DOGSLEDDN...Southern/Central Ontario Canada

October/November-neglected blog month

2011-11-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

Many people have commented on my neglected blog lately. I have no excuse.
As the weather turns colder I will get motivated to make some posts.
I have moved two of my dogs to Owen Sound so that they can run this year.
They are enjoying there time up North with Mark. I am enjoying their training sessions on Facebook.
My Sasha who turned 10 this year has a new kennel mate and they are such good friends. Lily has come to us from Bob and Kathy and we love her. I was luck enough to race Lily acouple of seasons at Kortright so I was happy to get her.She is so funny and makes us laugh everyday. They are not training to race this year as they are retired and they are learning to walk without dragging are arms out (work in progress-may never ever happen). I hope to get the two of them to take Natalie to and from school this year by sled when the snow finally arrives. This will please them both and Natalie of course.We tried it last year with the pups but they just wanted to run on the road and there just too many cars in Burlington to pull this off. Sasha and Lily have been walking to the school so they should know the route(return it should be two miles so a little fun for them).

The Kortright race is planned for February 4/5 2012. It is the same weekend as Marmora but most of the Siberian Sprint racers don't usually go to Marmora anyways. I am disappointed I had to have it on the same date but the it was sceduled as the same date as Cannington this year. Many of the siberian racers go to Cannington so them the breaks! I will give more Kortright information into December and January.

SASHA 10 years old.

2011-06-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

WOW, time flies when your having fun!!!
My Sasha turned ten today. Great times we've had.
Racing Haliburton, Wasaga Beach, Shadow Lake and of course The Kortright Centre.
She has run with many different dogs over the years. Even running on her own when she got loose and ended up in Bolton. Training and Racing with Kelly one winter.
The old days running lead with Tyler at Heart Lake Rd. in Brampton on the Trans Canada Trail. This year running with Renata's Ronan in Waterdown and at the Kortright Centre. Oh yeah running loose again with Geronimo on the first loop at Kortright. I managed to catch Cochise but the other two took off and ran around the first loop. Good thing there was a very clear trail and they ran right back at me. Between Matthew, Natalie and I we were able to grab them and put then back into the van. Matthew and Natalie in tears were sure they were gone but I was postitive they would come back to us (my inner voice was saying "there gone").
Happy Birthday Sasha ya old girl.

SHCC Newsletter for March 2011 -incorrect!!

2011-03-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

The SHCC's Newsletter posted the times for the SHCC Southern/Central Ontario 3-4 dog Championships in-correctly. The Correct times have been submitted to sleddogcentral.com and two posts below this post.
These times on my blog are correct as per the timer Daryl Schuler.
If you have any questions regarding the times posted on the Newsletter please contact me at dogsleddn@hotmail.com.

Looks like the racing season in Southern-Central Ontario has come to an end with all this rain we have been getting.I have been watching the Iditarod and following the updates on iditarod.com
Looks like a tough race just got tougher for my friend Lance Mackey as he only has 10dogs left with half the race left. Martin Buser has the lead and is looking strong and he is hard to beat with the lead and the course record.

I hope to get to the ckc dog show this weekend at the International Centre.
The best day looks like Saturday for siberian's with the booster on but it looks like Sunday for me with kids events already planned. I haven't been in a while and it makes me think of my Tyler and the travelling around I did to get his Champion (CH) show title. It was a little more fun for me personally to get his Sled dog championship (SD). Ch Senoki's Pale Rider(Tyler)SD. Anyways I'll be there Sunday and the sibes go into the ring around 1:30 with 11 dogs

Yukon Quest finishes and Iditarod ready to start 2011.

2011-02-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Congrads to Mike Ellis as the top siberian team at the Yukon Quest.
Congrads to Hank DeBruin from Winterdance,Haliburton,Ontario for finishing in Thirteen place and winning the red lantern.
I guess I should mention this years Champion and rookie racer Dallas Seavey. Wow!!!!
25 teams enter and 13 teams finish what a tough trail.

The Iditarod to start March 5th. A big race for our friend Lance as he has a chance for 5 wins in a row. Everyone will be gunning for him but it's hard to vote against him with his great conditioned dog team and four back to back to back to back wins.
I wish everyone a save race and I look forward to following it on www.iditarod.com.

Go Lance Go!!!I know I posted this picture of Lance and I before but...I do it because I can...

They say there is a Race in Cannington this weekend but I find it hard to believe.
If they build it they will come goes the saying. I am watching the website and Facebook for any updates. Looks like 4 miles of snow is still available to race on at this time. A few more days to go....

2011 Kortright/SHCC S/C Ontario 3-4 Dog championship

2011-02-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Well, great weather and a great race at The Kortright Centre.
The trail managed to hang in there and everyone had a ball.
There was over 1300 spectators that enjoyed the race over the two days.
Rides provided by windrift kennels all weekend(more on them on my link).
The Kortright Centre provided an excellent lunch both days for mushers and handlers in the Deer room. A nice time to talk with each other and spend some time with old friends.
Nutro Products provided another excellent startline that was loud and clear on the Sunday night news on CTV if you had a chance to see it. They profiled many of our racers and a real nice interview with Walter Grohman explaining actually how much siberian racers love their dogs...it's true Mary!!
Everyone has emailed me,called me and facebooked me with great reviews. I spoke with Lynn via email Saturday evening and I was happy to report that Barry had just bruised his ribs and will have to take it easy for a little while.
I was so disappointed that I was so ill for my event but I had to go home as soon as I could. Thanks to Peter F. for Marshalling-a great job once again. Daryl S. for timing. Terry Baird and everyone else helped racers get to the line.
It was also great to see Jim Cunningham at the race who has been to many races across the country and emailed me what a great race I have here!!!
Thanks to Linda and her crew for totally taking over and handing out prizes Sunday.
A personal thank you to Bob and Kathy Kilbreath for keeping me racing through all my work. Especially Kathy on Sunday for making us look so good!!!!!8th to 3rd "thank god for a sick drivers"...
Congrads to Laurel Turanski-3 and 4 dog S/C Ontario Champion
4 dog results------------------------3 dog results

1)Laurel Turanski 26:48 ---------------1)Laurel Turanski- 25:51
2)Michelle Redstone 28:21--------------2)Colleen Heibein-29:26
3)Marlyn Graf 28:29 -------------------3)Kathy Kilbreath-Joel Jamieson- 33:59
4)Walter Grohman 33:07 ----------------4)Dave Barron-35:06
5)Janet Cooper 43:07 -----------------5)Janet Cooper-35:20
6)Ralph Schade 45:02 ------------------6)Mark Clements-36:15
Scratch-Renata Sauder(one day only)----7)Renata Sauder-37:36
Scratch-Steve Shilleto(one day only)---8)Ralph Schade -42:49
scratch-Cindy(one day only)------------9)Pat Pitcher-43:28
--------------------------------------10)Mark Barbeau-47:35
--------------------------------------11)Abby Fallis-48:17
--------------------------------------12)Vickey Hailey-65:54
-----------------------------------------scratch Barry Cull-(one day)
-----------------------------------------scratch Igor Dragoslavic-(one day)
-----------------------------------------scratch Steve Shilleto-(one day)
-----------------------------------------scratch Cindy-(one day)
(Sorry I tried very hard to make it straight but it just didn't happen)

**Colleen I will get your prize money two you!!! Your t-shirt,SHCC crest, Kortright Pin, Kortright keeper trophy/maple syrup and second prize photo of signed Jamaican dogsled team photo.
Hope to see you all next year or at the next race this year!!!

8:30 am drivers can arrive

2011-01-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

There is a drivers enterance 1 kilometer north of the main gates on the same side.
Drivers can enter this driveway and driver straight to the startline.
Spectators use the main gate at 10am.

SHCC S/C Ontario 3-4 dog championship

2011-01-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well, everything is in good shape.
Straw bails Friday and there is a race track at Kortright.
I will need some help with the start line when I get there on Saturday morning as it's in my garage right now. It take 10 minutes to get up so I'm not too worried about it.So let's race then!!!!
People can arrive at the park for 8:30am.
Drive in and get settled-drop dogs and then registre.
3 dog race is $15 a team 4 dog race is $20 a team.
The Marshall will give the trail the once over and then we will have a drivers meeting and bib draw at 10 am. The 3 dog race will run first both days and will start for 11:00 the 4 dog race will start at 1 ish pm. I have to spread things out for the Kortright centre as in the past. They are providing sandwiches and muffins downstairs for the drivers and handlers. If you want to order from the cafeteria you'll have to line up and fight to get back on time for the 4 dog race.
I'm trying to answer as many questions as possible in this blog as I might not get to another. After the two classes if people still have older dogs to run they can run at the end. The Timers and Marshall usually are trying to sort times out after the race so be patient and we will post them as soon as we have them done.
The purse breakdown depends on the # of teams in the 3 and 4 dog classes. If there is 20 four dog teams and 5- 3 dog teams I don't split the money down the middle.
Kind of choppy blog post but that's the best I can do. I will answer any other questions at the race at 10am.

Yeah Nutro Products!!!

2011-01-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Justin Howard from Nutro Products dropped by with the start line for the race, some prizes and the booth space(sponsorship) cheque.
Kortright has confirmed the purse money so all we need is a real good dumping of snow. I groomed the trail on Friday, it snowed on Saturday, I groomed again Sunday and they we had a few runs at it with the dogs. It was in pretty good shape and the straw bails aren't planned to be in place until Friday,Jan.28/11. Monday we got a sh-t load of rain. I haven't seen the trail since then. There is some snow expected this week so let's keep our eyes on it and our fingers crossed.
I had a picture contest for a free entry to the race. Of course all the entries are friends of mine so I had a non dog person chose the best shot.
The winner is Renata and she has a free entry to this years race. Thanks for the pictures.
I'll let you know how things look as soon as I can get back to the Kortright Centre.

TOO BAD CANADIAN JR.s

2011-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I changed my Facebook profile the other day to my favorite Dogsleddn picture of me. It didn't help the Canadian Jr. Team but Silver is never anything to feel bad about. Anyways I used the same picture on my Blog as well-go Canada go.
The SHCC Kortright 3-4 dog Championship 2011 is quickly approaching. It would be nice if Mother Nature would send some snow my way to work with. I hear a little is on it's way this week but I could use more than a little.
I will let you know how things are coming along. Sorry that is all I can tell you but it all depends on the weather.

