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2024 Iditarod Trail Invitational

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#41 ·
Jayem said:
The year that we did the out-n-back I was doing just fine coming down from Puntilla Lake, but once I ran into the Iditarod dog trail breakers....it was over, I basically walked 3/4 of that segment all back to Finger Lake, because all they do is just mash the trail like a big mixer, no compaction and anything that was there...is gone after they pass over.
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It depends on so many variables. Most of the time when they pass you it is a (massive) net benefit. Even better when the dogs follow soon after -- all those little feet leave a pretty good trail. Unless it's above freezing/raining, which seems pretty unlikely this year.
 
#42 ·
mikesee said:
It depends on so many variables. Most of the time when they pass you it is a (massive) net benefit. Even better when the dogs follow soon after -- all those little feet leave a pretty good trail. Unless it's above freezing/raining, which seems pretty unlikely this year.
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Yeah - it is 0f in Galena right now, the trail should setup great. I love it when the dogs catch up - it goes from a lonely trail to a busy social scene. It is a nice change.

The Iditarod trail breakers in Rohn a few days ago.

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#43 ·
It looks like Tyson and Myron are in Kaltag and are at the school.

The weather for Unalakleet looks a bit brisk - it could be an exciting trip on the portage!

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 3. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around -16. North wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
 
#44 ·
HUKIT said:
Does anyone have a general idea as to what the total weight of their bikes and kit?
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I didn’t weigh my bike before the start as I didn’t really want to know. I figured I had what I thought I needed and the weight “is what it is.” After finishing in McGrath, the air cargo company weighed it before sending it back on the plane. Shipping weight was 62lbs, which probably put it just a hair under 70 upon the start at Knik Lake. If I were to ever race the 350 again, I think I could shave weight down to about 60lbs at full freight while still being able to pack for an insecurity or two.

Big thanks to @spruceboy for volunteering his time to help care for the racers at Rohn!

Image
 
#45 ·
AKMooseRanger said:
I didn’t weigh my bike before the start as I didn’t really want to know. I figured I had what I thought I needed and the weight “is what it is.” After finishing in McGrath, the air cargo company weighed it before sending it back on the plane. Shipping weight was 62lbs, which probably put it just a hair under 70 upon the start at Knik Lake. If I were to ever race the 350 again, I think I could shave weight down to about 60lbs at full freight while still being able to pack for an insecurity or two.

Big thanks to @spruceboy for volunteering his time to help care for the racers at Rohn!

View attachment 2085224
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One of the lucky few with Revelate Expedition pogies!
 
#46 ·
spruceboy said:
Yeah - it is 0f in Galena right now, the trail should setup great. I love it when the dogs catch up - it goes from a lonely trail to a busy social scene. It is a nice change.

The Iditarod trail breakers in Rohn a few days ago.

View attachment 2085033
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Lucky to be able to spend a few stationary days there, without feeling like you're burning daylight...
 
#49 ·
HUKIT said:
Does anyone have a general idea as to what the total weight of their bikes and kit?
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Rumor has it Troy's bike was just under 200lbs. He was apparently trying to go unsupported to Nome, and had 15 days of food. Which seems a bit optimistic given the winners just finished last night at just under 17 days, but could be enough for a faster year.
 
#50 ·
spruceboy said:
Rumor has it Troy's bike was just under 200lbs. He was apparently trying to go unsupported to Nome, and had 15 days of food. Whihc seems a bit optimistic given the winners just finished last night at just under 17 days.
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Kudos to him for giving it a go. Hope he learned a lot. Not sure how he couldn't or wouldn't have.

Also hope he gives it another go.

Probably the hardest/most rewarding single thing I've done in this lifetime.
 
#53 ·
mikesee said:
Kudos to him for giving it a go. Hope he learned a lot. Not sure how he couldn't or wouldn't have.

Also hope he gives it another go.

Probably the hardest/most rewarding single thing I've done in this lifetime.
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Do you remember how many days of food you had, and any idea what your bike weighed? Just curious - I don't have any interest in trying that, I like my inside time, hah.
 
#55 ·
wrcRS said:
I've seen fast McGrath bikes in the 45# range. My base weight this year was around 47#. I've starting using a handlebar light and running a heavier wheel and tire setup since my first few years on the trail.
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The times I have ridden to Nome, my return shipping weights for my bike, were between 60-70 lbs. This included everything I took with me on the bike, minus fuel and possibly a bit of food. But I have always been an overpacker, hah.
 
#56 ·
65 is a pretty decent weight IMO, pretty well prepared without being excessive. Make no mistake, there will be some people loaded down to near 100lbs, but usually from over-packing. The lighter you go, the finer line you walk in terms of toughing it out with what you have and not being prepared for conditions like blowing wind at -F temps. You want to tough it out to reduce weight as much as possible, but not so far it endangers you. The last year I did it, I waited right up till right before to make some gear choices, like lighter pogies, no overboots, etc. The skill really is determining what you need, vs. what you don’t.
 
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#57 ·
#58 ·
spruceboy said:
Do you remember how many days of food you had, and any idea what your bike weighed? Just curious - I don't have any interest in trying that, I like my inside time, hah.
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25 days of food and fuel. Bike was ~150# all-in.

That said, I cratered hard near Shaktoolik: just wasn't getting enough calories and more or less passed out on the side of the trail. Had to start "eating ahead" into my calories.

Fortunately I was far enough along on the route when this happened that I had ~7 days of food left but less than 3 days to go.

Finished with ~5.5 days of fuel in reserve.

Afterward I did a three-part writeup, basically breaking the trip into thirds and creating an attendant video for each third. First one is here, and there is a link at the bottom that takes you to part two.

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