The Route to McGrath 2019

My training to ski to McGrath in the Iditarod Trial Invitational has been going well.  I'll have more to post in the upcoming days.  Mostly I have been roller skiing, but I think we should start to see some snow here in another few months...

For now, I wanted to post the potential routes to McGrath which can be found here in GPX format.

The route changes a little bit every year, but in general there are five main possibilities:

1. A route similar to last year's, which is in the file labeled "2018 ITI 350 Acual with CPs (Lars Danner).gpx" --The total distance on this route is about 297 miles. 
2. The "River route to McGrath.gpx" -- this is about the same distance as the 2018 route but involves more time on the Kuskokwim River as opposed to the road into McGrath.  The river route is a bit more scenic, but if it hasn't been traveled since the last snow, the overland road route in file number 1 is really the only option.  
3. The "ITI walk to Susitna (via Flathorn L.).gpx" -- this route adds about 2.5 miles to the 2018 route, as with the river route above, trail conditions will dictate which way to go 
4. The infamous "Hells Gate Only.gpx"  -- this route adds another 30 or so miles to the 2018 route and can be super dangerous in warmer years.  This route should only be followed if the route through Rainy Pass is closed for some reason. Racers can confirm whether Rainy Pass is open at the Rainy Pass Lodge checkpoint.
5. The "Cycle Start,"  the first 36 miles for cyclists.    

Files 2-5 are not complete routes but only the segments that vary from the main route in file 1.  Files 1-4 are suitable for runners and skiers and can also be used by cyclists, but for cyclists  there is a slightly faster route that involves about 10 miles of roads at the start (file 5).  If you are on a bike, just follow the other cyclists until you get to the confluence with the Yentna river (about 34 miles in) when the cyclist's route converges with the route in file 1.  If you are on foot or skis don't follow the cyclists, there is often gravel on the roads that will scratch your sled or skis. 

In general, the first 35 miles can be a bit tricky.  Just follow the GPS route and the tracks of the person in front of you.  You should be fine.  If something doesn't seem right, stop and take your time to determine what is going on.  Using that approach I have never been lost for more than about 1/4 mile or so.

For those who like maps: Here is one that Chet Fehrmann put together for the start that you may find helpful.  In 2018 the skiers and runners almost all took the purple route and it was reasonably firm compared to the alternatives.

One more thing: before you leave any checkpoints makes sure you have someone explain to you which way to go to get on the main trail.  At Yentna its pretty easy, but most of the others are a bit tricky

I can't guarantee that the above files are error free or that any of them will be accurate for this year's race, so use them at your own risk.