Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Lance Mackey diagnosed with cancer again

Iditarod/Mushing fans on facebook were shocked tonight when the four time Iditarod and Yukon Quest champion Lance Mackey posted that he was looking to rehome his top dogs due to his winter plans changing. Mackey then dropped the bombshell that he has once again been diagnosed with cancer. 

"my winter plans just changed yet again .. I was diagnosed with cancer again and being a single father has made shit abit different from my winter plans," the musher wrote. Mackey became a single father last year after his partner Jenne was killed in an ATV rollover accident (Mackey was the one who found her). This year Lance spent a lot of time on a different sort of race track as the musher is also an accomplished race car driver. 

Mackey also had a concerning crash on a race track earlier this summer that he thankfully walked away from.

The champion musher has seen more than his fair share of tragedy. After having a tumultuous childhood, Lance fell on hard times before being diagnosed with throat cancer just as he returned to mushing. Mackey credited his dogs as one of the big reasons he survived the grim diagnosis. Lance would go on to dominate the sport's two long-distance races in the late '00s and early '10s. Mackey's rivalry with the self proclaimed "winningest musher" Jeff King thrilled race fans for several years.

Things seemed to take a major detour as Mackey's personal life unraveled during his divorce, but things began to look bright again as his relationship with Jenne blossomed. They welcomed two children into their family, and Lance's racing took a turn for the better. However, Lance's health was a major setback that had him questioning his ability to continue to race in the sport he loved. Then he lost his mother. He then tested positive for an illegal drug during the 2020 Iditarod and his top 20 finish was stripped from him. The musher entered a rehab program and had just returned home when the ATV accident took Jenne. 

The musher would post about an hour after his initial post that this would not be the end of his mushing career, he just needs what is best for his dogs this year and also just cannot focus on racing this winter. 

There is no doubt that Mackey's determination and just sheer grit will get him far. Hopefully the right team can be found for his top dogs, and that he can focus on kicking cancer's behind again. 


This is a developing story and one that will no doubt be followed closely by many.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Nome, Sweet Nome for Iditarod

Now that you've made it to Nome, what is there to do? Depending on when you come into the final stop on the Iditarod, you may have a bit of a wait until the champion or your favorite musher cross under the burled arch. But, don't worry about being bored! The City of Nome looks forward to the Iditarod week every year. There are many city hosted events taking place as everyone waits for the siren to go off and teams to come up Front Street.

In my last Idita-Getaway post, I pointed out the different restaurant options. Each one holds a special bit of Nome in them, and if you are at all into Food Network shows like Diners, Drive Ins, or Dives or if you were a fan of Anthony Bourdain it might be fun to take a look at all of them (and if you are there long enough it's easy to do). 

Your first stop should be your hotel's front desk. Most will have the calendar of events for Iditarod week. If by chance they don't, you can take a walk to the Nome Visitor Center (which you should do anyway). The calendar will give you the times and places each event/attraction take place. It typically has a map of the city on the back, and a description of each event. These maps are free, and make a great souvenir (speaking from experience). You can also download the Event Calendar ahead of time by visiting the Nome Visitor Center's website.


While at the Visitor Center you can chat with the very friendly volunteers and staff and ask their advice on what to do and see. They will give you updates on the race as they are able, they can explain the weather and the history of their City. They often have other free or cheap souvenirs (I'm a fan of their I <3 Nome buttons). It's also a great place to stop and warm up as you wait for teams to come in. They're also responsible for the City of Nome webcam, and are the folks you'll want to contact as you make plans for your trip and are in need of lodging (should you not be able to get a hotel, they are the keepers of the list of rooms for rent in local homes). This is also often the site for different tours to pick up/start. 

