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Well guys, mys son Thad called last night on his journey across Montana, on his way to Duluth, MN for the Annual Beargrease Dog Sled Race. Three or four years ago he found this new hobby while travelingin Alaska, and he has been hooked ever since. His kennel, the Moser Misfits (Moser, Oregon) will be entering the race. Thad has helped another musher in previous years and received the sportmans award, in 2008, I think. Anyway, the race is run this Sunday and I beleave there is a webcast of sorts if anyone is interested. Below is a little description of the environment for the 373 mile long race.
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon runs annually. Currently beginning in Duluth, Minnesota and traveling through Minnesota’s north woods to Trail Center (Poplar Lake) on the Gunflint Trail where Marathon musher’s and their teams turn around for the return leg. The race originated in Grand Portage, Minnesota. The annual event also includes a mid-distance race which also begins in Duluth and ends in Tofte, Minnesota.
The “Beargrease” is named for John Beargrease a Grand Portage Chippewa who was one of many individuals who carried mail to the developing communities of Minnesota’s north shore in the late 19th century and early20th century. In recognition of their efforts the Beargrease has recently added Trail Mail which allows individuals to have mail carried by dogsled as part of the regular mail.
"The “Beargrease” trail is considered among the toughest there is. Though considerably less distance than the famed Iditarod or Yukon Quest, the terrain of the north shore provide considerable challenges as teams face a rapid series of ascents and descents as the trail winds through Superior National Forest and the “Sawtooth Mountains”. Though the race doesn’t travel along the lakeshore, Lake Superior’s effect on weather is far reaching. Musher’s can face wind chills as low as -70 and temperatures exceeding -35. In the same day they may experience weather well above zero and precipitation ranging from rain to near blizzard conditions."
Anita and I are rather pround, and will post pics as soon as I have them. He should be registering tonight.
Good Luck Thad - the Black and Gold are pulling for ya!
here is a link to the registration page - Thad is doing the mid point run (130 mile) the full blown race is 370 mile long. As soon as I get more links, I'll post them up.
I guess I should mention, our daughter Stephanie is making the trip from Minniapolis to assist in the handling chores for Thad. Last year she helped her brother in handling the dogs for Dave Turner, and was rewarded with a retired Ididerod dog named Goliath. So, if your wandering, Anita and I have three grownup children, three grandkids, and 12 granddogs (but that number is growing!)
Now wait a minute, Maury, I recall you telling me once that you had a great uncle, Moisha "Gold Fever" Feinberg, the great Jewish Musher of the Canadian Barrens? You said as a boy, you would ride in the sled and keep your uncle company by singing little songs and pouring him cups of strong willow bark tea. Remember?
Well, here are the pics of Thad leaving the gate yesterday afternoon at 3:20 PM. He arrived at the finish line around 8:00 AM eastern time this moring - averaging 9.1 mph for the mid marathon (approx 150 mile) he came in at 33rd place - last place finish, but his partner in Mushing, Dave Turner came in first place, averaging over 12 mph for the race. This was his first mid-distance race, and Anita and I are very proud of his effort.
01-25-2011 | 12:59 PM
My Son the Musher!
to you
