Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ CHILL OUT _ Iron Dog

Posted by: AK Rich Feb 18 2012, 06:34 PM

Yes sir it's a busy weekend here in Big Lake, Alaska . It is the start of the worlds longest and toughest snowmachine race or snowmobile race which ever you prefer. A 2000 mile endurance race from Big Lake to Nome and then over to Fairbanks Alaska. Teams of 2 riders and machines will start their trek thru unforgiving terrain and conditions in a battle for the tittle of Iron Dog!
Here are a couple of links to the official website, the first is the history of the race and the second is the schedule of events, a map and last years top 3 finishers, you may recognize a name in the 2nd place team.

http://www.irondograce.org/about/iron-dog-history/

http://www.irondograce.org/iron-dog-start-information/

http://www.irondograce.org/racers/iron-dog-race-route/

http://www.irondograce.org/2011/top-three-teams/

This race usually takes about a week to finish with all team required to take about 50 hrs total layover time which can be divided up at various checkpoints along the race route with a mandatory 24 hr layover at the halfway point of Nome.
Last years winners finished in under 40 hours, 37 hrs 38 mins and 9 secs.

And finally I have a couple pics to share of the race start I took a few years ago.
Check out all that weight on the ice!

[attachment=26354:irondog_002.jpg]

That year the race start was in front of the Islander, A resturaunt/bar or pub on an island.

[attachment=26355:irondog_022.jpg]

A view from the Islander's deck.

[attachment=26356:irondog_018.jpg]

And finally a shot of a modified motorcycle I just had to get a picture of

[attachment=26357:irondog_016.jpg]

Gentlemen start your engines!

PS: It looks like this will have to be view in low fi mode in order to be able to read all the text , Sorry bout that.

Posted by: Ben Higgins Feb 18 2012, 06:52 PM

Wow, Rich that looks awesome !!! That IS one hell of an endurance race.

One thing I can't imagine, though is having to retrace part of the same route from Nome to Fairbanks though.. I'm one of those people who hates having to go back over the same journey again so that would totally test me !

I guess it goes without saying that you guys have to know your fair share of survival skills being up in Alaska anyway but for a race like this do you hve to take extra courses ?

Posted by: AK Rich Feb 18 2012, 07:09 PM

Good question on the survival skills Ben, I dont think courses are mandatory but I am sure all the riders have aquired these skills. you do have to pass a physical exam to enter and there is a list of survival gear that is required to be carried with the race teams.

5.1. One sleeping bag per person; certified capable of providing protection to -20 degrees
Fahrenheit; must cover participant head to toe and insulating fill equally distributed
throughout the bag. The sleeping bag cannot be altered. Must be able to fully zip with
participant inside.
5.2. One (bivouac) rip-stop nylon bivy bag per person, REI item #794292 or equivalent.
5.3. All participants must have adequate arctic protective clothing and layers with spare
layers that include: moisture wicking socks, upper and lower thermals.
5.4. Spare set of face and eye protection per person.
5.5. One First Aid Kit per team must meet ANSI minimized standards.
5.6. One Global Positioning System (GPS) or Map & Compass set per person.
5.7. One hatchet or saw per team.
5.8. Fire starting materials (matches, lighters) in sufficient quantity and carried in
waterproof containers.
5.9. Arctic stove with sufficient fuel reserves per team. (Arctic Stove definition: A stove that
will burn or operate at subzero temperatures and or windy conditions.)
5.10. Pan or cup to make and boil water with a minimum 1 pint capacity. (1 per team)
5.11. Sufficient (emergency use only) reserve food with a minimum of 2,000 calories per
person (provide certification on the unopened labels).
5.12. Three aerial signal flares per person.
5.13. 25 feet of 1,200 lbs. test rope or stronger rope per team.
5.14. One flashlight per person. (with spare batteries)
And also
14.11. All Participants are REQUIRED to stop and render aid to ANY persons encountered
during the race who are in a life threatening situation. Trail times MAY be adjusted by
race officials accordingly on a case by case basis.

And then there is this.

16. DRIVER LIABILITY
16.1. The participant and any support crew, in signing the entry, elects to use the course of
the event at their own risk, and thereby releases the sanctioning organization together
with their heirs, assigns, officers, representatives, agents, employees, and members,
sponsoring organization and owners of properties on which sanctioned events are to
be held from all liability from injury to person, property and/or reputation that may be
received by said entrant and from all claims of said injuries to the parties listed above
growing out of, or caused by any construction or condition of the course over which the
event is held.
16.2. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain personal liability and accident
insurance.

Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Feb 18 2012, 11:31 PM

Wow, that Olympus draws amazing pictures ! Seems it was a great time out there, am glad for you Rich man !!