[KL7AA] Iditarod, Please help!

[Dan O'Barr]

Official Iditarod Press Release: Saturday, February 26, 2005

Weather again Forces Changes to Iditarod XXXIII Start and Re-start:
 
The following changes have been made to the Start and Re-Start of Iditarod
XXXIII.
 
START - (SHORTENED) - ANCHORAGE, SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 10:00 a.m. - Rather than
travel from downtown Anchorage to Eagle River on day one, mushers and their
teams will call it a day at Campbell Airstrip, a distance of approximately 11
trail miles.
 
RE-START- (MOVED TO WILLOW) - WILLOW, SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2:00 p.m. - The race
re-start will be staged on Willow Lake located behind the Willow Community
Center.
 
Mark Nordman, Race Marshal offered the following comment in regards to the
necessary changes, "Unfortunately, our repeated observation, as late as earlier
today, of the overall trail conditions between Anchorage and Eagle River and
Wasilla and Knik is that they are not adequate for 79 dog teams to safely
travel.
 
"Stan Hooley, Executive Director went on to say, "Trail conditions in the early
miles of the race are even more important and the commitment of this
organization to the mushers and their dogs is to ensure that decisions such as
this are made with their best interest in mind." 

====================================================

Our BIG show date for the Re-Start of Iditarod XXXIII is March 6th at 2:00 pm
at Willow Lake located behind the Willow Community Center.  Most Hams will need
to be in place before 10:00 am, but some will be needed at 8:00 am and road
crossing comms at noon.  Just remember that traffic will get real bad after
about 9:00 am, so get there early and miss the traffic jams.  Check out the
Iditarod web site at: http://www.iditarod.com

We still need help with about 5 different types of jobs. 

1. We still need some physically fit Hams that can serve as shadows for
Iditarod officials.  You will need to dress in warm clothes and boots, have a
good 2-meter handy-talkie with a spare battery and be able to stick like glue
to the official you are assigned to. 

2. We still need some net control operators who can think fast, talk clearly on
the radio, and multi-task in a sometimes confusing and busy small space. 
Priority will be given to those that have done this before.

3. We also still need a few folks that can work outside for 2 to 3 hours with
good warm clothes, and a good 2-meter handy-talkie with a spare battery, that
can work at places like the starting line, parking lots, and other spots deemed
necessary.

4. We still need a couple of Hams with mobile 2-meter setups that can arrive
early where the trail crosses roads or other important places on the back side
of Willow Lake to provide backup for the crossing guards and emergency
communications should there be any problems at any of these spots.  This is a
great opportunity to get a front row seat to watch the teams go up the trail
and it is perfect for older Hams, couples and families.  You can stay in your
vehicle most of the time and have a lot of fun.

5. Then we have NL7SK who has already volunteered to do packet radio at the
last road crossing, to relay back to Headquarters the times when each team
leaves the road system, so they can get that on the Internet.  We still need
some help with this, if packet interests you.

Please contact me ASAP, if you haven’t already, to let me know what you can do
for “The Last Great Race.”

Thank you so much,
Take care & 73,
Dan O'Barr, KL7DR
Member of AARC,
Communications Coordinator for the Re-Start of The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
http://www.iditarod.com/
P.O. Box 873981
Wasilla, AK 99687
Home (907) 373-2569
dan at obarr.net 
KL7DR at ARRL.net 
http://gahleos.obarr.net