Monthly Archives: February 2015
Video Mushers View
First Person Video View from the Mushers Perspective
Story, Photos and Video by Kaitlynn Tidwell
Matt Paguette and I can both say without question that for our first season racing ever, Kearney was by far the best race for us and our dogs so far. We are not very serious yet, our team is made of our two pet Alaskan Huskies and our close friend’s Eurohound, but we had the opportunity to race with some of the best and we couldn’t say no. We are also lucky enough to know Luke and Mike Siertsema and they were kind enough to lend us their dog Ludo for the weekend so we would have a 4th dog to race. If I thought our dogs had heart, Ludo the mostly blind little hound had triple that and was a wonderful addition for the weekend. Luke and Mike are a testament to how much help and support we saw given and received ourselves at this race.
Video – Mushers View of the 4 Dog Sprint Race
Matt’s runs on day 1 and 2 at Kearney. Seeded 12th and passed 3 teams on the first day. Second day finished 35 seconds faster than the first time for a 17 minute 4 mile. Best time they’ve done that distance. Thanks to our friend Luke we had a 4th dog as well which helped out our guys a TON. Wicked weekend.. Can’t wait to do it again.
Because our team is made with our friend Andrew Buzzeo we’ve been alternating drivers and this weekend was Matt’s turn. It was our dogs’ second time at a sled race and Matt’s first time driving so when we were seeded 12th we were pretty excited. We generally record our training runs and races for our learning; it’s great to watch the video and see how the dogs perform without worrying about hitting trees or eating snow on a corner. We knew the videos would be beautiful this weekend just by looking at the scenery around us but watching the dogs pull their hearts out up Widowmaker, plow through the downhill turns, and pass 3 teams almost flawlessly, we had to post the video solely based on how proud we are of our dogs. We wanted to share how great the trail was here and how much the hard work of the trail crew was evident. We ended up with an 8th place finish in the 4 dog open class and it was also the best time our dogs have ever ran that distance; Matt came back both days amazed at their performance.
Eventually we plan on having more dogs once we are in a position to do so, but for now we are just out to have fun. Kearney was most definitely a fun weekend and well worth the drive. Every race we learn more, meet more amazing people, and enjoy trails we could only dream of back home in Windsor. We are truly happy that we found this sport and fully intend on staying as involved as we can for many years to come.
Matt Paguette with the team before Saturday’s race day, getting to know Ludo.
Left to right is Ludo, Buddy, Arrow, Mira.
You can see more of Kaitlynn’s photos in her Facebook Post here
2015 Kearney 4 Dog Sprint Race Results
Sunday (Final) Race Results 2015
Another great day at the Kearney Dog Sled Races, as the final day of race results are tallied we’d like to thank all those who participated in this years races; mushers, ski-jorers, our volunteers, vendors, and our sponsors. The Kearney Dog Sled Races couldn’t be as successful with out each and everyone of you.
10 Dog Stage Race Results
6 Dog Sprint Race Results
4 Dog Sprint Race Results
1 & 2 Dog Ski-Joring Race Results
Kid & Mutt Race Results
Saturday Feb 7th 2015 Photo Gallery
Saturday Race Results 2015
With a very successful first day of dog sled races behind us at the Kearney Dog Sled Races we’d like to take a moment to share Saturday’s Race Results with you:
10 Dog Stage Race Results
6 Dog Sprint Race Results
4 Dog Sprint Race Results
1 & 2 Dog Ski-Joring Race Results
Kid & Mutt Race Results
Saturday Feb 7th 2015 Photo Gallery
Come on back for Day Two of the Kearney Dog Sled Races
on Sunday February 8th 2015
Kearney Dog Sled Races Souvenirs
Keep your Head, Ears & Neck warm with these Souvenirs
If your coming to the Kearney Dog Sled Races today you’ll want to drop by the Community Centre and check out some of these great souvenirs designed to keep your head, ears and neck warm, and add a little style too. Remember the Kearney Dog Sled Races with a branded cap, toque, ear or neck warmer.
