TOO BAD CANADIAN JR.s

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.