The definition of trail user expanded early on Monday morning at the Checkpoint in Unalakleet. While waiting in the pre-dawn hours for Cym Smyth and Nicholas Petit to arrive, the checker spotted a couple of headlamps in the distance and hurried into warm gear to greet them down on the frozen shough. Much to everyone’s surprise, the arriving headlamp wasn’t powered by canines, wasn’t dressed in extra warm bulky gear and didn’t have any drop bags waiting. The arrivals were humans powering rugged all terrain bikes. They are undoubtedly happy with the cloudless sky, above zero temperatures and light breeze. The cyclists are a part of the Iditarod Trail Bike Invitational. They wore bike attire and a hat to allow for the great amount of heat produced while riding along with big mitts and insulated foot wear to protect their extremities in the cold. They don’t have the luxury of being able to ship gear out to checkpoints along the trail; they carry what they need for survival and comfort.

At this point on Monday afternoon, John Baker and Rayme Smyth are charging along the coast toward Nome.  Smyth is slowly gaining on Baker.  Something to keep in mind is that Rayme has had the fastest time from Safety to Nome several years running.  This race may have a finish as exciting as the Mackey – Swenson race of 1978.  Stay tuned.

Born to Run,

Sanka