I was asked about Beginners/Novices(B/N) racing at Kortright. "What are somethings they need to know".
Well, everyone is welcome. I will have the 1 mile starting loop that people with their own dogs can come out and run and the end of the two classes-usually 2 pm.
If B/N's want to enter the race the must have their own dogs, have a sled, a dog bag, a braking system and a snow hook. The Marshall will check to make sure you have all the requirements. If you are not sure you have everything you need ask me and I can help you when you arrive.
During the driver's meeting or when registering a B/N should let me know that this is their first race or that they are a B/N. They will receive a bib at the end so that they are not in the draw-but still in the race. The second day bibs are given out according to their time of the first day eg. 1st place- day one- get #1 bib and go out first, Second get #2...This helps to make for a smoother run for everyone.
It is also important for B/N's to know that in the parking lot racers arrive and get the best spots possible to the start line. I will try and give directions on the first morning so that everyone gets a good spot. I may have to move people around so that bigger trucks with trailers all fit in. I have had 19 trucks to fit in a small parking lot in the past. The second day racers will park in the same spot as they did the first day. In some cases, racers don't return the second day and after the bib draw you may move up into their spot if it is better for you.
Another important thing to know for beginners is the passing process out on the trail. The teams are let out of the start shute one by one every two minutes. This spreads the dogs out so everyone has a good start and spectators can see more of the race. The race is judged by time so you are racing the clock not the other teams out on the trail.
If a team has caught up to you they have gained two minutes on you so they have a very good team. It is in your best interest to let that team pass you as soon as possible in the nearest/savest place. By getting this team infront of yours, this will help your team as you can now chase the faster team. I would recommend letting the team pass and giving them enough time... seconds to get going infront of you. Your team will be motivated to keep up with them but you know that their team is quicker than yours and I would not recommend trying to pass them again. This will help your teams time in the end.
At the end of your race please return your bib. It takes some time at the end of the race each day you calculate the times. The times will be posted when everything is completed. The second day after the times have been calculated and added to the first day there will be an awards presentation at the end of the day.
This takes some time so be patient as everyone,dogs and myself want to head home after the weekend of racing. If you are collecting miles on your dogs to get their SD-Sled Dog titles from the CKC there will be time for the Marshal or timers to sign your sheets. You can get these forms mailed to you from the CKC or the SHCC. I will try and bring some as well if I remember.
If you are planning on coming to the Kortright race and you have any other question email me at dogsleddn@hotmail.com. I will post your questions and answers on my blog.
Keep following my blog for trail updates as we get closer to the event.

It's still 2010-barely. Kortright's a month away

2010-12-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Well it is only days a way from 2011. That's the first time I actually wrote it(2011 that is). A month away from the race. I could use some of the snow that the USA is getting (you all). I am planning on going to the Kortright Centre tommorrow.
I can't believe they have much snow but my good friends Kathy and Bob are there doing a week long dogsleddn camp for kids. It will be nice to see them.
Might even take a boot around the trail myself. I will let everybody know how it is tommorrow. I will add an update to this post when I return. I hope everyones training is going well and their dogs are all happy to see winter moving in.
Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!!!!!!
SHCC Southern/Central Ontario 3-4 dog Championships Jan.29/30,2011.
Please drop me an email if you are planning on attending to help with my drivers area preparation.
dogsleddn@hotmail.com
(picture of Matthew running 2010).

Two months to go!!!

2010-12-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Race is only two months away.
The race marshall is confirmed,the spectator dogsled rides are set
(windrift kennels), the bibs are cleaned and everything is ready to go.
The weather is suppose to co-operate this year but we will still have to wait and see. I am still looking for prizes and always looking to increase our purse.
If anyone has any sugestions please send them my way at dogsleddn@hotmail.com
Please keep my blog set on your "favorites" as the race gets closer so I can update you on the conditions. If there are any questions along the way please email me and I will post the answers on my blog so everyone can get the info.
Hope to see you all soon. Hope your training is going well.
I can sure use some new photos. Anyone with some dirty training shots-muddy dogs or other interesting photos email them to me and I will get put them on my blog.
I will judge them for the best photo and they will win a free entry to the race.
(Paid by dogsleddn.blogspot.com)

sled for sale

2010-10-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

SLED FOR SALE

I have raced this sled for 5 years. I bought it from another racer who bought it new.
It has been stored in my garage and I hate to sell it but it should be out on the trail. It is a beautiful sled. Half floating basket. Quick change runners. Rounded handle with leather grip. It is a collectors sled and has a interesting history-I only know of one other like it in Ontario.
I am looking for $550.00
Click on picture for a better look.
Please email me at dogsleddn@hotmail.com if you are interested.

2010 Blog Award

2010-09-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well thank you so much!!! I try my best to get the info out there and always add some interesting pictures. I do this for fun and the Southern/Central Ontario Siberian Husky racing community.

2011 SHCC 3-4 dog championship

2010-09-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the race at the Kortright Centre is set. This year the SHCC 3-4 dog Southern/Central Ontario Championship will be held on January 29/30, 2011.
I will post it on sleddogcentral when I have more than a few minutes.
I will be meeting with the Kortright Centre staff to prepare the trail before the snow falls. I will talk to them about the small bridge, the only reason we didn't run four miles last year with the poor snow conditions and warm weather. Even though we had enough snow to race the weather was so warm that the creek didn't freeze and kept us from getting to the other side of the trail.
I will speak with Nutro Products and the Kortright Centre in October about the Purse and Prizes. I will try and make this the best purse and race of all time...darn weather permitting.
More info to follow soon.

Washagamikennel's puppies for sale!!!

2010-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

My good friend Michelle from Washagami Kennels has CKC Reg.Siberian Husky puppies for sale. Her puppies come with their first shots,de-wormed and Registered. Both the parents have calm well mannered temperments.They are ready to go at $700 each.Only 4 males left.Please contact Michelle directly if you and further question regarding the pups at 1 705-967-1432.
You can see more of Michelle's dogs and her kennel at
washagami.webs.com
you can also email her at
washagamikennels@hotmail.com
She a very Good friend of mine and a supporter of the Kortright SHCC 3&4 dog Ontario Championship. Please checkout her web page and speak to her to see more pictures of the puppies. Good luck Michelle and I hope to see you at Kortright this year.
Jan.29-30,2010.

Two weeks since my last Bowen treatment

2010-06-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been two weeks since my last Bowen Treatment.
I have been pain free but I still have to strengthen my knee and gain confidence in it before running wild. I may not be able to run wild again but pain free is worth my time and money and no need for hacking it open.
Since my last treatment I have spent a weekend with my family at Niagra Fallls. Before my Bowen treatment I would have never been able to make it up and down that hill. Well I went up and down that hill at least 4 times. We went down to the Maid of the Mist, up to the Ferris wheel, in and out of all the shops two day straight.
I did manage to sit down a few times to have a couple of Drinks!!!
Thanks Amber and I hope I don't have to see you again at least at your office. Maybe at QB's for New Years Eve again.
If my posts have inspired you please go to "let it Heal" and check them out.

Bowen Therapy 3rd session

2010-06-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

I have my therapy on Tuesday's and by Monday the next week I'm feeling much better.
On my third session Amber did some regular moves that were familiar to me and then she worked on my groin. She started on the right side and I thought that hurts a bit.
She did the same move on my left side like she has before keeping things in balance. The move only last for about ten seconds maybe less but I wanted to scream but I managed to keep my cool. It hurt from my eye lids to my toes and then it went away.
After that she continued to work on my knee. I had been using some Adam Dream healer techniques up until then to help out but I lost focus.
I am very pleased with my knee at this time and I am not going to see Amber again for 3 weeks. I will let you know how things are on Monday.
I have lots of movement and a small amount of pain...nothing to complain about and a week to recover still.I am very confident that things are working. I might have to go in for another groin move just to see if it really hurt that much and/or if things are better. Crazy but that's how my mind works.

Bowen Therapy continues second session

2010-06-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Here's me hawling dogs to the startline- Can't be good for my old knee!!??
Well, a week after my first treatment and the swelling has gone down and the fluid has almost disappeared. I still have some work to do but I am feeling really good about things.My knee is still in some pain but if the pain was at 10 last week it's at 5 now.
Today Amber worked on my knee again but before that she spent some time on my kidneys. The kidneys control the fluids in the body so it made sense to me and I don't really have a clue.With the swelling down she could really focus on the painful areas of my knee. She worked on both sides of my body so that the treatment was in balance...made sense to me again. Anyways, my knee is hurting a little where she worked on it but it feels so much better. I will know for sure in a few days as it takes some time to re cover from the work. I have expectations of golfing this year pain free and trying a lot harder at the Kortright Centre race 2011 so lookout.
I am scheduled for another treatment in a week. She likes to have your body settle after the treatment before continuing. This way I can see how I am feeling as well.
GO AMBER GO!!!

Bowen Therapy on my knee before the knife

2010-05-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally am looking at some serious therapy for my knee. I am not willing to go under the knife just yet without trying some Bowen Therapy. Over six years ago I had some serious sciatica problems. I was driving to Toronto from Oakville and back each day for 5 years. The pain got to be so bad that I was driving with my shoe off because it helped to relief the pain that was running down from my hip into my foot and cramping it up. Maureen told me about Bowen Therapy. She told me it has been known to cure sciatica. As a man I said "yeah right". I had to do something so I tried it.I went to "Let it Heal" in Burlington. I met Amber and she worked on my back, my neck and my hips using the Bowen technique. I got home and said this will never work in fact I felt worse. I was told by Maureen to continue as I was scheduled for another session next week anyways. By the next week I was feeling better. I did my session again and went home. I did the third session the next week and I felt 100% better. Two years later I was having a little sciatica problem. I went back to "Let it Heal" and Amber's sister Tiffany worked on my problem. Two sessions and it was gone. I have not been back for a sciatica problem for 3 years now(maybe more).
Over the years of off road training on the mountain bike with the dogs,a couple of spills on the sled,the Kim Leblanc kicking style that I stole, The Tom Iliffe catchers stance(See pictures in this post) and the carring of my kids to bed up 14 stairs for 5 years has taken it's tole on my knees.
A few weeks ago I had another crash on my bike and managed to hurt my right knee.I didn't hurt the left knee(the knee I am having trouble with)but after returning from Jamaica the left knee began to hurt and retain some fluid. The pain reminds me of a tooth ache, constant pain here and there but just in my knee of course. I have decided to Go to Bowen Therapy and I called for an appointment. I was surprised to hear Amber could take me that day. I had my first session and I am feeling very positive about it but the knee is still quite stiff, retaining fluid and sore. During my session Amber told me she had worked on her Husband's knee. He was a soccer player and she just finished her Bowen Therapy Training and was eager to get at it. She was quite successful with his knee and he didn't have to have surgery. I am hoping she will be able to do the same me.
I will see Amber again next Tuesday and I will let you know how it goes.
www.letitheal.com

Back from Jamaica

2010-05-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

It must be spring, going on summer as I have neglected my blog again.
I just got back from Jamaica with my family. Maureen and I finally managed to get married after many years of dates just not working out. We almost got married one year on vacation in Bancroft, Ontario but it didn't work out. Good thing the minister apparently wasn't certified to actually marry people and had been marring couples in Bancroft for 25 years.
Jamaica was beautiful. We got married facing the ocean with our two kids right beside each of us for support. We had a nice reception and then jumped into the pool(swim up bar rules).
I was hoping to see Lance Mackey down there but we missed him by a week.
There wasn't enough time to track down Newton Marshall but we had other things to do(He seems to be more popular in dogsleddn areas than in Jamaica for now).
Here is a picture of Mo and I hours before our wedding. I was having a "Jamaican 8th wonder of the world" and Mo was having an "Endless summer".
Our kids want to go to Disney next but I can hardly wait to get back to Jamaica.
Hope all my dogsleddn pals are doing well and they are keeping their dogs cool mon.

