ikh wrote:And Ralph Johannessen has scratched in Levajok.
Nooo...
Darn it.
I’ve admired Ralph ever since 2014 when he finished the Iditarod in 22nd as a rookie. Quite impressive considering he had to take his 24 in Rohn to repair his busted sled after going through the Gorge (putting him in last) and endured the pain of several broken ribs and a clavicle the rest of the race. Oh, and he also broke his nose going across a creek! He doubted he’d ever be back, yet he came back in 2016 and finished 8th, and last year was 17th. He has also won the Finnmarkslopet. Many of his dogs come from Susan Butcher bloodlines (I met her, btw!)
Ralph’s a likable guy - and funny too. I really hope he comes back to Alaska next year.