Photo Gallery - Iditarod 2011

Read archived Team Baker Comments Iditarod 2011

Finish in Nome - March 15, 2011

ReStart in Willow - March 6, 2011

Ceremonial Start in Anchorage - March 5, 2011

Photos and comments from Iditarod 2011

Greeted by so many upon his arrival at the Kotzebue airport John is appreciative of the outpouring of support and congratulatory messages from everyone.
Team Baker's lead dogs were honored by all the mushers when awarded the Golden Harness Award in recognition as the top canine athletes of the race. Shy and laid back, Velvet is a natural leader; and Snickers is the team's secret weapon with the ability to generate more team speed.
As Team Baker approached the burled arches in Nome John heard the sound of beating drums and songs of the Yup'ik and Inupiat. The drums, like the beating of his heart, conveyed the exhilaration he felt while guiding the dogs through the chute through to the finish line.
Record setting 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, 36 seconds!
The relationship between dog driver and dogs evolves over time and building a good team takes vision and commitment. Similarly Team Baker has many, many people who share John’s vision and a family of sponsors who have made a long-term investment to pursue shared goals. This commitment to each other is built on relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
A positive energy gains momentum with an outpouring of support greeting Team Baker at each checkpoint and comparisons to local Iditarod legends Herbie Nayokpuk and Joe Garnie. This large showing of support is described by Baker as "inspirationa"l and he says, "No matter what the outcome the honor is appreciated."
Strong and steady this is Rambo’s fifth Iditarod and just like his sister, Velvet, he makes the distance running business look easy. This quiet and serious team of huskies is steadily heading up the trail at a comfortable pace and for them its business as usual.
Team Baker is greeted with warm welcome in Unalakleet. While leading by 2 ½ hours Baker is keenly aware of the tough competitors also in hot pursuit of the winning title. Both John and the dogs display a mental toughness honed by the arctic environment as they push on up the coast.
When the team hit the Yukon they exhibited energy. Team Baker has the powerful combination of a high performing team and a focused dog driver. In sled dog racing a musher and the dogs need each other to accomplish what they are truly capable of achieving. Let’s see what this team can do together!
Confident with uncertainty about the outcome, John has a strong competitive nature coupled with an immense respect for his competitors. In this highly competitive sport, respect is truly the ultimate competitive advantage. Baker says, “Still miles to go and anything can happen.”
Typically under the radar, the spotlight is now on Team Baker as they move into the second half of the race. Unaffected by the excitement, the dogs are quiet, serious, and attentive. Focused and driven, John maintains a momentum of steady calm as the team heads north.
A strong leader makes all the difference and without a good leader many teams fail. Team Baker is fortunate to have many leaders including Velvet, Snickers, Riot, Jazz, and River; and also two up and coming leaders Summit and Sonar. See the team roster for more info.
Traditional Inupiat foods are what sustained people in the arctic for thousands of years. John carries a Niqipiat mix of dried meats, fish, maktak, and greens in seal oil. In sub-zero temperatures the human body needs fats and oils which this snack definitely delivers.
John Guthrie's kindergarten class at Sonoma Elementary School in Grand Rapids, Michigan is tracking the Iditarod and Team Baker. All 23 students got Baker posters and dog booties from the team’s stop at Rainy Pass. The kids are rooting for John’s first Iditarod victory!
The teams often run through checkpoints yet mushers take time to greet supporters and sign autographs. The community support at each checkpoint does plenty to boost a musher’s energy during the race. If you see Team Baker on the trail, post photos and comments on Facebook at John Baker Iditarod Update.
The stretch from Rohn to Nikolai is approximately 75 miles and Team Baker did the run in 8h45m. After feeding and caring for the dogs, John took a nap in the sunshine. The warm temperatures, near 20F during the day and 0F at night, are expected to continue Check weather at www.wunderground/...iditarod