2010 Iditarod in the home stretch

2010-03-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

With a few checkpoints from the finish it looks like it is turning into a sprint race. Lance Mackey has the lead by 1 hour and 14 minutes over King. Hans Gatt the winner of the 2010 Yukon Quest is chasing King. All three are into Koyuk and as far as I know they are taking a rest as no one has left yet. With five check points to go, it is anyones race depending on how long someone naps for. A good time to make up some miles if you want to for go the nap. With every team running just under 7 miles an hour, the time to the finish is made up of completing chores,resting and getting back on the trail before your competitor. Skipping an hour nap gets King 14 minutes from the lead.
Some of my other mushers that I follow are still at it as well.
Karen with them pretty sibes had to pull out with a sore hand that she hurt before the race even started. Martin Buser is coming along in 17th place. Kristy Berington is into Kaltag. Newton Marshall from Jamaica is in Nulato and moving along fine mon.
And our good friend from Haliburton Ontario- Hank Debruin is into Ruby. Keep going Hank your doing great-the SHCC Southern/Central Ontario Area our cheering for you.

A picture says a 1000 words at Kortright

2010-03-03T17:39:00.001-08:00

www.sleddogcentral.com

Kortright Centre results.

2010-03-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

Kortright Centre and Nutro Products 2010 Results.

2-dog Feb.27--------------2-dog Feb.28
1)Igor-14.31--------------1)Igor-14.25
2)Bailey-15.44------------2)Bailey-14.53
3)Daryl-17.23-------------3)Maria-17.34
4)Maria-20.02-------------4)Pat-22.40
---------------------------------5)Sue...

4-dog Feb.27--------------4-dog Feb.28
1)Marlyn-8.56 ------------1)Marlyn-9.21**Gold Marlyn*
2)Barry-9.13--------------2)Kathy-9.32**Silver Barry*
3)Colleen-10.12-----------3)Joel-10.04 **Bronze Kathy*
4)Daryl-10.57 ------------4)Walter-10.19*Reserve Joel
5)Renata-11.58 -----------5)Bailey-10.59
---------------------------------6)Daryl-11.11

3-dog Feb.27--------------3 dog Feb.28
1)Colleen-10.00-----------1)Kathy-10.42**Gold Colleen*
2)Barry-10.57 ------------2)Marlyn-10.58**Silver Kathy*
3)Colleen-11.17 ----------3)Dave-13.29**Bronze Barry*
4)Dave-11:20 -------------4)Vickie-16.39*reserve Marlyn
5)Walter-11.52 -----------5)Frazer-18.26
6)Marlyn-12.10------------6)Steve-20.46
7)Bailey-14.59-----------------
8)Vicky-17.37------------------
9)Steve-20.30------------------

KORTRIGHT RACE Feb.27/28 2010 WAS A GO!!!

2010-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well with one of the crappiest winters in my dogsleddn history we managed to put on a dog race this weekend. After postponing the January date because of lack of snow, it looked like we were going to have to cancel the February date. The Wednesday before the race we received enough snow to put down a base trail on a 2.3 mile track.
Then we waited. On Thursday night some more snow fell and Dave and I packed what we had but it wasn't much. By Saturday Morning 8 inches of packing snow fell and I packed that snow down before the racers showed up and we had a race on our hands.
Our well estiblished sponsors in Nutro Products, The Kortright Centre and Sue Moss from Ravens Watch, we had enough prize money, dog food products and prizes for two days of racing(separate times and race each day).
Saturday we had 4 two dog teams,9 three dog teams and 5 four dog teams. Everyone had a great time and left with some money- some prizes.
Sunday in the morning the trail was quite firm. We had 5 two dog teams,6 three dog teams and 5-4 dog teams. By the last race it was quite mushie everywhere. We managed to get through the day and even my 6 yr old daughter and 8 yr old son got to go around the first loop(thanks to Kathy and Bob and their dogs). They were thrilled but not as thrilled as I was proud.
There was a total of over 600 spectators watched the races over the two days. Global News was there but no one managed to see the shoot because of some hockey game.
Thanks to Dave, Linda and Tom for your help all weekend.
Thanks to Kelly,Dave,Pat and Daryl for timing on the weekend.
A big thanks to all the racers for coming and running this 2.3 miles trail(I hope we can get the whole 4 miles in next year)*Yes I will try again next year!!

A big thanks to The Kortright Centre and Staff and purse for this year.
A another big thanks to Justin Howard and Nutro Foods for all the stuff
(great startline/food/shirts/$$$)
Thanks to Sue Moss for the bootiest and collars(www.working-dogequipment.com)
See you next year and keep em between trees.

Short track at Kortright is a go.

2010-02-26T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, a few hard days work and we have a 2.3 mile short track ready for Saturday and Sunday,Feb.27/28,2010. We will set this up as two separate races one on Sat. and one on Sun. The trail is in the three flat fields of Kortright. There is NO head on passing. No means no it's a piece of cake. Embarassing actually, the Kortright race does have a reputation apparently.
Drivers meeting around 10-10:30am -we will not be in a rush so don't panic.
Same for Sunday. When we figure out what we are going to run we will do a bib draw with some creative picking for racers who can run different teams (we will have heats).
This is a fun race so enjoy yourselves and the company..the nicest racers you'll ever meet will be here.

Kortright update for Thursday Night

2010-02-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

I spoke with the Kortright Centre this evening and like Burlington, the snow has not really started to fall. We have already called off the four mile trail but we are still hoping for the short track event. For the Siberian husky teams that can wait we are hoping to make the call in the morning and see what mother nature has to offer.
I will post on my blog after 8:30am what we are planning to do.I will also email the racers on my contact list.
I am still very positive and hope to race short track after some snow falls and I pack the trail on Friday. Talk to you tommorrow.
dogsleddn

At Kortright today

2010-02-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

I made my way to The Kortright Centre today. I was thinking positive all the way there. I headed into the main building and noticed a picture of our friend and racer (Michelle) in the cafeteria that was donated by a photographer, poster size and well framed. Wow this is positive!!The snow looked good as I got on the snowmobile.
I made my way around the first three fields and I said "not bad". As I drove around the back I could see there was not enough snow through the treed part of the trail and I was on the ground. By the time I got to the small bridge I knew there was no way we could race on the back side of this Kortright trail. I made my way around the whole trail and decided to just work on the first 2 miles. By 1 pm I thought I had done as much as I could for the day without causing any damage.
I will wait until Thursday to make the call to shut the whole thing down.
I need that snow that the area news has been speaking of.#@*&%4!
Anyways the 4 mile race is cancelled and I will let you know tommorrow about the 2 mile loop. Please email me if you are interested in attending..dogsleddn@hotmail.com
I will have $1200 for the fun run that we can split up between the racers that show up.(no entry fee). I'll update another post tommorrow.

"WOW!!!" Some Late February Snow

2010-02-22T15:12:00.001-08:00

Here is Maureen, Natalie and Matthew at PineVista Resort. The only picture I had with snow in it this year.We love it there and try and go when we can to re-group, re-energize and re-motivate.
Well, we finally go some snow here in Southern Ontario. The first real bit in 2010.
"what's going on with that?". 7 pm and it's still coming down. I hope I don't get too much-just kiddn. I will not be able to get to Kortright until Wednesday this week. There is some snow but I will have to go check things out. The one problem that the warm weather may have caused some difficulty is the small creek at the bottom of Kortright was running the last time I was there. I need to get around that bridge so we can get to the other side of Kortright and finish the race.
I will let you know Wednesday what I can do.
If there is going to be a race I may need some help Thursday or Friday with straw bails. If you can help email me. I will be there Wednesday Thursday and Friday if I think I can pull it off. Foresure, I can do the three fields and back down the end part of the first field like we did a few years ago. I'll give you more info wednesday night.

Hans Gatt wins the Quest.

2010-02-15T15:53:00.001-08:00

In record time Hans Gatt pulls into the finish of the Yukon Quest.
Lance Mackey is expected to arrive anytime in second place. What an exciting race and the first time Lance has been beaten in over 7000 miles.
Congrads to Hans Gatt!!!
Get some rest guys it's off to the iditarod next.
I have not heard from the horses mouth but I hear they are looking for some snow still so we can race in Canningtion this weekend. Checkout sleddogcentral.com to see if the race is a go. I will let you know if I hear anything as well.

Lance in the lead by 1 minute.

2010-02-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

WOW! Lance is in the lead at Pelly Crossing check point. He has the lead over Hugh Neff by 1 minute. Both teams rested for 5 hours and 28 minutes. Lance left one minute before Hugh and the were off. They came into Macabe Creek dog drop within the same minute and both drove straight threw. Hans Gatt was only 13 minutes behind them. This is the most interesting race I have followed and is any one's championship.
Lance tells yukonquest.com that "Hugh and I have run over 4000 miles together during races". Hers is a picture from yukonquest.com of the three leaders all looking pretty good and getting a meal. Lance looks as relaxed as he did there as he did in the picture of us at the Jamaican fundraiser in Toronto.

