Whitehorse Daily Star

Summer mushing series to host introductory clinic

Yukoners with an interest in bikejoring or canicross will get an opportunity to participate in the territory’s summer mushing series this Saturday.

By Whitehorse Star on August 19, 2014

Hot Hounds organizers will host its fourth race of the season Aug. 23 at the Takhini River Lodge, located northwest of the city.

Alongside regular races, a new introductory clinic for beginners will take place in both bikejoring and canicross events.

Harness, belt and lines will be provided to competitors and their dogs.

New racers will need to provide their own bike, but spare dogs will be made available when necessary, according to regular competitor Simi Morrison.

The day will consist of the usual two-mile, two-dog and one-mile, one-dog bikejor races, as well as a one-mile, one-dog canicross event, followed by a barbecue potluck.

Beginners can participate in a recreational class one-mile, one-dog race.

In the competitive classes, Darryl Sheepway and his husky-hound, Grizzly, will look to remain undefeated in the one-mile bikejor event.

Meanwhile, Virginia Sarrazin will also aim to keep her winning streak alive in the one-mile canicross event, after winning the previous three events of the summer.

The introductory clinic will start at 4 p.m. followed by registration at 5. Races will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the potluck.

Each race is $5 for members and $10 for non-members, while memberships are priced at $15 for individuals and $25 for kennels.

The lodge is located off the Takhini Hot Springs Road. Turn left before the hot springs on the Takhini River Road for seven kilometres.

Rookie mushers looking for more information can email dogpoweredsports@gmail.com.

The Hot Hounds dryland race series is sponsored by Aurora Booties, Yukon Brewing, Coast Mountain Sports, Duffy’s Pets and Baked Cafe.

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