Hi Boys and Girls,
What an exciting weekend. I have been glued to my computer monitor. Once again, I’m not in Alaska. So I hooked up to the Iditarod Insider, got my favorite snacks ready, and stretched out in from of the computer to watch the action. How many of you were able to watch the start of the Iditarod on your computers? I hope a lot of you were.
While I was watching, I thought some of you may not know why there are two starts to the Iditarod. I’m hoping to add some pictures soon so you can see what an exciting time everyone was having.
The Ceremonial start was on Saturday. It takes place on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage. All the dog trucks are lined up along the street in starting order. The mood is very light and happy. The fans are able to talk with the mushers and sometimes even get to pet the dogs. I bet the dogs got some good belly rubs. Every sled has an Idita-rider. An Idita-rider is a person who has paid for the privilege to ride in sled during the Ceremonial start. They all looked like they were having the time of their lives. All teams also have a drag sled. A drag sled is a second sled attached to the first sled. This helps slow the team down. The dogs are so excited and there are so many spectators along the trail that a drag team really helps keep the speed down and keeps it safer for everyone. The teams run 11 miles on Saturday. Then they pack up the dogs and their sleds and head out to get a good nights rest before the start on Sunday.
The Restart was on Sunday and took place in Willow Alaska- north of Anchorage. This is the serious start. The mushers are in an area away from the fans. They are very serious and are thinking about the race ahead. They are making sure their sleds are packed correctly and that they have everything they need. There’s no room in the sled for an Idita-rider this time. The spectators are lined up down the chute and beginning of the trail. While all mushers smiled and waved to the crowd, their thoughts are now focused on the trail.
It took about 2 ½ hours from the first musher to the last musher to head out on the trail. Good luck to all the teams- See you in Nome.

Happy Trails,
Gypsy