just moved up and wanted to say hi
Moderator: john
just moved up and wanted to say hi
hello everyone I just got stationed at Fort Wainwright with my wife and three year old son. Just wanted to find a place where I can meet other sledders and some new friends in the area. Hope to see you guys on the trails on a sled or atv.
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john
- Administrator
- Posts: 2804
- Joined: Tue Oct 28, 2003 2:52 pm
- Location: North Pole Alaska
- Contact:
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
Welcome. Keep an eye on the site for a ride list, should get posted by Sept.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
If you are out and about in September, we will be at the Winter Show at the Carlson Center. Stop by and introduce yourselves, we would love to meet you.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
that sounds great, is that a place I can bring my family and what happens at the winter show. Oh also is there any ski-doo shops in town that are good with tuning and set ups for up here.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
Compeau's is the only Skidoo dealer in town, pretty good shop. They are on Boat St. just off Airport Way across from Fred Meyers (go toward the airport). Next closest is Tanana Adventure Sports in Delta.
The Winter Show is for all ages, sort of a preseason for dealers to show off the new stuff and alot of local businesses showing their wares. Most times there is some good info on things to do in the winter.
The Winter Show is for all ages, sort of a preseason for dealers to show off the new stuff and alot of local businesses showing their wares. Most times there is some good info on things to do in the winter.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
Thanks for all the help hope to meet some of you in september.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
Welcome! Where do you hail from? Obviously from somewhere in the snow-belt 
Looks like a pretty serious sled there. Planning on running the Iron Dog next spring?
Hope to see you at the Winter Show
Looks like a pretty serious sled there. Planning on running the Iron Dog next spring?
Hope to see you at the Winter Show
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
I just came from fort riley Kansas (no snow), but I am from Rochester which is in upstate New York. The winters are great there and I can ride from my house up to the adderondacks which is a great ride. As far as the Iron dog I have no idea what that is but it sounds fun. My sled on the other hand is set up for snow cross tracks right now but im going to change the clutching so I can enjoy the trails up here. try and get more top end and not so much launch and I need to change the tank as well for long trips it only has a 4 gallon tank right now.
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john
- Administrator
- Posts: 2804
- Joined: Tue Oct 28, 2003 2:52 pm
- Location: North Pole Alaska
- Contact:
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
I'd like to ride the Anderondacks, bet it would some fantastic scenery.
The Iron Dog http://www.irondog.org check it out.
Basically its a 2000 mile snowmachine race, Anchorage to Nome, Nome to Fairbanks.
Keep that snow track clutch close for the SnoRondy in March. We got races :<)
The Iron Dog http://www.irondog.org check it out.
Basically its a 2000 mile snowmachine race, Anchorage to Nome, Nome to Fairbanks.
Keep that snow track clutch close for the SnoRondy in March. We got races :<)
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
I looked in to the iron dog race and that thing looks sick. How many people from here enter the race and is there cc classes for the sleds or run what ya brung kind of race. also the snorondy sounds great to, I think I have seen the snowcross track. Is it off holmes rd out the back gate of wainwright. If so sign me up cause I would like to take a couple of laps on that track.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
The Iron Dog Pro-Class race in teams of two. Not sure if there is a displacement limit depending on the engine type, their rules book is not up yet. Here are their FAQs, directly from their website:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Iron Dog
It’s the longest most challenging and most difficult race in the winter world. But do you really know what it involves. We thought we did until we interviewed some of the ‘old dogs’ of the Iron Dog.
Q: What is the most frequently asked question?
A: It is without a doubt, “who grooms the trail?” This shows the common lack of understanding. Only the entrance to the race is groomed. Sometimes there is no trail. Sometimes the race course has been changed to avoid open water on some of the warmer races.
Q: How many people have died during the Iron Dog.
A: Although the extreme conditions, terrain, and speed, by nature can be life threatening, no death has been directly contributed to the race to date. However injuries such as sprained or broken ribs ankles and wrists and frost bite and dehydration are common. The cold makes them all the more painful.
Q: What are the most common “break downs”?
A: By far the most common are Suspension problems. The extreme cold makes everything brittle, combine that with such excessive abuse and additional gear weight over an extended period and parts begin to fail. Next to that may be good old fashioned running out of fuel. Most riders carry an additional 3 to 6 gallons beyond the OEM fuel load.
Q: How long is the distance between check points?
A: Usually check points are less than 100 miles apart, though the longest is a 120 mile spread.
Q: What services are available at the checkpoints?
A: Fuel, Everything else varies. Some check points have been no more than a tent.
Q: What type of racing fuel is used?
