Sponsorships!

Running the Mid Distance Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Day 57 October 27, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

Getting someone to sponsor you is like getting pushed uphill while riding a bike. It is still a ride but now you have partners that are helping out and it makes the journey more fun. I just got Jack Links to help out my adventure. A phone call to them 2 weeeks ago explaining that I was "Feeding My Wild Side" by mushing dogs, was enough to convince them to sponsor me with product while I train. This will go a long way as I do like beef jerky and Jack Links is the best that I have tasted. Other sponsors that have jumped on board include: Premier Companies, a local asphalt and snow removal company, Anytime Fitness, North Shore Oil and Propane, Out There Advertising, The Edge Palates Studio and Stewart Taylor Printing. They have all helped out in one way or another and I couldn't do this without them. THANK YOU SPONSORS!

I am Not a Musher Yet......

Running the Mid Distance Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Day 51 October 21, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

You are not a musher until you can handle a sled in the winter behind dogs. All I really know right now is how to harness dogs and clip them to the gangline, jump on my wheeler, give a couple voice commands and hold on. But, in the big picture, the most important lesson that I have learned is to love animals again. After putting my lab down 2 years ago I swore off being attached to "non-humans". I have changed. I even swerved to miss a cat the other day! I have new found respect for every living animal, all due to these sled dogs that I have come to appreciate. I am going to have a hard time leaving them after the race. I have learned other things like soaking food, baiting the water if a dog looks like it might be dehydrating, that scooping poop is a great time to converse with the animals, take wide turns, how to break up a dog scirmish and my favorite, reading my lead dogs.

Cirrus

is one of my lead dogs and he looks back at me when he knows it is time for a command. His look says; "What are we going to do here num-nuts?" It's amazing that, with just a look, he can communicate with me. When he gets the command, he goes, always doing the right thing. I have a lot to learn once the snow and cold hits, but with Cirrus in the lead, it will make my job easier.

Positive Energy People

Running the Mid Distance Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Day 42 October 12, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

Throughout this process of learning about sled dogs and the world of mushing, I have had the opportunity to meet some special people. Everyone I have met has been open, positive and kind. The person that has led me to this point is Linda Nervick. She has been part of a group of people that basically saved the Beargrease 8 years ago when the major sponsors dissappeared. Linda's love and positive energy for this race has been a driving force for it's comeback. This year's race is already full with 80 mushers! The economic impact has got to be in the hundred of thousands of dollars for Duluth and the North Shore. Filled hotel rooms, full restaurants and full gas tanks all along the shore are evident for 4 days of the race. The check points along the trail that are not only accessible but people are encouraged to participate, which is a hidden benefit of this race compared to races like the Iditarod, where you see them at the start and finish.....and that's all. The Beargrease is becoming a Northshore Winter week of fun and excitement, thanks to the 800 volunteers, the board, and people like Linda. We are lucky to have this race here in the Northland!

Reading the Dog

Running the Mid Distance Beargrease Sled Dog Race
Day 38 October 8, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

I have learned to watch for specific traits a dog might show when pulling. I watch for who is the first and last to start loping, what their gait looks like, if their body is square to the harness or if they are pulling to the side. Is the the tail up or down? Do they keep looking back at other dogs? Do they try to get a sip of water from a puddle every chance and are they overheating? After 38 days, I have started to see things that were not even a thought when I started. I am getting more comfortable and confident and look forward to the challenge of the sled on ice and snow. I have been running more and biking too and I feel better than I have in over 2years.

The Birds and the Bee's

Running the Mid Distance Bear Grease Sled Dog Marathon
Day 31 Oct. 1, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

Breeding these dogs is a science and a business. We have a dog in heat that we want to race in the Beargrease, so keeping the boy's off of her is a full time job. There is a time for those matters with the right blood lines and at the right time of year....this was not the right time or the right match. I don't know how long it takes to concieve but as I was watering the dogs and turned my back on the team for 3 seconds, there was Rocket trying his best with Electron. I ran over and "unhitched" the 2 and I am sure I got there in time because 1 minute later, Rocket was back in action trying to finish his duty. I moved him to the back of the group and brought up Russell who had no interest in Electron and we ran smooth after that. Today's Lesson: Never turn your back on the the dogs, anything can happen!