Leaving the prior checkpoint of Rohn, mushers steeled themselves for what Iditarod officials described as the worst moguls in the history of the race, comparing the stretch to a washboard with 4-foot-high bumps.

Some mushers say the lessons they learned doing other sports have helped them harness the discipline needed to keep going, and to navigate the twists and turns of the trail.

Most sled dogs prefer racing in below-zero temperatures, and the 40 degrees and intense sun Monday afternoon — hot by Alaska winter standards — prompted many teams to stop and rest here through the heat of the day.

CEO Rob Urbach said the low sign-up is partly driven by just coincidence in timing, as some mushers sit out because of injuries, retirement and mid-career breaks.

Iditarod rookie Jed Stephensen said he was trying to have “only little thoughts” as he packed his final items in his sled in Willow.

The 2023 Iditarod kicks off Saturday with a ceremonial start in Anchorage followed by an official race start in Willow. From there, 33 mushers and dozens of sled dogs will make the 1,000-mile dash to Nome. It’s the smallest group of teams in the Iditarod’s history, but it’s a pretty competitive one.