Steve and I drove up to the Grand Mesa for some snowshoeing and to see the snow. Unlike last year, the Mesa has had tons of snow this year with the higher elevations over 150 inches. As we headed to the visitor center to check out the conditions, we spotted a sign for dog sled races. I had always wanted to see a dog sled race. As a kid I wanted to have my own team of dogs and race. Living in NC, I could only dream of this.
The Highest International Sprint Sled Dog Race in North America…on the Earth’s biggest Flat Top Mountain. (from www.rmsdc.com site) I was expecting them to me huskies. There were all types of dogs racing. The main thing they had in common was their overwhelming desire to RACE!
I found it very interesting that most of the sled dogs were not huskies. I was told that huskies are built more for endurance. The 4-6 mile races are better for the types of dogs seen above. This group of three were very fast!
Here they again are near the finish line.
Types of Mushing:
Skijoring – Cross country skiing with a dog. Takes only 1,2, or 3 dogs. Makes going up hills easier!
Sprint Sled Racing – Short runs of 4-8 miles, fast, using 3,4,6, or 8 dogs.
Mid-Distance Sled Racing – Longer runs of up to 15 miles, with 6-10 dogs.
Recreational Mushing – More for just fun and exploring. Races still available but less competitive.
The Dogs can be of breads of 25 lbs and larger, Pointers, Collies, Full sized Poodles, Boxers, Huskies, mixed breeds, Rottweilers and hounds have run in the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club. You can read more about sled dogs and their history at RMSDC.Org
We had a great time watching the dogs. They were so anxious to start each race, talking about chomping at the bit! If you would like to purchase any of these shots, they are available in 4×6, 5×7, and larger sizes. Just let me know. Also, if you would like to use any for a website, please let me know. I would not charge for most sites, but would like credit. Thank you!
Below are a number of different shots of the morning. I believe it was around 15 degrees. I kept falling through the snow, too, as I tend to do. We had the SNOWSHOES in the truck, but no….live and learn. I could not believe our luck. This was the first time we had been up to the Mesa together in over a year and this once a year event was the day we decided to drive up there. For outdoor activities, events and such, Grand Junction can’t be beat1
