Keeping track of all this has been a blast!
Although I am not there, I want to be.  It is like the urge you get when you receive the latest bike magazine in the mail.  You just want to be a part of it and ride. 
Alas, I am pounding at the keys on the Mac and gazing out the window.  No matter though! 
My time will come.  Until then, lets see where things stand in the Iditarod.

Mr. Basinger left the final checkpoint shortly before 2pm (all times Alaskan).  With only 50 miles remaining, I believe it is safe to say that the number one position will be claimed this evening. 

A crew of 8 including Aaron (in tow :) took off from Finger Lake this morning.  Leader board indicates they took off shortly after 1am.  A change from the previously planned day riding idea.  None the less, Aaron made it to Puntilla at 10:38am and is currently hanging there.  It is a 45 mile trip from Puntilla to Rohn where I suspect him and Jon Orban will conquer in the wee hours.  IF, that is, the trail crew is able to clear out some foliage allowing the 30+ miles detour to be avoided.  As of this writing, their 45 mile trip is going to be closer to 80. 
I anticipate that some serious gear checking is going on. 

Beyond that, Rohn to Nikolai is an additional 80 mile journey.  For anyone completing this for the first time, the additional mileage is a major milestone.  Kathi indicated that Aaron and Jon were pretty bummed about the detour.  It is certainly not something you want to take lightly.  The temperatures are hitting -20's and -30's consistently.  You either have it together or you scratch. 

Aaron somehow got his numb hands on a computer today to email and chastise me for writing about the adventure. 
In an effort to maintain a professional and polished web presence, I will not repeat the official MoCycling response to Aaron's accosting remarks.
I will only say keep up the peddling Aaron! 

I am watching you!

Love, Matt

---

Check point 2 is at the 90 mile marker.  Mr. Benetti has officially made if further than the previous 2 attempts.
Checking in at 11:43am, Aaron has been at it for close to 22 hours with an average speed of 4.15 mph.  This effort puts him in 13th place and on track to finish in about 63 hours, give a few for rest and reload. 

Several pictures can be found HERE for your enjoyment!

It is difficult to imagine riding in such extremes.  The cold, skin numbing wind and barren night landscape have to play tricks on your head.  The tunneled focus of light emanating from your headlamp leave little for a rider to play with in terms of seeking unique and awe inspiring landscapes. 
Get bored looking straight ahead?  Well, there is the same thing to the left and right.  Snow Snow Snow! 

Looks like the weather tonight will mirror last nights.  Slightly warmer at -5 to -15 below and slight winds.  No new snow to trudge through making the 4 mph average attainable again.

Exciting Stuff Folks!!!!

Some details from the invitational.

14 have made it to Luce's with 11 back on the trail (according to update as of about 9 pm Alaskan time).
They are really expecting some fast times with the trail conditions and that is already being seen by these results.

Send a message to the racers at kathih@alaskaultrasport.com

View the latest news and pics HERE

According to Mrs. Merchant, " The race startet at Knik Lake today at 2 PM. 31 racers left the starting line biking (19), skiing (1)and walking (11) into the cold breezy air. This year the temparature at the start was at a sunny 10 F degrees with temperatures expected to drop down to -30 F during the first night. The trail conditions look very good and fast for the bikers. The 80 mile section from Rohn to Nikolai has very little snow and the rivers are hardpacked."

---

Stand by for more throughout the day!

And they're off!

As of 5pm central time the competitors of the Iditarod Trail Invitational are trudging through the northern tundra in an attempt to traverse the Alaskan countryside.

A fellow riding buddy, Aaron Benetti, has been on the bike for close to 7 hours now (as of this writing) and is anticipating a fast coarse with some record times for this years event.  In an email he sent yesterday, Aaron indicated at "The trail looks to be fast this year due to subzero temps and little snow fall."  In addition to many gear changes and teaming up with a fellow rider for some much needed company, Aaron's expectations of not only finishing but doing so quickly (about 5 days) may be experienced. 

For those of you interested in following the race and keeping up with all the contenders and their positions checkpoint by checkpoint, go to the standings page.

According to the National Weather Service, the current temperature is -24 and should reach a max during the day of -4 to 0 (F).  The night is clear with little wind and minor threat of precipitation.  Overall, the average rate of speed between 5 and 7 miles per hour should be obtained.

Stay tuned for more updates as the race progresses.

Man I am so busy
Sure, you do not have any idea who I am because I have not touched this tiny space of the web-O-sphere but believe you me, I am getting there.  There being here.  Doing stuff like this.  Typing...and such.

Anyway, to start I would like to turn you on to the latest fashion trend for hard core off road MTB.  Woody's Custom Fenders!

This is some sexy wood! (Can I say that?)

I would seriously try a pair of these on my 29er for a muddy ride while wearing my Sunday best. 

I know everyone is so anxious for some MoCycling podcasting so, please hang in their.
Some topics to look forward to are:

Only in the Ozarks-Rides you will only find in these parts.
Local Yocal-What is going on in this back yard.
National Nooze-Duh.
Where the dirt road begins-All MTB Baby!
Serenity Now!-Caution!  Side effects of hard core two wheeling.

More topics to come...as I think them up.