I was the luckiest person in the world today as I got to ride on Aliy’s tag sled during the Ceremonial start for the Iditarod so I took some video to share with you all! I thought you would enjoy seeing the run from Aliy’s point of view.
You can see just how many people were out on the streets today cheering her on (and you can also see how misty it was on 4th Avenue then once we got out of the downtown area the sun came out!)
Oh what great memories that brings back. I can see why Aliy says this is the best part of the race.
Wes
Such a great video, Aliy, thinking of all of the years of hours of training, loving dogs that you are carrying on that sled… no one deserves better than you the accolades you're receiving along the trail… it is wonderful to see the cheers for you, all so well deserved.
Big hugs and cheers,
Julie V and dear dogs
Always look forward to SP Kennel's videos from the Start and the trail. They never disappoint!
What a great video Moira! Thank you for sharing with us (in the lower 48). And what a great experience for you!!!God bless!
Thank you so much for this awesome footage! It's so awesome to get to see what it's really like being on the back of a dog sled mushing! A huge thank you to Aly for all her involvement with her fans, her athletic professionalism, her dedication to her dogs and the sport, and her representation of all of Alaska! Aly and her team are phenominal and I think this is their time to shine!
What a thrill to be able to see this from the comfort of my computer back in CT!
SP Kennel is the best! Thanks so much for this privilege – and go Red Team!!! Go Beemer, Quito and Olivia and your 4-legged buddies!!! And Rambler – woof, woof!!!
I saw Moira with that camera at the start and thought "oh goody, we got video coming" Thanks so much…it's like a hand tag to those of us watching from home…
We are 'with' you all the way! The 4th Grade at All Saints School in Carmel Valley, California and The Woodwards
AAAhhhh Man–this was the best! You are very generous for sharing! I love how the fans line up for such a send off! Even a campfire! She's such a nice person to all~ that's one thing I love about her! Amazing! Go Aliy! Go Puppies! BIG LOUD WAHOO'S and CHEERS from Maine!
Thanks so much for the video – so excited that today is the start of the real deal. I'm sending huge cheers to Aliy, Allen and the dogs. Go SP Kennel!
FROM THE NEW LONDON (CT)DAY
Iditarod kicks off with fan-filled ceremonial start
1,000-mile sled dog race begins today
By RACHEL D'ORO Associated Press
Article published Mar 3, 2013
Anchorage, Alaska – Mushers and their dogs took a leisurely jaunt through Anchorage on Saturday in the ceremonial start of Alaska's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
The 1,000-mile race kicked off in a festive mood as 66 teams posed with fans and sailed their sleds 11 miles on streets covered with trucked-in snow. Each sled carried an Iditarider, a fan who won the short ride at auction.
"Today is fun, with a capital F," said smiling veteran musher Aliy Zirkle, the runner-up in last year's race. "If you don't have a good time on Saturday with your dogs and all these fans, you're not in the right sport…"
Awesome, just awesome perspective. Thanks!
Amazing video! Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy watching it. That gal has a lot of people thinking of her. Safe journeys Aliy!