Behind the Visitor Center is a trail to the sea ice and the Nome National Forest. This one of a kind forest is the self proclaimed northern most forest, and is a unique photo op. Be sure to check with the Visitor Center before exploring just incase the sea ice is considered unstable (in 2019 we couldn't visit as the day after we arrived the ice broke up). What makes the forest its own is that while the trees are natural - they are "planted" on the ice after Christmas by the local families. They're used Christmas trees! The city also puts out different wooden decorations and other photo ops. It's totally kitchy and every visitor to Nome should experience it at least once.


Once you come back up to Front Street it's just a quick walk to the Russian Church and the Nome Craft Bazaar. Do not miss this. Many of the local artists and craftspeople plan their whole year around this bazaar. There are many beautiful Alaskan made crafts, artworks, and clothing. Many of the artists are more than happy to talk to you about their craft, their lifestyle, and their culture. There is also an art show where you can see many talented pieces and how they are judged.  Be ready with both cash and card as some of the vendors prefer one over the other. There is also typically a raffle at the door. 


Next, take a walk (or grab a cab if you aren't renting a car) and head for the Nome Museum. The Museum is fairly new having been built in 2017/18. It is one of my favorite museums in Alaska. Most of the exhibits are interactive and they share the Indigenous history as well as the goldrush and beyond. You are met at the entrance of the museum with a full on display about how mushing has been a huge focal of the area - with a tribute to both the Iditarod as well as Nome's most well known and celebrated musher Leonhard Seppala and his dog Fritz. You learn about the diphtheria outbreak that made Nome famous (as well as that little dog name Balto). Plan to spend at LEAST an hour there. Often during Iditarod you will find free talks and Iditarod specific exhibits. Jon and Jona Van Zyle (official artists of the Iditarod) were there in 2019 with a special exhibit of Jon's paintings and posters, and they also did talks on Jon's running the Iditarod as well as their adventures in Alaska.


Before or after you visit the bazaar, walk through the snow over to the Welcome to Nome gold pan sign. You can also meet the "Three Lucky Swedes" who supposedly put Nome on the map. This is a popular photo op for Nome visitors, and depending on the snow depth you may be much taller than the statues. There are also some recreations of Indigenous people's tools like a boat and salmon drying rack. Signs at each spot explain what you are looking at and the history of the items. 


Depending on what days you'll be in Nome there are several fun events you can attend as a spectator or even as a contestant. Several bars host trivia contests, pool tournaments, there's wet buns/tshirt contests (if that's your thing, the Alaskan spring break), poker tournaments, concerts, foosball tournaments. This is where that calendar of events really comes in handy. Most events are free to spectate, but some do have a $5 or $10 cover charge. Nome during Iditarod is a very festive atmosphere along Front Street where everyone comes together and you are the best of friends during the week. 

There are several gift shops open during Iditarod, and it's worth going into each one to talk with the store owner and to look at all the souvenir ideas. A lot of local artists fill the shops with their creations, and there are some really fun novelty items as well. The bars are also easy to slip in and out of even if you aren't a drinker (I'm not). A lot of history within those walls and there are several that people tell you to visit just to say you've been there.

If you have time and are dying for some every day entertainment, head to the Subway sandwich shop and go to the back, the Nome Movie Theater typically has two movies playing with your typical movie theater concessions. There will also be the basketball tournament going on during Iditarod and that brings a lot of athletes from all over Western Alaska to Nome. Many Iditarod fans go to catch a game or two. 

There's also a need to stop into the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve building. You can watch some videos on the ice age's "land bridge" that brought humanity to North American all those millennia ago. They offer snowshoe tours out in the preserve, as well as a host of information at their office. You can view fossils, there are some wonderful souvenirs (including pins that you can only get from National Parks), and learn some valuable history of the area. This is more of a hidden gem for many.

And then do not miss walking down to the Iditarod HQ. It is below the Iditarod Finish line and it's where you will mingle with mushers, their families, their handlers. The Iditarod dog lot will be behind the building and security will ask you to look but not take pictures. You can see how well the athletes coming off the trail look (which is AMAZING in comparison to what their mushers look like). Inside HQ are volunteers willing to answer all of your questions, a computer where you can check in with the GPS tracker to see how close the teams are to finishing, food for sale, and the Iditarod merchandise tables. There's also free (but very slow) wifi, and a lot of places to sit and warm up while your phone charges. 

