Welcome to Day #6 of the Dog 2008!
The outcome of the longest, toughest snowmobile race in the world is determined by Man, Machine & Mother Nature - and she's mighty grumpy this year!
Lead Teams are churning their way through bitter cold, howling winds and blowing snow between Unalakleet, Kaltag and Galena. Make no assumptions - this is the Dog, where anything can happen!
Lead Teams are churning their way through bitter cold, howling winds and blowing snow between Unalakleet, Kaltag and Galena. Make no assumptions - this is the Dog, where anything can happen!
posted by Tesoro Iron Dog Blog at 2/15/2008 06:55:00 AM
959 Comments:
Go get them 22 Good luck
good morning.....today is the day!! racers will be in tanana...the race will finish tomorrow and life as we knew it will be back.......
Go team 8, God Speed to you guys.
They hold them in Nenana don't they ?
HQ...are there any official times or info on team 20? I would think someone would know considering all the activity still going on in UNK. Please update. Thanks.
kaltag, -3, haze 12mp sw, 6 mile visibility
unk, -6, 18mph sw, 3 mile visibility
galena +9, overcast, 13 mph ssw, 5 mile visibility
kal 14 light snow 8mp ene
tanana +4, light snow, 8 mph, sw, 6 mile visibility
nenana +6, light snow, 10 mpg wsw, 8 mile visibility
hold is in tanana.....will start leaving at 830 am tomorrow a.m.
team 16
gps ping 732 am
on trail to ruby
team 19
gps ping 639 am
on trail to galena
team 16
gps ping 732 am
on trail to ruby
team 19
gps ping 639 am
on trail to galena
team 18
gps ping
739 am on trail to galena
just short of nulato
GO 16 !!! Yur just breakin' trail to the cabin, Nicky. KICK IT !
OtherMom
team 10
gps ping
734 a
just past nulato heading to galena
team 4
gps ping 643 a
on trail to kaltag
about 12 miles out
team 5
fabulous five
gps ping 706 am
just out of kaltag
wow those rooks are doing good
team 11
gps ping 747 a
on trail to galena
out of koyukuk
team 31
gps ping
714 am
heading into kaltag
team 28
on trail to kaltag
gps ping 751 am
team 9
gps ping 731 a
on trail to galena
short of koyukuk
Since the Standings page for this great race is basically worthless, can anyone give a quick update on where the top 10 or so racers are??
Any idea if HQ having problems this am. Haven't seen any updates in hours on my computer. thanks for the gps info.
team 17
gps 704 a
just in kaltag area
team 32
gps ping 739 a
12 miles from kaltag
heading in
team 20
gps ping
759 a
heading into kaltag about 20 miles out
keep it up you wonder boys of wasilla
team 20
we are rootin for you!!!!
Boy this is a tough race.....but you can say you hung in there and ran with the big "Old" dogs!!!
GPS shows 10 just outside of Ruby at 8:07
16 should be there already.
GO 5
# 16 gps ping 813 a just at gal
team 10 and 16 are just in galeana
s--- # 11 gps ping 813 a j20 miles to galena
GO TEAM 20!!!!
Andy & James you can do it!!! We are rootin for you, from NY to FL! We are sooo proud of you!
Love you and safety to all,
Aunt Judi
Team 11 Took half an hour to get around the bend by bishop mountain, could something be wrong.
where's 5 ? come on you rookies pick it up, they were running with that last batch of guys but no info yet
Oh, yeah, I was wrong. I didn't really look at the map too good. 16 is just out of Galena.
Can anyone update me on Team #3
Ticket reads last stop Unalakleet...but Stats and all that I am pulling up say they are still layover in Unalakleet. Thanks.
Shane's Family in Arizona
p--- # 01 on 2st lo in unk
p--- # 03 on 2nd lo in kal
p--- # 04 gps ping 653 a 12 mil out of kal
y--- # 05 gps ping 706 a just out of kal
s--- # 08 on 2nd lo in unk
ac-- # 09 gps ping 813 right in koyukuk hdg to gal
p--- # 10 gps ping 811 a past 1 mile to galena
s--- # 11 gps ping 813 a j20 miles to galena
ac-- # 14 on 2nd lo in kal
p--- # 16 gps ping 813 a just at gal
s--- # 17 gps ping 704 in kal area
ac-- # 18 gps ping 739 just short of nulato
ac-- # 19 gps ping 639 a on trl to gal
s--- # 20 gps ping 812 a 20 miles out of kal
ac-- # 22 on trail to kal 1st lo done
p--- # 26 on 1st lo in unk
ac-- # 28 gps ping 813 a on trail to kaltag about 12 miles out
s--- # 31 gps ping 714 a on trail to kal
y--- # 32 gps ping 813 a 7 miles from kal
s--- # 36 on trail to kal 1st lo done
s--- # 41 on trail to kal 1st lo done
Barb, Shane is on layover in Kaltag, just talked to his dad.
