Last minute wrenching before the start of the 2000-mile long Iron Dog Race today!

SARAH PALIN'S FACE BOOK PAGE ^ | February 16, 2014 | Sarah Palin

[hattend]

Wow...nice shot.

We must have crossed paths out there!

[Qiviut]

Looks like something is going on with Todd/Tyler. They have fallen to the back of the field and are at Shell Lake (not a designated ‘layover’) when I look at their individual GPS (around mile 107). Somebody posted on the FB page they’d heard there were mechanical problems and asked for info, but no one has posted a response yet.

Two teams are taking 6 hour layovers at Skwentna which is the first layover, about 89 miles after the Big Lake start ... only reason to do that would likely be mechanical issues. One of the teams is 23 - Dick / Quam ... I think they were “first” into Nome (half way) last year, but due to a scoring issue (allowed to leave a minute early), were actually 2nd.

[Qiviut]

Actually, somebody on FB said it looks like Todd/Tyler are turning around and going back ..... it does look like that on the individual GPS. Shell Lake is not a layover so maybe they’re trying to get back to Skwentna, which is. I think it’s only 18 miles from Shell Lake to Swentna so they should be able to get back.

Oh yeah, can really see it on GPS now .... definitely turned around. BUMMER!!!! The leaders are cruising & already at Rohn Roadhouse (234 from the start).

[Qiviut]

Ok, Todd/Tyler back in Skwentna. Maybe there will be some communication from there since it's an official layover as to what is going on. They are WAY behind now ... Skwentna is about mile 89 & the leaders are through the Rohn Roadhouse checkpoint at about mile 234, should make it to McGrath at mile 360 for a required layover (14 hours since they have taken no other layover time). Todd/Tyler can take a 6 or 8 hour layover at Skwentna.

FB comment from a long-time race watcher: Looks like they towed back in, if its not terrible, they will declare a layover, and fly parts in, otherwise, its a good place to break down, warm bed and food and an airport

[Qiviut]

Unofficially .......

Team 11 has a bad coolant temp sensor. Towed back from past Shell Lake to Skwentna. Frankie took a temp sensor off a sled it is in route to Skwentna now

Team 23 Dick took a nasty tumble on the river trying to avoid a spectator. Busted up the front end real bad. they are in Skwentna on Layover. Parts are there.

Team 30 hit an ice bolder and busted an aarm. Limped into Puntilla waiting on parts. Plane can’t fly at this time. Both riders are fine.

Team 18 Gueco has a busted rear skid. Zwink has a busted front end. Waiting on parts in Puntilla. Planes aren’t flying from the latest word.

[onyx]

My wife and I both got our pics taken with Sarah. She was so gracious to delay getting into her truck to satisfy two out of towners. Todd also got off his snow machine to come shake my wife’s hand but I may have missed the photo op as he was 2 minutes from launch and had to do it quick. I had the zoom setting all wrong and may have missed it.

We have been stalking the Palins since a rally in 2008...it took 6 years but success!

Will post pics later when I get them off my camera...may be a few days.



Oh my goodness, I am SO HAPPY for you and your wife! Sarah and Todd Palin are absolutely the very best people! No other proof is needed. I know I can speak for the our dearest FRiends I just pinged, "we share your delight and can barely wait to see your pictures!!!"

[onyx]

There are dozens of Iron Dog teams. They leave the starting chute in two-minute intervals.
In the pic, Team #11 (Todd & his partner Tyler) are about to start off on their the week long race adventure.
Sarah Palin, via Face Book

Several more photos will follow this one.

[onyx]

Dad, Trig, Mom & Piper!



Mom, Dad and Trig Palin!!!



Adorable Trig staying warm in the truck before racers hit the trail... Willow looking on.



"Proud of my truck's license plate!" ~ Sarah




Sarah and some masked man...lol.



Todd's beautiful mother Blanche cheering on her son!



Piper, Dad and Mom!

[onyx]

Thank you so much for the updates.

[Jemian]

What is happening with Team 11? I don’t get the news but the first stat I saw showed 3rd, and lately I’ve seen last place.

[Vor Lady]

Good to know. Thx!

[hattend]

Ha! You caught me. I’m in the white parka far left holding a camera.. You must have been standing next to Sarah and the kids.

[hattend]

Excellent!

[tillacum]

Thank you for sharing the pictures. The Panlin’s are a nice family. A nice picture of his Mom. OH and thank you for showing the “ski mobiles”, they are quite large.

[tillacum]

AH Oh, Panlin’s = Palin’s. sorry.

[Qiviut]

Day two update:

http://www.thealaskalife.com/featured/iron-dog-2014-day-2-update/

Team 11 had to tow back to Skwentna last night and called a 6 hour layover. The repair was supposedly a sensor and an easy 5 minute fix. It looks like they started back out for Shell lake, then had to return again to Skwentna. They must have a major problem .... per Iron Dog:

“Team #11 Update. Our Race Marshals just informed us that Todd & Tyler are planning to leave soon from Skwentna. They will tow back to Big Lake for repairs, and intend to continue just as soon as they can!”

Team 11 is currently on the move back towards Big Lake:
1a-Todd Palin

Status

Race Status Active
Last Update Rec’d 11:10:03 AM (AKST) 02/17/14
Current speed 39.3 mph
Route mile 36.92 mi

[onyx]

Thank you so much!!
I had missed it.

I’ll try my best to “get current” ASAP

[KC_Lion]

Great Pictures All!

And thanks for the link!

I need to get updated too! :)

[Jemian]

Well, bummer. Team 11 has scratched. I’m sorry to hear this, but, that is the way things happen sometime.

Still, it is an exciting race and I will be following it to the finish.

[hattend]

According to Sarah Palin’s Facebook post, Todd and Tyler are done. Mechanical.

Better luck next year, Todd!