The Toughest MTB Races on Earth (2)- Iditarod Trail Invitational
photo credit: iditarodtrailinvitational.com
This is the second post in the series: 'toughest MTB races on Earth'; earlier I wrote about the Freedom Challenge in South Africa.
I wrote a short paragraph on the Iditarod before, but I would like to provide some more information on this extremely cold and challenging race. I'm not sure if it is on my bucket list, it's far from where I am and very cold, but who knows, somebody might challenge me at some point to do it.
photo credit:iditarodtrailinvitational.com
The Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) is a very cold and extremely hard race in Alaska. It is a 1,600 km (1,000 miles) race from Seward to Nome. Originally, the trails have been established by local native people a long time ago, and was used as a route for gold seekers in the early 1900s. The trail race was originally started as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, to commemorate the sled dogs that played such an important role in the gold rush.
photo credit: bikepacking.com
Currently the race can either be done on foot, ski or on bicycle; you do have a choice of shorter distances, like 350 miles, but let's focus on the 1,000 miler. All participants in the 1,000 miler will have to complete the 350 miles at least once. The winner will do it in about 16 days, the last person in around 27 days. The race is held in early March each year. You do need proper gear if you want to finish this race (fat bikes only!), spikes, and extreme clothing if you don't want to freeze. You will also need to prepare your bike properly to prevent your gears and other items from freezing up.
photo credit: iditarodtrailinvitational.com
This race is very challenging, as the participants battle extreme physical, environmental and mental challenges. Self-sufficiency is required, as well as the considerable resilience to make it through up to 30 frozen days and nights, in inhospitable conditions and with minimal outside support. There are only three 'supply drops', where riders can collect their supplies. But you will need to carry all the gear you need to cook, eat, navigate, survive and sleep.
This video on the 350 miler gives you a short impression:
youtube: frankzetankcycle
A special mention should be made of Jay Petervary, sponsored by Salsa cycles, who has ridden the Iditarod ten times. He won the last edition in a total time of just under 17 days. Jay Petervary wrote a great story with beautiful photos of this race: https://salsacycles.com/stories/a_decade_of_diligence, enjoy!
photo credit: Salsacycles
For more information about the race: http://www.iditarodtrailinvitational.com. The 2019 entry is already closed, so you need to plan far ahead if you want to participate!
Another great article on the race can be found here: http://www.bikepacking.com/stories/trail-goes-cold/
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Damn this is intense, well at least you won't have to worry about a sore bum. It will be to numb :)
I used to do about 60 kms when I was downhill mountain biking. but those rides almost killed me as it was lol
Haha, yes, for sure, you'll be numb all over. this is really extreme though..... (and cold)!
Oh my dear god, I'd just freeze my tropical butt in there, but I'd definately try.
I have a 1600 km trip ahead, on tropical lands tough.
Yes, it gets to -30 C, that is a different piece of cake on a bike..... Which 1600 k is that / where?
Take a look on maps, from Chuí - Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil to Paraty - Rio de Janeiro. From Chuí to Rio Grande it's one gigantic nothing, 250 km of continuous beach, it's the biggest beach in the world called Cassino. I hopping to do this part in 2 days max as I've already done it by 4x4 three times.
Nice trip, good luck!
Resteemed by @resteembot! Good Luck!
Check @resteembot's introduction post or the other great posts I already resteemed.
more white people doing crazzzyyy shit
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