The stats list team #3 as layover in kaltag
I can see HQ's is on top of it...what a poor excuse for info. seems that without this blog there would be no info. Iron dog needs to get there @hit together, good thing no one need any sort of emergency help....they would be screwed....
So Barber/Booth took over 2nd?
galena gurlz
two teams here, one heading to Ruby, busy here. some will stay over, bad trail from Kaltag, taking too long
WHOOO HOOOO Lets Go Huntington Boys! This is YOUR country now, Show em' how its done! Good luck #4 & 26!
8:29am Thanks for info. Does Jack know how long layover they will take...That way I stand a better chance of not gettig fired for trying to keep up with Team #3. Tell Jack I said hello.
Thanks
Barb-Arizona
Did team #1 get on the trail yet?
Galena Gurlz: What do you know about #22 coming in on one sled??? Thanks
I know they're having a problem!!!!! lol
8:43 you know because you are standing right there???????????????????????????
Down goes 22!! Down goes 22!! They came into Galenatown on one sled. What happened???
Looks like from what HQ posted on stats page, they're still on the clock from Kaltag until they get that 2nd sled in.
what #22 - problems?? They better get on it and call there air support
Seems strange they didn't tow in & get off the clock
Teams 4 & 26 must be close to Koyukuk right now; I bet there's have a cheering section for them...K-O-Y-U-K-U-K, Koyukuk Raiders all the way!!!
Anyone blogging in Unalakleet this morning? Is team 1 still there?
8:46 you act like they have an fully stocked Arctic Cat parts department flying around up there in a heavy, personaly sent them basic parts to Nome via commercial air cargo, no different race for them than the rest.
Team #4 just past Koyukuk, should be in Galena within half hour. Lookin good.
team stats page shows team #22 on layover, sled towed in
Hey future volunteerz,
Enough of the smack talking about the lack of immediate updates by HQ. Sounds like some of you want to go out to Unalakleet or Koyuk or Kaltag or Ruby or Rohn or Galena for a week to assure more timely updates. The updates are a million times better than they ever were and some of you smackers want more. Try volunteering some of your time to help IRON DOG achieve perfection. But alas, it probally will be beyond your abilities.
The hundreds of volunteers at HQ and on the trail are the BOMB.
Ghosts of Iron Dog past.
#22 update - Todd crashed hard at the end of the runway in Galena- Scott brought him in double to make sure he was okay - They went back and got his sled and got off the clock... Not sure if they're going on...
Anyone know how much fresh snow they got between UNK and Kaltag since 16 went through yesterday?
Is team 22 okay? How does the down machine look? Most team's plane's pilots are VFR and can't fly until light, or good weather. Any word on team 8, and if they got their motor problems fixed yesterday?
I hope Todd Palin is doing alright; Please keep us updated.
All politics aside, we do need to keep Todd in our thoughts. He is a Father, Husband and Friend.
It sounded like TP was okay - beat up a little from the crash though.
Regina
Team 8 found that Tyson's sled had a clogged fuel vent and something with the exhaust valve. Cleaned out the fuel vent, but broke it a little trying to get it off. Tried to buy a part of someone is White Mtn. but wouldn't sell to a Ski Doo. Too bad these villages can't be fair to all teams no matter what they are riding. Especially when safety is in play and being out on that trail all by themselves last night. They made it work. It keeps clogging up and Tyson's sled still has power loss.
hey 8:57 i agree with you every one keeps bitching that HQ is messing up but there not sometimes when the check points get a few teams rolling in they cant get to a phone to report to HQ so for thoes people that are bitching you should stop... cause i dont see you out there.. and if you were there you would be like dammm now i see why it takes so long.
8 is still in UNK and taking their last layover. Once they go on the clock at 10:26 am, they will have to go all the way to Tanana before they get off the clock.
They must be waiting for parts.
team 5 where are you................
Team 37 is back in the race?! I thought they scratched, but it shows them on their way to Galena. It would be awesome if they were still in the race:)
Most of the planes following the race are still here in Nome.
