HUMAN

Name: Tony Bove

Age: 50

Residence:  Bend, Oregon

Occupation:  Chef, Glass Artist

Years involved with Iditarod: 14

Iditarod Roles: Volunteer/Chef

Current Location: McGrath, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 10, 2022

Temperature: 19F Outdoors

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first became involved in the Iditarod associated with McDougall Lodge, a landmark place on the Yentna River. It’s 70 miles from the official start out of Willow. And that was in 2008-09. Did that for a couple years, been working for lodges, and I got a call four years ago on a three day notice to come to McGrath because they were short a chef. And that was probably in ’18 or ’17. And I’ve been here ever since in the winter.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod? 

I do the Iditarod every year. I’m here today and involved with the Iditarod because I’ve become to know some of the pilots, veterinarians, airport people, people in town, volunteers just in for a day. I give a cup of soup to, and they’re all hard workers. Good people from all over. It’s a great team. I wouldn’t come if they all sucked. But, that’s why I come to the Iditarod, and it’s a good time. I get some crazy flights in to where I’m working sometimes. That makes it all worth it.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was on the Yentna River at McDougall Lodge. They have a huge bonfire outside, and we get to watch all the racers go by, all 60 or 70 competitors. And they say and shout out their name and see all the dogs pick up their little booties. That’s the heart of it, to see the racers, what it’s all built around. That’s one of my best memories.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is, while I’m still breathing, I’m going to be waking up early. I don’t have a choice. Doesn’t matter. I’m up at 5:30, 6, 4. That’s my story. I’m sticking to it.