On the last leg (47miles), the computer program estimated that Trapper would cross the finish line at 8:06:52. Trapper uses a GPS to keep his dogs running at a steady speed so they don't wear themselves out by running too fast. Estimates for Trapper Bergerson were particularly accurate. A flurry of activity, with straw, hot water, and food bags being delivered to each team, a hot or cold drink for the musher, veterinary check, and some gear checks.Ĭan-Am has a computer program that estimates the time of arrival of a team at a checkpoint. Anderson at 05:27, Martin Massicotte at 5:40, Bruce Langmaid at 06:07, Trapper Bergerson at 06:28, and Matt Weik at 06:42. I noticed one of his dogs had burrowed under the straw and all I could see was a mounded hump of straw. After he spread out the straw for his team, he covered them with fleece blankets. I hoped it would keep snowing!Īt 05:11 Stephane Duplessis was the first to come in to Maibec. When I went out it was snowing and the wind was blowing hard. After supper and meeting we went to bed.Īt 3:00 AM I was awakened. We checked out where the teams would be tied when they came in. The radio antenna was set up, the straw and about 30 water pails and covers were unloaded. There were some moose tracks for long distances at the side of the roadway. I didn't see any White-Winged Crossbills in the road, which I usually do. The Michaud Farm Road was in fairly good shape, snow-covered and somewhat icy, but not a problem for anyone. In between, we had the truck with the trailer full of straw, two North Star Search and Rescue vehicles, and a van full of timers, handlers, runners, and a cook. The trail crews did a fine job.Īfter the start of the race, the Maibec caravan started from Fort Kent and included Ham Radio operators in the lead and as the tail. The trails were in good shape, although a bit of rain and six inches of heavy snow two days before the race necessitated some cutting and removal of broken tree limbs. Twenty-four teams departed at 2-minute intervals with a large crowd cheering them on. Several handlers helped move each team into the gate for the countdown. Back on Main Street, the 250-milers started with 10-12 dogs at 10:00 AM. There was so little snow this winter that the stockpiled snow had enough sand in it to color it.Īt 9:00 AM the thirty 6-dog teams of the 30-mile racers began their starts from Lonesome Pine ski lodge. When I approached the starting line for ham radio transmissions confirming the team number and the number of dogs (8) in the team, I noticed the snow lane between the barriers was a very light brown. The 25 sixty-mile teams took off from Main Street at 8:00 AM. As always, the dog teams were excited, jumping up and down in their harnesses, some of them howling with anticipation. John Valley Times - Wednesday, MaCAN-AM SLED DOG RACES 2002įORT KENT After months of work by many people, race day arrived with a near-zero temperature early in the morning of March 2. 10th Annual Can-Am Crown thrills thousands
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