HUMAN

Name: Travis Beals

Residence: Seward, Alaska

Age: 30

Occupation: Tour operator & dog musher.

Years involved with Iditarod: This is my ninth Iditarod.

Past Iditarod Roles: Musher

Current Location: Lakefront Hotel, Alaska
Date of Photo: March 3, 2022

Temperature: 68 F Indoors

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

I first became involved in Iditarod, or interested, when I was right around four years old. My mom had dogs. We raced sprint dogs through the school program of the IditaRead and following, and just really fell in love with the sport, and knew from a very young age that that’s something I wanted to chase and pursue.

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

I’m here today involved with the Iditarod because I have a passion and a love for the outdoors and dogs, and I guess we mix in a little bit of competition, and we’ve had a little bit of luck out there, so we’re chasing the dream.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences, probably leaving Unalakleet on my rookie run in 2013. Up to that point, I didn’t know what 1,000 miles was, or if I was going to make it. And I remember leaving Unalakleet with I think 12 or 13 dogs barking and screaming, and just driving, going down the trail super happy. And I knew at that moment I was going to make it to Nome.
Interviewer:

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is it’s short, and you should probably chase your dreams, and everything’s ever-changing, so enjoy the time you have.