There are things that I'm missing on my list. Nome events are always changing, though the mainstays go strong every year (except for when Pandemics hit). Every part of the week is a part of your Iditarod experience and while I do suggest taking your time and just being spontaneous, I also encourage you to take in as much as possible. By the end of your trip you'll most likely be in serious planning for your next trip to Nome. Just walking through the streets of Nome you can run into some really neat things. Talk with the locals. Talk with other travelers. We're all feeling the excitement (it's the one time I'm not THAT much of an introvert).

But, wait, what about...

Don't worry, I know what you're thinking WHAT ABOUT THE ACTUAL FINISH?! I want to see MY team come under the arch, I want to see the champion! Don't worry, I have that post planned as  my next article!



Like what you see and want to see post like this continue? Support is always greatly appreciated, if you want to buy me a slice of pizza (or more) I won't say no. (To be honest that money goes into paying for internet and other website related costs.)

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Sivo Kennel welcomes newest member

2018 Iditarod Champion Joar Leifseth Ulsom and his wife Margot Fairbanks-Ulsom welcomed the newest member of the Sivo Racing Kennel on Monday when their son Henrik Fairbanks Ulsom entered the world. The happy parents waited until Sunday to announce the arrival of their first child, sharing a quick post with several pictures on the kennel's facebook page.

Congratulations, Ulsom family! Welcome to the world baby Henrik!


Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Mushing News Round Up: Iditarod Picnic Edition

What better way to try and bring back the weekly mushing social media/news dumb posts than by doing a special edition specific to the Iditarod Picnic this weekend? With more and more kennels choosing the jump into social media, fans have a plethora of goodies from their favorite teams. Here are some of the highlights from kennel pages documenting teams at the picnic and signing up for the 50th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. 

From Ryan Redington's kennel:

From rookie Eric Kelly's kennel:


From Riley Dyche's kennel:


From rookie Julie Ahnen (running with Jessie Holmes' dogs):


From Rookie Bridget Watkin's kennel:


From rookie Amanda Otto (running out of Jeff King's Kennel):


From rookie Joe Taylor's kennel:


From Aaron Burmeister:


From the dogs at Rob Cooke's Kennel:


From Mats Pettersson:


From Michelle Phillips' Kennel:


From Meredith Mapes:

Sunday, June 27, 2021

"There WILL be a Nome this year."

The mushing season unofficially opened yesterday as fans, volunteers, and mushers came together in Wasilla for the first day of registration for the 50th running of the Iditarod. After having canceled the event last year due to Covid-19 lockdowns, the Iditarod picnic was a welcome sight coming out of a very long unsocialized year. People greeted each other with excited smiles, hellos, and hugs. As always, it was a true reminder that the mushing community is more like family than like frenemies. 

Several generations of mushers were represented at the afternoon affair, trailbreakers like Dan Seavey and Dick Mackey sat at a table to relive those first races. A new batch of rookies nervously signed up and chatted amongst themselves with that energy that only first timers have. The seasoned veterans - including several past champions - sat back and relaxed while chatting with fans and signing autographs. For mushers who ran their rookie race in 2021, there had been no pomp and ceremony for their sign ups, so mushers like Will Troshynski noted they still felt like rookies as they signed up the traditional way at this year's picnic.

While in most years the picnic sees several hundred attendees, this year's event felt far more intimate. Due to travel restrictions mushers and fans alike were unable to make their way to Alaska. With no cruise ships coming into Alaska, the giant tour groups that typically show up to take in a little Iditarod are much smaller. There was no Teachers Conference - put on every year by the Iditarod Education Program - and they always end their conference with the picnic. Those that did come out enjoyed a warm summer day - while the rest of south central got rain, the spot in Wasilla that is the Iditarod HQ saw sun - and good food and fun.

