Iditarod Race Updates and Coverage--Ultimate Iditarod

Without a doubt the biggest story of Iditarod XXX on this first day is that reigning champion, Doug Swingley, popped the question to his girlfriend and mushing partner, Melanie Shirilla, while both were driving the team from Wasilla to Knik. Shortly after she kissed Doug goodbye, she shared the news with Jim Gallea, her Montana mushing neighbor, and co-creator of Ultimate Iditarod. Jim was able to whisper the announcement to Tyrell at the Knik checkpoint as he passed through. And then Ty and I were able to confirm the story when we interviewed Doug as he rested on the trail near Flathorn Lake. As Doug explained, with a huge grin:: "I did it about five minutes before Knik, so she wouldn't have too much time to think of it."

Naturally, speculation now centers on 'when' and 'where'. Doug did acknowledge that he and Mel are considering being married in Nome at the end of the race. But so far no firm decision has been made. After all, Melanie only had about enough time to say a quick 'yes' or 'no'. Then Doug left for the trail, and there's been no way for them to make further plans.
Be sure to check in frequently with Ultimate Iditarod to learn of further developments!

Your trail-based reporters had a fun time mingling with resting mushers this afternoon. It was a particularly beautiful day, with brilliant sunshine, and yet cool temperatures. Many Iditarod veterans like to take their first trail rest shortly after they leave Flathorn Lake, and before they descend the bank onto the Susitna River. It is approximately half way between the start in Wasilla and the Skwentna checkpoint. This area is fairly open and flat, allowing the trailbreakers to create a virtual maze of trails among the stunted birch growing in the swampy terrain. These secondary trails make great places to pull off the main race course, so teams don't block one another. It is especially important on Day 1, when teams are so close together, that they try to avoid traffic jams. Plus the dogs rest much better when teams aren't going by just inches away. The trail breakers weave in and out on both sides of the trail, coming back to the main trail frequently so that teams which do take one of the side roads can get back onto the main trail easily.

Four-time champion Doug Swingley had a wonderful spot where his dogs could rest in the sun. He had already fed them, and they were sleeping soundly. He was near the main trail, so he could watch those competitors that kept going by, and he could offer help to any mushers who decided to park their teams there. John Barron, from just outside Lincoln, MT, was resting next to Doug. And John's son, Jason Barron, along with Jason's fiancé, Harmony Kanavle, were due in shortly, so Doug asked a snowmachiner to create a new pair of rest trails next to his. When they arrived, he assisted them into their berths. Jason and Harmony also live in Lincoln, MT, so we quickly dubbed that spot, "Lincoln Park". The way Doug was standing in the center of action, supervising parking, and observing all the going-on, he looked like a combination of mayor and chief of police.

As Tyrell has explained in his update today, it's too early to tell who's 'ahead' in the race. With many teams resting on the trail, rather than in checkpoints, it is hard to gauge trail speed. And because it is the first day, virtually all teams look fresh and quick. These matters will become more obvious soon. So stay tuned!

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