There are a hundred and one things to do once we are in Anchorage ready for the Iditarod start. Apart from the meet and greets, banquet and visiting our family of sponsors there are lots of little tasks that need completing.
I took some pictures during the last few days and hours before the teams took off to give you an idea of a few of these tasks.
One of the most important job is putting the identification tags onto every dog. This tag has the bib number and a letter A to R (except I and 0 to avoid confusion) and is attached to their collar. This tag is recorded in the musher’s vet book and will be the identification used for their vet history through the race and if they are returned to Anchorage.
These tags are then sent to the dog sponsors once we return from Nome.
Another task is packing the racing sleds. When we drive down we bring with us the two race sleds, two toboggan sleds for the Iditarider to ride in, and a spare sled that we ship out to Unalakleet should either of our mushers need it. Therefore, the race sleds are used as tag sleds in the Ceremonial Start. To avoid a) carrying too much gear for the Ceremonial Start) or b) risking breakages, we empty the sleds of all the gear and take the back end off.
Saturday night is spent with Aliy and Allen putting them back together, changing runner plastics then packing ready for the race start on Sunday morning.
Race day details include the attachment of the GPS tracker, final packing of the sled and dressing humans and canines ready for 1000 miles ahead.
There reaches a point where no more can be done. Then it’s go time!
I am in awe of all that is required and the efficiency with which SPK seems to accomplish this. Kudos!
Thanks for the insights. I am somewhat concerned for our own welfare as a N’oreaster is bearing down on SW CT – if I don’t post responses in the next week, it will be because…I can’t!
Wow…really puts it all in perspective….SO much prep down to the last minutes! I love seeing how the sleds are packed and all the nuts and bolts that hold everything together…literally and figuratively! Thank you for the insight!
A lot to do and remember–wonder how they get it all done with such efficiency. Thanks again
for all the details.
Wow, you figure they are packed and ready to go, yet I never thought about Ceremonial Start throwing a little wrench in there.
Sigh, little to watch now that Allen seems to have moved into Takotna. A little muscle relaxer on the refresh finger getting it ready to roll again. Rest easy gang!
Pieces of old, rubber lined, fiber jacketed fire hose always find second lives. 🙂
(RE: see the above two images of a sled on top of what I think is “Hollywood”).
Many thanks to SPK and Crew for the many years of exciting racing and informative blogging.