Mike Ellis
From Rumney, N.H., Mike is a 33 year old land surveyor and lives with Sue,
his wife, handler and training partner. His racing experience covers a broad
spectrum of races beginning in 1994 through last year from Ontario, to Maine,
New Hampshire and Vermont. He has participated in the Can-Am 30, 60 and
250. Mike placed eight last year in the Can-Am 250. His goals besides
finishing the race with a sound, happy team is to go further and faster. His
favorite part of mushing is the dogs especially their honesty and effort. His
leaders are all Siberian Huskies that go by the names of Squiggle, Mugs,
Kobuk, and Stump and are 6, 2, 6 and 2, respectively.
Shawn Graham
Shawn Graham, 32, is a foster care treatment program manager. He lives in
Fort Kent with his wife Jen, pet dog, Haley and two cats. Shawn’s racing
experience includes the Can-Am 60 and 250, the Sandwich Notch 60, the
Blanchard and the Sherman-Patten. Besides running the Can-Am 250 this year,
Shawn also plans to run the Eagle Lake 100, the Greenville 100 and the
Marmora 120. He hopes to continue working with dogs and making it a full
time job. His favorite part of dog sledding is traveling through the woods with
great friends. His lead dogs, BJ, 8; Bear, 9; Blaze, 5; and Storm, 2 are all male
Alaskans. Shawn enjoys their personalities and their work ethic. They have
great heart. His sponsors are Quigley Building Supply and Roy Auto Parts.
Matt Carstens
Matt is a 32-year-old Musher/Dog Handler/Carpenter from Whitefield, N.H. He
will be racing one of Mitch and Kricket Ingerson's team in this year's 250. Matt
enjoys being a father to his six-year-old daughter, Delia, as well as carpentry,
photography and working in the outdoors. Matt enjoys "training and developing
the athlete within the Alaskan Husky." Matt was the Can-Am 250 Rookie of
the Year last year placing fifth and has raced in the Craftsbury True Companion
60, the Sandwich Notch 30 and 60, the Macanote Club Freight Race, as well as
the Can-Am 60 . He plans to continue to train and race sled dogs while
enjoying family and the great outdoors.
Mitch Ingerson
Mitch says the thing he enjoys the most about his dogs is their athletic ability
and unwavering desire to run. The best thing about his dogs is the relationship
that he has with them. He is a 43 year-old musher from Jefferson, NH. He is
self employed in the bark mulch business. Mitch has raced in the many 60 and
30 mile races including a first place in the Freight Race along with finishes in
the Sandwich Notch 30 and 60, True Companion 60 and raced in the Can-Am
250 in 2003 and 2004. Mitch's lead dogs are One Ton, and Cooper, both 4 yearold male Alaskan Huskies.
Stan Morgan
Stan is a 64 year old Ford Motors retiree from St. Michel des Saints, Quebec.
He has been mushing for more then twenty years and lists the Can-Am,
Marmora, Bancroft, Sandwich Notch, Tug Hill, Le Baie, Lac St. Jean, and
Eldorado, Ont. among some of his many races over the years. His goal is to live
life to the fullest as he sees fit and to enjoy his freedom. He enjoys the peace
and quiet of running in the snow laden forest with 12 of his best friends and
loyal companions. Stan's lead dogs for this years race are all Alaskan Huskies.
Aurora (8 year-old female), Clyde (6 year-old male), Apache (6 year-old
male)and Riglis. Stan likes their companionship and loyalty. His other interests
include kayaking, canoeing, fishing and observing nature.
Normand Casavant
New to the Can-Am this year is Normand Casavant from Vals Des Lacs,
Quebec. He is 41 years old and has a 13 year old son Mathieu and a 12 year old
daughter Laurianne. Normand is a full time musher, forestry technician and
trapper. He offers tourist trips with dogs and does canoe expeditions. He hopes
to run the Yukon Quest three years from now. He likes being a good friend like
his dogs. Among his team are leaders: London, a 6 year old male; Chauy, 6
year old female; Lenus, 3 year old female and Rosee, 5 year old female.
Normand likes them because they are friendly, hard working and trouble free
dogs.
