Iditarod Loop Strategy

Shageluk Weather

Shageluk is the closest webcam to Iditarod. This is pointing to the East and the Iditarod hills. Blinding Sunshine and perfect mushing weather!

Good afternoon Race Fans!

Ron Kaiser and Regina Johnson have been chawing at the bit to see if the guys would ever get moving or not! One thing to know about Pete Kaiser? He ALWAYS has a plan. (We just aren’t tuned into it!)

After a long 7 hour run, Pete, along with Richie and Joar, took 5 hours at the shelter cabin. It seemed kind of odd to take a break there, but as Sterling Rearden noticed, it looks like they are breaking the McGrath to Iditarod to McGrath into 5 runs. What this means is after they reach Iditarod, instead of breaking, they will resupply and head North immediately. This does several things, it keeps them away from everyone else (Covid or not) and keeps the runs and rests consistent. Last night I honestly didn’t think Pete would rest in Ophir, but he was putting rest in the tank, so to speak, for the long run ahead.

Now, after a 5 hour break, I’d almost bet they will go to Iditarod, turn around and head North another 50 miles or so. Basically they are breaking the Ophir to Iditarod to Ophir loop into 3 segments.

Initially I thought that Pete would take his 8 hours in Iditarod, but Ron is thinking that Pete and others will take their last 8 hour break closer to heading up the Alaska Range. It could be McGrath or even Nikolai. Maybe even Rohn. Either way, the trio of Teams now have a short 14 mile run into Iditarod where they will grab some food and straw and head back to the trail.

Weather in the area is again, AWESOME!! Temperatures are just above zero with calm winds and blinding sunshine. The dogs and mushers both are happy. I never really know how the trail is until after it’s over, but Teams are making good times, so I’m thinking it’s not horrible 🙂

It’s going to be another exciting evening as we see Iditarod Checkpoint Teams come off their 24 hour rest about the same time that Pete and the boys do their turnaround. One other consideration is hopefully the trail is wide enough for passing as this is the first Iditarod in history where Teams will meet each other in the night going opposite directions. After the turnaround Teams heading North will begin to encounter Teams headed South. Although this is a first for the Iditarod, it is a normal race for the Bogus Creek 150 and even the K300 this year in Bethel. I am only worried about surprises, so mushers will need to stay alert this evening.

Day 4 and it’s exciting already!!

Go Team Kaiser!!

 

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