Haliburton Race this weekend.

2010-02-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

The Haliburton Race will happen this weekend. Lots of snow and a good trail I hear.
I had some great memories at this race. I finished fourth just a few beers short of third (siberian Class). My favorite memory of this race was all the teams pulling in with their trucks and I drove into the park with my new Red PT Cruizer. I had my Sled on the roof with my new Canadian flag strapped to it. My three dogs in crates in the hatch. Lynn Hiley told me she was speaking with Leigh Gilcrest and she said here comes Joel..."he sure can make an enterance". That same weekend during the race I had some head on trouble with an open French speaking team from Quebec. We were heading down the trail and my Tyler wasn't moving to the side and the French team wasn't going to budge either(head on Race). They ran right into each other and there was a big tangle. The french man was swearing at me in French something to the tone of #@4*+#2#$%^ cursing the church aparently. Refusing to even get off his sled, I walked up, picked up my sled lifting it in the air and my lines magically(fluke) came out clean. I called Tyler ahead and we were on our way. Still yelling at me, I said your welcome. When I checked the times when I got in I had beaten the open French team. It was my goal for the second day to beat him over all. I did and I think that motivation actually help me keep me in my fourth position. I don't have any pictures of that race but here I am with my PT.Cruizer and Sasha at Wasaga beach.
I hope everyone has fun at the race and I hope to see you all at Cannington next weekend and at Kortright if the weather co-operates (I'll be the team arriving in the park in the Vanilla Pt Cruizer with the sled strapped to the roof with the Canadian flag on it and three dogs in the hatch).

Yukon Quest update

2010-02-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

Well, few days into the race now. Some team's into Slaven's Roadhouse Dog Drop.
Zack Steer in front,Hugh Neff in second and Lance Mackey in third. There is still a long way to go but Eagle Checkpoint next stop. The mushers are having a fun time so far according to the news from yukonquest.com
One quarter of the way to to finish. Still more fun to come until they start getting serious.

If you are looking for any info on The SHCC S/C Ontario 3-4 dog Champioships at Kortright, look at my Dec 3,2009 Post.
The date has changed to Feb.27/28,2010.

Weather is just not co-operating this year

2010-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

We haven't had anymore snow since the last post. Still a few more weeks until the new date of the Kortright Race but what a crappy winter.
The Quest started this weekend. I hope everyone has a great race and dogs/racers stay safe. I tried to get some results from the website but it is still to early and hard to fiqure out. Looks like Hans Gatt has the early lead. I check back in a few more days.I had a few people calling me for some used sleds but I told them to buy a bike instead (just kidding I'm working on it). I'll keep you up to date with our Southern Ontario weather but it might be a early golf season at this rate.

SHCC S/C Ontario 3-4 dog championships

2010-01-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

Well, the bad news is the race on Jan.30/31,2010 will not happen. The good news is that I just spoke with the Events co-ordinator from Kortright and a new date for this year's race is set for February 27/28,2010.
I emailed everyone and received 15 emails infavour of the new date and one undecided.
I spoke with Nutro Products and they said "lets get it on".
I wanted to feel comfortable myself with the date with Apsley being on the same date but Apsley is an open event. This would be the first year that the Kortright/Nutro Products/SHCC had the titles to present which is very good for the club and siberian husky racing. The Marshall is good for that weekend.I have to check with the timers and I'll see if Sam is available.
The SHCC 3-4 dog Championships for S/C Ontario are up for grabs.
I may have lost my chicken wing people but I have a month to work on them.
I also have a month to get some snow on this wet muddy trail.

Rides for spectators by windrift kennel also confirmed.

Thanks for all the support. It makes me proud to run Siberian's.

Hackers- Vultures

2010-01-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

I have had a few comments on my blog from people trying to sell things that were really not related to me or my blog. I am sorry for that but I am even more sorry that while trying to erase these comments I deleted my last post. It had to do with the crappy weather and the fact that I might have to cancel the Kortright race for this year. I am still hanging on to the date and I will make the call on Wednesday this week. I am planning on having the event on another weekend this year but as you know I am waiting for racer committment before approaching the Kortright Centre and Nutro Products. I will let you know how that goes soon- most likely on Wednesday.

For you people who feel they have to leave comments on other peoples blogs, why don't you throw some money towards my race and I will put posts up about your product, if not get lost.

SOME SNOW IN THIS PROVINCE WOULD BE NICE ANYTIME SOON.

Last good run at the luge

2010-01-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well we managed to have a good time even if our hill was melting after each run.

If we don't get anymore snow it might be the best run we have all winter.

At least Matthew and Natalie enjoyed the worst winter in history. If I keep bugging mother nature she just might dump on us before Jan.30/31,2010.

I have had a request to be a third or a fourth in a major curling tournement Jan.30 so if mother nature can't provide a proper winter outside I will have to move indoors to enjoy this winter.

A Few Hot Days for January

2010-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Well, the next 3 or 4 days are looking really bad weather wise. It's going up above zero degrees and maybe some rain in there. The sun is out right now and that isn't helping things at all.
We can only hope that after this heat wave is over some real cold stuff comes flying in for the next couple of weeks and dumps some serious snow. I'll keep you up to date as we get closer to the Kortright race. For now here is a couple shots of my kid's luge hill slowly melting to the ground. I'll add some pictures of them in action when they get home but it was to dark last night for any.
Good luck to our Southern/Central Ontario racers going to Kalkaska, Michigan at the Kalkaska Winterfest and our friends that are racing in Daaquam,Quebec at the Canada International Championships. You will do us proud as usual.

Irvinevalley Red'g Siberians

2010-01-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

Irvinevalley Red'g Siberians have 4 puppies that will be ready for sale. Ready to go home at the end of Jan.2010. Sally tells me she has 3 males (two grey and one red) and one red female.

If you are interested please call Sally directly and visit her website for more information on her dogs. There are more pictures of them on the website as well. Please mention you heard about her kennel from dogsleddn.blogspot.com

http://www.irvinevalleysiberians.weebly.com/

Kortright Race Jan.30/31, 2010.

2010-01-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

A couple of Walter Grohman's Copper Bullets waiting to go or waiting for their kennel mates to return. (These shots are from last years race 2009).

2010 and we're just sitting around waiting for more snow. A little bit since New Years day but still could use a lot more. Happy New Years Everyone (2010 starts for me on Feb.01,2010).

*10cm of snow packed down turns into 1 cm of packed trail. It would be nice to have 10 cm of packed trail so you do the math. Not looking good right now.............

I'll keep you informed as we get closer. I still have time but I'd rather have it sooner than later.

Have you seen any snow!!!!

2009-12-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Question: What question/statement does a dogsledder hate to hear in January?

Answer: Should I rake the leaves or cut the grass.......

A Few more weeks until the SHCC- S/C Ontario 3-4 dog Championship.

No snow insite at least in this area of Southern Ontario.

Everything is in place, the purse, wild wing lunch both days for racers, prizes slowly coming in, gold-silver and bronze medals for both classes and a pretty cool looking T-shirt ready for print waiting for the alls clear. All we need is some snow on the trail.

I'll keep you updated but it's not loooking good as of Christmas 2009.

Some nice news-for me that is- my favorite bar QB's in Burlington,Ontario is going to put some pictures of me racing at different events and some framed pictures of Lance Mackey signed as well. Of course they have info on them of the Kortright dogsleddn event.

Check out QB's on the you tube link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dARVvxYvxMQ

Jacko looking for a home.

2009-12-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

This is Jacko. His family's house burned down and they are looking for a home for him.

He is an outside dog and is very active and strong. He is not good with smaller animals.

I do not know anything about the dog except what I have been given. If you are interested please contact the family directly as that will be the fastest way.

Speak to Theresa (Stergon Falls).

705-753-2772.

Igor and his Inuit Sled Dog

2009-12-13T06:33:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting article from our good friend Igor. It was written for "The Fan Hitch".
This is quite the igloo. I remember getting the email from him when he built it. I'd like to try if I had enough snow to make a snow ball here in Burlington.
Igor has asked if he might be able to run at the Kortright Centre this year with AVALAK.
I told him that I could put him in as an exhibition run. I have had Alaskan teams, short haired pointers and even a siberian team with a Border Collie lead dog last year. It's good for the spectators to see the different types of dogs that can run.
This is still a SHCC S/C Ontario event with the 3-4 dog championship on the line but I do welcome other teams on special invitation only who will not compete for this title.
It will be great to see Igor and his dog at Kortright again -my old friend.

http://homepage.mac.com/puggiq/V12N1/V12,N1FIDO.html

SHCC Southern/Central Ontario 3-4 Dog Championship

2009-12-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

SHCC Southern/Central Ontario 3-4 Dog Championship
Sponsored by the Kortright Centre and Nutro Products.
At The Kortright Centre Jan.30-31,2010.
20 minutes North of Toronto-North on the 400 hwy.
Get off at the Canada's Wonderland exit and go west 5 minutes to Pinevalley rd.
Follow the Kortright Centre signs with the White Wolf on them.

Both days schedule.
Dog sled rides from windriftkennels.com all day both days.
3 dog race starts at 11:00 am (drivers meeting/bib draw at 10am).
4 dog race starts at 1:30 pm.
Awards after the race on Sunday in the main building.
$2500 purse.
Gold- silver- bronze medals(Donated by Michelle Redstone).
Prizes-Nutro Product Dog food-signed photo of the man Lance Mackey(Donated by Joel).

My meeting with Lance

2009-11-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! I really got to meet Lance Mackey.

He is a true gentleman and as humble as Alaskan pie. I really don't think anyone else at the top of their sport is as humble as he (Tiger Woods nope, Roger Federer no, Schumacher no way..do I need to go any further-Gretzky well he's Canadian).

Lance was at a Fund Raiser for the Jamican Dogsledding team in Toronto and made the trip down to support them. He signed every picture that I brought and there was a lot of them without a single thought. I even managed to win the Lance Mackey come back Kennel sweat shirt that I had my eye on as soon as I walked in (directly after getting my Jamaican red stripe beer). At the event they showed the movie of the Jamaican Newton Marshall's run at the Yukon Quest. It was very interesting and if you get the chance to see it I would recommend it (4 stars). Another humble individual is Newton.

