Interesting story about some people doing the Iditarod trail by bike, skis and running. I like biking in the cold and the north, however this is too extreme for me....

From the NY Times:

SUSITNA FLATS STATE GAME REFUGE, Alaska — From Mint Glacier to the Cook Inlet, an eight-inch frozen crust sealed the deep waters of the Little Susitna River. Four racers participated in a December training session for the Iditarod Trail Invitational, which is scheduled to start on March 1, 2009. Daytime temperatures did not climb above zero.

Full article here

Way too much of the dreaded white stuff for me. Might be interesting to watch tho...

At least all of the participants in this one have the choice of going or not. As of this past spring, the dog death toll is right around 136.

Sue

A friend of mine is a bike pro and has done the 350 mile version.
She said they ride until they get cold and then walk the bike to
warm up. Many eat mostly lard for the calories. She, being a
vegetarian, uses peanut butter.

After frost nipping her fingers she now sticks to warmer races as
her other job is as a musician.

http://www.pattyjosnowkitty.com/picture.aspx?ID=14.jpg

As a long time and still current cyclist and former runner I am impressed and humbled by your friends' achievements. She has competed in some of the worlds most extreme and grueling events for cyclists and runners that I could only dream of competing in. A tip of the hat for her.