Veterans of the inaugural Iditarod, Dan Seavey (left) and Dick Mackey
swap stories at the Iditarod Picnic. Wasilla, Alaska. June 26, 2021.
Mushers milled about throughout the afternoon - the Iditarod holds drawings for prizes and two lucky mushers are drawn to have their entry fee waived, but mushers must be present to win - chatting with eager fans as well as amongst themselves already sizing up the competition. Many were overheard asking about what races each kennel planned on participating in, and every so often a musher wandered over to the registration table to see how many were signed up (most to see what their odds were of winning their entry fee back). 

As the event came to an end, Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach took to the mic (that they still haven't replaced, and its wires are so loose it cuts out more and more every year) to announce the door prizes. Rob thanked the dedication of the staff and volunteers especially over the last year with a race finishing at the start of covid, and one run during covid. He praised race officials for keeping the race going during shut downs and in spite of shut downs. He thanked the mushers for their continued enthusiasm and support. He noted the change of trail in the 2021 race and noted how much Nome was missed... and then announced "There WILL be a Nome next year!" to which the crowd erupted into cheers.

Urbach went on to say that fans and mushers needed to "stay tuned" as in the coming weeks more announcements would be made as the Iditarod is working on several projects and initiatives in conjunction with celebrating 50 years of Iditarod. There was no hint as to what they were, but Urbach promised they were very exciting. The Iditarod CEO also noted that they would be unveiling a new Logo - which many were unsure if that meant the 2022 logo or a new race logo. Time will tell.

Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach addresses the crowd of mushers
and fans during the Iditarod Picnic. Wasilla, Alaska. June 26, 2021.

Once the announcements were made, the moment all the mushers had waited for were upon them. Mark Nordman, Iditarod Race Marshall, took the mike to announce. Matt Failor - with sled dog "Black Sabbath" (known as "Sabby") in tow - won the door prize of a dog food dipper and dog dishes. Anja Radano won the case of 1,000 dog booties. Nordman then handed the names over to Rob Urbach saying he didn't want to pick the entry fee winners as he didn't want to be accused of rigging it (said tongue in cheek). Riley Dyche and Deke Naaktegboren were announced as the winners of the entry fee door prizes, and with that the picnic was over. Everyone continued to mingle before wandering back over to the parking lots. 

By the end of the day, 49 mushers signed up for Iditarod 50. Registration will continue through December. Mushers are not announced/accepted until their paperwork is complete and their entry fee (a whopping $4000) is accepted and processed. Mushers can apply online, through the mail, and in person at Headquarters (I think fax might still be an option, too). Of those signed up, six former Iditarod Champions are in the mix. Nine rookies are already on the roster as well. Along with the champs and rookies are a list of who's who in mushing. Once again, the race is looking at one of its most competitive fields. With the race hitting the historic milestone of 50 years, it is expected that the roster will only deepen with many old timers contemplating openly how they'd like to participate. To view a full list of mushers, visit the Iditarod's musher list

Mushers have until December to register for the Iditarod (after November 30, the entry fee jumps to $8000). More announcements on plans for the 50th Iditarod will be announced beginning July 1. We're just under three months until the fall training season should begin. 

Who are you excited to see sign up? Who are you surprised isn't on the list, or hope to see on the list? Comment below!

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Iditarod Sign-Ups open this Saturday

The last weekend in June marks the beginning of the mushing pre-season in Alaska with the opening of Musher Sign-Ups for the next Iditarod. The annual Iditarod Picnic is back after having to take last year off due to Covid-19 concerns. The excitement is back as mushers, volunteers, and fans all plan to attend the festivities at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla on June 26. 

Sign-Ups in person open at 10am Saturday, with the picnic kicking off with grilled burgers and salmon for anyone in attendance at 11am. Door prizes for the mushers will be drawn at 1:30pm (one of the prizes is winning their entry fee back), and mushers must be present in order to win. This gives fans and volunteers an opportunity to chat with mushers in a relaxed, celebratory manner. Friends reunite, stories are told, it's everything you expect from a picnic/bbq.

