Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sledding season coming to an end

Slowly, but surely, dog sledding season 10/11 is coming to an end.
Alaska's Iditarod ended with Alaska native John Baker crossing the finish line first in a new record time, ahead of Ramey Smith and Hans Gatt. Overall, 47 mushers completed this year's race.
For complete results, please click here.

In Europe, the annual Finnmarksløpet ended with an overwhelming victory by Norwegian mushers, who finished in 1st through 7th in the 1000km race. In the 500km race even more Norwegians placed in top positions.
For 500km and 1000km results, please click here.

The last distance race for the season will be the Kobuk 440 in Kotzebue, AK, starting on April 14.
Up-to-date information can be found here.


So, now it's back to the dirt trails for several dryland events up and down the coast, as well as across the country.
On the weekend of April 9/10 Pacific Sled Dog & Skijoring Assocation will host a fun run/ race weekend near Sisters, OR. For up-to-date information about this event, please check Tumnatki Siberians' website.

At the end of April (23rd & 24th), NWSDA is hosting their Spring Fling at Camp K in Cle Elum, WA.
Team Arctis will be there again to join the fun!




Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dryland Mushing Spring Race, Washington

Yes, yes, yes, it's still winter and there's still plenty of snow on the ground in many areas, but spring will be here sooner than later, which means dryland mushing season!

We're going to attend NWSDA's spring races in Cle Elum, WA on April 23-24.
As always, we're offering free delivery of a new cart to anyone living in the vicinity of our route, which is along I-5 and/or US-97 between southern CA and central WA.

At this point, we have one spot left for a new cart order to be finished before that weekend. If you're interested, please contact us asap, so we can get going on your cart.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Iditarod, Serum Run & Iron Dog

Alaska is a busy place this time of year.
Last weekend, the 39th Iditarod started in Anchorage. 62 mushers are on the 1049 mile trail to Nome. Lance Mackey is trying to win his 5th Iditarod in a row. Is he going to succeed, or is this the year when Sebastian Schnülle is finally going to be the first to reach Nome? Are Hugh Neff and Hans Gatt able to make up for scratching in the Yukon Quest a few weeks ago?
Click here for current standings, provided by the Alaska Daily News.



At the same time, the bi-annual Norman Vaughn '25 Serum Run is still going on.
The run started on February 20th and at last check, the teams made it into Unalakleet.
Some of the faster Iditarod teams might just pass them on their way to Nome.
Wishing our friends Don Duncan, Margaret Black and Von Martin a great adventure, lots of fun and, of course, happy trails!



Last, not least, the 2000 mile Iron Dog snowmobile race just finished in Fairbanks. Apparently, participants of this race also crossed paths with the Serum Run teams.
Who knew, there was this much traffic in the Alaskan wilderness in winter???

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

New Product! Arctis "Grand Teton" Hitch

We just tested another new product on our recent trip to the American Dog Derby in Idaho: a truck hitch for your picket lines, which was named the "Grand Teton" over lunch at "511 Main" in Ashton, ID. and yes, there is a (long) story behind the name.

So, what's different about our hitch, compared to others?
The outer tubes are powder coated and the telescoping tubes are made from aluminum, to prevent rust. Also, the hitch shown in the pictures below has shortened outer tubes, so they're nicely tucked away under the truck when not in use.
Those can be made longer, depending on your specific needs.

Front hitch can be custom made to fit your truck, rear hitch attaches to any standard hitch receiver or over bike rack etc.

Price is $295 plus shipping and does not include the picket lines.
If you need picket lines, contact our friends at Alpine Outfitters and they'll "hook you up"!