We’re going racing!
With a group of veterans, it’s time to take this show on the road!
Gunflint Mail Run, Grand Marais MN Jan 7: 8 dogs, 70 miles.
Ever since I scratched at Trail Center the year I tried the Beargrease Marathon, I’ve wanted to see the trail that came next. The Gunflint Mail Run is one of two opening warmup races for the Midwest circuit, we’ll be racing against some of the best teams in the lower 48. The dogs and I will head out to the Midwest not long after Christmas, to visit friends in MI and MN and potentially get our first miles on the sled.
Due to poor trail conditions at home in December, and a warm fall, I decided to withdraw from the race.
La Frontenac, QC, Jan 21: 8 dogs, 30 miles
This fun run is organized as a fundraiser for a children’s cancer center, and filled up so quickly I just barely made it off the waitlist! The purpose for this race is to have fun, and hopefully give Norkin and Hutton their first race experience! Maybe also mix it up with new race leaders? We’ll see. The race roster includes such a diverse array of the Canadian teams, from pro sprint mushers to trap line Malamutes, and all mushers have agreed to do educational/ interactions with the children from the cancer center.
Due to poor trail conditions and lack of snow, this race was canceled.
La Boreale 150km (90 miles), Parent QC Feb 4: 10 dogs, 80 miles
OR
Wilderness Race, Greenville ME Feb 4: 8 dogs, 35 miles (two teams)
I’ve signed up for both races, and will decide as we get closer! The Wilderness Race also can struggle with good trail conditions, and has a tendency to be canceled every other year. The Boreale race is also quite a road trip, just far enough that it can’t be done in one day of driving, but will be an amazing chance to compete with the Canadian teams I don’t share the trail with anymore.
Can Am Crown, Fort Kent Me, March 4: 10 dogs, 90 miles, 6 dogs, 30 miles (two teams)
The Big One: the Can Am Crown! The Super Bowl of the northeastern sled dog circuit. 60 teams from around the country. And seeing if I can still race the dogs for a faster second leg, consistent speeds, no mistakes, and maybe ending up with a three peat. Brianna will race a team in the 30, hopefully with Hutton!
Great northwoods Sleddog Challenge, PIttsburg, NH, March 11-13: 8-10 dogs, 14 dog pool
This three-day stage race takes place in my home region, how can I not go? It will be a fun format to try out, with a pool of all the racing dogs. The last time I raced this three day race was 2015, with the OGs of Wembley, Bayley and Grenade in lead. This race can also struggle with trail conditions so fingers crossed……