Racing Information

Details

Category: Racing

Published on Monday, 12 December 2011 18:07

Written by Ryan Bates

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DON’T THINK YOU CAN GO SLED DOG RACING WITHOUT SNOW!

Yes you can

Competing teams can be as large as six ( 6 ) dogs or small as one ( 1 ) dog, which is the most popular class. The teams can reach speeds of 30km per hour during the races, not bad for dog power. The novice class provides a fun and safe environment for all to get involved in the action with experienced Mushers on hand to lend equipment and share their training techniques. We race on define tracks through the forests and spectators are always welcome. Some of the best Mushers in Australia live and compete in South Australia. Please remember to ask the owners permission before approaching any sled dog(s).

 

Who Can Compete

Anyone with a medium-to-large dog who has the strength to help pull you along on a scooter can enter a race.  Remember you must also help you dog as well, it is all about teamwork.  The Mushers who do well have fit dogs but they are also fit themselves and could probably beat their dogs in a foot race.  Your dog must also be socialised, as you will not be by yourself on the track.  They must be able to cope with passing and being passed.  This can be taught with practise.
When We Compete

We only compete during the cooler months as the cooler temperatures help the dogs to perform better and prevent overheating in both dog and Musher.  Temperatures over fifteen ( 15 )degrees Celsius mean that races will be cancelled no exception.  Temperatures over ten ( 10 ) degrees Celsius mean that the track distances are shortened.  Any temperature under ten ( 10 ) degrees Celsius is ideal conditions for running and fast times.  That’s right, it is never too cold to run so rug up for the events.  Abiding by these simple temperature conditions looks after the welfare of the dogs and keeps us within the RSPCA guidelines for responsible canine management at events.  The welfare of the dogs is the most important factor in track distances and temperature decisions.
What to Bring to a Race

1....Dog(s)

2....Bike Helmet

3....Water for you dog(s)

4....Warm Clothing

5....Towels ( for you and the dog )

6....Change of Clothes ( you could get very muddy out there )

7....Torch ( we start early in the morning and can go late at night )

8....Camping Equipment ( chairs, food, tent, etc. )

9....Scooter ( if you have one )

10..Sense of Fun

Experienced Mushers will be on site to help with training methods and will also lend out equipment such as harnesses, tug lines and scooters.

Once a Musher has entered a race they must attend a compulsory Drivers’ meeting before the race.  At this meeting they will hear about the track conditions and look over the trail maps as well as take place in a random bib draw.  From the bib draw the starting order is determined and the start time for each class will be called.  Larger classes compete first to ensure they are guaranteed the coldest temperatures because these dogs run the biggest distances

A class will get underway when all Mushers are present and lined up in order. A steward is present to help with this if you forget your start position. All competiting teams typically have a thirty ( 30 ) second delay between starts to ensure that everyone gets a clear and fair start. Bigger classes can have up to a one ( 1 ) minute delay between teams but this will be announced at the Drivers’ meeting before heats get underway. You will then negotiate you way around a planned course reading the trail markers as you go. Your voice commands will help your dog know which way to turn at a junction and when to slow down as a faster team overtakes and when to speed up to overtake a slower team. Communication is key as is knowing left and right. You would be surprised how many people can forget this when the adrenalin takes over during the race.

 

After the first heat the times are downloaded off the stopwatch and your start increment is deducted from your finish time to determine the exact time it took you to complete the trail.The fastest time for the class will generally start in first position the next day but this can be reversed for the slowest to start first. This will be determined before you nominate for the race.  The next heat will be run and the two times for the heats are added together to get the overall time for the event. The Musher with the quickest time over the event will win the class.

Each Musher is responsible for their behaviour and conduct as well as the behaviour and conducts of their dog(s) and handlers while they are competiting at an event. You must make sure that the race rules are adhered to and that you display good sportsmanship at all times. The dog(s)’ welfare is more important than egos.

Classes Offered

One Dog

Two Dog

Three Dog

Four Dog

One Dog Veteran ( dogs over seven years )

Two Dog Veteran ( dogs over seven years )

One Dog Touring

Two Dog Touring

One Dog One Heat

Two Dog One Heat

Junior (children capable of running a dog under their own control)

Peewees (children accompanied by an adult Musher)

Novice

As you can see there is a class offered for all dog(s) of all ages as well as Mushers of all ages.  There are even classes for people who work or have other commitments on the weekends and may only be able to attend one day out of the two.

Facilities on Site

All racing sites are very basic parts of the forests. We encourage people to bring all necessities along with them. Limited catering is available and portable toilets or long drops are available at each site. You must also remember to help protect our forests and take any rubbish home with you.

Most Mushers will also camp on site with a communal campfire underway at most events to keep warm. There is a small fee for camping to be paid to Forestry SA to help with the upkeep of our state forests. The South Australian Sled Dog Club will collect this from you and pay on your behalf. We recommend camping as Sunday heats begin early in the morning and many a great evening has been had around the campfire.
National Race

The South Australian Sled Dog Club holds one premier race every year that is nationally recognised being The SASDC Trophy. This race is part of the National Point score undertaken by the National body for the sport the Australian Sleddog Sports Association. The SASDC Trophy race is held in July, usually the third weekend, and attracts interstate entries as well as the best Mushers in South Australia.

NOTE
*****Weightpull and Racing Events *****

Are run under strict RSPCA guidelines to protect the health and safety of the dogs, with temperature regulations in force. (For example, races and training runs will only take place if the temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius).