A perfect beginning to a Great Race. The sun rises early in this part of the world. Driving the remote roads of northern Noway enroute to the 2nd major checkpoint of the 2011 Finnmarkslopett, dull morning light crept up swiftly. By 3:30am the beginning of day two was revealed. Yesterdays race start was fabulous. Colorful, cultural, creative. Over 100 teams proudly waved to hundreds of cheering fans as they departed the streets of Alta, Norway. I had the privilege of greeting each musher as they began there journey at the start line. At nearly the very end of the long mushing que, I was to join musher Sigrid ekran as her "Idita-rider" and accompany her as a guest rider over the first 15km.. As we approached our turn at the start line, I was flattered to be asked by this young Norwegian mushing Champion, to drive her team down the street while she took the place seated in the sled. Even more special was the fact that leading her team was a dog bred and raised at our home in Alaska. "Clair", a small female dog from the last litter of my Golden Harness Iditarod Champion leader "Jenna". A special moment for me indeed as she clearly recognized my voice from several years ago when she too lead my team in Alaskan races. With the ceremonial start over, the race was on. The restart went flawlessly, as the teams ejecited their vip riders and put on their game faces. Now , just 18n hours into this years race, familiar names emerge. Iditarod veterans Robert Sorlie, and Roger Dahl. Along with Sigrid Ekran, the Iditarod is well represented. These teams as well as others include dogs that are spectacular. Well trainer soldiers ready for battle. This is going to be fun.
Skrevet av: Jeff King
Foto: Sten Tony Hansen/Niels Westphal (montasje)
Dato: 13.03.2011 18:24
The sun rises early in this part of the world. Driving the remote roads of northern Noway enroute to the 2nd major checkpoint of the 2011 Finnmarksløpet, dull morning light crept up swiftly. By 3:30am the beginning of day two was revealed.
Yesterdays race start was fabulous. Colorful, cultural, creative. Over 100 teams proudly waved to hundreds of cheering fans as they departed the streets of Alta, Norway. I had the privilege of greeting each musher as they began there journey at the start line. At nearly the very end of the long mushing que, I was to join musher Sigrid Ekran as her "Idita-rider" and accompany her as a guest rider over the first 15km. As we approached our turn at the start line, I was flattered to be asked by this young Norwegian mushing Champion, to drive her team down the street while she took the place seated in the sled. Even more special was the fact that leading her team was a dog bred and raised at our home in Alaska. "Clair", a small female dog from the last litter of my Golden Harness Iditarod Champion leader "Jenna". A special moment for me indeed as she clearly recognized my voice from several years ago when she too lead my team in Alaskan races.
With the ceremonial start over, the race was on.
The restart went flawlessly, as the teams ejecited their vip riders and put on their game faces.
Now , just 18n hours into this years race, familiar names emerge. Iditarod veterans Robert Sorlie, and Roger Dahl. Along with Sigrid Ekran, the Iditarod is well represented. These teams as well as others include dogs that are spectacular.
Well trainer soldiers ready for battle.
This is going to be fun.
Jeff King
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