When Presidential candidate John McCain introduced his running mate, Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, I think most Americans learned a few things about Alaska. When Sarah introduced her husband, Todd, we learned about snow machines (and learned not to call them snowmobiles!). Todd (and different partners) are past winners of the Iron Dog race--the world's longest, toughest snow machine race. Only in Alaska, the Last Frontier, can one find such a race where the difficulty is compounded by unforgiving terrain, severe weather hazards, high speeds and the competitive nature of die-hard snow machiners.
The 1,971 miles unmatched challenge run, through the hardships of a snow-covered Alaska, began in Big Lake, went to Nome, and then Fairbanks. Racers will proclaim that each section of the trail has its varied hardships endured by both man and machine, but for each it's a worthwhile endeavor to showcase skill and ability in such an unforgiving wilderness.
The race began in 1984, but not as it is known today. A few transitions have occurred since then. The following year the race became known as the Gold Rush Classic and in 1990 became the Iron Dog Gold Rush Classic. In 2000, Tesoro Corporation became the title sponsor--naming the race the Tesoro Iron Dog.
The current course follows the Iditarod Trail from Big Lake on to McGrath, Ruby and then Nome. There the Trail Class teams claim their victory. Pro Class teams; however, turn back after a couple of days rest to run the stretch to Ruby in reverse, this time with a better understanding of what challenges they'll face. From Ruby, the competitors embark upon the final leg of their journey to Fairbanks and the finish.
The race involves some 25 Alaskan communities, 21 of which are checkpoints or the start and finish. And as if sub-zero temperatures aren't enough, the relentless pounding of the terrain is an annual destroyer of machines. Broken shocks, burnt drive belts and torn tracks are all common mishaps.
(Check out the broken windshield!)
Then if the roughness and tough terrain isn't bad enough, there are water crossings, steep inclines, ravines and unmarked trails to endure. Teams have a grueling task of maintaining control, forward motion, operational machines, awareness and safety, all while in the grips of exhaustion.
(Yvonne, Todd, Nick & Ray)
This year's leaders and race winners is the two-man team of Todd Minnick & Nick Oldstad. They were each riding Polaris machines. Todd, 29, is a native Alaskan and lives in Wasilla with his wife, Sharilyn. This was his 7th race. He works as an equipment operator for Big Dipper Construction. Nick, 26, also lives in Wasilla with his wife, Brianne. He has lived in Alaska since 1987 and this was his 5th race. He's a superintendent for Udelhoven Oilfield System Services.
