> Move Iron Dog to Arizona to please people who can't handle Alaska

> What is this? Alaska's Iron Dog race is canceled due to mild winter
> conditions that may cause "safety concerns for the racers"?

> This, after the race board of directors voted to increase the snowmachine
> engine limit to 1000 cc, thus allowing machines that travel at 130 mph.

> This, after 19 years of running this rugged, uniquely Alaskan event where
> rookies and veterans willingly accept the inherent challenges in the
world's
> longest snowmachine race.

> This, just two weeks before the start of this internationally known event
> that helps put Alaska on the map.

> This decision was made by those who say they're now worried about
injuries,
> possible environmental damage and potential lawsuits resulting from
> less-than-perfect winter conditions along the demanding route.

> This is Alaska, and this is the Iron Dog! It's not supposed to be easy,
and
> conditions aren't supposed to be perfect! If organizers are looking for a
> perfect trail, then let's move the thing to a pretty, groomed trail in a
> state like Arizona where more bureaucratic, politically correct,
cautionary
> rules and regulations will create the risk-free environment some are
> evidently seeking.

> Just when you think you've seen it all, Alaska's Iron Dog gets canceled
> because it's concluded it's now too challenging, even for the experienced
> racers who are willing and raring to go.

> -- Sarah Palin

> Wasilla

> I wonder if bothers wearing a seatbelt?  Maybe I should hope that she
> doesn't, for everyone's sake.