Galena Gurlz
Most teams here...Tyler and Pete just made it in and on LO. Palin and Davis wrecked, pretty bad on Palins right ski. Towed in. Chris Olds wrecked on the same spot 5 minutes later. Cosmetics. Will continue. Doesnt look like Palin will be able to keep going with that ski looking like that. Racers getting stuck at Bishop Mtn and going to check trapline. Breaking trail is bad, the stakes blew over, no trail...was windy and now the trail is clear. Nick and Todd went through looked good. No probs. They did go through a wrong slough leaving..but would still come out on the river. So everything is goin OK. Action in Galena. Everyone thought they should find Tyler Huntington and PEte cause they know the trail. I will post pictures. 9 & 19 here. Doing good..going to sleep. Old and Spernak going to rest. Palin and Davis resting. Reich and partner resting. Barber and Booth LO.
Haven't been able to check in since I'm out of town, but WOW......I was sad to see Ty and Ty with problems and to hear about 22 as well......Damn this race is TOUGH!!!!
I wish you all the best...Happy Riding!!!!!!!!!
Yenta Lady.. "these villages" are why your race is on. back off.
Can some one tell me what place team # 3 is in?? Both stats pages have conflicting readings? I know thier on Lay Over but what place do they stand?? Thanks!!!
You anti-whiners are worse than the whiners. I agree that the volunteerz do a great job, but paying someone to professionally keep up the stats page and man checkpoint communications wouldn't hurt. HQ needs to know what would make this all better, and this is a good place to start.
Hope Todd is okay.
looking for advice on klim gear.what pants and jacket are the best for cold weather its hard to tell on klim web site which style is warmer. Also where to buy in AK
Go Team 4!!
I think when the dust settles in Tanana tonight, 14 and 3 are going to be very close for 2nd and 3rd, about 2 hours behind 16.
8 and 22 are currently 2nd and 3rd but both have problems that will push them down the standings.
Great idea 9:26 about paying for professionals at checkpoints. Hope you can put your money where your mouth is cause I'm sure the race doesn't have it. You people should think before you sputter words and just enjoy what you do get.
9:08: Thanks Regina!
Zugger Shocks
9:26 You are so right.....As big of an event this is they need to quit relying on volunteers.
Hey, 9:25 comment, I live in a village too, and we would have helped them no matter what they rode, Grow Up!
Heard 22 crashed right out of Galena from the radio. Davis had to bring Palin in and then go get his sled w/ a frt sled.
Team 4 is doing pretty damn good. There taking a 6 hour layover in g-town. Tear em' up coming home boys! Your families are very proud of you and will be waiting for you at the finish!
p--- # 01 on clock 701 a this morn in unk, 1st lo done 12 Hrs
p--- # 03 on 2nd lo in kal, 12 done
p--- # 04 thru kal on trl to gal; 12 LO done
y--- # 05 gps ping 706 a just out of kal, 11 LO done
s--- # 08 on 2nd lo in unk, 6 LO done
ac-- # 09 gps ping 813 right in koyukuk hdg to gal, 9 LO done
p--- # 10 on 2nd LO in galena, 10 LO done
s--- # 11 on 2nd LO in galena , 11 LO done
ac-- # 14 on 2nd lo in kal, 9 lo done
p--- # 16 gps ping 842 1/2 way to ruby, 12 lo done
s--- # 17 gps ping 847 1/2 way to gal, 11 LO done
ac-- # 18 gps ping 849 on trail 5 miles to gal 12 done
ac-- # 19 on 2nd lo at Gal, 6 lo done
s--- # 20 gps ping 928 a 5 miles out of kal hdg to gal, 1st LO done in UNK ? Hrs
ac-- # 22 on 2nd lo in gal, 11 LO done
p--- # 26 on trl to gal 735 a, 11 LO done
ac-- # 28 gps ping 904 a in kal 11 LO done
s--- # 31 gps ping 714 a on trail to kal, 12 LO done
y--- # 32 gps ping 923 a 7 miles out kal on trl to gal; 10 LO done
s--- # 36 on trail to kal 507 a, 10 LO done
s--- # 41 on trail to ka 740 aml, 11 LO done
Wow arnt we a happy bunch this morning. Cant start a day with out finding something to whine about. Get over it people!!!!!!!!!!!! We are here to find out how our racers are doing, not to complaint about everything. Just be happy you can get on here and talk to people and find out. Hope everyone racing is ok and everyone makes it home, ONLY tired and cold....
team 3 is about 2 hours behind minnick/olstad time
9:31. Look past the end of your nose. Better coverage = more sponsors. You got to spend money to make money. Just look at the Iditarod.
Sorry to wake up and find out about Todd and Chris's crashes. Both teams in my opinion are good guys. Wish them well and hope they can travel on.
GO team 10, anyonyone in Galena? Tell Chris Olds his sis in law says hi and good job!
