oh the joys of knowing a mischevious musher) he knocked over a hay bale (no doubt he wasn't paying attention to where his sled was going, but he still claimed to have done it on purpose). That's what the ceremonial start is about, having fun - and, apparently, having 16 dogs try to dog pile in your lap (I got out of the way in time).
All in all it was one to go down in the books as one of the best of all time.
Can't wait to see how the race turns out!
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