Category archives: People

On a recent episode of the Burled Arch podcast, we profiled Iditarod veteran musher Bailey Cross Vitello.

Photo credit: Bailey Cross Vitello/Go Fund Me page

Fan-favorite, Team Bailey is running in the 2025 Iditraod using “The Force”, the force of his mighty team and his…mullet!

In the snowy landscapes of Alaska, a young and spirited musher named Bailey Cross Vitello devoted his heart and soul to the world of dog sledding. Officially known as Iditarod Finisher #827, Bailey’s journey began long before he crossed the finish line in Nome; it started in his early childhood, deeply rooted in family tradition.

Bailey was born into a lineage of mushers, being the youngest of three brothers in a family that discovered dog mushing as a way to promote a healthier lifestyle for their beloved dogs. His parents often took their team out on the trails, and little Bailey, barely able to see over the handlebars of his sled, was ever eager to join their adventures. His passion ignited during those formative years as he watched his family race and train, and it wasn’t long before he took the reins himself.

At age two, he raced alongside his first dog, Bridgie, in what was officially his “first race.” The thrill of the chase and the love for the sport became embedded in his spirit. With dreams of becoming the youngest musher at every race he entered, Bailey worked tirelessly to prove his doubters wrong. His dedication transformed him into a promising young talent, and his skills flourished with each mile he ran.

As he grew older, Bailey set his sights on the prestigious Jr. Iditarod, a dream he would finally pursue at age 14. With the support of his father, they took a year off from their usual commitments and embarked on a remarkable journey across the lower 48 states to train for this significant occasion. Their destination was Wasilla, Alaska, where the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm from fellow dog mushing enthusiasts. It was a moment of pure joy and a testament to Bailey’s love for the sport, even as he embraced the harsh and challenging conditions of the Alaskan wilderness.

In early 2022, after rigorous training and determination, Bailey completed his qualifiers for the Iditarod, the legendary race famously dubbed “The Toughest Race on Earth.” That fall, he and his sled dogs settled in Nenana, a training haven surrounded by seasoned Iditarod veterans who generously shared their wisdom and experience, guiding Bailey and his team toward success.

Finally, the day of Bailey’s first Iditarod arrived—an occasion that promised to be filled with adventure and challenge. His primary goal was to cross the burled arch in Nome with a happy, healthy team. After 11 days, 16 hours, 49 minutes, and 57 seconds of battling icy trails and unpredictable weather, Bailey achieved this milestone, finishing in an admirable 24th place out of 34 teams. He crossed the finish line alongside fellow adventurers he had befriended on the trail, sharing their arduous journey’s exhilarating triumph.

With the fire of accomplishment burning bright within him, Bailey knew this was not the end. It was merely the beginning of his competitive journey, as he now set his sights on an even more ambitious goal: training diligently for the 2024 Iditarod run, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead with his loyal team by his side.

We are using a fabulous card deck that Robert found at an outdoor conference a couple of years ago to help develop ideas for this story. Check them out here