A: Racing fuel is not used. It is automotive fuel that is flown in and air dropped at the several locations. Often time the fuel sits for months before being used. It often is water contaminated and at least has lost most of its octane. Sometimes it is even ‘summer’ fuel or fuel that was originally formulated for use during the summer and can cause havoc in the winter due to lower vapor points. The fuel is provided to the racers by Iron Dog but at a great expense often times around $6.00 a gallon.
Q: What are the common mistakes that new racers make?
A: Novice racers most often over pack and under drink. No we are not talking about alcohol. De hydration is the most common ailment. The body looses a tremendous amount of water when your active -no matter the temperature and the Iron Dog racers are more active than you can imagine.
Q: What are the funny boots most Iron Dog racers wear?
A: They are called ‘Bunny Boots’ due to the fact that they are big and white similar to the hind legs of a snow shoe rabbit. Think of two pairs of rubber boots, sealed one inside of the other. In-between the two layers is insulation. They can be easily recognized by the valve (similar to Schrader valve) used to equalize pressure.
They are not comfortable compact stylish supportive or even durable. The only thing they have going for them is since the insulation is sealed inside it cannot get wet, even from water pouring down the inside of the boot. Dry insulation means warm feet. So it is really more of a safety factor and also keeps the racer from packing multiple sets of boots or liners. However they don’t breathe so your foot its self will always ne wet, they often get stuck in the foot wells because they are so bulky and they don’t stand up to long term use. Racers have been known to coat their boots in petroleum jelly to prevent them from binding in the foot wells!
Q: What do racers pack?
A: Racers are required to pack a Tent or a Bivy sack, 5lbs of tools, a First Aid kit, you must also have studded tracks and an extreme cold rated sleeping bag. It has become popular for racers to vacuum package their sleeping bags into bricks to save space.
Q: How do racers keep drinking water from freezing?
A: Water is carried on the racers back underneath the insulating layer. Also an electrolyte drink is often used. Besides warding off dehydration the freezing point is slightly below that of water. Some riders have their sleds outfitted with a small water tank that relys on the heat from the sled exhaust to keep it in liquid form.
Q: What is the coldest temperature racers face?
A: Some racers have recorded temps as low as -57 degrees Fahrenheit. Although most racers claim it can get much colder in the river basins and valleys. The wind chill factor at the speeds the racers travel are often in the subzero triple digit range, and often times are quite literally off the charts. Sled seats can even become brittle at these temperatures.
Q: How does a racer dress to prepare against such extreme temperatures?
A: Well we have to toot our own horn here. A good percentage of racers rely on Klim’s technical riding gear. It is this kind of extreme use that our layering system (Base layers, mid layers and Gore-Tex outer layers) was built for. The human body really produces a tremendous amount of heat especially during high activity levels. Iron Dog riders worry about getting to hot as much as getting to cold. Having pit zips and back vents and being able to remove layers make the Klim Layering system superior to any insulated parka and bib. Riders also wear Tec-Vests as well as kidney belts and other protective gear, and as mentioned before some sort of a hydration system. It seems each racer has their own little tweak in the way they layer or prepare that will make the winning difference.
Q: What about gloves?
A: There are as many opinions on the subject of gloves as there are racers. However there are a couple common threads. Seams!! After nearly 2000 miles any misplaced seam will cause blisters. The palms and contact areas should be free of any seams. Water proof gloves are a must. Leave your ‘water resistant’ or DWR gloves at home. Only a durable full membrane liner (Gore-Tec) will do. Most racers prefer light insulation on the palms and heavy insulation on the back of the hand. The Klim Togwotee fits the bill perfectly.
Q: What are the more challenging parts of the trail?
A: Again this is an area where most people have misconceptions. There is such a diverse geography that a racer will encounter. There are large open plains with little or no snow. A racer must be careful to not overheat the sled and melt the hifax regardless of the temperature. There is a 5 mile stretch known as the “Tunnel” where the trees are so close that a racer might only be able to see 10 feet ahead at any given time. The trick is to keep both skis on the same side of every tree. It sounds simple enough but countless A-arms have been broken here. Some riders narrow their sleds just to more easily make it through this 5 mile section of the 2000 mile course. In other places there are ice slides that must be climbed. Without studs it would be impossible, with studs it is still challenging. There are plenty of places were some good side hilling skills are required. Try side hilling an ice sheet. It often has to be done.
Q: What are some of the more unknown facts about the Iron Dog.
A: At night, you cannot get out of your bivy sack to use the restroom. You will risk lowering your core body temperature to a dangerous point. And holding your bladder can actually make you colder. What is the answer? A military invented chemical that makes urine gel. That probably all you want to know there.
