Burke Mountain Sled Dog Dash

By
Michael Previs
Posted February 11th, 2009

“3, 2, 1, …Go Driver!” echoed from the loud speaker through the crisp cool air. “Eurrp” I bellowed, and lifted my foot from the claw brake and placed it firmly on the runner. The sled snapped forward, my arms instinctively tightened, and I grabbed hard on the driving bow. We charged out of the starting shoot and passed the spectators that were lined up, trying to catch a glimpse of the team. The deafening noise of chaotic barking instantly faded from my ears, and we entered into the long awaited silence of the softwood forest.
“Good dogs,” I whispered as we popped out into a small clearing and followed the orange fence that separated the outgoing from incoming trails. I was pleased to see that the dogs did not hesitate due to this unexpected distraction. “Alright,” I uttered, picking up the dogs pace with my voice as they drove down the trail. Before they even knew it, we were across the first of the three road crossing and onto the main part of the trail. “Good dogs,” I whispered, and began to swing my leg like a pendulum between the runners, gently pedaling the sled forward in synch with the pounding of the dog’s feet.
This was my experience at Kingdom Trails during the second edition of the Burke Mountain Sled Dog Dash in March, 2008. I was competing alongside 99 other sled dog drivers in a “sprint” style sled dog race. Like the highly popular Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, sprint style dog mushing uses harnessed dogs to pull a sled and driver over a given distance, and the participants are timed as they travel. However, unlike the Iditarod, where team and driver are out in the wilderness for several days, and the dogs trot along a primitive trail at moderate speeds, sprint racers compete against each other in multiple heats on a well groomed trail, and the dogs lope at speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour.
In contrast to the Iditarod, sprint racers use lightweight, 18- to 27-pound sleds, which are made from materials ranging from traditional ash to carbon fiber. Sprint racers compete in various classes according to the number of dogs they are using, and in general, the number of dogs reflects the mileage that the team will run in each heat. For instance, entrants in the four-dog class use four dogs to pull the sled and run on a four- to five- mile trail, while entrants in the eight-dog class use eight dogs and run on an eight- to ten-mile trial. As an exception to the rule, the unlimited class draws awe in its unrestricted number of dogs, and a driver will hook-up as many as 22 dogs and compete at distances ranging from 16-22 miles.
Another popular class at sprint races is skijoring. In this class, participants wear a harness around their waists that resembles those used by rock climbers. They then tether one or two harnessed dogs to their waists with a rope, and use Nordic style skate skis to ski behind their dogs. Both dog and skier take turns driving each other around the trail. This event appeals to both mushers and recreation pet owners because it does not require the type of commitment needed to raise a large sled dog kennel, and adequate training areas for skijoring are much more accessible, especially here in Vermont.
The third annual Burke Mountain Sled Dog Dash will return to the Kingdom Trails from February 28 to March 1, 2009. This event is the pet project of local residents George and Marian Wafer and is hosted by the New England Sled Dog Club. They are working in conjunction with the Ginn Company, owners of the Burke Mountain Ski Area, and with Kingdom Trails and a few other generous local landowners who have granted them access to their personal trail systems.
George and Marian Wafer fell in love with the world of sled dogs while vacationing in Alaska. Upon return, the Wafer’s quickly realized the potential impact that an event like this could have on their community and began hosting the Sled Dog Dash as a fundraising tool for the Wafer Family Foundation. The Wafer’s foundation is committed to helping children and their families in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and having fun in the process. The Wafer’s involvement with the event has also encouraged Clark Gilles, their longtime friend and NHL Hall of Famer, to contribute to their cause through his own foundation. Together, these individuals raised $25,000 last year and these proceeds were donated to the St. Johnsbury youth center to help increase its infrastructure.
The Burke Mountain Sled Dog Dash is a great destination for both Vermonter’s and vacation goers alike. The race site is located just five minutes north of the Burke Mountain ski area. Hot food, beverages, and children’s activities will be available in the main staging area. Viewing is available from this area, but there is also ample opportunity for active spectators to get out on the trail with snowshoes, and take the race in from scenic remote locations. Skiers are encouraged to take advantage of Burke Mountains $18 Sunday specials and stop in to check out the action, while enjoying lunch and mingling with the musher’s who are always happy to show off their dogs and answer questions.
The Burke Mountain Sled Dog Dash also offers my favorite event, the highly popular one-dog junior class, where musher’s generously donate the use of their dogs to give short rides to children. Kingdom Trails grooms a separate 100 yard trail where children, equipped with a ski helmet, get the chance to stand on the runners of a sled being pulled by a single dog. This class certainly leaves the biggest smile on spectator’s faces as they attempt to snap cherished photos of their children. We certainly hope you mark this event on your calendar and join in the fun. Please visit www.sleddogdash.com for more information. We hope to see you there!
Mike Previs and his wife, Samantha, live in Fairfax, Vermont. They have a small kennel of 21 pointer-type sled dogs and have been competing with them for the last 10 years. In 1999 they began skijoring with their border collie and Siberian husky. That’s when they were introduced to sled dog racing and instantly fell in love with the sport. Mike is presently finishing his graduate degree at the University of Vermont in Cell and Molecular Biology.