Well, I guess I can cross Lance off my list of people I want to meet (he has joined my list of people I have met along with James Taylor, Kim Mitchell, Ann Rohmer-I took her for a ride on my sled in the park in 1999 on BT. She nearly fell off and I had to grab on to her tightly, I didn't meet Wayne but I did play golf with his dad Walter Gretzsky... by the way this section of "name throwing" was for Hugh in England who I can say I have met when he becomes a famous rock star or famous dogsledder, which ever comes first.

Lance it was a pleasure meeting you and I'd be honoured if you carried my Six Nation Iroquois feather across Alaska during the Quest and the Iditarod -I don't want to slow you down but it is as light as a feather.

Little siberian is off

2009-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well the Little Siberian looking for a home is on her way to Nova Scotia.
The couple came to see her and had one other Siberian. They got along great and off she went.

Pretty little Sibe looking for a home

2009-11-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a pretty little siberian that is looking for a good home. She getting into basic Siberian husky trouble-bored during the day and needs come exercise and company. Her name is Lara and she is 3.5 yrs of age. She is a purebreed siberian brought to Canada from Europe. Click on the pictures for a better look at her.

She is currently living in Toronto so if you'd like to see her better please contact the owner directly. Email Elena Zaralieva at husky.lara@gmail.com

Thanks for your help

My old sled new old look.

2009-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here's my chatmac sled ready for race season.

Walter made this wind breaker for me in 1999 and managed to make the cover of the winter addition of the Norland paper that year. I stopped using it when we needed full dog bags instead of the old seat bag.

I wanted you to see what I did with it Walter. I attached it right over my dog bag where the zipper broke. I even sewed on some good old Canadian stuff to Canadian it up. Click on the pics and you can get a better view. If you look at my Feb. 03, 2009 post you could see I could of used it there. My dog bag zipper is wide open and acting like a parachut. I could have shaved 10 seconds easy.

I love it. It was almost my daughters powwow dress this year but she felt it was to eskimo for her (her words).

See you soon my friend Walter I miss running with you.

2010 Southern/Central Ontario 3-4 dog championship

It's official-2010 title

2009-10-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

The SHCC/ Kortright/Nutro Challenge-team challenge's name has officially become the

SHCC-KORTRIGHT CENTRE-NUTRO PRODUCTS

2010 SOUTHERN/CENTRAL ONTARIO

3-4 DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

It's a mouth ful but it's a pretty cool title to win I would think.

I wouldn't mind having that championship for my own dogs.

The trail will be the same as last year and it is challenging enough to have this areas race title given to it. I have worked hard over the years to get the Kortright Centre to get the trail to this point and I wouldn't want to change a thing now. It's a flat start, it gets tough and driver and team have to work together in the middle in-order to shave time and then it's a nice flat finish.

Hope to see you all there Jan.30/31,2010.

Kortright Centre/Nutro "2010" 3-4 dog championships

2009-10-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have an artist working on a very unique t-shirt for the race this year. Wicked design on the front and sponsors/ vendors websites on the back. When the design is complete I will try and put it on the site. I was planning on having 2010 championship on it but with the weather here in Southern Ontario I might just get stuck with em if there's no snow.

RACE DATE: JAN.30-31, 2010.

Please put me on your schedule- this is a 3 and 4 dog "Siberian Event"

4 mile loop trail-no head on passing. Same trail as last year this is my Kortright trail.

Please send my blog to any sibe racers that maybe interested so they can keep informed.

Nutro back to sponsor Kortright race.

2009-09-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I spoke with our Nutro Rep. Justin Howard and Nutro will be sponsoring our race once again. This will guarantee my $2500 between the Kortright Centre, SHCC fundraising/entries and Nutro. Having the reps at the race gives racers and spectators an opportunity to talk about the products and to get samples. They have always been very generious with prizes as well so a big thank you to Justin.

They have also agreed to help with some promotional $ that I plan to get shirts printed for the race. I will be selling them to the public and to racers that could also generate a profit towards the race. I remember racing at the Trillium Trail Race and buying a shirt from the event knowing that I was there and that competed at that event.

Things are really coming together and I am very pleased that Nutro will be apart of this event once again. Kortright will be supplying lunch for racers and handlers this year for sure. I made it clear to them how important that this is for racers so that they don't have to get in the spectators line, slam their food into them and get ready for the second event in the afternoon. Chilly one day sandwiches another. This has been a very nice benefit in the past.

I will be working on my vendors that have come from year to year especially the Pride gang who have been giving spectators rides every year.

If you have any questions or ideas please email me at dogsleddn@hotmail.com

Kortright Centre-SHCC and ? 2010 dogsled race

2009-08-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's nearly September so I thought I should start thinking about the Kortright Race 2010.

So many things to do. Post the date with sleddogcentral.com-done,contact my race marshall,take a drive out to Kortright and walk my trail.

Oh yeah !!! Make sure I have a Major sponsor to co-sponsor the race with the Kortright Centre.

Lots to do but things will come together. I have many feelers out and I am confident in a contact.

Anyways, I wanted you to know I am getting ready. You get your dogs ready and I'll get the race together for 2010. The best Kortright Race ever....and last year was an incredible race.

18 teams of siberians in the 4 dog class and 10 teams in the 3 dog class.

That trail is a keeper-lots of fun and excitment for racers and dogs.

Great to see the Western Ontario members out, our friends from Ottawa and of course our friends from Central Ontario-oh yeah our Southern Ontario Racers as well.

Our BC friend is hit and miss-missed him last year (ALMOST MADE IT).

"Nothing New"-sleddogs

2009-08-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Nothing new going on. Here's sleddogs new song.
It sounds pretty good.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=an-WnX58iWM

hope you can get it???
anyways found this picture of me and put it on my facebook profile.
Kortright Race 2009. Love the snow flying from my shoe and the Canadian flag only seen from the back, which I've never seen before-now that is.
Take care

SHCC-Southern /Central Ontario area crests for sale

2009-08-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I still have crest that I made up as a fundraiser for the Kortright Race. I have been given them out to individuals that enter my race in the past few years. I still have a lot that are for sale so email me at dogsleddn@hotmail.com if you are interested. They are $5.00 each and that includes postage in Canada. I will send to other countries if needed but I will have to check with the post office for the cost (shouldn't be much more).

The crests are 3 inches round and when they are gone they are gone. There will not be another run. The area put out another crest before mine that was yellow and blue and you can't get them anymore. I tried to find some and no one seems to have any. Don't be caught without yours.

I would be willing to trade crests if anyone has the old SHCC southern/central crest I need two for my kids.

I am also interested in the SHCC- Western crest put out a few (many) years ago. I would like three of those. Peter or Daryl from the western area told me they are all gone. I was going to buy some many years ago when I raced at Woodstock/Oxford park and forgot. Sooze ya loose.

I would also be interested in trading crests with any other siberian husky club in the world. I don't think any of my crests have left Canada except for a couple that came to visit from England and they took some home with them.

sleddogs- Perfect Place

2009-06-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

Nice song-good band-great name.
I've listened to alot of their songs but this is my favorite. They have a new song coming out "nothing new" pretty cool too! Cold actually....just click on the www link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKLegF9T28s

I'd love them to play at my race this year on the Saturday. I have a link to there website on the right side of my blog so contact them and bug them to play. I'll ask them niceley.
If anyone knows how to show this video without it actually leaving my blog let me know. Until then this is it.

http://siberianhusky.gotop100.com

2009-05-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks for leaving me comments on siberianhusky.gotop100.com

I don't know why but to go to this site click on the siberian husky.

It's an interesting site as it allows you to click onto different siberian webpages.It has many different people's sites who love siberian huskies from all over the world.

I recommend all my siberian friends here in Ontario to sign their website up. It's free and fun.

I still don't understand how sites are rated but it has to do with the number of people in section???

Anyways check out the site and sign up.

I did get a lot of new pictures from The Kortright Race 2009.

I will send people any pictures that they are in- in the near future.

My Friend and Mentor

2009-05-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

While changing and re-looking at my blog for http://siberianhusky.gotop100.com/

I noticed that over the the last 3 years or so that I have been blogging , I didn't have a picture or mention my dearest dogsleddn friend Walter Grohman . He has taught me everything that I know and I have stolen some of his training and racing tips over the years and changed them to fit me and my dogs.

I first met Walter when I had one Alaskan Husky and one Siberian husky. I was fooling around with my two dogs and a home made sled that looked like something out of the Flintstones (but it was working). I had no idea what I was doing but it was only two dogs so I hooked them up and managed to get them to run somehow.

It was interesting but I knew there was more to it than that. I found out that there was an actual race hours from my home and I took off to see it. Walter was there and he always attracted the fans for some reason with his cool painted trailer and his all Copper Bullets. Before I knew it I was in the race (2 dog race-2 miles) with my one siberian and one of Walter's older and sweetest dogs Kaluha. I was thrilled but even more than that Walter became my Canadian idol.

He showed me different trails that I could run at and let me use some of his dogs so I could get the real speed of the breed. He took me to buy my first real sled at snowmist kennels, a sled that I still have today. He took me double sleddn so I could see how he moved his feet and shifted his weight. He introduced me to other Southern/ Central Ontario racers and I followed him to races all over Ontario. At the Canadian Championships at Trillium trails Walter became my real idol. He raced his oldest and dearest Siberian's for his last time before retiring them. There were many competitive racers there to win and I knew people were looking at Walter's dogs scatching their heads wondering what he was doing. He ran those dogs and finished last each day in the 6 dog class. In the truck lot there he was coaching and praising his dogs like their old champion selves they were. Walter and his old dogs won that race no matter what and it still gives me an old tear telling the story. He is one of my dearest friends on the planet, my mentor and I'm glad to see him racing every winter especially when I see his face at my Kortright Centre race.

By the way you sure were looking good this year.....

Siberian Puppies and some adults 4 sale

2009-04-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Some very good friends of mine have Siberian puppies and some adult dogs for sale.

Some of the dogs are leaders and some are team dogs. You need to speak with them directly about the litters and the adults. Kathy and Robert breed racing Siberian's and are very active racers in the Southern/Central Ontario circuit. Kathy raced in the 2009 World Championships and received a Silver Medal in the Siberian Class.

Please contact them directly as I have no breeding information about their dogs (They have many more photos if needed).

They are good friends of mine and very gooooood people so as far as a reference you can speak with me about them and I'd say buy their dogs. I'd buy their dogs the next time I am looking.

