[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARCTIC MAN RACE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize 
the 25th anniversary of the Arctic Man race, one of the most unique 
competitive events in winter sports. Combining downhill skiing, 
snowboarding, skijoring, and snowmachine racing, Arctic Man exemplifies 
Alaska's rugged outdoor spirit.
  Every year, 13,000 spectators ride their snowmachines up to a 
magnificent alpine setting between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, to 
watch this impressive spectacle. The race combines athleticism and 
horsepower as a two-man team, consisting of one downhill skier or 
snowboarder and one snowmachiner, navigate a perilous course at high 
speeds. With the firing of the starting pistol, athletes lunge down a 
1,700 foot drop in less than two miles, without the aid of ski poles. 
As the skiers approach the bottom of the hill, they merge into a narrow 
canyon and grab a rope tethered to their partners' snowmachine to then 
be towed at speeds of up to 86 miles per hour for 2\1/4\ miles uphill. 
This difficult intersection can decide the race, as the snowmachine 
must perfectly match the skier's or boarder's speed and course while 
also effectively getting the pull rope into the athlete's hand. Once 
the team reaches the top of the mountain, the skier or snowboarder 
releases the tow rope and is slingshotted down another 1,200 foot 
descent to slip through the gates at the finish line.
  When these men and women mount the slopes, they exhibit an admirable 
model of aggressive athleticism and backcountry moxie to make this one 
of Alaska's most remarkable competitions. As this year's competitors 
prepare for the Arctic Man challenge, fine tuning their snowmachines, 
waxing their skis, and practicing their technique, I would like to wish 
them all good luck and a safe race!
  I would also like to commend Arctic Man founder Howard Thies, whose 
bold idea for a high speed race in the Hoodoo Mountains has become a 
twenty-five year Alaskan tradition. In addition, I would like to take 
this opportunity to applaud the efforts of the many volunteers and 
organizers who have facilitated this race throughout the years. Without 
their hard work, this quintessential frontier gathering would not be 
possible.
  Having attended this event before, I can attest that it is one of the 
most exciting and exhilarating competitions which I have ever 
witnessed. I look forward to joining my fellow Alaskans at this year's 
Arctic Man to celebrate its 25th year of competition.

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