2008

CRAFTSBURY TRUE COMPANION

SLED DOG RACE

 

WHAT: MULTI-CLASS RACE!

               8-10 Dog, Thirty Mile Race-at least 6 dogs to start, finish with at least 3  

               6-Dog, Thirty Mile Race-at least 5 dogs to start, finish with at least 3

               4-Dog, 15 Mile Race- at least 3 dogs to start, finish with at least 2  

               1-3 Dog 15 Mile Skijor Race-must finish with at least one dog

               1-3 Dog 8 Mile Skijor Race-must finish with at least one dog

               1 Dog Dash-kid’s race, ages 5-12 years, mushers must provide own sled, dog and helmet. Waiver form available at the race site and must be signed by supervising adult before child will be allowed to race. The "dash" will start shortly after the last 8 mile skijorer has left the start chute.

Due to space constraints entries will be limited to 60 teams total!

WHEN:
   Saturday-January 26, 2008   10:00 am start

           WE WILL ADHERE TO A WEDNESDAY NIGHT CANCELLATION POLICY.

WHERE:  Craftsbury Outdoor Center-Craftsbury, Vermont                    

WHY: In addition to providing our fellow mushers an outlet for their “dog-habit,” our goals are to have FUN, encourage COMMUNITY  INVOLVEMENT and EDUCATE  the public about the sport of dogsledding.

FEES:   8-10 Dog, Thirty Mile-$80.00  (incl GMDM membership)

                6-Dog, Thirty Mile-$65.00  (incl GMDM membership)

                4-Dog, Fifteen Mile-$50.00 (incl GMDM membership)

                1-3 Dog, Fifteen mile Skijor-$50.00 (incl GMDM membership)

                1-3 Dog, Eight mile Skijor-$35.00 (incl GMDM membership)

                1 Dog Dash-$5.00

        Pre-entry encouraged, Entries taken after January 19, 2008 -add $25.00.Entries taken on January 26, 2008 at the drivers meeting - add $50.00

        Refunds will be made in case of cancellation only.

QUESTIONS?  Call Ingrid Bower at (802) 899-6705 or E-mail ibower@uvm.edu

                                                              

The TRAIL:  A multitude of wide ski trails, groomed snowmobile trails and plowed roads.  The terrain is scenic and hilly with several manned road crossings.   There will be (1) checkpoint in the Thirty Mile race and one sign-in point in the 15 Mile Race (no handler access).  While we provide a packed and marked trail, it is your responsibility to handle yourself and your team in a sportsmanlike fashion.  Please prepare yourself  for a wide array of winter weather conditions as well.

RACE  RULES

Have FUN!

 

Our “rules of the trail” will be based on ISDRA cross-country guidelines (non-sanctioned)

 

NO whips, muzzles or full choke chains will be permitted.

 

All dogs on site must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations.  You must provide a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian.  Distemper vaccinations may also be requested.  Provide a letter of kennel inoculation signed by a licensed veterinarian, on his stationary, stating that the entire kennel has been inoculated.  If you administer your own vaccines-provide a current receipt.  If a driver uses nosodes or other alternative methods of vaccination then a letter from your veterinarian is needed, stating what has been used.

RACE VETERINARIANS WILL BE CHECKING YOUR VACCINATION RECORDS AT THE DRIVER’S MEETING ON FRIDAY NIGHT!!  PLEASE HAVE YOUR PAPERWORK AVAILABLE. 

The Race Marshall or Race Veterinarian may remove a dog (or team) from the race which is deemed unfit to continue.

 

The only permitted drugs shall be those deemed not harmful to a racing dog, including antibiotics and anything of an antibacterial nature.

 

ALL dogs on race site will be marked.  No dog may be added after the start of the race.  Dogs may not be switched between teams after the race has started.

 

Starting order will be determined by a draw at the Driver’s Meeting on Friday night.  The Race Marshal may draw for a musher absent from the meeting (with good reason!).

 

Abuse of a dog will not be tolerated in any shape, manner or form.

 

Interference by a driver with another team is prohibited.  Mushers may assist each other between checkpoints.  Mushers may not accept assistance from any type of motorized vehicle unless you or your dog’s life is in danger. 

 

“Poling” will be permitted when the driver is alone on the trail.  When another driver is within sight, poling is not allowed.

 

Loose leaders are NOT permitted. All dogs must be hitched in the team or to the sled or carried in the basket.

 

All sick, fatigued or injured dogs should be carried to the nearest checkpoint for dropoff.  Checkpoint personnel will note any dropped dogs.

 

Drivers must sign in at every checkpoint.

 

If you voluntarily withdraw or are disqualified from the race, you must proceed to the nearest checkpoint and make that fact known to the checkpoint personnel .

 

PASSING:    An overtaking team has the right of way over a preceding team.  A preceding team must make a full stop if requested to do so by the overtaking team.  The overtaken team may pass after one mile or at any time that both teams agree. Excepting the last quarter mile before the finish line, you must maintain an interval of at least one team’s  length.

 

Handlers may NOT assist a driver or team on the trail.  Handlers may only bring supplies to the driver at the checkpoints, they are not allowed to feed/water dogs.  ONE truck per team is allowed at the checkpoint.

 

Unsportsman like conduct will not be tolerated.  Drivers are responsible for the conduct of their dogs and handlers.

 

The Race Marshal may impose a warning/disqualification or time penalty for an infraction of the race rules or upon the recommendation of the Chief Veterinarian.  Decision of the Race Marshal is final.

