We have been discussing the different moves this year in the race. Both 4 times Champions have done very unconventional moves, which are uncharacteristic for their carreers. Matin has tried something completely out of the box, after not being successful for near a decade. It did not work. But I sure give him credit for trying, as doing the same old same old has not worked for him neither. Looking at Musher like Ken Anderson, and I do not mean this negative, I really respect Ken, but Ken is always running a predictable race, well within the comfort zone of his dogs. He rarely tries anything out of the box. He has not been a champion of a 1000 Miler. Jeff is not running very uncharacteristic for him. He normally ALWAYS stopps in Takotna for his 24 hrs layover. He did his in Iditarod this year. Jeff normally does not skip checkpoint and does not camp out much. If any checkpoints on the coast are skipped, it is Shak or Elim. But skipping Koyuk. Has rarely been done, but sure not by a champion in recent times. So Jeff also is thinking outside the box and trying something unconventional, as conventional has not netted him a recent win. Jeff wants his 5th win, and he is willing to take a risk. Gotta think outside the box to do so, these days.
Mitch was just studying the times. I thanked him for putting on such a fun race to follow. He looks at me and goes: ” Well I am glad at least you are having fun ! “