- Black, Pink & Orange Toque or Black Helmet Hat — $16
- Neck warmers or Ear Band Warmers — $15
- Kearney Dog Sled Races Ballcap — $15
Grohman
Grohman Still Going Strong
Walter Grohman is by far one of the most seasoned participants at the Kearney Dog Sled Races at the age of 80 years young! The only change that people would notice about Walter over the years is that he now wears a helmet when sledding his dogs. This is in keeping with his way of always acting as an excellent role model for the sport.
Walter lives in Sprucedale, On. His kennel is known to many as “The Boot Camp”. Walter started dog sledding over 30 years ago and has mentored many a sprint racing musher. He is always willing to take the time to give a tip or two to a new recruit. Anyone who has been on the trail behind him knows that no one can maneuver a wooden sled like Walter. His foot work is done with precision and agility.
Walter, a Czech, immigrated to Canada in 1952 and raised 3 children. Walter’s passion for the sport started when his son’s friend gave him a red purebred Siberian Husky named Kortar’s Karamel “Kommander” bred by Carol Broadhurst. Initially, Walter was interested in Conformation shows and Obedience trials. He won many a ribbon! Not long after, Walter saw an ad in the paper for a dog sled race in Cold Creek. He went with his dog Commander and like many of us, he got hooked! Walter then bought a female from Kortar Kennels and raised a litter of six pups later to be well known as “The Copper Bullets”.
Oak Ridges was the town where this legendary musher started his journey of dog sledding. His youngest child, Janate, joined her dad at the races. In 1990, one of Walter’s dogs won the weight pull at 700lbs! His winnings all in food! When Janate left for University, Walter took his sledding to a new level. 1995 was the first year that Walter ran the 6 dog class and won his first big trophy at Tiffin Conservation. One of his most proud moments was winning the 2008 Sportsmanship trophy at the Kearney race. In recent years, Walter started skijoring and as expected, he loves the new challenge.
The Copper Bullets chilling in the sun Walter is also known as a long time participant of the Sequin Sled Dog Mailrun. Feb 14th, 2015, will be his 27th year participating in that event. Janate Cooper, his daughter, often accompanies him. to postmaster Faye Smith Walter leaving the Community Centre in Humphrey for I would think there are many people would acknowledge knowing Walter Grohman quite well but here are a few facts that many of you may not know about him:
- Walter is famous for cooking an all meat dinner. A typical meal for his guests would include: BBQ Steak, venison sausages with a veggie side of moose chilli. And afterwards, he still would have enough room to finish 2 or 3 bowls of ice cream.
- Walter is known to make the best maple syrup around.
- Walter is known to have one of the toughest dog sledding trails. If invited, he’ll make you sign a waiver. If you survive, he’ll present you with a trophy shirt.
- Walter is known to stoke his fireplace so much before going to bed that his guests have to sleep outside of their sleeping bags half naked.
- Walter is known to heckle other mushers for not helping their dogs on the trail.
- Walter is known to race shirtless when the weather is just right.
- Walter is known to out shave anyone to make an old pair of runners look like new. But beware if you hold the sled for him while he does it. Expect to be verbally abused but always with a bit of love in his voice.
Walter is an incredibly talented man.
Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing him is honoured to call him a friend. So, if you are one of the only people in the sport who don’t know him, take the time to introduce yourself! He’ll be racing today!
Dog Sled Photography
Photography at the Kearney Dog Sled Races
Each year the Kearney Dog Sled Race brings the wonderful opportunity to photograph Dog Sled Teams competing over a two day period. Having actively photographed this event for the past few years has given me some insight into the dos and don’ts while out on the trails. The foremost concern should be the safety for humans and animals alike.
In town there is a lot of hustle and bustle of spectators, vehicles, snow machines, dog teams and volunteers. There is a plethora of subjects to capture on camera. When photographing an animal it’s wise to ask its handler/owner before approaching. Some dogs get very excited on race day and are better off photographed from a distance. Others are very sociable. Asking permission keeps everyone safe.
Many amateur and seasoned photographers like to get out of town and along the race routes to capture the teams in action among the forest or along the snow covered open areas. If you decide to go out into the back country, always let someone know where you intend to go, be it a friend or a race volunteer. There is not always cell coverage out there. Walking along the trail is usually easy going but be very alert for snow machines and dog teams coming up behind you. Find a spot off the trail and out of harm’s way with a nice vantage point to photograph from. These shoulders are soft and often deep snow, so dress appropriately with warm winter boots, snow pants etc. I recommend having hot packs for your boots and mitts.
