DOG SPONSOR

We began the training season with 24 dogs that were potential Iditarod candidates.  Some were long shots; a little too young or maybe a year older than they should be.  Training and conditioning have now progressed to the final month.  There are 19  dogs remaining in the chase.  16 of them will make the final cut.  All 19 have to be considered from now forward.  Though we rarely have a training injury, one cannot rule that out. 

One can sponsor any dog in the team -- at any level.  Dog sponsors will receive a photo of "their" dog signed by the musher.  You will also receive updates periodically through the remainder of the training season.  Sponsorship is important.  It takes more than just time to prepare a dog for a thousand-mile event.  Special nutrition is needed.  A dog in the yard, doing three or four  ten-mile runs per week might require 2500 calories during a normal winter day.  A race dog will need double that, plus supplements.  Normal training conditions will require approximately 100 bottles per dog in the miles preparing for the Iditarod.  Not counting feed, we expect an additional $200 per dog will be required.

The dogs in the race team:  (list)
The dogs already sponsored this season are:   (Enumerate what level they are now sponsored at up to $200)

CHECKPOINT SPONSOR

There are 21 checkpoints on the Southern route of the Iditarod.  20 of them require food drops.  To toward this end, we are soliciting sponsorship help. Sponsorship comes in all sizes and forms. You need not sponsor an entire checkpoint, every little piece helps. Alaska Airline miles are useful for transportation to and from Nome.

1. Skwentna. 
Supplies sent to this checkpoint must feed the team, see the team through the Finger Lake checkpoint, (no food drop there), and on to Rainy Pass.  The distance is 75 - 80 miles.
$200 checkpoint.
2. Rainy Pass. 
It is a difficult, (Dalzell Gorge), 35 mile run to the next stop; Rohn. The layover at Rainy is relatively short.
$125 checkpoint.
3. Rohn. 
This is the jump-off point for the Fairwell Burn.  There is rarely much, if any, snow for the first 40 miles out of Rohn.  The 75 mile run to Nikolai usually involves some damaged equipment and one rest stop.
$250 checkpoint.
4. Nikolai. 
Nikolai is on the Kuskokwim River.  It is a smooth run for the next 50 miles to McGrath.  It can be cold.  The rest after coming off the Burn may be a bit longer than what was originally planned.
$250 checkpoint
5. McGrath. 
Zoya is planning to take her required 24-hr. layover at Takotna, she is not likely to stay in McGrath long.  However, her spare sled will be sent to here in case she has major damage to her starting sled in the travel through the Burn.
$200 checkpoint.
6. Takotna. 
24 hours plus time differential at Takotna.  Also, preparations for the 100 mile plus trail to The halfway checkpoint at the old ghost town of Iditarod.  Lots of dog food and booties.
$400 checkpoint
7. Ophir. 
Only 25 miles from the Takotna stop, this will be a short break.  Just enough to divide the long run to Iditarod.
$100 checkpoint.
8. Iditarod. 
This is often the coldest section of the trail.  The trail in this area is commonly put in just ahead of the teams.  It is deep snow country. 60 more miles to Shageluk.
$200 checkpoint.
9. Shageluk.
Zoya has never traveled this part of the country.  Soft snow could make these runs long.
$200 checkpoint.
10. Anvik.
This is only a 25 mile run from Shageluk.  18 more miles to the next stop at Grayling.  This is probably a stop and go checkpoint.  The ITC requires 50#'s of supplies here.
$100 checkpoint.
11. Grayling. 
It is a tough 60 mile run to Eagle Island.  The section of trail to Eagle Island can either be great or terrible, dependent completely on weather.
$200 checkpoint.
12. Eagle Island. 
No frills here.  Prepare for another 60 miles on the Yukon into a headwind. This could be a good spot for the Yukon 8 hr. layover.
$200 checkpoint.
13. Kaltag. 
This is the last place one can take the required 8 hour Yukon River stop.  It is 85 miles overland through the portage; from the Yukon River to the Norton Sound coast.  There is always a layover at Old Woman cabin approximately half-way through. 
$250 checkpoint
14. Unalakleet. 
A great checkpoint and welcome respite.  It is often windy.  It is a 45 mile run in the Blueberry Hills enroute to Shaktoolik.
$200 checkpoint.
15. Shaktoolik. 
This another no frill stop.  It is common for teams to get stuck here for 12-16 hours because of wind on the Norton Bay crossing which is just ahead.  Extra supplies are needed here -- just in case. 50 miles to Koyuk.
$250 checkpoint.
16. Koyuk. 
Koyuk is a comfortable place.  It is a relief to have made it across the featureless ocean. 50 miles to Elim.
$200 checkpoint.
17. Elim. 
This checkpoint may be a short stop.  All depends on the condition of the team. Golovin is 28 miles further along.  Golovin does not have a food drop, so most pass through there with no stop on the way to the last layover at White Mountain, another 18 trail miles along.
$150 checkpoint.
18. White Mountain. 
The mandatory 8 hour break here comes with mixed emotions.  Anxious to reach the finish in Nome, yet reluctant to have the magical time with the dogs come to an end.  55 miles to Safety.
$250 checkpoint.
19.  Safety. 
It is just 22 miles to Nome.  A drop bag is required at this checkpoint.
$50 checkpoint.
20. Nome.  Finish. 
The most expensive checkpoint for the musher.  Airline tickets, Food.  Dog transport, etc. etc.  Not too bad for the dogs.  They get a well deserved rest!  They are usually fed every 4-6 hours.  Massages are also welcome.  This year, John will try to bring the dogs back from Nome as soon as possible so they can get back to the comforts of home. Dog costs other than transportation are relatively light.
$300 checkpoint.