Home On-Air The 8th Day Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race This Weekend!

Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race This Weekend!

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The 8th Day with Todd Paz
The 8th Day with Todd Paz

Newberry, MichiganJanuary 5, 2017 – The Upper Peninsula is a beautiful, special place.  One of the traits that make it so unique, is that individuals can participate in or be a spectator at local sled dog races. In fact, you can go and check one out this weekend!

This Saturday, January 7th, the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race is taking place at Muskallonge State Park in Newberry.  The race will begin, and end, inside the park. Todd Paz was able to get Margarette Harvey — Secretary & Chief Timer for the event — to join the 8th Day to discuss the race.

 

 

There are 5 different classes participating:

  • 10 Dog Pro (51 Miles)
  • 8 Dog Pro (41 Miles)
  • 6 Dog Sportsman (30 Miles)
  • 4 Dog Sportsman (16 Miles)
  • 2-3 Dog Youth (4 Miles)

When discussing the event on the 8th Day, Margarette Harvey stressed that safety comes first in this event.  The racers must show up early so they are able to get their dogs checked by an on-site veterinarian. They must also get a bag check to make sure they have all of the required equipment.

In the 10 dog, 8 dog, and 6 dog divisions racers must carry the following: complete working headlamp, sleeping bag that works up to 20 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit, complete set of booties for each dog, a knife, first aid kit, cable cutter, compass and trail map, waterproof matches or a lighter, and a cable or chain for any dropped dogs.

Dropped dogs are those that may get tired out on the trail. There are designated drop dog areas where the musher leaves the dog and the dog is then picked up and transported back to the home area.

This event is one that is sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA). ISDRA events come complete with regulated rules, a timing program, and full safety measures. It is also an event where a racer can accumulate ISDRA points.

The race will begin at 9:30am on Saturday at Muskallonge State Park (30042 Co. Rd 407, Newberry). If you are looking to participate in the race, there is still time to enter! Racers have until Friday, January 6th at 7pm, the start of the drivers meeting, to register.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.tcsdr.org/home.html

You can listen to the full interview with Margarette Harvey from the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race below.  Join Todd Paz on the 8th Day Saturdays from 9-10am on Sunny fm.

LISTEN – 8th Day Interview – Margarette Harvey – Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race