The Races are on!

The races are on!!! 

Due to the extreme weather, the resources we had lined up to prepare the distance trail between Pilgrim Creek and Dear Mountain/Chuck Best Snowmobile Part were redirected to emergency services in the Mount Shasta area which was hit hardest by the storm with areas still without power – those issues may continue through the weekend unfortunately, but Weed is in fine shape for those of you looking for lodging and all the racing events!  The Races are on!!!  You’ll never hear a musher say there’s too much snow!!! 

Fun Factory Snowmobile  Rentals and the Klamath National Forest Goosenest District and friends save our race!

Thanks to Michele and Darren of the Fun Factory, Jim Stout and the Goosenest Ranger District of the USDA Klamath National Forest and other friends, the trails will be great.  KNF Goosenest just called and they’re sending a groomer!!  HOORAY!!!  We were busting through 3 to 4 feet of snow Thursday and tomorrow back at it with a bigger group of friends to help finish the trails and groom.  The stretch to the east that we did today really turned out well and they plan on completing  it  all tommorrow.   

We owe so much to Michele and Darin, the Forest Service and the other fine volunteers for their work and the physical effort it is taking to punch these trails open.  So don’t forget to take the time to thank them. Hopefully the headlines in our local newspaper will be “Snowmobilers and Forest Service Save Dogsled Race!”, because that is exactly what they are doing.

The races will in some cases be even better than planned.

•   The 50 mile race will be cut back to 27 miles around the Deer Mountain Long Loop and back.
•   The 6 dog mid distance will be cut back to a fun Loop around Deer Mountain of 13 1/2 miles.
•   The 8 dog sprint will total  6.7 miles on a flat track with a turn around loop at the end and back.
•  6 and 4 dog sprint will stay the same and the skijor will be a flat run.

  The conditions will be fast, fun and cold enough for the dogs and warm enough for the spectators.  So, see you there.  Remember – The Weed Lake Shastina Kiwanis Club will be cooking for us both Saturday and Sunday during the races.  All funds from the food sales will go to local charities and community services such as the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden.

Hwy. 97 and all roads aroung Siskiyou County should be in good shape, and the road up to the races and the parking area there will be plowed and in good shape for vehicles with decent tires.  Carry traction devices and dress for winter weather.

See you at the races!!