麻豆社区

It may be nearing the end of June, but mushers were back on the trails last night for the first summer event hosted by the Dog Powered Sports Association of the Yukon (DPSAY).

Eight mushers took part in the Summer Solstice Hot Hounds Run on the Mt. Mac cross-country ski trails.

The musher's competed across three categories, a 1.6-kilometre loop for one dog bikejor, a 3.2-km loop for a two dog bikejor and a 1.6-km Canicross.

DPSAY also held their AGM earlier in the evening, which saw a new boarded elected for the 2013 year.

More than 20 people were in attendance for the AGM.

"It was surprising that so many people came out to the AGM and so many people put their names forward to be part of the collective,鈥� said Amil Dupuis-Rossi, who was a member of the 2012 board and will return as secretary next year.

"That was the big highlight, that so many people stepped forward, we were pretty nervous about that.鈥�

With eight members in the newly formed collective, only three are returning from the 2012 committee.

One of the members who won't be back is Kyla Johnson, who will be out of town attending veterinarian school.

"Losing her is going to be a really big hit to DPSAY,鈥� said Dupuis-Rossi.

"She's a pretty integral member. She gets us all going and gets us organized.鈥�

Johnson was also the race director for the River Runner 100, an annual race from

Whitehorse to Mendenhall and back again.

The event is always a large draw, featuring numerous Yukon Quest and Iditarod mushers.

"That's why it is so important that people have stepped up because we've lost some really key members,鈥� said Dupuis-Rossi.

The new additions to next year's board are Virginia Sarrazin, Stefan Wackerhagen, Valerie Bussieres, Jim Hajash and Jessica Heath.

Along with Dupuis-Rossi, Fabian Schmitz and Claudia Wickert will return.

"We maxed out with eight members so that's really great,鈥� said Dupuis-Rossi. "It's a real sense of relief.鈥�

With the AGM wrapped-up, the mushers took to the trails, starting and finishing outside of the Wax Room at the Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre.

Wackerhagen was one of the top performers of the night, leading the 1.6-km bikejor with a time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds and also setting the pace in the 3.2-km distance with a time of 8:44.

Adam Robinson prevented Wackerhagen from sweeping all three events.

Robinson posted the top time in the Canicross, completing the 1.6-km loop in 6:13. Wackerhagen arrived 27 seconds later to finish second.

DPSAY hosted a barbecue following the races and spirits were high, amongst the mushers and the dogs.

"These trails up here are fantastic for running dogs,鈥� said Dupuis-Rossi. "It's nice to see everyone out and enjoying it. I think everyone's having fun.鈥�

The times were slowed by the surprisingly warm evening temperature and the mushers not wanting to push the dogs in the heat.

"It was a rainy and cold morning and those are good conditions for running dogs but then we got out here and it warmed up,鈥� said Dupuis-Rossi. "It was great for the humans but not the dogs.鈥�

She also noted the races were more about fun and getting people out rather than being competitive.

Bikejorring is one of the most popular summer training methods for sled dogs, as well as using ATVs and free running.

The Canicross has become increasingly popular over the years and is a huge draw in Europe, where the sport originated.

Runners wear a waist belt, where they hook in one or two dogs and head down the trail.

Dupuis-Rossi had more luck in the Canicross event, where she placed third, after taking a spill on her bike in the 1.6-km bikejor.

"The running went well, I was happy with my time. The biking was a bit different,鈥� she said, laughing.

DPSAY is hoping to continue its growth as an organization next year and will be exploring options to partner with other local organizations.

"There's lots of overlap,鈥� said Dupuis-Rossi. "There are lots of mountain bikers that have dogs, lots of runners who have dogs, hopefully we can get them all out and grow as an organization.鈥�

Results:

1.6-km Bikejor:

1. Stefan Wackerhagen 3:40

2. Valerie Bussieres 4:00

3. Cynthia Corriveau 4:34

4. Amil Dupuis-Rossi 5:10

5. Rhonda Kotello 7:42

3.2-km Bikejor:

1. Stefan Wackerhagen 8:44

2. Adam Robinson 10:57

3. Cynthia Corriveau DNF

1.6-km Canicross

1. Adam Robinson 6:13

2. Stefan Wackerhagen 6:40

3. Amil Dupuis-Rossi 6:49

4. Virginia Sarrazin 7:23

5. Christina Reeves 13:43

Dog Powered Sports Association of the Yukon new Board (run as a collective):

Virginia Sarrazin (Treasurer)

Amil Dupuis-Rossi (Secretary)

Claudia Wickert

Fabian Schmitz

Stefan Wackerhagen

Valerie Bussieres

Jim Hajash

Jessica Heath