Anyways call Robert or Kathy Kilbreath and speak to them about their dogs .

(613) 399-5632

Iditarod 07-08-09 Champion

2009-03-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well was there any doubt that this was going to happen..... maybe from the other racers.

Great job Lance Mackey Champion again.

Iditarod 2009

2009-03-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my dogsleddn facebook buddy Kiara about this years Iditarod. As Canadians of course we started going with Canadians. She was going for Aaron Peck and I was hoping for adopted Canadian Hans Gatt. Both of us knew inside that we should say that "LM"was the man and no more said.

But as Canadians we like to see others win, vote for new comers and underdogs, but inside we should of just said "LM" and no more said. As we got to the end of our conversation she thought Jeff King would do well and learned many new lessons from "LM" from last year-No sleeping on the job with "LM" around. I always hope for personal favorite Martin Buser- always smiling.

Well as it gets closer to the end it looks like "LM" is making them all work hard not to come second for the third year in a row.

Just before Kiara and I logged off we said "Lance Mackey is the man enough said".

After seeing this picture I will always go for Lance. It reminds me of myself at the Norland race just outside of Minden,Ontario. We had to run through a farmers field and the cows- yes cows, were suppose to be in the barn. As I turn into the field there she was a big fat cow in the middle of the trail. My lead dog Tyler thought he could take her so he headed right for her. I set my snow hook -(actually the only time I can remember setting my snow hook during a race as a sprint racer)-and I ran over to the cow. See wasn't going to move so I wacked her in the nose with my snubb line and the quick release clip landed in the perfect spot and she ran off. I crapped my pants and finished the race. Okay it's not the same a moose but who cares.

Go Lance Mackey Go!!!!!!!

Kortright 2009 Challenge Results.

2009-02-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

The Challenge this weekend was to get the second day heats in before there was to much heat. Sunday was plus 6 at one point but our trail stood strong. Well it did weep in one area but only for about 12 feet. Other than that lots of fun, lots of spectators and lots of siberian husky 4 dog teams (18). This picture shows my physical ability on Saturday by the time it was my turn to race ZZZZZZZZ. Thanks Peter for catching me a sleep at the wheel. It's not really true Kathy and Robert I think it was a cat nap.
Well, here our the results I have everyones full name in the car and I'll add them soon.

3-dog race

1)Barry Cull-35:47.52 2)Colleen Heibein-35:59.82

3)Kathy Henry-Kilbreath 4)Laurel Turansky-38:15.24

5)Cherie McCallum-40:07.21 6)Daryl Schuler-53:52.49

7)Bailey Moffat-56:59.37 8)Vicky Hailey-OT (Sunday)

9) Renata Sauder-DNF (Sunday)

Cut of time-45:41.81

4-dog race

1)Laurel Turansky-32:48.09 2)Barry Cull-32:52.34

3)Michelle Redstone-34:24.06 4)Kathy Henry-Kilbreath-34:57.04

5)Joel Jamieson-36:07.15 6) Cheri McCallum-36:11.68

7)colleen Heibein-36:23.66 8)Walter Grohman-36:35.68

9)Janate Cooper -37:19.88 10)David Jolette-38:06.93

11)Daryl Schuler-39:59.21 12)Marilyn Graf -40:38.14

13)Dana Cranstone-41:02.64 14)Riley O'Connor-42:57.59

15)Jason Quinlan-46:31.03 16)Jason Quinlan-49:46.21

17)Mike Murphy-53:07.51 18)Marilyn Graf-56:44.67

Cut off time-41:41.87.

Kortright Challenge 2009 Pictures from the weekend.

2009-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from this weekend at the Kortright race. I've tried to forward as many as I can and if I get more I'll send them along. I've talk to pretty much everyone and everyone loved the trail. This is the trail I will keep from now on and now it's up to the weather.

Saturday the weather was perfect for the dogs minus 14 but with the wind it was quite cold. At one time my eye frooze shut.

We managed to sneek it in on Sunday with the tempature getting up to plus 6 the last time I checked. The trail held it's own except for that one sloppy spot on the third field.

This was the greatest Kortright in the ten years. 9- 3 dog teams and 18-4 dog teams.

WOW the siberian teams were out and ready to go.

I will be putting the results on the blog, SHCC and sleddogcentral.com on Wednesday.

Thanks to Everyone who made it out. If there is a picture from this years race of you on my blog click on it and steal it. I managed to get 1 of me and I'll save it for the results page as it suited me for the weekend. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. I love it.....

Kortright Race-Is a Siberian Husky Race

2009-01-25T10:06:00.001-08:00

Kortright Race is just 1 week away. Still lots of work to be done but a lot can't be completed until Thursday and Friday as the Kortright Centre is open to the public. Just a reminder that this is a Siberian Husky Race put on by the Siberian Husky Club of Canada Southern/Central Area.

The Kortright Centre is just off the 400 hwy. Get off at the Canada's Wonderland exit and head west. Go 5 minutes west of the 400 to Pinevalley Rd with large green wolf signs to the Centre.

Racers can arrive at 8:30am to get a spot for their truck -all are quite good for racers to get their sleds and dogs to the start line. If there any other questions please email me at

dogsleddn@hotmail.com

There is a racers enterence just North of the main enterence. A private rd. that will lead right down to the start line of the race.

I will have a sign there "for racers only"

There are many Hotels/Motels in the area but it seems that the best priced is the Vaughn Inn. It is only about 10 minutes from the race. (905-851-3831)

Kortright Challenge-SHCC 4 mile race

2009-01-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Kortright Challenge just two weekends away.

Jan.31 & Feb.01, 2009.

Lots of work still to be done but most of it will be done the week before. Peter French (race marshall) will take a look at my trail on Tuesday January 27,2009. Friday the straw bails will go out and we will be ready to race on Saturday and Sunday.

The Kortright Trail is a 4 mile loop starting off running around three flat loops and up and down a couple of the Kortright Valleys and finishing with a flat round and about way to the finish. It is quite exciting, the dogs can run all out in the flats and the driver and the team need to work together in the valleys.

Racers can arrive at 8:30 am to get settled in. Drivers meeting and bib draw at 10am but usually 10:30am. Spectators can enter the park at 10 am so we can't start the race until after that which is usually 11:15am starting with the three dog class. Lunch for racers and hopefully the four dog class can run after 1pm. Thomas Pride and windrift kennels will be there to give rides for adults and kids so there should be lots of fun. I have mentioned to some beginners and individuals with a few dogs that at the end of the two races they could run around the mile loop or around the 4 mile trail if they would like. There is a lot of spectators usually at Kortright so the more teams they get to see the better. If racers has more dogs than the two classes and wish to run their others, let me know so we can co-ordinate that the best way possible. Hope to see everyone soon.

If you have any questions please email me at dogsleddn@hotmail.com

I will send a list of hotels/motels in the area next week as the list is at work.

Go- Kathy & Robert- Go "WORLD'S WOW"

2008-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish my friends Robert and Kathy Kilbreath all the best at The IFSS World Championships in Daaquam Quebec on January 17 to the 24, 2009.

Kathy will be running in the 4 dog sprint event and the 2 dog skijoring class. I think they might be in the relay race as well but I am not sure about that. Click on the picture and you can really get a good look at katthy and the team coming out of the forest at Kortright

Good luck to you and your Siberian Huskies!!!!!

Feel free to leave them a comment on my blog and I will get it to them before the race.

What's The Difference

2008-12-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between boys and girls.

Little girls want to be like their dad and boys want to steal their dad's truck to meet little girls.

(both are still in training).

Hope to have this picture of my daughter with her truck, sled and trailer on www.sleddogcentral.com/

I quess we'll see????????

Kortright Race Jan.31/Feb.01,2009

2008-11-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I am going to put the Kortright Challenge on again this year.

Lets hope there is enough snow this year and at the right time so I can get the trail in.The race will be on Jan.31 and Feb.01,2009.

It will be the same trail as last year that no one got to run on except me -sorry.

It was a thing of beauty. Very similar route to the 2007 trail but smoothed out even more.

Jim Rossiter ran 6 hounds on this trail on the Sunday and Sean Burns ran 4 hounds on it the year before.It is a 4 mille loop trail. The only loop part about it is that it has no head on passing.

There will be two classes- 4 dog and 3 dog- same as before. Beginners can run on the 1 mlie loop at the end of the two races.

I haven't heard from my marshall yet but it's early. I need two timers so I will be looking for some volunteers.

Well that's all I can think of right now so I'll let you know as we go.

Keep your eyes on the trail.

Q:What are the commands you may need to know for the Kortright Trail???

A:Gee- Gee- Haw- Haw- Gee- gee- haw -gee- gee- haw -easy now- haw- gee -gee- on by

up-lets go-(two miles to go) haw- haw- easy-easy now-truck- truck- Good girls .

Exercise: now for any of you that have run this trail before think about the start line and follow my commands in your head. Did you make it to the finish line.

(When I ran Jim's hounds around I think I just said oh shit a few times).

Fall is in the air

2008-10-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Geronimo can smell the cool air of fall moving in. The dogs are in perfect weight to start training.

Weather is expected to be +20 for Thanks Giving so I'll hang in there.

Sasha is 7 turning 8 in 2009 so it's time those pups learn to run lead.

Cochise is showing promise as a lead and she has submitted to Sasha so they do need to fiqure that out. Best thing to do would get both those pups running lead and bum a few more dogs at the race. Take the pressure off sasha.

So, it's my birthday?? I feel like I did yesterday.

2008-07-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

In my own opinion, I'm feeling 25- looking 29- skating like I'm 18 and walking the next day like I'm 69. That old knee has taking some abuse over the years (skating and sledding-not the golf though!). Uwe Kruppe did say sledding was a non strenuous sport. NHL didn't agree with him nor did my knee.
I do think my mid area is looking 43.

Hoping my young pups can drag me around with some direction from Sasha so that I don't have to run too much this year (thinking of that final uphill at Kortright!!??).
I remember racing at Copeland forest, thinking I was doing pretty well. I was working my tail off and then Tom Illiffe passed me in the catchers position smoking a cigar. I chased him for about 200 yards before he and his team were out of site. In better times I remember passing Jason Miller with 3 show dogs and shelby. I was running on foot, full out until my sled caught up to me and I jumped on-Fly bye technique. My worst moment was running up the hill at Trillium Trails at the Canadian Championships in Port Perry. I was so tired that when it was time to head down the hill I could hardly keep the sled straight.
Anyways out for wings,beer and cake tonight. It shouldn't affect me especially on this day.

