Fargo man heads to Alaska for race of his life

We’re no strangers to brutal winter situations round right here.

Now attempt to think about biking round city all through the winter months.

Sound enjoyable? Now think about biking 350 miles in subzero situations as quick as you possibly can, with solely a handful of probabilities to eat and sleep.

Pals of Ryan Haug collect at Paramount Sports activities in Fargo to want him goodbye and good luck as he will get prepared for an epic journey.

He is heading off to Alaska this week, the place he is taking part within the biking division of the Iditarod 350.

It is a staggering 350 mile endurance check throughout the path. It takes days to finish, and there is solely six checkpoints for bikers to cease for meals and relaxation.

I am very nervous and really excited,” Haug stated. “And at this level, I simply form of wish to get going. As a result of for the final 12 months, I have been attempting to coach, plan, prep, fear.”

Haug says it has been a purpose of his for some time.

He is coming off a robust efficiency within the Arrowhead 135, the place he managed to bike 135 miles in freezing situations in simply over 19 hours, taking sixth place total, and first within the unsupported class.

Few would name 135 miles a “follow run”, however that is precisely what it was for Haug.

“So this might be completely different in that it will likely be a multi-day occasion,” Haug defined. “I’ve completed a multi-day occasion like within the fall summer time and stuff however not not within the winter. So this might be a problem.”

Driving 350 miles via a bitter Alaskan winter may not sound like a complete lot of enjoyable for many of us, however he is the kind of man who would not actually know the that means of the phrase cease.

“I am form of perhaps cussed,” he admits. “Simply hold going. I imply, the psychological facet of it. It is a massive a part of it. Positively. And also you simply obtained to proceed shifting.”

And that is precisely what he’ll do, all the best way to Alaska, prepared for the race of his life.

Haug flies out Wednesday. The race begins February 26.