Butler native rides in ceremonial start of Iditarod
STERLING, Alaska — Cross one off the bucket list.
Former Butler resident Cindy Anthony recently rode in a sled mushed by Marcelle Fressineau during the ceremonial 11-mile start of the The Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska.
Anthony, 57, was able to ride in the sled through winning an auction for one of the seats at a banquet preceding the event.
“That was definitely on her bucket list. It’s something she’s wanted to do since we’ve been out here,” her husband, John Anthony, said.
The couple lived in Butler for 20 years before moving to Alaska eight years ago. They had honeymooned there after their wedding and have spent vacations in the state.
“We’ve always loved Alaska and decided that once my husband retired, we would move out here while we were still young enough to enjoy it,” Cindy said.
That enjoyment included the 900-plus mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across the state. The Anthonys have been spectators each year at the race start in Anchorage.
Each year, Anthony tried landing a spot in a sled via the auction. This year, he succeeded. There were 78 spots available and approximately 200 bidders.
The top mushers’ bids go as high as $7,500 for the 11-mile jaunt.
“It was a thrill,” Cindy said. “But the weather was horrible. It rained like crazy and the trail was really slushy. For only the second time in the race’s history (since 1973), they had to move the official start to Fairbanks because there wasn’t enough snow here.
“The musher guides the sled, never gets in it ... Occasionally, the musher will stand on the back rails and ride. It was tough to navigate through the elements, but the dogs will run through anything.”
Fressineau, 60, finished in 62nd place.
She finished last in the 2014 race.
Fressineau’s sled crashed into a telephone pole while Anthony was riding. It veered off the trail a few times as well.
“The dogs missed the pole. I didn’t,” Anthony said, laughing. “It was OK, though. The sled slid into it from the side and we were alright.
“I received a whole new perspective and respect for that event, the dogs and the mushers, just how difficult it is. That was only 11 miles and it took close to an hour. I can’t imagine doing that for days.”
Rows of people line the streets for the start of the race and Anthony said people stood along the side of the trail for much of her 11-mile ride.
“It really is a community thing. Everyone is enthusiastic and excited to be there,” she said.
There are 16 dogs pulling each sled. Alaska resident Dallas Seavey, 28, won The Iditarod for the third time in four years, completing the course in eight days and 13 hours. Some competitors take as long as 15 days to finish the course.
Food for the dogs is flown out to various checkpoints along the trail. The Anthonys are looking to return to the Butler area next year.
“We’ve experienced so many things this great state has to offer,” John said. “We even camped a few feet away from grizzly bears at a national park.
“I’m happy Cindy was finally able to ride in the Iditarod. That’s going out with a bang.”
