As the race begins at 4th and “D” in downtown Anchorage, Handler is waiting for the bush plane bound for Skwentna. Communication people, veterinarians, checkers and race officials are transported out to their assigned checkpoints via the Iditarod Air Force. Before getting into the Cessna holding pattern, Handler went down to “the street” to get a dose of race excitement. She sent a couple of pictures and some information on what the Anchorage public Works department does to get “the street” ready.

There was an article, Iditarod Makes City Maintenance Crews Reverse Their Roles, in the Anchorage Daily News this morning written by Casey Grove. Here’s a little summary to give you an idea of what goes on prior to the  Ceremonial Start.

At about 8:00 Friday evening, dump trunks began depositing loads of snow along the 20 mile long ceremonial trail. Throughout the winter, snow is stockpiled and saved for this occasion. It takes from six to eight loads for each city block and that could add up to nearly 200 loads of snow. All of this is accomplished in about four hours. With the snow down, graders come onto the scene around mid-night to spread the snow out. Then a bobcat pulling a grooming sled puts the finishing touches on the trail for the dogs, drivers and Iditariders.

The Ceremonial Start is a big deal for the Idita-riders, the spectators and the sponsors as well as the dogs and drivers.  Handler says the dogs are really charged up and like showing off to the spectators.  Leading the start this morning will be Junior Iditarod Champion, Jeremiah Klejka, who’ll be carrying the honorary musher.

Stay tuned for more stories as the race unfolds. Let PRIDE by your guide.

Born to Run,
Sanka