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The Iditarod has for decades been one of Alaska’s most iconic events. Mushers and dog teams race across more than a thousand miles of the region’s desolate landscape, fighting off challenges ranging from zero degree visibility, dangerous hills, steep slopes and icy winds. Not exactly a day of golf, and certainly not for the faint hearted.
Now, a 28 year old Alaskan woman plans to compete in a slightly different version of the race. Jill Homer will follow part of the Iditarod terrain — approximately 250 miles of it – on bicycle, in what promises to be one of the most demanding human endurance accomplishments ever. Homer will begin her challenge on February 24, 2008, and will be accompanied by a group of 50. She has already begun training for two hours a day in preparation for the event.
For those who want to follow this brave woman’s journey, Jill is recording her planning for the big event in her blog, Up in Alaska. Her journey is expected to last 5 days, compared to 10-17 days for the original event.