Q: How much of a factor is inclement weather?
A: Huge! Racers have reported that storms hit you like a wall without warning, giving you no chance to find shelter and completely removing any visibility. It has been reported that 8 men have failed to be able to set up one two man tent in such storms, this why bivy sacks are so often used. Sleds can be so packed with snow and ice by strong winds during the night that it will fill every cavity under the hood. When the hood is opened in the morning the snow will have taken on the shape of the underside of the hood. The ice has to be chipped out of the engine compartment to be able to steer or even to get air to the engine. Even after that one racer reported it taking 27 pulls to start a fuel injected Arctic Cat. No disrespect to AC. This is just par for the course under these conditions.
Q: Is that tape on your face?
A: Yes, It is strategically placed Duct tape or surgical tape. It is there to protect the skin from any gap between the goggle and the Helmet. Frost bite will damage any unprotected skin almost instantly.
Q: I have noticed four strokes in the race, will they be a continuing trend?
A: Racers that site the decision to use four strokes are focused on their reliability and on more consistent fuel economy. However two strokes still dominate the Iron Dog.
Q: Is there intense rivalry between racers?
A: While it is a very competitive race, and some elements and strategies are very guarded and secretive, Iron Dog racers realize they are competing against the elements as much as they are competing against each other. Actually the veteran racers are very supportive and open to new teams. Perhaps more so than any other race.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Iron Dog
It’s the longest most challenging and most difficult race in the winter world. But do you really know what it involves. We thought we did until we interviewed some of the ‘old dogs’ of the Iron Dog.
Q: What is the most frequently asked question?
A: It is without a doubt, “who grooms the trail?” This shows the common lack of understanding. Only the entrance to the race is groomed. Sometimes there is no trail. Sometimes the race course has been changed to avoid open water on some of the warmer races.
Q: How many people have died during the Iron Dog.
A: Although the extreme conditions, terrain, and speed, by nature can be life threatening, no death has been directly contributed to the race to date. However injuries such as sprained or broken ribs ankles and wrists and frost bite and dehydration are common. The cold makes them all the more painful.
Q: What are the most common “break downs”?
A: By far the most common are Suspension problems. The extreme cold makes everything brittle, combine that with such excessive abuse and additional gear weight over an extended period and parts begin to fail. Next to that may be good old fashioned running out of fuel. Most riders carry an additional 3 to 6 gallons beyond the OEM fuel load.
Q: How long is the distance between check points?
A: Usually check points are less than 100 miles apart, though the longest is a 120 mile spread.
Q: What services are available at the checkpoints?
A: Fuel, Everything else varies. Some check points have been no more than a tent.
Q: What type of racing fuel is used?
A: Racing fuel is not used. It is automotive fuel that is flown in and air dropped at the several locations. Often time the fuel sits for months before being used. It often is water contaminated and at least has lost most of its octane. Sometimes it is even ‘summer’ fuel or fuel that was originally formulated for use during the summer and can cause havoc in the winter due to lower vapor points. The fuel is provided to the racers by Iron Dog but at a great expense often times around $6.00 a gallon.
Q: What are the common mistakes that new racers make?
A: Novice racers most often over pack and under drink. No we are not talking about alcohol. De hydration is the most common ailment. The body looses a tremendous amount of water when your active -no matter the temperature and the Iron Dog racers are more active than you can imagine.
Q: What are the funny boots most Iron Dog racers wear?
A: They are called ‘Bunny Boots’ due to the fact that they are big and white similar to the hind legs of a snow shoe rabbit. Think of two pairs of rubber boots, sealed one inside of the other. In-between the two layers is insulation. They can be easily recognized by the valve (similar to Schrader valve) used to equalize pressure.
They are not comfortable compact stylish supportive or even durable. The only thing they have going for them is since the insulation is sealed inside it cannot get wet, even from water pouring down the inside of the boot. Dry insulation means warm feet. So it is really more of a safety factor and also keeps the racer from packing multiple sets of boots or liners. However they don’t breathe so your foot its self will always ne wet, they often get stuck in the foot wells because they are so bulky and they don’t stand up to long term use. Racers have been known to coat their boots in petroleum jelly to prevent them from binding in the foot wells!
Q: What do racers pack?
A: Racers are required to pack a Tent or a Bivy sack, 5lbs of tools, a First Aid kit, you must also have studded tracks and an extreme cold rated sleeping bag. It has become popular for racers to vacuum package their sleeping bags into bricks to save space.
Q: How do racers keep drinking water from freezing?
A: Water is carried on the racers back underneath the insulating layer. Also an electrolyte drink is often used. Besides warding off dehydration the freezing point is slightly below that of water. Some riders have their sleds outfitted with a small water tank that relys on the heat from the sled exhaust to keep it in liquid form.
