The Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair

Our starting point, Laguna Beach CA

We're back from our phenomenal trip to New Hampshire to attend the annual sled dog trade fair.
Wow, what an adventure! On September 26th, we loaded the van with three carts, three dogs and all our gear and supplies for a few weeks on the road and headed east.

Rest stop in the New Mexico desert

After 4 days and 3150 miles, we arrived at the Hopkinton fairgrounds and set up camp.
Some of the organizers, vendors and visitors had already arrived ahead of us and picked out their spots on the fairgrounds as well as inside the vendor building.

Our campsite

After the carts were unloaded and assembled, and the camp set up, it was time to socialize with the locals. It was wonderful to meet so many folks that we've know through online contact only.

Our display at the trade fair.

On Saturday, the trade fair officially started and a wide variety of vendors showed their products and services. From carts to sleds, harnesses to t-shirts, and so much more, anything related to running dogs was available to see, try and purchase.

Gregg Vitello of Northern Exposure Outfitters

Mountain Ridge display

Ken of Peacepups Dogsledding

All day long, various mushers were giving presentations, including Yukon Quest veteran Mike Ellis, Can-Am Crown 250 winner Rene Marchildon and New Hampshire musher Jaye Foucher.

Mike Ellis checking out one of our carts.

Saturday night, everyone got together for a potluck bbq and interesting games like the "harnessing & bootying contest", "dog & human egg race" & the "toilet paper caper".

On Sunday, the rig race was on at 8.30.
Races were held in a wide variety of classes from canicross to 6-dog rig and anything in between, and anyone from beginner to seasoned pro participated.

After the races, Loranne of Snow Star Farm had organized a little show & tell for all dryland equipment manufacturers and distributors. Several scooters and carts were introduced and could be tried and tested by fair visitors.

On Sunday afternoon, the fair closed and it was time to pack up and say good-bye to all our new friends.
Now we were ready for part 2 of the trip: a visit to our friends up north to drop off the last of the three carts we brought along, and then slowly make our way back to southern California, visiting friends and taking in the sights of Canada and the United States along the way.

Our first snow encounter of the season.

After 14 days and a total of more than 6900 miles, we arrived back in Orange County and went right back to work to make sure our orders are being filled in time for the new season.

Almost back home in California

Thanks to Amy & John at Mountain Ridge for organizing the fair and to everyone else who helped to make this a great event.
Also thanks to everyone who came out to see us and to our customers we met at the fair and in Canada!

As a famous cyborg once said: "I'll be back!"

Please check out the following sites, too:
Mountain Ridge Equipment
Northern Exposure Outfitters
Maine Made Dog Sleds
Arctic Star Dog Sleds
Snow Star Farm

Team Tsuga Siberians
Team Chocpaw
Sibersong Sleddogs

Peacepups Dogsledding
Boston Snow Dogs

News Flash

We are still on the road, returning from the New England Sled Dog Trade Fair, currently cruising the Ontario countryside.
Thanks to all that showed up and those that made it happen. It was wonderful to meet all of you.
We'll write more as soon as we get back to California.

Ready for the New England trade fair!

We just put the finishing touches on the three carts we're taking with us to the Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair & Seminar next weekend (October 1st & 2nd).
The "anti-freeze" green and fire engine red carts are sold already, but the blue metallic one is still available at this point. We'll have all three at the fair for everyone to check out. In case you're intrested in a new cart for the upcoming season, please e-mail us at info@arctis-carts.com or call us at (949) 280-7019
If you're not going to be at the trade fair, maybe you live along our route (map) and we can drop one off on our way back to California.

Now all we have to do is getting the van and our gear organized, and off we go across the country.
Looking forward to meeting many of you out there!

Dryland Mushing Events, Fall 2011

Newly updated list for dryland mushing events around North America:

- September 16th - 18th, Presentation & Clinic with Karen Ramstead, Calgary AB
- September 17th & 18th, SNDD dirt fun run, Hobart Mills CA

- October 1st & 2nd, New England Sled Dog Trade Fair, Contoocook NH
- October 1st & 2nd - SNDD Mushing Clinic, Truckee CA
- October 1st & 2nd, NWSDA Fall Warm-Up, Cle Elum WA
- October 8th, "So Mush Fun" NorSled Fun Run & Fundraiser, Vacaville CA
- October 8th & 9th, Camp K Dryland Challenge, Cle Elum WA
- October 22nd & 23rd, Pacific Northwest Dryland Championships, Cle Elum WA

- November 5th & 6th, Spokane Dirt Rondy, Spokane, WA
- November 11th - 13th, La Pine Mushing Weekend, La Pine OR
- November 12th & 13th, Canadian Championship Dog Race, Bristol ON
- November 20th & 21st, Dryland Sled Dog Challenge, Kirtland OH

- December 11th & 12th, Between the lakes sled dog dash, Grand Rivers, KY

- September - December, Mid Union Sled Haulers Fall Training Sessions, MI



Based on our current production/shipping schedule, the next available cart could be ready for shipment or delivery in the third week of November. If you are still in the market for a new cart for the upcoming season, please contact us asap.

Also, we're traveling to various events around the country and can always drop off a cart along the way. Check with us for our travel schedule to arrange delivery.

New Product! Scooter Rack / Carrier Now Available

Here's another new product fresh out of the shop.
Finally an easy and secure way to transport your dog scooter / mountain scooter.

Fork attaches to the rack by quick release and rear wheel is securely strapped down.
Fits any 2" or 1¼" hitch receiver. Powder coated black.

Single scooter rack $145.-

Double scooter rack $195.-

Please contact us for shipping rates.

California Mushing Clinic & Fun Run

Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers' annual mushing clinic is coming up on the weekend of October 1st & 2nd in Truckee, CA.
They also organize a dirt fun run on September 17th & 18th in Hobart Mills, CA, just north of Truckee.

For more information about these events, please see SNDD's website here.

Mushing Events in Alberta & Ontario Coming Up

Two great mushing events are scheduled to our north.

From September 16th - 18th, Urban Mushers in Alberta are presenting a weekend with Iditarod Veteran Karen Ramstead.
Friday will be Karen's "Tails of the Trail" presentation.
Saturday a hands-on workshop for experienced mushers and Sunday a hands-on workshop for novice mushers.



For more information, please see the Urban Mushers website and Karen's blog.

On November 12th & 13th, the Bristol Dryland Championships are scheduled in Bristol, Ontario.
Races will be held in 5 different classes and 2 distances.



For more information, please see Bristol Dryland website.

If you are still in the market for a new dryland cart for the upcoming season, keep in mind, that we may be able to deliver to locations on the West Coast, as well as New England.



For West Coast deliveries, please see our post here and for New England (and cross country) deliveries, please see this post.

Time is running out and space is filling up quickly, so please contact us asap for details, if you would like to have a cart delivered to your doorstep.