Thanks to Robert and Kathy Kilbreath for the pictures. This is Kathy at Haliburton (FLYING)and a picture of their newest members. I might need to borrow a few dogs from you if you keep this up.

Happy Canada Day 2008

2008-07-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope everyone had a good day on Canada Day.

The kids had fun down at The Bronte Canada Festival. Sliding, jumping, flags, ice cream and tons of people. Then we came home and decorated our house. How Canadian, dog sleds and flags. Here is Natalie and Matthew getting a ride from Yuke and Blacky.

Later, I had a few beers"what else on Canada Day, eh" with Curtis sitting on the front lawn in the dog sleds. Even a biker driving by had to take a second look. I'm sure he wasn't use to not being the main attraction (double negitive thing). Curtis's wife Venessa took this picture of us from across the street (didn't want to be seen with us-just kiddn).

I need some new pictures of my dogs on the blog-They are really maturing into the racing machiens cheins I thought they would.

If you would like to have your team on the blog email pictures and info/names to dogsleddn@hotmail.com for July's blog post

Aug. 2008 will be licence plate month email me pics of any interesting dog sledding related plates.

Gas prices gone to the dogs

2008-04-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well with the price of gas these days I had to come up with a new plan for the PT Cruizer. The hitch is in the front now. This will save me thousands. Glad I never bought that Duelly. I would of needed a few more dogs.

All the snow has finally melted and I guess it's time to get the clubs out. 21 degrees on Friday.

In Like A LION

2008-03-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, Wednesday a storm came through and it was starting to melt. Great for snowmen and forts.
Saturday night over 18 inches had to of fallen and left us with a beautiful sparkling morning. I had to shovel twice on Saturday and once on Sunday. After shovelling the banks are now 3-4 feet high. Staying positive though. Pt Cruiser in deep.
Lets hope it doesn't melt to fast and flood us out. March break for the kids always fun with 2 feet of snow.

Kortright Race CANCELLED

2008-02-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Well the snow really came too late to get this this race off the ground so to say... Even if we get all the snow expected there is no time to cut a trail in time for Saturday. At this time in the storm I can't even get to Kortright. That's not even the real problem. The melting of the December snow and the warm weather of last week has caused the stream at the bottom of my trail to melt. I checked with Kortright this morning to see if we could get around that bridge with the snowmobile and we CANNOT. That ended any chance of running this weekend. Hopefully a fun run in the future if people are interested. I'll watch the weather and check the trail. We could throw a fun race together possibley.
Sorry, I felt I could put something together even for fun but it won't work out.
from the horses mouth.
Joel

A light dusting -No way near.

2008-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

Well some snow has fallen. I almost shoveled my driveway but didn't feel that the little amount that was there was worth my attention. I spoke with Kortright as they are a little more north than me and they were excited with the snow. It is no way enough to even think about a racing trail.
I would run there but I have run at York Regional forest after a cm had fallen, enough to cover the sand. We need wayyyy more.
The girls were happy to see it but wasn't enough for a lap around the block.

Oh No!!!! +14 degrees.

2008-01-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

That is some nasty dog sledding weather here in Burlington and Southern Ontario (plus 14).
It is getting cooler but the damage is done.
We are down to the grass/mud.
Not a flake in site. Son of a gun!!!!
I'll keep you posted on the Kortright trail.

Heading in for some indoor winter sports I guess?????

Merry Christmas and Happy dogsleddn 2008.

2007-12-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hope all my dogsleddn friends and their four legged friends get lots of snow and a hard packed trail for Christmas. We'll be seeing you soon out on the trail but until then have a save holiday. Kortright Feb.2/3,2008.
Here is my Sasha talking to the PT team during a photo shoot at the Wasaga Beach Race a few years ago.
NO SIGN OF RACES IN THE FIRST 2 WEEKS of JANUARY UNLESS WE HEAD TO THE STATES AT THIS POINT IN TIME?????
A special thanks to Jasmine for all the pictures this year. They really help my blog.

Race Schedule-Sibes and Open

2007-12-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some important Race dates for Siberian Sprints for 2008. Ontario

Jan.26/27/08 Haliburton Highlands.-Sibe Class in the previous years
Feb.2/3/08 Kortright Centre- Siberian Race 3 and 4 dog *4 miles
Feb.9/10/08 Kearny- Sibe Class now.
Feb23/24/08 Cannington- Open(good Sibe group)
March1/08 Apsley Winterfest-Open
March 1/2/08 Markstay-Warren Challenge the Champ

**Marmora and Bancroft not on www.sleddogcentral.com

bad breeding

2007-12-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well, the first time since as long as I can remember we have had an early snow fall.
Hopefully it will keep coming and we will have a successful race season.
My trails are snow and ice and I can not run on rig or sled but I am enthusiastic.
One other problem is this new lead dog has heavy feet. He runs like an elephant.
His dad seemed so strong and bull headed. I might have to stop this breeding line.

The Kortright race will be held on February 2-3, 2008 this year.
I hope to have all the mailrun people out this year,The Western Ont. Area, The Eastern Ont. Area and as many others as possible. Maybe our friend bi-coastal Dan from BC will show up with his Nova Scotia plates.
Talk with you soon.

NEGLECTED -blog: UK GUESTS

2007-11-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I haven't written in my blog since August 07.
The weather has been good for golfers-not so good at all for us dog sledders.
Nov. 05/07 and it is going to be 10 degrees. Sounds Like a golf day.

Anyways, I had some Dog sledding visitors from the UK (Hugh and Pauline) come to Canada. They had a grand old time. I arranged a nice tour of three kennels ( John Liversage,
Gerald/ Yvonne Clarke and Lynn Hiley) .
First stop- John gave them a tour of his kennel. He talked about equipment and I learned something new about ganglines and the proper measurements. Gail made us some great sandwiches and it was off to Gerald and Yvonne's.
It was the first time I have been to their kennel and I was very impressed. Personally a dream kennel and if you ever get the chance to go-GO. My favorite part(one of many) was the old round high school sink in the free run area that the dogs could play in. I had a quick chat with Gerald about his redline sled and I remembered why I didn't want to sell mine. It is not for sale.
Finally off to Lynn's. We meet the dogs and it was more food and wine for our quests. A very good dogsledding chat and we had to head back into the city. Pauline and Hugh ended their day at Elsie Chadwick's home where they planed to stay the night. The tour went long and I couldn't stay for the end but they told me they had a great time with Elsie (of course they would).
I will have to plan another date for myself and Elsie as I alway enjoy her tea, conversation and of course the archives.
They planned a day up at Leigh and Susan Gilcrest's. Then they headed home.
They e mailed me when they returned home and sent these pictures of their trip and some of their own team at the first rig race in the UK. (The pictures are not in order of the tour-Computor loser).
Thanks Elsie +2, John/Gail +10, Gerald/Yvonne+10 and Lynn+14= the 36 dogs on the tour.

My greatest moments running dogs.

2007-08-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Picture 1- Racing in Woodstock with Shelby and Tyler in Lead.
Picture 2-Recreational run at Walter's Bootcamp with Shelby and Cheyenne in Wheel.
Picture 3-4th place at Wasaga Beach-didn't see much Beach but we had a great time.
Sasha running lead with Cleo.
Picture 4-3rd place at The Kortright Centre Race-seconds from second.
Sasha running in wheel.
Picture 5-Lead dog training with Shelby and Tyler. I miss them both

Kortright Centre and Nutro Products race date Feb.2/3,2008

2007-07-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Kortright Conservation Centre and Nutro Products 3 and 4 dog Team Challenge set for Feb. 2/3, 2008.
This year there is only one date scheduled at the Centre and the date was specifically picked so that as many siberian racers from the SHCC Southern/Central /Western and Eastern Ontario can attend. Last years first event was cancelled because of the lack of snow and the second event was planned on the Mailrun weekend. This year I hope to have the mailrun members here as you were missed and I want you to have the opportunity to run on this trail. The Kortright Centre staff and I have agreed that this is the best trail that we have ever put together at the centre and everyone who attended last year enjoyed it very much. With this race still under ten years old it would be great to have all the champions return to run (Gerald Clarke,Colleen Heibein,Mike Oldenof, Kathy Kilbreath and Jim Rossiter). I don't think Jamie Mcnabb is racing but it would be great to see him out. When I first started racing I judged the race by how good the fries were(Norland,Woodstock and Kitchener had great fries) but now I judge the race by if I saw my good friend Walter Grohman there and I hope he will be at Kortright this year. I will try and have a Kortright 10th anniversary race and dinner next year. 1999-2009.
Last years times to beat for the two day event on this new trail stand as the current record as the trail is now 4 miles long and I plan to keep it.
* Kathy Kilbreath in the three dog class-35.23.
* Jim Rossiter in the four dog class -30.17.
Now all we need is some snow.

Happy Canada Day

2007-07-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Cool Day for Canada Day.
It's nice out. I have the air conditioning off sitting with the windows open.
The dogs are enjoying the cool day and so are the kids.

Dogs on the loose-Sasha 's home first.

2007-05-29T15:36:00.002-07:00

Here is my kennel- two runs. The dogs were actually behind me while I was waiting to take their pictures-not on the loose. I could house two dogs on each side. The runs are 10 X 5 and they can go into the shed out of the sun, rain or snow. The shed is 8X8 (4X8 each side) split inside with straw beds for each dog. The shed is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Sasha is on one side alone as she tends to dominate the pups when they are together. The free run area is 10 X 20. They all run together each day as I clean the kennel and they go back into their runs to eat so no problems occur. After that they eat, they play again when the bowls are removed. They like to chase each other from run to run until Sasha gets tired and then she tells them to stop it.
This is a good picture of my "Crazy horse"-Sasha. She will be six this summer. She is owning the ball. I'm very happy with her weight and shape as the summer approaches.

