Posted on 03/09/2005 1:04:43 PM PST by Fierce Allegiance
The race is approximately 1/3 complete. This year, they are using the modified southern route, which will go through the ghost town of Iditarod.
The website listed above is pretty good.
A couple more of the Iditarod Rules:
Rule 5 -- Mandatory Items: A musher must have with him/her at all times the following items:
• Proper cold weather sleeping bag weighing a minimum of 5 lbs.
• Ax, head to weigh a minimum of 1-3/4 lbs., handle to be at least 22” long.
• One pair of snowshoes with bindings, each snowshoe to be at least 252 square inches in size.
• Any promotional material provided by the ITC.
• Eight booties for each dog in the sled or in use.
• One operational cooker and pot capable of boiling at least three (3) gallons of water at one time.
• Veterinarian notebook, to be presented to the veterinarian at each checkpoint.
• Three (3) bottles of Heet—36 oz
When leaving a checkpoint beyond Knik (eight) 8 lbs of emergency dog food must be on the sled. (This mandatory (eight) 8 lbs of emergency dog food will be carried in addition to what you carry for routine feeding and snacking.)
Gear may be checked at all checkpoints except Eagle River, Wasilla, Knik and Safety.
Mushers’ diaries will be checked only by the veterinarian.
I don't think it is cool. They must bend the rules for her. FWIW I felt the same way about John Glenn going into space at his age, GWHB sky-diving and blind hikers. The risk is too much and since this is a contest, she has an unfair advantage.
Most racers spend between 50 to 100 thousand on their dogs every year. You also quickly realize that the humane society is just a front to raise lots of money from unsuspecting suckers, no joke. Anyway, if it wasn't for racing and Redington; there wouldn't be a sled dog still alive here in alaska; because the natives couldn't wait to shoot all their dogs once the snowgos came out.
You are both right and wrong. It was at the scheduled time and there was not enough snow. The ceremonial run didn't go to Eagle River, but stopped short at Campbell Airfield. The restart (short for REAL start) happened in Willow instead of Wasila for lack of snow.
Nowadays, the Iditarod is tied to Fur Rondy. The last weekend of Fur Rondy is the start of the Iditarod.
I think there are pet lovers in resuce circles that probably would take issue with any animal sport, because of course the animals can get injured. I personally think dog sports, horse sports, etc are fabulous ~because~ the animals that do well in it also really seem to enjoy it.
But I googled and found Iditarod Facts that seems to be exactly the answers you were looking for. Much of the concern appears to surround the fact that the dogs are tethered when not being worked. I think they make the mistake of comparing that to dogs that are chained and forgotten, not dogs that get out and run every day.
I have a BIL in Anchorage who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident some years ago and still runs marathons. He doesn't expect nor does he get special assistance.
FWIW, I am aware of the Humane Society being an animal rights org, but most people on the dog rescue lists are locally involved and are concerned with animal welfare. I am looking for some facts to post to get the other view out there gently. Thanks!
Thanks. Mr. Okie used to live in Eagle River and swore this start date was in error.
It doesn't mention any advantage or bent rules in that description.... do you know of any or are you guessing about that?
I doubt they would modify the rules. The dogs run the course behind a lot of other teams, so they can sniff the way fairly well too.
No dead dogs. Dog deaths are very rare on the Iditarod. Very few of these dogs dropped off are injured, just tired. Mushers typically start with 16, more than triple the amount needed to finish. Some dogs wear out early, trying to go faster than the team. Some are older and not up for the entire run.
I had read, perhaps in error, that she had someone to help guide her.
See #36.
The thing that surprises me most when I see the teams that are competing, is that it seems to be a variety of mixed breed dogs.... mutts... that compete in this. I'd think with years of specialization you'd see teams of purebred Huskies or Malamutes, and they don't seem to be.
With truth and facts instead of lies and baseless feelings.
Go to www.iditarod.com, check under the vet corner. Iditarod sled dogs have less deaths per mile run than recreational cross-country skiers.
If you find the source, please let me know.
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