GPS shows Palin second to racer Olds.
Coming up the river now into Fort Wainwright.
Todd Palin and Eric Quam had some sort of minor accident in the last half hour, so it’s not sure if they are still in first or fell back to second. Palin/Quam are team #11
I don’t think people really understand just how grueling this is. They go the distance of NY to LA or thereabouts going 80-100 mph on a snowmachine in frigid subzero temperatures, gale force winds, snow and who knows what else, covered in duct tape, over hazardous terrain, etc...
And it’s not like they’re getting some huge payday or multi-million dollar prize. It’s fairly modest.
I guess I can somewhat understand the younger guys wanting to prove themselves but Todd has already won 4 times, came in a close 2nd a few other times. He clearly isn’t doing it for the money at this point. And he’s not a young buck anymore, either. I guess there must be something with the adrenaline, the competition, the rush, etc...
It tells you something about him when you see the dedication and training involved, the commitment.
I was wondering why he continued and I thought maybe he realized this might be his last rodeo given what could happen in the future. I wonder if he still would have done it the past few years if things had gone differently in 2008. Probably. I guess the SS guys would be following or monitoring from a chopper. Probably would be a lot more fun and interesting than following Jill Biden around. No offense or anything.
I love how the media portrays Obama as some sportsman because he plays pick-up basketball. You think he would last 5 minutes in one of these races? Duct taped up, 20 below 40 mph winds, going 100 mph over snow and ice?
It would be nice for Todd to get “one for the thumb” as they say.