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‘National Geographic Adventurer of the Year’ Andrew Skurka & Payge McMahon at AT Festival in NC

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Payge
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McMahon caught up with National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year,’ uber-distance & ultra-light weight backpacker Andrew Skurka  at the AT Founders’ Bridge Festival in Bryson City, NC.

Skurka, has packed and rafted over 30,000 miles in North America.  He most recently finished a solo Alaska-Yukon Expedition, hiking-rating-skiing over 4,700 miles in 6 months.

When asked if she would ever consider one of Skurka’s expeditions, McMahon confesses, ‘it would be tempting’.  “Andrew is a methodical planner and an amazing long distance adventurer.  He does things most people can’t even contemplate nor would they even consider attempting.”

Andrew says, “Payge, is an adventurer for the masses. She inspires everyday people to DO their bucket lists, how to do it affordably and gives them ideas of new items to put on it.”

Both athletes promote getting people in the outdoors, the importance of living life to the fullest and challenging yourself.

When asked, what his next adventure is going to be, Andrew says “I’m just living life right now.  I’m not really sure yet.”

In the meantime, McMahon is planning an expedition to backpack part of ‘The Great Himalaya Trail’ this Fall.

For more information on Andrew Skurka: http://www.andrewskurka.com/index.php

The 39th Annual Iditarod = the Super Bowl of Sled Dog Races and NASCAR…hmmmm

By
Payge
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Exciting, Breathtaking, Colorful, Tradition and Pageantry are the words I use to describe attending the 39th Annual Iditarod.  It was my first time at the Super Bowl of sled dog races and truly one of the most amazing things I’ve EVER witnessed…

I had the pleasure of co-hosting Alaska’s most popular adventure show on Alaska HDTV with 5th generation Alaskan, Scott Slone.  I was a wide eyed kid in a candy store and bursting with excitement as I took in my first Iditarod ceremonial start & restart in downtown Anchorage and Willow.

Energy filled the arctic air on 4th avenue in Anchorage at the ceremonial start on Saturday, March 5th.  The streets were lined with thousands of fur hats and parka wearing fans from all over the world including; Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, South Africa, Texas and Pennsylvania.

Dogs were jumping up and down, excited to run.  Handlers and Mushers worked to put their teams together.  One by one, the announcer broadcast team after team setting them on their way through the streets of Anchorage.  It was a fun, relaxed environment for the mushers.  The next day would be a little different at the actual start in Willow.

The actual start of the 1049 mile race began on a frozen lake in Willow, AK.  Two hours from Anchorage, even more people came to cheer their mushers on.  It was like being in the infield of a NASCAR race.  The fans were snowmobiling, tailgating, cooking up reindeer dogs and caribou steaks.

Like a NASCAR Race, the mushers arrived and gathered in ‘the pit’ or staging area adjacent to the long trail start. The ‘pit’ is buzzing with kennel trucks, gear, media, handlers and family.  Mushers are the drivers and their handlers the crew chiefs.  Sleds are their cars and instead of horsepower, they run on DOG POWER!!

Excitement and nerves were in the air this time.  Getting ready to start one of the most grueling endurance races on earth is not something to be taken likely.  Imagine running 18 marathons in sub-zero tempatures, driving the Daytona 500 and THEN doing an Iron Man all within 9-13 days!!! Of the 62 mushers who started in Willow, not all would finish.  Who will make it and who won’t?

Tune into Alaska HDTV (http://www.alaskahdtv.com/2011/iditarod-2011-videos/) and see our coverage of the start of the 39th Annual Iditarod and interviewers with 4X champ and cancer survivor, Lance Mackey, Jamaican Musher Newton Marshall and Rookie Jody Bailey.   For actual race results go to www.iditarod.com.

Canada Goose sponsors American Adventure Athlete, Payge McMahon

By
Payge
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Canada Goose, the leading manufacturer of extreme cold weather coats, is sponsoring American adventure athlete, Payge McMahon.

Founded in 1957 in Toronto, Canada, Canada Goose has grown to nearly $100M in annual revenue.

Canada Goose is equally at home in the weather research stations of the frigid South Pole as it is on the windswept Iditarod dog sledding trial in Alaska, on movie sets in remote locations around the world, and in the most exclusive high-fashion centres. Wherever people need protection from the elements, top quality and iconic style, you’ll find Canada Goose.