Link to sleddogcentral.com

2007-05-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

I emailed sledogcentral.com to see if I could get my blog linked up with them. I guess they looked at my site or maybe not and linked me up. I am in the kennels link and then click on Canada and scroll down the list to dogsleddn. Anyways I was honoured. I have been looking at sleddogcentral since 1998. and now I am linked....
Later I looked at my dogsleddn@hotmail.com emails and Judy from sleddogcentral.com emailed me and asked if I would concider being a mentor for Ontario. I am quite busy with my new job, two kids and my own dogs so I'd have to think about it.
I guess she did look at my blog and saw some interesting stuff that would make her ask me to be a mentor.
Anyways, thanks sleddogcentral.com and a nice complement for me....

another dogsleddn game

2007-05-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I played this game. It is fun and educational.
He and I both enjoyed it. Have fun. Go here -go to games and find mush rush in the north section.
www.ecokids.ca

Spring-Near Summer

2007-05-12T12:25:00.001-07:00

Not much going on for a dog team in spring. A few hot days so the pups have been hosed down each day by Natalie and Matthew (Do you know how hard it is to get a good picture of the dogs and two kids at the same time. Well this was the best of both after 10 shots). As it gets hotter I'll do this each day. The pups expect it and so do my kids now. Sasha will have none of it. She would rather be hot than wet.
The pups sure look thin when they're all wet but they are really in good shape.
Played(terrible) golf last week. The swing was there but mentally the game wasn't. Plenty of time to improve and it will be fall again and time to train. Shouldn't really rush the summer away but I do rather love the snow.
Good time to clean up the sled, the harness and check my ganglines. Never ended up selling my redline sled so in a way it is a blessing and I managed to pay off the trailer with income tax money.
*Redline sled not for sale................
Saw a good Video(DVD) called "The Last Trapper" I recommend my dogsledding friends see it.
It's in the video store now.
It reminded me of my good friend Walter-I miss him and hope to see him soon.
See you for now.

Redline Sled "NOT" for Sale.

2007-03-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

The photo was taken March 19, 2007. My camera is stuck in the past.
I love this sled but I really have to pay for my trailer and get ready for next year.
This is a great sled. It has QCR system(Quick Change Runner) and alumium break system.
I raced this sled for my first two seasons before getting a new sled. It just might be better than my chatmac sled I have right now but the chatmac is new.
$550. or best offer. This was the sled in the Hugo Boss adds two years ago....SO.
Please pass on the word. I will remove my flag and put a Canadian flag on.

Mackey is Champion.

2007-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Lance Mackey wins Yukon Quest 2007.
Heads over to the Iditarod and wins that race as well. Lucky #13. Not much luck needed since he won the two greatest races this year.
Early in the race he was looking to borrow a sled as he broke a runner in Rainy Pass.
Lots of trouble in Rainy Pass as 11 racers scratch from race there including Doug Swingley and Dee Dee Jonrowe. Our own Karen Ramstead from the SHCC scratched in Grayling(better run next year Karen).
9 Days 5 hours 8 minutes and 41 seconds from Anchorage to Nome.
Paul Gebhardt in second after 1150 miles only 2 hours off lead.

Checkout all the racers and the racers still out there
www.iditarod.com

Race season in Southern Ontario coming to an end

2007-02-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

As we move into March 2007, the race season comes to an end and everyone becomes a recreational sledder, looking for some place to run. Hopefully, if I can co-ordinate this in time with CTV weather, I plan to be live on the show with a few other mushers. If the snow hangs around we can have a mock race on the show. It is coming together with four other teams eager to show their speed off on TV. I'll let you know when/if it is going to happen.
I leave you with this joke someone sent me I call "DUCK"-not quack quack type.

Feb. Kortright Centre and Nutro Products Race 2007

2007-02-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

Well, The race was on and gone. Everyone had a fun time and I am very pleased that everyone enjoyed the trail and that everyone was save. Kathy told me it was fun but it still makes your heart beat. I will push some brush back and a few smaller trees I noticed when I ran Jim's HOUNDS(Thanks again Jim and Julie for the run and Cheri for the use of your sled-I ran your dogs and sled as if they were my own). Tracy from The Kortright Centre says she has a picture of me pooing on the fly (to the non- dogsledders it's like peeing your pants). I was more scared of having to pay for the sled if I crashed it rather than being scared of actually crashing. The hounds can move and I have never gone that fast except for when Walter pulled me on the snowmobile with my sled behind.
This will be the trail that I will continue to use. I know the trail is now save after Jim ran six hounds through there in 12 minutes. Thanks Peter for Marshalling,Terry for Timing and everything, Sue for the Nutro help, The Kortright staff for working as hard as I do and to my beautiful Maureen for letting me do my thing even though you were so sick. I met some new friends and it was good to see some old friends. I missed our friends who ran the mailrun and I will plan the race next year so I will see you all. Have fun and run between the trees.
Jim Rossiter winner of the four dog class and Kathy Kilbreath winner of the three dog class.
Matt Romanow-aka bi-coastal/polar Dan-our new friend from BC and/or Nova Scotia.
all results on www.sleddogcentral.com

Donavon and Mika

2007-02-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

Mika
Donavon
As a proud owner of Siberians, I (Brave-hence the Brave and Crazy) am honoured to feature my favorite sprint racing siberian in Canada(hey in the world) on my blog. "Donavon the father of my two pups". Along with"Mika the mother of my two Crazy(hense the Crazy) pups".
Mika coming off a fresh win at the Kearny Race in the four dog/4 mile siberian class. Filling in for the old guy who needed a rest after winning the 4 dog 4 mile race at Haliburton, the week before. Seems they are both great leads of our time and I hope my pups are half the dogs their parents are.
Thanks Jim and Julie for my pups
My dogs are for life.......................

The Brave and Crazy
Birch Bark Racing Siberians.
Crazy Horse, Geronimo and Cochise.

WHY RUN.....

2007-02-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

When you have team players with a heart as big as this why should we run. I'll have a umbrella in my drink please.
Anyways it sounds like a fun time at Haliburton. Wish I was there but I ran at my 3 mile trail and it was terrible. Puppies humbled me... I'll try them at Kortright next to see if I can get them around four miles. Trail is almost ready without straw bails until race day. I hope to get someone around the trail with a little faster team to check things out. Any takers available please give me a call.
Burlington's Brave and Crazy- Birch Bark Siberians into Kortright for a tune up.
Lay off the booze girls and lets go.......

Kortright Centre Race Cancelled for Jan.2007

2007-01-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well, global warming taking its toll on Southern Ontario sled dog racing. Third weekend in a row where we had to cancel a race. Kortright Centre and Nutro Food Products Team Challenge is the next to be axed. Our next hope is for the Haliburton Highlands race next weekend at Pinestone.
Sasha here running lead in red in the three dog event with some friends. Better weather at Kortright that year.

www.winterdance.com/race/

dogsleddn game

2007-01-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2007-unless your a sled dog. Time to take up herding.
I haven't been on sled this year except for this game I found.
I was even doing some head on passing. Haven't beat the computer game yet so it is like real life racing.

Go to:
www.onlinegames.net/games/992/husky-racers.html

Kortright Centre Races If There 's SNOW???

2006-12-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

Here is my old TYLER running single lead with a couple of borrowed dogs from a friend.
This was at the Kortright Conservation Centre and Nutro Food Products Team Challenge.
We did pretty well if I remember right.
Kortright Conservation Centre and Nutro Food Products Team Challenge on two weekends this year.
Jan.20/21,2007
Feb.17/18,2007
Hopefully there will be snow........ My Crazy horse"Sasha", Geronimo and Cochise will run together for the first time competitively together. I can't wait. Three dog class -4 miles.

Let it Snow -Let it snow-LET IT SNOW.

2006-12-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Dec.4th,2006

QU;When can a dog sledder say he's struck it rich?
ANS: When there is snow on the ground.

Finally Burlington sees some snow. We moved here last year in January 2006 and after putting my kennel in, concrete post and all, I never seen a single flake until tonight.

If you have kids or enjoy looking at christmas lights. Take a drive out to Burlington and drive west on Spruce Ave-West of Appleby rd.
There is the most decorated house I have ever seen. There is parking across the street so you can get out and check it. There is stuff even in the back yard. I promise it is worth the drive.

It must be sunny -Sasha's out.

2006-11-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here is my Lead dog. My little Crazy Horse Sasha

She has great drive and she is always eager to run for me.
She has never really shown her potential but the pups have been a real handful for her.
She was the first really Siberian that I have owned that I didn't have to get off my sled and run for.
I have had to run after her a few times but mostly the running was done from my car. This is not from 1997-It's 2006. So I'm technically challenged-I really can't fix it........

Siberian Races in Ontario

2006-11-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Races of interest for Siberian racers.

Jan.6-7,2007 -Race for rescue:Copeland Forest-3/4/6
Jan.20-21,2007-Kortright Centre and Nutro Foods Team Challenge 3/4
Jan.27-28,2007-Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Derby 4/6/8
Feb.10/11,2007-Kearny Quest Dogsled Race 4/6/8
Feb.17,2007-BancroftFrosty Frolics 4/6 plus 50 miler
Feb.17/18,2007-Kortright Centre and Nutro Foods Fun Race3/4
Plus one mile run for fun/beginers-Races individual days on 17/18.
Feb.24/25,2007-CanningtonSleddog Races 4/6 2/Ski.
Feb.24/25,2007-Markstay-Warren-Challenge the Champ 4/6/8 purebred to.
Mar.3/4,2007-Elliot Lake/Bellididarace-4/6/8.

For more information on these events go to
www.sleddogcentral.com

The Pups

2006-11-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

Here are dah twins as my son calls them or the goils as my daughter says.
Cochise has the racoon eyes and Geronimo has the long legs and the up yours on her forehead. It's hard to see but it has been there since birth. Sasha doesn't come out in the rain. She will be in the next shoot.

BURLINGTON- CANADA's one and only

2006-11-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

BRAVE AND CRAZY
BIRCH BARK RACING SIBERIAN"S

The trailer is done

2006-11-26T12:23:00.001-08:00

The trailer is ready. I can start running abit more serious. Just have to get myself ready. I've looked at two real good places to train. One mile and three miles. Both good for the bike. I have a perfect 4 mile plus trail to train but they don't want me training with my sled as they groom it for cross country skiing. I'll be okay there until they have enough snow to start packing it for cross country skiiers. Hope to have some pictures of us running soon. It would be nice to see some snow this year. The kortright trail looks great. First time I actually went out to see it and it was in racing condition.
Here's mika my pup's mom. She was owned by Uwe Krupp a famous NHL hockey player but I know him as the famous dogsledder. Mika is now owned by Jim Rossiter and he owns my favorite siberian racing dog Donavon-my pups dad.
I'll see if Jim has a picture of him that I can post.
see you head on- the trail.