Urban Mushing during So Cal summer

With the exception of maybe one week, we've had a phenomenal summer so far (sun bathers and tourists might disagree). It's been overcast, cool and overall pretty pleasant for our dogs. While conditions are still ok in the morning, our local Urban Mushing group is out and about, running the dogs at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa CA

When we're not out with the dogs, there's always a lot of work waiting at the shop thanks to our great customers. There will be plenty of happy dogs (and mushers) in the near future enjoying the new "ride", from California to Canada.

Plans are firming up for our "Big Sky Roadtrip" in early September. If you want to take advantage of our free delivery offer (see previous post), now would be a really good time to contact us, before we're booked solid for the remaining weeks.
We might be able to squeeze one more cart in at this point.

Here are some pictures of recent runs at Fairview Park:

Free Delivery Available For Arctis Carts

Yes, we're slowly getting to that time of the year again where we start planning roadtrips for the upcoming mushing season.
Whenever we're out and about, we love to take a cart or two with us and meet our customers along the way, saving them the shipping fee.

In September (exact date to be determined), we're planning the long trek up north to Alberta, Canada. Our trip will take us basically all the way along I-15 from southern CA to the Montana/Alberta border and continue through Calgary and Edmonton.

In early November, we're attending the annual Mushing Weekend in La Pine, OR.

More travel dates to be announced as soon as possible.

If you are somewhere in the vicinity of our travel routes, and are interested in a cart, please contact us as soon as possible to reserve a spot.

One more big puppy in need of a good home

After a huge response to the previous listing for an available dog, Gina from "Animal Crackers" in Laguna Beach asked me to list one more of her available puppies.

This guy is Romeo. I personally know him, have taken him on walks and watched him play with other dogs, big and small. A really, really sweet and well mannered boy. Big and strong, but so gentle.

Gina says "He is a wonderful, loving dog that loves to play with every dog he meets. He is about 1 year old, weighs about 68lbs and is full grown. Not only is he very playful with all dogs, he is especially gentle and playful with small, more "energetic" dogs. Allowing them to even bite on him during play, all without irritation. He is a little shy with strangers at first but after a few minutes, warms up nicely. In addition, his looks might give an intimidating impression, but because of his shy nature he is far from being a watchdog."

For more information about Romeo, please contact Gina at (949) 499-1988

Siberian Husky available for adoption in So CA

8 months old female Siberian Husky available to a good home that knows about and can take care of Huskies. Her name is Nova, she's red/white with blue eyes. She is in excellent health and has no "issues". Her current owners need to find a new home for her because of allergies.

For more information please call Gina at Animal Crackers in Laguna Beach at (949) 499-1988

Iditarod Veteran Karen Ramstead visiting Southern California

As previously announced, Karen Ramstead, 9-time Iditarod veteran (and quite the engaging speaker) will be flying down to Southern California from her North Wapiti Siberian Husky Kennels in Alberta, Canada.

Our Urban Mushing Group will be hosting 2 different events in order to help Karen raise funds for her kennel:

July 10 (Saturday) will be at an auditorium at the Costa Mesa Community Center (Map) from 1 PM - 4 PM. Karen will give a live audio and visual slideshow presentation covering her experiences in training and racing in the Iditarod with her "Pretty Sled Dogs". Cost is $30 per attendee - drinks and snacks will be provided for. No dogs allowed.

July 11 (Sunday) will be a barbecue potluck picnic and Q&A workshop at Laguna Niguel Regional Park (Map) from 11 AM - 4 PM (or whenever). Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided but please bring a potluck item (email Cindy Stepp via btrflygrl68 at msn.com) Donation amount is $20 per person, and $5 for children 12-and-under. Aside from enjoying the food, picnic, and mingling with Karen Ramstead as well as your fellow mushers, this event will also serve as a
Question & Answer workshop (note: this is NOT a hands-on mushing clinic so dogs are optional). It's a wonderful opportunity to pick Karen's brain and learn a little bit more about her training techniques and view points. IT WOULD HELP A LOT if you could write down your questions on the back of the registration form so that Karen can answer them as best as she can.

T-shirts will also be sold at the event (you can order them ahead of time - see registration form) as well as cookbooks, posters, etc., that Karen will be bringing.

If you will be attending any or both of the events, please mail in your registration form by July 3, 2010. Locations and other details are in the registration form which can be downloaded here
The registration form will likewise be available soon for download via www.urbanmushing.com.

Hope to see a lot of you out there, specially those who want to learn more about the Iditarod. If you can't live it, at least hear about it....from Karen Ramstead!

Dryland mushing season is around the corner

Yes, it's only the beginning of summer, but all of you know how quickly the next season is going to be here. You'll be excited and ready to run the dogs, but you don't have your cart, yet...

Now is the time to plan ahead and place your order to make sure, you're ready for fall.
Our early spring orders almost carried over into summer, but we have the next available carts ready to be shipped by mid-July.

Also, please check with us about our travel schedule, so we could possibly drop-off a cart or two along the way and save your shipping expenses.

We're going to be in La Pine, OR in mid November (see below) and might make a trip to south-western Montana in December.

8-dog team at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa CA

Here is an e-mail we received from one of our customers, which we truly appreciate:

>>Excellent news~! :) Just as you said, the cart arrived today. To say that I am impressed is a massive understatement. Henning, this cart is a piece of art! It is just stunning and I am beyond thrilled with it. The quality is obvious in every weld and bolt. I simply can't wait to get out this fall and try it out with the dogs. I'll be sure to update you once I do! Thank you so much for being so above-board with this whole transaction, even when things got a little tricky with the shipping. It was well-worth the wait and I feel that I was sold a solid piece of equipment that will be relied upon season after season. I will be recommending you to other mushers I know! Thank you so much, Henning!<<


...and here are some of our recent creations:

Dark blue metallic cart, silver wheels, wide tires & high clearance

All black cart with cargo basket and sled bag
(bags custom made for Arctis by Alpine Outfitters)

Lost Siberian Husky - San Diego County CA

Our friend Jeff in Fallbrook (north San Diego County) posted this message earlier today:

LOST DOG - FALLBROOK AREA

At approximately 9:00AM, June 17th our newest dog, Jessie, jumped a 5' fence and bolted. We live in Fallbrook. She has a yellow collar with her name and telephone number on it. She also has a blue/green collar with another telephone number on it. She is 4 years old, white in color with grey/black splotches of color, one blue eye, one green/blue eye. She is very skittish and shy. She had an orange leash attached to her collar, but may have chewed it off if she got caught on something. She is an experienced sleddog and can really run.

Please be on the lookout for her. My contact information is:

Jessie has been found!