To avoid being a distraction for the dogs, it is advisable to not make sudden movements and not engage them verbally. Let the musher direct his team. You will hear commands such as “On by! On by!” to let the dogs know to keep to the course and go by you without being social. Following these guidelines will help all to have a safe and enjoyable event. The mushers and organizers will thank you for being considerate and courteous.
Tips for Novice Photographers (point and shoot cameras)
- Use either Auto or Sport setting.
- Getting down low, close to eye level with the dogs, will give you more dramatic and eye appealing photography.
- Getting up high, like on a snow bank, shooting down (be careful!) will give you a bird’s eye view.
- Remember the more you zoom into your subject, the steadier your hand has to be for a clear photo.
- Bring your elbows into your body when holding your camera for added stability.
Reminders for Amateur and Hobbyist Photographers (those that shoot outside of the “auto” zone)
- Shooting snow can turn out grey. To get whites white, over expose by one or two stops on your light meter.
- adjust your white balance to the conditions of the day (or shoot in RAW to adjust later during editing)
- Have spare batteries close to your body to keep warm. Extreme cold can drain a battery fast!
- The dogs move very fast. To stop the action your shutter speed needs to be at least 1/250 or better.
- Another technique to practice is panning (moving your camera at the same speed as your subject while taking photos, with results of your subject in focus and background in a blurring effect that shows speed)
By Roberta Janik
Musher Registrations
Online Musher Registrations
With the 2015 Kearney Dog Sled Race date approaching fast (Next weekend, Feb 7th & 8th), mushers and their teams are registering and paying online to ensure their spot in the bib draw. This second from last week before race day has seen an influx of new and returning musher registrations.
Our trail team has been out on the trails almost daily and they say that this year is going to be the best year on record for the trails. We’ve listened to what mushers had to say in past years and we’ve eliminated some steep hills and narrow bridges for the 2015 dog sled races. Conditions of the trails are excellent too, we’ve had good snow fall in Kearney that’s allowed us to continue our tradition of being the only race in Ontario to have never been canceled due to snow conditions.
Our feature musher for this post is Tammy from Wahnapitae, Ontario. Tammy enters the 2015 Kearney Dog Sled Races with a team of 4 Belgian Malinois. We asked Tammy a little bit about why she loves dog sled racing and here are her answers.
I am Tammy St. Louis, the owner and operator of Skiplyn Kennels Dog Training. I have always lived with multiple dogs and training dogs is my profession and passion. I have owned a variety of dogs and have competed and trained in many dog sports for more than two decades.
I have been teaching people how to train their dogs continuously since 1997, running classes upstairs at the Garson Arena and then the Wahnipatae Community Center. In 2009 I purchased the church building in Garson to become a permanent, dedicated training school, the only one of its kind in Northern Ontario.
I am a member of the Dog Legislation Council of Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Sudbury District Kennel Club, and the Canadian Ring Sport Association.
How many years have you been running dogs?
7 years “playing around” the past 4 years a bit more seriously
Tell us about your dogs? How many do you have etc?
I run a team of Belgian Malinois , I own 6 of them and 4 other pet dogs
What do you love most about running sled dogs?
Being in the woods and watching dogs work and love it
How did your dogs get their names?
They are all named starting with a “V” the first 2 were just coincidence , after that I had to stay with the theme . Vandal, Villain , Vengeance, Vice , Vee and Voodoo are their names. Together they are “Team Maligator”
List recent sled dog races and/or best performances
Last year only 2014
Children Face Painting
Children Face Painting
Children face painting at the Kearney Dog Sled Races will be provided by Jessica Kaercher age 19. Born and raised in Muskoka, Kearney Emsdale specifically. Jessica loved drawing at a young age, inspired by her mother Terri Kaercher McKay. Jessica was involved in art through Huntsville Highschool and Fleming College. She volunteered for the first time face painting at the Kearney dog sled races last year 2014 after face painting at the Kearney regatta in the summer of 2013. “I’ve always loved getting my face painted as a child, and love painting others faces as an adult!”, Jessica says about children face painting.