There was enough snow to manage an Iditarod dog team through the Willow area, along the Susitna River and up into the Alaska Range Mountains during the race. However, north and west of Rainy Pass, the snow disappeared. The Iditarod Trail Crew had shown photos and videos of the trail — with snow — during the Pre Race Mushers Meeting. What I didn’t realize is that the two days of rain and very warm temperatures that we had in Anchorage during and just before the race start also brought rain and a complete melt off to much of the trail between Rainy Pass and Nikolai. I guess that I was somewhat naive to be so surprised by the horrible and dangerous trail conditions.
I was warned by the Rainy Pass race judge that trail conditions coming into the Rohn Checkpoint might be bad. He told me that Kelly Maxiner, the first musher to reach Rohn (six hours before I arrived), had broken his sled. I didn’t take that information too seriously. I thought, “People break sleds all the time.”
I managed to get through the Dalzell Gorge and to the Rohn Checkpoint in one piece. That was no small feat. Therefore, I stuck to my plan and continued down the trail to camp farther along. Martin Buser was the only team to leave the Rohn Checkpoint ahead of me. Therefore, there was no “real” information about snow conditions further up the trail. I asked the folks in Rohn if they knew anything and someone said that they heard that the snow improved after Egypt Mountain or about 20 miles. I really watched for Egypt Mountain as I hung on for dear life. After we passed it… the snow conditions did not improve.
This video shows very little of the truly challenging sections of the trail. I do not use an attached “Go Pro” camera to film my videos. I have always used a hand held camcorder (personal preference, I guess.) So, I obviously, could not film and mush in these conditions simultaneously. I do recommend Jeff’s helmet cam video that was published on ADN during the race. I believe his video footage is from before the Rohn Checkpoint. It is a wild ride and something I could not capture on my race without a major casualty.
Mushing an Iditarod dog team from the top of Rainy Pass to Nikoali this year was breathtaking – and not in the traditional “Oh this is so pretty” kind of way. I clung so tightly to my sled’s handle bar that my arms cramped. I was so happy to be physically fit because the trail was ridiculous. But, to be honest, looking back, I think that my dog mushing skills and physical fitness was only a small part of my success. I also very much believe that my good luck can not be overstated.
I saw bits if this in Part One of TV program on Sportsman Channel. In this same program it was chilling to see Dee Dee thrown from her sled.
Thank goodness you made it through.
I don't know if it was luck – I think it was your bond with your dogs. They weren't about to do anything that would do you harm if they could help it.
Sincerely,
Margaret
WOW-Thanks Aliy! I can even imagine how the sled was bumping and sliding around. saw Jeff's video 2 time now. whew! you all are made of steal I say! good dogs for getting you thru it all. glad you had the luck on your side.
Padee Santa Rosa, CA
I'm so glad you and your Team made it through such a treacherous trail!! I remember feeling so relieved reading a post on Iditarod.com that you made it through along with some of the other "wounded warriors" in the front of the pack! They reported you had suffered a badly bruised hip…my goodness Aliy….it could have been SO much worse….don't short change yourself, it was good you were physically fit and able to react quickly…and yes luck was shining on your wild ride too….it took both luck and skill to maneuver that trail…and maybe even some prayers from your fans…..I know we were all thinking of you!
What awful racing conditions! You are "athletes extraordinaire" to have endured that portion of the trail. It looked like a hiking trail to me.
Aliy, I do not get the Sportmans Channel, but with your wonderful 'Aliy Cam' I do not need to! You are so brave and confident in yourself and your dogs that, I just don't have enough words of praise to you and your awesome, sweet, elite dogs!
Good job blending your cam with Jeff's. Masterfully done !!!
I'm so glad you and the dogs made it safely!
Oh, just today I got this wonderful card from Nome with you and the pups and, you and Allen from Nome!!!! Thank you all so much for that! I think it's Moira's handwriting (from last years package after I won wonderful ' Nome'. Thank you Moira for sending it!
Once again, you ALL simply ROCK !!!!!!!!
Aliy,
Lots on your side…
physical fitness
amazing team
fans praying for you
most of all, I agree with Margaret…
The bond you have with your dogs, your knowledge of each other, and your ability to communicate with them and care for each other is remarkable. I'm certain it was a major contribution to your success.
Jeff's video, Janssen's broken leg, Deedee scratching, Berkowitz broken gangline…we had a lot of information coming to us to indicate what a terrible challenge you were up against.
I'm glad you put the handheld up and hung tight.
You and your team are phenomenal!
Okay, you convinced me… I will be a dog HANDLER, not musher. What a wild ride.
!!! Aliy, you and the doggies are amazing…but, your sled might need modifications for next year's race(s). Perhaps wheels, disc brakes, and an air horn (two blasts = stop dogs!).
Thanks to ALL the team (especially Olivia) for a great and successful race.
Tonia, Herb, Sascha, and Mia
Glad you were not injured on this portion of the race! If these conditions occur again there might need to be some thought to moving this race up into late February, what do you think?
Laine Family
Don't forget the shocks, brake pads and seat belt!!!
And retractable wheels.
Hmmmmm, is Allen going to design a new sled for snowless Iditarods?
–Margaret
P.S. And to help the drag in emergencies a parachute…or two?
Dear Aliy,
You inspire both me and my students year after year with your wonderful videos – messages about living your dreams through dedication, hard work, respect for nature and animals, and having fun while you are doing it! Can't thank you enough! My students will be writing their own stories tomorrow about crossing over the sea ice, and will be using your videos to give them ideas for their crossing. Hope your bumps, bruises and chills are healing well from this year's run on the sea coast! Thank you!
Mary Beth McD.
Loved the wrapups with you and the dogs on Sportsman Channel… again, congratulations to Aliy and Allen, what a great, super fantastic year!!! staying tuned for next year :0
Dear Aliy,
I watched Jeff's video during the race. It helped us to fully understand what the mushers were going through. I felt bad because there were several mushers that I was rooting for (not to beat you, of course) and they had to drop out.
I can only imagine what you did to keep your dogs slow enough for you to hang on.
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
KB
Having watched Part Two of "March to Nome" on Sportsman Channel, I was even more impressed with the leadership, 4-legged department, of the Red Team. Awesome dogs!!!
How Poquita managed to get down close to the ground/ice and keep moving forward is a miracle.
And last but not least, you lived through Mother Nature's equivalent of a mugging. It was clear that SP Kennel triumphed in this real life experience, with class, never mind the truck!