Photos

With the shop clean and 3 sleds (Dan's mini-z and my brand new Polaris Dragon 600), we are ready to start wrenching.

Ahhhhh, a brand new sled.....now let's TEAR it apart without ever even starting it!

Dan's new sled finally arrives! As you can see, Lahka's brand new sled is half dismantled....):

Look at that stud......ding pattern!

Lahka begins the process of installing his shock tower braces. He's smiling in this picture, but two days later he was still working on the installation and the smile was gone!

Real Iron Doggers take try and think of anything that will give them an advantage. Lahka thought it would be a good idea to start wearing his goggles while working on sleds, so his face and eyes would become accustomed to them:)

????????????????.............huh? Top secret Iron Dog plans.....ooops. Dan was actually e-mailing this to a friend so they could pick us up this part from the store. He was worried they might get it wrong:)

Hmmmmm, I've got an idea. Let's drill big holes in our brand new track and then spend $300 just to fill them back in again!

When you're on a budget, you create your own parts. Lahka used an OEM Polaris add-on vent as a pattern and then just drilled some holes! As good as OEM!

Consorting with the competition.

Taking a break from Iron Dog prep and enjoying New Year's Eve in Nome.

I have three words for this race: "Suspension, Suspension, Suspension!"

Lahka fabbing up a little extra bracing.

Dan adding some bracing to the undercarriage. This little project took Dan 20+ hours.

Lahka thought he might get a dog food sponsor next year until he realized this was the Iron Dog not the Iditarod.

(Below) White out conditions (typical weather conditions on the coast).

Lauren Otton feeds Lahka's assistant Riley.

Dan setting up his practice sled...a 10 HP MiniZ!

Working late into the night.

Lahka's first try with a the grinder...OUCH!

Noyuk, helping out with putting velcro on the gas tank. Two weeks later, Lahka finds that Noyuk put the hook (soft side) of the velcro on both the machine and the tank. It doesn't stick too well this way, Noyuk.

Putting parts back on!

On the trail to Skwentna.

Evan was right. We don't need to brace our front torque arms.

Dan contemplates a quick trail fix.

Two willow splints, a saw, velcro and 20 below. Will it hold? Only 40 more miles to Shell Lake and then back to Big Lake.

Back on the trail.

Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker in the background.

Lahka trying to pretend that he's not cold.

Lahka posing again.

Yetna River on the way to Skwentna.

Lahka dries out his clothes at Shell Lake lodge while Tanner remains uninterested (just watch out for your gloves!). Thanks Zoa for the tang, pretzels and cheese.

Lahka celebrates the willow & velcro fix at Shell Lake. Now only 90 something miles back to Big Lake...if we don't get lost.

Hmmmm...these bolt holes aren't lining up. It helps if the undercarriage is not upside down, Dan!

The Peacock has survived 2 Iron Dogs and is getting ready for round three.

Real men sew!!!

Real men aren't too proud to call their mom for sewing advice.

Staged in the pit at the start.

Daniel & Lahka finally at the starting line.

5...4...3...2...1... And they're off!!!

"Go Uncle Daniel and Lahka!"

Team 1- Dan stuck in the infamous "Steps".

Team 13- Jade Greene (right). Frost bite driving from Rohn to

McGrath (-34 F in Rohn). Reuben Cunningham (left).

Team 1- Lahka's machine after a wreck just five miles away from Unalakleet. Left handle bar bent down to the gas tank, shattered side panel, and busted winshield.

Team 1- Dan rebending Lahka's handle bar while Lahka

replaces his right hand warmer.

Team 1- Another angle...

Team 1- Lahka's machine patched up and ready to go (in UNK).

Team #8 in Unalakleet????

Daniel in Unalakleet????

Team #8 leaving Unalakleet????