Comments on: Iditarod 2018 – Day 2

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 03:22:41 +0000

In reply to JuanitaM. They are talking about a lot of changes after a series of screw ups by the ITC and all of the dog deaths last year. They may be experiencing the flu in Alaska which is rare. The cold used to provide protection during the winter, but it isn't getting cold enough. Zoya is someone I always watch. She has only finished 2 of the 7 races she started.

By: JuanitaM

JuanitaM — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 02:23:10 +0000

Thanks for the info on the rest times. For some reason, by the time another year rolls around, I can’t remember how that goes. So it’s the White Mountain one where they definitely have to stop for eight hours.

Sorry to hear about Zoya DeNure. Every year I hope to keep up with her on the trail, but every year there seems to be a problem. I wonder how long she can continue to pay for her spot to not get any further. I have always been interested in her team of dogs that she has put together. Such a shame for her.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 19:39:36 +0000

There are three breaks and the 24-hour is the one they have the most choice about – it can be at any check point except the last two. They have to take an 8-hour on the Yukon [Anvik to Kaltag, and the final 8-hour at White Mountain. Most teams stop at Takotna, but someone will probably push through to Iditarod to pick up the half-way prize.

Despite the fact that it is a tougher trail with smaller teams, deaths on the Quest are definitely less frequent than the Iditarod. It may just be the larger number of dogs racing,

By: JuanitaM

JuanitaM — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 17:44:41 +0000

Seems like I just blinked and they’re beyond Finger Lake already! This is the first chance I’ve had to sit down and look at who all is racing this year. So sad about Hugh Neff’s dog in the Quest. That has to put a damper on this race for him.

On the 24 hour rest, do the mushers get to decide when they take the 24 hour or is it a set location/time? I know that they determine most of their breaks, etc., but I wondered if the 24 hour was different since it’s the one where they “reset” everyone.