9:26:: AMEN, defensiveness is a sure sign of a guilty complex! Just spend the money and that will likely solve most of your problems with communications and fumble fingers on the stat sheet.
Iron-Teer
Can you update Team# 5
Thanks!
Thank you 9:37 That helps.
9:31: That's what sponsors are for, if they see a good fit and professionally run event, they will sponsor... duh
radio report said one rider from 22 was clutching his arm as they rode into Galena they weren't sure who it was. The other rider got a sled and went back for the other machine to get them off the clock. 16, came into Galena on fumes (lucked out) they were lost and came in to Galena with other riders, fueled up and left. Others there declared layovers. Radio report indicated Barber and Booth will difinately have an advantage with the a trail broken by other riders, Galena expected first riders into Galena over an hour earlier then the times they put up. The trail was staked but either covered by blowing snow or stakes blew over so all riders were following GPS but straight line to lead them to deadends. Hope all is well with #22. Goodluck #3!
Thank you to all who have provided updates via this blog. Especially those who volunteer and those from the towns along the way!!!!!!!!!
YOU FOLKS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Team 16 into Ruby yet? Their GPS is not keeping up with them.
Spernak and Olds #10 crashed also radio indicated they were okay possibly same location as #22, Damage was cosmetic and they are able to continue
There is a barrel sticking out of the ground at the end of the runway in G-town... It is in the middle of the trail and is hard to see by the guy in the snowdust.. This is what #22 & olds hit..
does anyone have current status of team 5? no up dates for a few hours.
Hmmmm....
Davis grabs a freight sled from town and goes back to pulle the wounded Cat into the checkpoint and stop the clock.
Wonder how that fits into the Rule Book. Can anyone say "outside help"
I don't think it will matter much. Todd is likely wounded enough to have to scratch. Not good.
Was hoping to see them get beat fair and square again this year.
so what is team #22 doing now? anyone hurt?
well what in the H isa barrel doing in the middle of the trail down there?
when is team 8 off of their LO?
Anybody heard whether Team #16 made it to Ruby yet?
9:53, at that point it became a matter of safety. If someone else went and got the sled, then maybe.
Pdog to Iron-Dog....Come-in Doggy!
Trade you a Beer for an update on team# 5
Thanks
team 8 takes off at 10:26 from Unk. then they are done with there layover and going straight there.
9:53
Davis used the sled himself.. He didn't have someone go get it - now that would be outside help.
If you can' even use a jackstand to turn your track, how can you use someone's freight sled to tow in a machine?
Looks like team 4 had the best time from Kaltag...way to tear em up boys,,,,we are cheerin for you guys all the way.
pdog... you are funny!! :) Humor works too but don't be offended if you get some defensiveness.
Sounds like team work to me on #22's part. Take care of his partner 1st, get him help if needed then go back to get the sled out of the way before anyone else gets hurt. Lighten up out there, yes this a race but they are also people we are talkin about here, husbands, brothers, sons, ....give them a break.
Got a ping on Team 16 @ 1002 am, looks to 20 or so miles out od Ruby...
you can use a jackstand you just can't have someone "outside" operate it and yes you are on the clock while jacking around!
p--- # 16 gps ping 1002 15 miles from ruby, 12 LO done
team 16 just got a ping 10:02 still 20 miles out of ruby must be some deep snow or some prob.
Alright Guys,
I just received 120 MB of pics in my inbox - thanks! I should have them up for the public to see here pretty quickly. I'll keep you updated, and oh - can we seriously keep the comments to info only; both sides have valid arguments. Thanks.
whats ping?
Greg it's called a blog for folks to communicate back and forth, not to be censored. It's all healthy conversation and thought provoking, it's okay, relax and enjoy the blogging. You'll get to know your audience they come in all shapes and sizes
A ping is everytime thier GPS reads i guess you would say. Like if they go behind some moutains and the satalite cant pick them up then it wont ping until they come out in to a clearing and the satalite can find them again.
Come on team "17". I just got back to AZ and it looks like you made up several spots today with a great split time. I'm thinking a top seven finish is within reach.
Way to keep pushing!
There is no possible way that using a sled that is not yours and not from another race team is "Within the Rules"
Team 22 is unofficially DQ'd as far as I'm concerned.
Even if HQ calles it a scratch....it's really a DQ.
down with team 22, yeah yeah, lets all cheer !! (don;t want the boy hurt, but cheaters deserve this after last year, they shoudl have been DQed)
who made the protest about #16?? not that it really matters now, just would like to know
Team 8 made the protest about Team 16.
Once they figured out they had problems they tried to take someone else down with them. Now look where they are.
Nice work.....
Isn't Carma a wonderful thing??