In reviewing my recent posts, I realized that I’ve given you bits and pieces about the selection of dogs for SP Kennel’s Iditarod teams. It’s a complex process, so I though I’d give you a fuller explanation all in one place. Iditarod rules require that every dog who will run … Read More
Good morning! Aliy blew through McGrath at 3:57 this morning, spending only one minute to check in with race officials before pulling her hook and heading on down the trail to Takotna. I hope her dad was standing right there to give her a kiss and send her on her … Read More
Aliy is on her way out of Nikolai with 15 dogs and Allen is on his way in with the same number. I can’t tell you the teams’ strategy, but I can tell you that tomorrow will be a big day for decisions! We got a call from Aliy’s dad … Read More
I caught this shot as I was leaving the Iditarod Start… I’m making it part of the Iditarod 2009 coverage by giving it the title “Future Racers?” The truth is that I don’t think there’s anything cuter than Husky puppies and I just wanted to share this photo with you!
Amy Wheaton — one of our fantastic “dog care” support people in Anchorage — just called to say that she had picked up Allen’s dropped dog. Sorry to say, it’s Heeler! Heeler’s wrist has been acting up a bit lately, getting a little swollen during some training runs. Every time, … Read More
Aliy just called in from Nikolai and reported as follows: She and the team are all doing well, resting comfortably for a few hours. Her main leaders right now are ChaCha and Stormy, with JJ and Rose looking solid in “reserve” for lead. The “big boys” — Biscuit and Tatfish … Read More
As you can see, Aliy has just pulled into Nikolai! At this early stage of the race, the mushers’ “positions” are really not a very useful basis for evaluation. You can’t tell how much total rest they’ve taken, where they are compared to their strategies, etc. What is a more … Read More
Okay! Here’s my footage of pre-race activities for the “Official” Start in Willow on Sunday. While it shows some of the same pre-race action we’ve been showing you all season, it also shows some things that are unique to the Iditarod. Take a look! With this video, you are now … Read More
Here is a link to a great Wall Street Journal article “Are Sled Dogs the Planet’s Best Athletes?“ It’s a short article and really worth reading, but if you’re pressed for time, here’s the bottom line: “The random dog you see chasing the finish line in Nome roughly nine days … Read More
I’m afraid I don’t really know anything more than you do from looking at the Iditarod leader board and GPS tracker. Aliy is on the move between Rohn and Nikolai, right in the thick of it with other top mushers like Lance Mackey, Jeff King, Hans Gatt and Bjornar Anderson. … Read More
