Jarvis and Jordan Miller gearing up for Iron Dog
Nome brothers Jarvis and Jordan Miller will run the 2021 Iron Dog Snow Machine Race as team 23. They are accumulating parts and getting ready to start working on their Ski-Doo machines. Jarvis lives in Nome and works for Q Trucking, Jordan is an IBEW electrician who travels a lot. “The parts are trickling into the garage and in the next week or so we should be able to start building,” said Jarvis. “It’s a long race and pretty much every nook and cranny needs to be checked, every nut and bolt. It’s quite a process. There’s bracing that needs to be done, go over everything and double check everything.”
Nome is not only the mid-point of the race but it is well-represented by riders. Mike Morgan has won twice in the past three years with Team 10 teammate Chris Olds. They finished second in the 2020 race. Micah Huss is originally from Kotzebue but the past few years he has been dividing his time between Nome and Anchorage. With teammate Ryan Sottosanti he’s finished 5th in 2019 and 6th in 2018 and 3rd in 2017.
Jarvis Miller says he’s ridden every brand of snow machine. He began racing in 2009. “Every brand there is I’ve tried. I’ve tried them all,” he said. His former team mate Amos Cruise lives in McGrath but used to live in Nome. They finished 5th in 2018. Jarvis likes the Kotzebue loop, which was new for 2020, partly because he likes the Archie Ferguson / Willie Goodwin Sr. race, an annual event in Kotzebue. “It’s beautiful country and I love that race up there,” he said. “The Archie Ferguson is one of my favorite races.” The 2020 race will be the rookie race for Jordan.
The upcoming Iron Dog starts on February 13, 2021 at Big Lake. The course is over 2,600 miles in length and takes the riders through some of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. There are about 25 teams comprised of two riders and two snow machines.
This upcoming race will be different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Race directors are determined to make the race happen and are working to overcome the obstacles presented by the virus. “It may look different than in year’s past, but the changes being made are designed to protect our friends in the checkpoints, racers, sponsors and fans,” said Executive Director John Woodbury. “All Pro and Exhibition class riders, as well as any traveling Iron Dog volunteers, race crew and officials, will be tested before leaving the starting chute. If any of these Iron Dog associates test positive, they will not be allowed to travel up the trail. Registration fees will be refunded to any racer or rider who cannot start the race due to a positive test. We will also have rapid testing in other checkpoints as needed. Racers and fans should maintain social distancing and observe CDC and community protocols. At this time, we do not anticipate hosting any indoor public activities.”
“We will consider all reasonable options that will allow the race to proceed safely. We have not ruled out postponing the event, but that is our last resort.”