Baker dogs are bred for arctic conditions and long runs. The 2011 Iditarod team includes 11 females and 5 males. There are 13 veterans with 39 years of combined Iditarod experience. Add John’s 15 years that’s a total of 54 years of trail experience and race knowledge!
After a 3-hour rest Baker pulled out of Rainy Pass at 5:02pm for the 48 mile run to the other side of the Alaska Range arriving in to Rohn at 8:58pm. The fastest travel time from Rainy Pass to Rohn was Buser in 3h:31m followed by Mackey with 3h:38m then Neff at 3h:42m and Williams, Jr. at 3h:51m and Baker at 3h:56m.
She Wrote to Ride in Dogsled Brandolyn Ahyakak won the opportunity to ride in the Team Baker sled at the ceremonial start by submitting the winning essay in a contest sponsored by Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. The 12-year old wrote about the Inupiat traditions she practices with her family in Nome. Congratulations Brandolyn!
Dogs Run Anchorage! Downtown Anchorage is alive with excitement as dog teams leave the chute two minutes apart and traverse the city for the ceremonial start. View more photos at the John Baker Iditarod Update page on Facebook and www.alaskadispatch.com
Ceremonial Start in Anchorage
Team of Veteran Huskies Velvet and Snickers led Team Baker out of Willow with steady confidence. The team roster includes Iditarod veterans Kona, Huffy, Riot, Next, Fender, Jazz, River, Mongoose, Sonar, Rambo, and Summit. Three rookies joined the team this year and they are Rapid, Ripple, and Speckle.
John walks with Snickers and Velvet as they lead the team to the chute in Willow. Check for regular updates on Facebook at the John Baker Iditarod Update page and www.iditarod.com for race standings.
Team Baker Raring to Go! With quiet, calm steadiness Team Baker moved closer to the chute in Willow. After the final countdown “3-2-1” they were off! Check for regular updates on Facebook at the John Baker Iditarod Update page.
What is John Tweeting About? A musher spends hours on the sled runners, watching and working with their team of athletic canines. John generously shares his knowledge of sled dogs, racing, and arctic survival. To learn about his thoughts on leadership and teamwork follow JB on Twitter @TeamJohnBaker.
Extensive medical examinations are required of the dogs before the race. Team Baker visited caring and friendly ‘family doc’ veterinarian Dr. Phil Meyer. Our girl, River, suggests you check out the Wasilla Veterinary Clinic for the high quality medical and surgical needs of all your pets at: www.wasillavet.com/
There will be sixty-two teams leaving town and John will be wearing bib #53. Watch Team Baker leave downtown Anchorage at 11:46am Alaska Time on Saturday, March 5, 2011. For a complete list of mushers and their bib numbers go to www.iditarod.com/race/musherlisting.html
Bob Baker and his dog, O’Malley, discovered a significant ore deposit in northwest Alaska. Named in their honor, the Red Dog Mine is the world’s largest producer of zinc concentrate. The special relationship continues with the Red Dog Mine operator Teck as a member of Team Baker at www.reddogalaska.com
Thanks to Josie Sampson and all our family and friends who support Team Baker. You help us seek to achieve beyond our current known capabilities. To connect with you during the Iditarod Sled Dog Race we are on Facebook and Twitter@TeamJohnBaker.
Rural Alaskans rely on air services and the shipping experts are on our team! NAC transports supplies for Team Baker quickly and efficiently throughout the year. During the racing season NAC provides transportation for our team of arctic huskies. NAC can take care of your shipping needs. Go to NAC for teamwork that delivers at www.nacargo.com
A sweet-natured leader, Velvet makes running a thousand miles look eas giving the impression that it’s no big deal. Her calm demeanor positively influences the rest of the Team. Today, a little bird has captured Velvet’s gaze . . . you can follow Velvet and her team on Twitter @TeamJohnBaker.
Kotzebue has been pummeled with howling winds and adverse flying conditions. Amidst the chaos and excitement of packing food and supplies, John, watches the weather. For current conditions go to www.wunderground.com