"The thought originates in the same primitive part of your brain that was attracted to mushing.

In a modern world, this primitive conclusion is laughable and inconsequential. But, for some reason, it is important to you. It is very clear. You are certain.

THOSE BASTARDS THINK THEIR DOG IS FASTER THAN MY DOG. And here begins the downward financial spiral and near total disruption of your career." - Joe Runyan, 'Winning Strategies for Distance Mushers', p.4

  When Rodeo started giving tours in 1996, he swore he would never race.  He thought he was too big

  That was until he volunteered as a handler at a race in West Yellowstone.  While helping 4 time Iditarod champion Doug Swingly to the starting line, Rodeo felt the awesome power of a well trained team of sled dogs. Doug won that race with at least 80 pounds of extra weight in the sled. It was just another training run for Doug, but for rodeo it was a new discovery - distance racing, where mushers must carry the extra weight of all the gear and supplies necessary to survive over long distances. Being big can be an advantage when driving a heavy sled over all kinds of terrain for hundreds of miles.

    Since that first handling experience Rodeo has been building his own team of well trained huskies, with the ultimate goal of running the Iditarod. This past 2005-2006 season he completed the mandatory qualifying races, placing 5th in the 200 mile Seeley Lake Race and placing 11th in the 350 mile Race To The Sky. After completing training and getting set to run the 2007 Iditarod, expenses forced Rodeo's withdrawal.

     Rodeo hasn't quit, the delay is heartbreaking though.