For more information and to find out where you can buy Canada Goose products: www.canada-goose.com

Payge McMahon Joins Scott Slone as Co-Host of “Alaska with Scott Slone” on Alaska HDTV

By
Payge
0

Anchorage, AK (February, 2011) – Alaska HDTV announced today that adventure athlete and writer Payge McMahon will join Scott Slone as co-host of “Alaska with Scott Slone” Alaska HDTV’s popular online adventure travel show. In her new roll co-hosting with Scott Slone, she will be providing coverage of the 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Payge McMahon is a known adventure athlete, world traveler, writer, and popular web personality with sponsors and fans worldwide. Payge has climbed the highest mountains in Africa, Japan and the continental United States, cycled through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, backpacked across Northern Spain, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and California’s 221 mile John Muir Trail. She has trekked through the deserts of Egypt and Jordan, the Amazon Rainforest and the list goes on!

The Iditarod is adventure at it’s best, which is why it’s been Dubbed “The Last Great Race On Earth.” The famed Iditarod trail pits men, women, and dogs against Alaska’s bitter arctic cold, raging blizzards, and unforgiving mountain terrain as they wind their way north along frozen rivers and historic trails.

The Iditarod was inspired after a deadly diphtheria brake out in Nome, Alaska back in 1925. Short on medical supplies, this initiated an almost impossible relay of life-saving serum from Anchorage back to Nome. The monumental and historic event was a success and the remotely located village along the Bering Sea was saved!

Today this relay is celebrated by a world wide audience as these teams make the same journey north of some 1049 miles to Nome, Alaska.

Scott: “As an Alaska adventure and travel show, we’re focused on seizing opportunities for Alaska HDTV to innovate and grow,” said Scott Slone, producer of, Alaska with Scott Slone. “Expanding the content of “Alaska HDTV” ties into our commitment to consistently increase our programmatic offerings and better serve Alaska HDTV viewers with great content, diverse voices and unique experiences.”

Be sure to catch Scott Slone and Payge McMahon for Iditarod 39 – Series will start March 5th 2011 on AlaskaHDTV.com.

About Alaska HDTV
Alaska HDTV is product of Perfect Blend Media, LLC an Alaska digital media production company based in Anchorage, Alaska. Perfect Blend Media, LLC is a boutique production company specialized in creating mixed media productions that reach the correct audience with the right message at the right time – in the right place. We use a blend of new media applications including podcasts, mobile apps and social media with a dash of traditional media tactics such as TV, DVD and out of home marketing.

Alaska HDTV is a series of shows produced in high definition – dedicated to sharing the Alaska experience. “Alaska with Scott Slone” is a show where viewers join fifth generation Alaskan Scott Slone as he hikes, boats, climbs and travels throughout some of the most awe-inspiring locations in the last frontier. These TV-style show are produced in (HD) high definition, each episode averages 10 minutes in length for digital media, and 30 minute segments for TV, DVD, Mobile and Video on demand networks. Website: www.alaskahdtv.com

Media Contact:
 Jeanne Newman | [email protected] | 1.206.201-2457

Country Musicians, Fox Sports Analyst & Mascot Offer Inspirational Words to Iditarod Mushers

By
Payge
0

As I get ready to travel from Nashville, TN to Anchorage, Alaska, to cover the 39th Annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race, I visited with a few TN folks to get their inspirational words for those competing in the upcoming race.

My first stop was in Pottsville, TN to visit with country duo Joey & Rory. Aside from their hit songs you can download from iTunes, they have a fun, yet quietly known tribute CD to dogs called “The Dog Singer.”

Their words of wisdom:

“Your dogs will take you where you are supposed to be and even though they are your workforce, they are your companions. Take care of them, love them and they will never let you down.”

My next stop was with former University of Tennessee Vol’s, Charles Davis. Now a popular Fox Sports & NFL Network analyst, he offered some words of inspiration specifically to the rookie Iditarod musher from TN, Dr. James Bardoner.

“Doc, my man! What makes the volunteer state so great is our willingness to go above and beyond. We achieve and get it done! Just go out and represent us proudly as we know you plan to do!”

Finally, I met with Nashville’s adorable NHL Predator’s mascot, Nash. Not one to mix words and using universal sign language, his advice for the mushers to get through the 1,150 mile endurance race, “Drink Heavily!”

From Tennessee, to all the mushers competing in the 39th Annual Iditarod Sled Race, good luck, be safe and happy trails!

*If you would like to purchase Joey & Rory’s, ‘The Dog Singer” CD, e-mail: [email protected]

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