As with last year, mushers can choose to register online. While they won't be entered in the drawings for the door prizes, they can win an advantageous spot for the bib draw (those that sign up opening day get to draw first for bibs in March). Mushers must pay the $4000 entry fee upon registration for their application to be accepted. 

The Iditarod will hit a milestone in 2022 with its 50th running. The first race was run in 1972, and has run consecutively every year since. What was once considered a fool's folly has become the premiere long distance sled dog race in the world. It's boasted that more people have climbed Mount Everest than have completed the Iditarod. It is a legend all its own, and inspires many the world over into the sport. What was once a dream in keeping the sled dog alive and well and the spirit of the Alaskan adventurer has grown to be a lifestyle for men and women alike.

With the 50th running, it's natural for many to want to take part. Many mushers have already announced they plan to sign up - and it wouldn't be surprising to see the biggest turn out for opening day. Some mushers are unable to make it in person on Saturday and have already let slip that they submitted via the online form. Mushers like the Swede Mats Pettersson and British-Canadan Rob Cooke took to facebook earlier this week sharing their registrations were sent in. Other mushers have taken to social media to announce their intentions. The 50th running is a BIG DEAL. It wouldn't be a surprise to see some teams we haven't seen run in years join in on this one.

Who do you expect to see sign up? Have any mushers you hope to see on the roster? Comment below with how many teams you think will sign up opening day!


---------
As I have for more than a decade, I plan to be in attendance on Saturday. After having no picnic last summer and not being able to be a part of the pomp and ceremony of the start this past March, there's no way I want to miss out on the reunion. Make sure to follow me on Twitter for updates as I'm able to share them (I don't always have great service at the HQ). If you're going to be there, look for me! I'm shy but feel free to say hello! 


Tuesday, June 22, 2021

2021/22 Race Season Schedule

With the Summer Solstice behind us, it's only a matter of time before autumn is upon us here in the North and with that the touring season will give way to the training season. As has been my habit over the last few years, I've compiled a list of the mid and long distance races fans wait for every year. If there is a new race, or one that I've missed in previous seasons please comment below with information and I'll be happy to research and add it! I'm always looking for more races to follow, and I'm sure other fans are, too!

And now, without further adieu, the 2021-22 race schedule. As always this page will be updated as dates become official.

Race List

Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race
December 11, 2021
Facebook


Two Rivers Solstice 50/50
December 21, 2021
Facebook 

Knik 200*
January 1, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

MUSH Synnfjell
January 7, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Gunflint Mail Run
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Copper Basin 300*
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Alpine Creek 200/300*
January 18, 2022
Facebook

Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race*
January 20, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Willow 300*
January 26, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Kuskokwim 300*
January 28, 2022 
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Pedigree Stage Stop Race
January 28, 2022
Website / Facebook

Tustumena 200*
Hoping to return in 2022!
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*
January 30, 2022
Website / Facebook 

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon*
January 30, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Femundløpet*
February 2, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Caledonia Classic
February 4, 2022
Website / Facebook

Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
February 5, 2022
Website / Facebook

Yukon Quest*
February 5, 2022 (Alaska)
February 19, 2022 (Yukon)
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Summit Quest (Formerly AK Yukon 300)*
February 5, 2022?
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Bergebyløpet N70
February 9, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Amundsen Race*
February 16, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Race to the Sky*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

UP200*
February 17, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Yukon Journey 450
February 19, 2022?
Website / Facebook


Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
February 19, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Canadian Challenge*
February 22, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
February 27, 2022
Website / Facebook


Two Rivers 100/200*
TBA
Facebook 

Junior Iditarod
February 26, 2022
Website

Iditarod 50*
March 5, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Can-Am Crown International*
March 5, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Finnmarksløpet*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Run*
TBA
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Hudson Bay Quest
TBA
Website / Facebook


Nome to Council 200*
TBA, March 2022
Facebook 

Kobuk 440*
April 7, 2022
Website / Facebook

*Iditarod/Yukon Quest Qualifying Race

Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? I'm looking at a significant change in circumstance and while this blog has always been a hobby and will continue to be - and this list is more for myself than anything - if you can spare a few dollars to help keep this blog running I would greatly appreciate it. I hate doing shameless plugs, but readers have asked and I'm finally opening up to the idea. Please do not feel obligated, but know that all support (in every form, not just financial) is greatly appreciated! Click here to "buy me a coffee".