 

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

 

DOGSLEDDERS ONLY…

 

Sled with functioning brake

*Reflective tape on sled and harnesses

Snub line & snow hook

Dog bag/sled bag - extra collar and harness

Snowshoes   &   sleeping bag

Trail map

Two sets booties – 8  -- must return with at least (8) booties

Axe or hand saw (cable saws not permitted)

Functioning headlamp

First Aid Kit

Fire starting equipment  

Knife must be carried on you

Cable cutters  (For cable ganglines only)

1 lb. food for driver   (May be consumed on the trail)                                                               

1 lb. food/per dog  (Must be returned to finish line)                                                             

2 qt pan (min) to melt snow  

Photo of your true companion

 
A  Special  Note  to Skijors

 

Race rules noted above apply to skijor competitors (ie. vaccinations, etc.)

Teams must be attached via a HARNESS (must have reflective tape) and TOW-LINE to the skier’s belt in a safe and secure manner, leaving the skier’s hands free of the line. 

Line length shall be a minimum of seven (7) feet and a maximum of twelve (12) feet as measured from the skier’s belt buckle to the snap on the dog’s harness.

Minimum width of the skijoring belt across the back shall be three (3) inches.

All dogs must be attached by a NECKLINE unless using a single lead dog.

Tips of the skier’s skis shall determine the starting position of the team.

Skijorers must slow, yield the trail and give immediate right-of-way upon demand.

You may not pass again for (2) minutes/half mile or except by mutual agreement of both parties. 

Excepting the last quarter mile before the finish line, you must maintain twenty (20) feet between your dogs and the skijorer in front.

The nose of the lead dog shall determine the finish time of the team.

In keeping with a “mid-distance” theme, certain items  must be carried with you

Water

Extra collar

Trail map

(4) booties

One extra harness

Functioning headlamp

Firestarting equipment

Knife

Photo of your true companion

 

 The Friday night driver’s meeting is also mandatory in the tradition of  mid-distance racing.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

The following list of local hosts will be more than willing to accommodate you during your stay in Vermont.  Please contact  them directly and let them know you are here for the race.  Ask them specifically about their policy regarding pets in your room.

Brass Knocker Inn - E. Craftsbury, VT (802) 586-2814 includes breakfast

Bricabode B & B - Craftsbury Common, VT (802) 586-2532

Craftsbury Inn and Restaurant - Craftsbury, VT (800) 336-2848

Whetstone Brook B & B - Craftsbury, VT (802) 586-6916 includes breakfast

Eden Mountain Lodge - Eden Mills, VT (802) 635-9070

Brick House Guests - E. Hardwick, VT (802) 472-5512

Cynthia's Victorian Inn - Hardwick, VT (802) 472-6338

Village Motel - Hardwick, VT (802) 472-5211

Somerset House B & B - Hardwick, VT (800) 838-8074 includes breakfast

Sunset Motor Inn - Morrisville, VT (800) 544-2347

Golden Maple Inn - Wolcott Village, VT (800) 639-5234

Village House Inn - Albany Village, VT (802) 755-6722 includes breakfast

Highland Lodge - Greensboro, VT (802) 533-2647

1847 B & B - Greensboro, VT (802) 533-2998

Garvin Hill Farm B & B - Greensboro, VT (802) 533-7436

Lakeview Inn - Greensboro, VT (802) 533-2291

TENTATIVE WEEKEND SCHEDULE


Friday  5:30 pm, January 25  Spaghetti Dinner @ United Church on the Common, Craftsbury

             8:00 pm                      MANDATORY Driver's Meeting

                                               At Craftsbury Outdoor Center-Race Headquarters

 

Saturday  8:00 am, January 26  Bag/Equipment Check

                 10:00 am                    Race START

                                                    (Thirty milers, then fifteen milers, followed by Skijor)

                 Ongoing:                    Activities for family and spectators   

                

 

Sunday   9:00 am, January 27  Awards breakfast buffet @ Outdoor Center dining hall

 

Adopt-A-Musher

 

Some homes are available in the local area. If you are interested, please contact us immediately and indicate this on your entry form. We will accommodate as many of you as we can. If you have an email address, we will confirm with you in that manner. Otherwise, we will call and let you know if a home is available. There will be an "Adopt-A-Musher" table at the spaghetti supper so you can hook up with your "family." The local community is very excited about having a race in the area and are eager to meet mushers. Please be considerate of their hospitality. They can be expected to provide a place to sleep and the use of their bathroom, though you may need to provide your own bedding and towels in some circumstances. We also ask that they provide you with a safe place to park your dog truck and access to water for your dogs. Please, as usual, scoop your own poop and haul it away with you!

 

For further info:  contact Laura Britton @ (802)586-9934, E-mail shmoodog@wildblue.net

FOOD SERVICE

Friday night, January 25 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Come one! Come All!!
Spaghetti Supper at the Church on the Common, Craftsbury, Vermont Benefits Craftsbury Academy Donation at the door (suggested $ 8.00/per person) Meet some of the locals who support our race!! Includes: Spaghetti, bread, beverage, salad and dessert

Other options upon your arrival include:
Craftsbury Inn & Restaurant - Craftsbury, VT
Village House Inn & Restaurant - Albany, VT
Highland Lodge - Greensboro, VT

Minimal food service is available at the race site during the race.

Sunday, January 27 9:00 am
Awards Breakfast buffet @ the Craftsbury Outdoor Center dining hall next to the office.

$ 8.00/person-purchase tickets in advance