Q: What is the coldest temperature racers face?
A: Some racers have recorded temps as low as -57 degrees Fahrenheit. Although most racers claim it can get much colder in the river basins and valleys. The wind chill factor at the speeds the racers travel are often in the subzero triple digit range, and often times are quite literally off the charts. Sled seats can even become brittle at these temperatures.
Q: How does a racer dress to prepare against such extreme temperatures?
A: Well we have to toot our own horn here. A good percentage of racers rely on Klim’s technical riding gear. It is this kind of extreme use that our layering system (Base layers, mid layers and Gore-Tex outer layers) was built for. The human body really produces a tremendous amount of heat especially during high activity levels. Iron Dog riders worry about getting to hot as much as getting to cold. Having pit zips and back vents and being able to remove layers make the Klim Layering system superior to any insulated parka and bib. Riders also wear Tec-Vests as well as kidney belts and other protective gear, and as mentioned before some sort of a hydration system. It seems each racer has their own little tweak in the way they layer or prepare that will make the winning difference.
Q: What about gloves?
A: There are as many opinions on the subject of gloves as there are racers. However there are a couple common threads. Seams!! After nearly 2000 miles any misplaced seam will cause blisters. The palms and contact areas should be free of any seams. Water proof gloves are a must. Leave your ‘water resistant’ or DWR gloves at home. Only a durable full membrane liner (Gore-Tec) will do. Most racers prefer light insulation on the palms and heavy insulation on the back of the hand. The Klim Togwotee fits the bill perfectly.
Q: What are the more challenging parts of the trail?
A: Again this is an area where most people have misconceptions. There is such a diverse geography that a racer will encounter. There are large open plains with little or no snow. A racer must be careful to not overheat the sled and melt the hifax regardless of the temperature. There is a 5 mile stretch known as the “Tunnel” where the trees are so close that a racer might only be able to see 10 feet ahead at any given time. The trick is to keep both skis on the same side of every tree. It sounds simple enough but countless A-arms have been broken here. Some riders narrow their sleds just to more easily make it through this 5 mile section of the 2000 mile course. In other places there are ice slides that must be climbed. Without studs it would be impossible, with studs it is still challenging. There are plenty of places were some good side hilling skills are required. Try side hilling an ice sheet. It often has to be done.
Q: What are some of the more unknown facts about the Iron Dog.
A: At night, you cannot get out of your bivy sack to use the restroom. You will risk lowering your core body temperature to a dangerous point. And holding your bladder can actually make you colder. What is the answer? A military invented chemical that makes urine gel. That probably all you want to know there.
Q: How much of a factor is inclement weather?
A: Huge! Racers have reported that storms hit you like a wall without warning, giving you no chance to find shelter and completely removing any visibility. It has been reported that 8 men have failed to be able to set up one two man tent in such storms, this why bivy sacks are so often used. Sleds can be so packed with snow and ice by strong winds during the night that it will fill every cavity under the hood. When the hood is opened in the morning the snow will have taken on the shape of the underside of the hood. The ice has to be chipped out of the engine compartment to be able to steer or even to get air to the engine. Even after that one racer reported it taking 27 pulls to start a fuel injected Arctic Cat. No disrespect to AC. This is just par for the course under these conditions.
Q: Is that tape on your face?
A: Yes, It is strategically placed Duct tape or surgical tape. It is there to protect the skin from any gap between the goggle and the Helmet. Frost bite will damage any unprotected skin almost instantly.
Q: I have noticed four strokes in the race, will they be a continuing trend?
A: Racers that site the decision to use four strokes are focused on their reliability and on more consistent fuel economy. However two strokes still dominate the Iron Dog.
Q: Is there intense rivalry between racers?
A: While it is a very competitive race, and some elements and strategies are very guarded and secretive, Iron Dog racers realize they are competing against the elements as much as they are competing against each other. Actually the veteran racers are very supportive and open to new teams. Perhaps more so than any other race.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
The teams have in the past ridden 600cc machines. Side note, a couple of us are very involved with the Iron Dog and are always looking for volunteers to help with the finish. If it wasn't for the volunteers, there would be no race!
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
If I can get the time off I think it would be fun to help or at the vary least come and see the end of the races. When and how do you sign up and could my son help as well he would go crazy over that stuff.
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
We will have alot of info at the winter show and you can always keep up on news here. We usually start looking for volunteers in January. How old is your son?
Re: just moved up and wanted to say hi
Welcome. I moved up last spring and cant wait to hit the snow. Nice looking sled BTW!!