Friday, April 2, 2021

Kobuk 440 starts at a "pleasant" thirty-five below

The Kobuk 440 is a windy one today as teams took off out of Kotzebue this afternoon. The blizzard like conditions have teams running in wind that brings the temperature to a balmy -35F. Teams are running into the wind and as luck would have it the wind will shift just as teams hit the turn around point and so they will run into the wind on the return trip. The race should have started Thursday, but weather kept many of the teams from getting into Kotzebue and for race officials to get out on the trail. Mushers and their support crews are concerned about getting back out of Kotzebue after the race finishes.

The Kobuk 440 is one of the few races that starts with a Mass Start. Due to weather and Covid concerns there were no official live feeds, but Ryan Redington went Live at the start and during the first few miles of his race via his facebook page. View that below (the wind is crazy, well worth the watch). 


You can follow the teams via the trackleader "trackybois" (a term of endearment first brought by the Kobuk 440 two years ago). 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

2021 Kobuk 440 Musher Roster

Iditarod may be over (still not okay with that) but that doesn't mean the mushing season has ended! This Friday (starting time was moved back a day due to weather keeping planes grounded meaning many teams were unable to get into Kotzebue until Wednesday) a little after noon 12 teams will charge down the trail from Kotzebue to Kobuk and back. The Kobuk 440 boasts they are "the toughest race to take place above the arctic circle." The roster this year is small but competitive. Due to covid-19 mitigation, only 10 teams were allowed to come from outside the region. 

As I've done with many of the races this season, here's the roster with the links to all of the ways you can interact with the teams online (that I've found). You can view the musher bios on the Meet the Mushers link on the race's website.


2021 Musher Roster

Reese Madden - Facebook / Instagram
Nic Petit - Website / Facebook / Twitter
Gunnar Johnson - Website / Facebook / Twitter 
Philip Hanke - Facebook 
Hugh Neff - Facebook / Instagram
Ryan Redington - Website / Facebook
Tony Browning - Facebook
Dereck Starr - Facebook 
Jeff King - Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Sam Brewer - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Dempsey Woods - Facebook 
Kevin Hansen - Facebook


I am unsure if bib numbers will be in the order of registration. The Kobuk 440 is one of the few races that begin with a mass start. Who are you cheering for? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, hopes, and predictions!

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bringing Iditarod 49 to a close

Full on confession time - I absolutely hate the end of the Iditarod. For many mushers and fans alike Iditarod is a lot like Christmas... weeks to months long planning and preparation and it's gone in a blink of an eye. I no joke sing/hum "It's the most wonderful time of the year" during the week leading up to Iditarod. That's how important this race feels. I know I'm not the only one, but I may be the only one willing to publicly admit it (I have this semi-secret dream that Rick Swenson gets all giddy this time of year and decorates and celebrates the race week... though maybe not this year since his record was tied). I'm to the point where I want to leave out cookies and hot tang for the Spirit of Joe Redington Senior and salmon snacks for all the amazing sled dogs who've run this race and have since gained their "silver harness". Probably creepy and a little too much information (I'm gonna get blacklisted as a creepy person who needs to be committed, I just know it). 

But, seriously, this is an event I look forward to all year. The countdown to the picnic (Volunteer appreciation, ITC Member Meeting, and Iditarod race sign ups) that happens mid summer starts the second the red lantern is extinguished (well... this year, most years it's after the banquet... but... well... covid). Then the countdown to the beginning of the race season. Then the countdown to the race itself. Sure, the mushers are still recooperating... but we've heard so many of them already talking about next year.

Next year. Next year will be Iditarod 50. That's such an achievement. Against all odds the first race went off in 1973. It was a "we do this now or we never will" type race. Loved ones cried as their men went off with their dogs into an unknown race that many believed they would never come back from. The promised purse wasn't even paid for when the teams left Anchorage! Everyone talks about "Seward's Folly" when Alaska was bought from Russia, but the Iditarod was certainly going to be "Joe's Folly" if it flopped from the get go.

The race would go on to evolve every decade or so. Better equipment, better training, better dog care... women dominating the race in the 90s. Huge purses and personalities in the 90s. Records made, records broken. Faster and faster finish times. Our red lanterns are now finishing in fewer days than some of the legends in the race did just 25 years ago. 

Trails have changed. The starting point has changed so many times it's crazy. Low snow. No snow. Bering Sea breaking up ahead of the race. You have to wonder if Joe Redington would even recognize his race with all of the changes that have happened just since his passing. Would Susan Butcher? 

Yes. While I think they'd probably fight like most of the other "old dawgs" against some of the changes, the ultimate goal of protecting and preserving the Alaska Sled Dog is still the same. Sure, there are things that need to be worked on more. Joe wanted to preserve the culture of the sled dog within the villages that birthed it. Costs of racing, much less travel and just basic kennel care, are enormous. We're to the point where very few Native Alaskan mushers are able to participate. It's still alive and well in certain communities (Huslia and Bethel both come to mind), but how do we translate it to the "Last Great Race"? This was a question Joe had "back in the day" and it continues. Mushers like Pete Kaiser, though, help get that back in the spotlight to inspire the next generation. 

I ramble. But as we look toward the huge milestone of 50 years, there's the question of what does the future hold past 50? How does the race survive climate change, culture change? There are more top teams than ever. The field this year was insanely competitive. There's no lack of interest in the race from participants, to volunteers, to fans. Iditarod isn't going anywhere, but it's interesting to dream about what it will look like in another 10, 20, or even 50 years.


Tonight the last two mushers of Iditarod 49 will come into the finish. It's unknown which will get to extinguish the red lantern, but what an accomplishment. It will be a celebration of the dogs, the mushers, the race. In a year that we weren't even sure there would be a race. A year that saw the race stay away from traditional checkpoints, go to Iditarod and back. No Nome, no Takotna Pies, Peace on Earth Pizza... but it happened. There were bumps - there always are - but overall the race was a success. It persevered as it always does. As the sport always does. As the mushing lifestyle always does. As the state always does.

When Victoria Hardwick and Dakota Schlosser cross the finish line, it will close the latest chapter of the Last Great Race on Earth. The stories will continue to be told as mushers finally come off of their race high and come back to reality. Volunteers will share their memories and photos. But then spring (and so much frozen dog poop turning to mush... ah Springtime in Alaska), and summer with a cobbled together tourist season, and before we know it it will be fall and the training season.

I believe this was one of the best races we've had in a long time. It looked different, it felt different, but the stories and the people and the coming together... I want to remember this year for a long, long time.



Thank you to everyone who've allowed me to ramble on this blog, who've listened to the Dog Works Radio Iditarod Podcast and given so much positive feedback and encouragement, and allowing me to really clog up your social media timelines with my IditaSpam. I LOVE this race. I LOVE the people who run the race. I LOVE the dogs! And I love being able to talk about it with people. I love sharing my love for it and my knowledge and my thoughts. This is the most rambly blog post I've done in a long while, so I'll end it here. But THANK YOU. This has been the best season for my blog in 10 years, and I very very much appreciate the support! The race season isn't done, so hopefully I keep the momentum and finish out the season for the blog. Stay tuned. I have goals and plans for this blog... just need to find the drive and the know how to do it.