Liz Como
This is my second running of the Can Am 250, the fourth for our team since
my husband Andy Chakoumakos and I began running it five years ago. We
live in Lovell, Maine with our 20 plus dogs, 1 cat and our handler this
winter, Ruth Larkin. We run a dogsled guiding business, Winter Journeys, to
support our mushing addiction. Last year we ran the Can Am 60 and 30 due
to conflicts with my last year of nursing school. I now work as a labor and
delivery nurse at Mercy Hospital in Portland. I also continue to practice as a
massage therapist, teach massage at the New Hampshire Institute for
Therapeutic Arts, volunteer for our local ambulance, instruct an occasional
Outward Bound program and in my spare time I try to make life interesting
for myself and others. I have maintained my mushing habit since 1989 and
am constantly entertained by the antics of our dogs. I continue to be amazed
by our dogs’ ability to sustain a joyful attitude despite adversity, their delight
in new adventures and their willingness to scare the living daylights out of
me at least once a year. I am always thankful for the dogs who have passed
through my life and given me beautiful memories and powerful lessons on
the value of living life to it’s fullest. My future goals are to continue to
develop our team to run their best and see what they can accomplish in mid
distance racing. Lead Dogs Kurt, Yeti, Freeze, Quasar, Rocky, Pepper,
Mica.
Amy Dugan
Amy lives in Shirley, Maine where she and John Osmond share a sled dog
equipment manufacturing business. She has many years of experience mushing
and has raced in Sandwich Notch, Marmora, Craftsbury, Labrador, the
Blanchard and the Can-Am 60 and 250. Her future goal is to win the Can-Am
250 with happy dogs. Amy's attraction to dog sledding is in being with her dogs
and learning how to care for them in a distance race like the Can-Am 250. She
enjoys their endless drive, their sweet and quirky personalities. Leading her
team this year is Kirby, a 9 year-old male, and Colt, an 8 year-old male, both
Alaskan Huskies. Amy is also interested in swimming, reading and hiking.
Paul Huska
Forty-seven year old carpenter, Paul Huska from South Colton, NY, is running
his fifth Can-Am Crown race since 1999. He has run in all three Can-Am races
as well as the UP 200, the Sandwich Notch and the Craftsbury. Paul is into dog
sledding for the long haul; his goals are to continue mushing for many years
and to travel to the mid west to race and maybe even try a stage race. Paul just
enjoys being around the dog yard during the off season and especially the long
overnight runs in the training season. His lead dogs are Kai, a four year old
male, Olga a two year old female , Tasha a four year old female , and Honey a
four year old female all Alaskan hunkies. Paul loves their work ethic and
unbridled enthusiasm for running. As far as other interests are concerned, Paul
says who has time for anything else with a kennel of fifty dogs.
Bruce Linton
Bruce Linton is forty-two years old lives in Morrisville, VT and works as an
environmental analyst for that state. He also owns and operates Green
Mountain Dog Sled Adventures, a thirty-seven dog kennel, which provides sled
dog tours in north central Vermont, Stowe Mountain Resort and Smuggler’s
Notch Ski area. He has been running dogs for seven years and has competed in
the Craftsbury 30 for the last three years with 10th, 2nd and 3rd place finishes. He
has also finished seventh and first in the Sandwich Notch 30 in 2002 and 2003
respectively. Bruce placed 13th in the 2003 Can-Am 30. His goals include
continuing to develop his kennel and to run his dogs in mid and full distance
racing. What Bruce likes most about dog sledding is taking a group of
genetically gifted dogs and shaping them into a cohesive team by establishing
trust and providing them with the love and support they need. The bond you
develop with dogs and last but not least, going out on a cold clear starry night
on a full moon and doing a long fast run. His Alaskan husky lead dogs are three
year old female, Kiwi; four year old female, Maya; seven year old male, Blaze;
and three year old female, Rosi. What he likes most about his dogs is their
ability to amaze him with their happy disposition, their constant desire to seek
out new adventure and their incredible work ethic. His dogs have provided him
so many great memories and powerful lessons about life and how to live it that
he will always be grateful. Bruce has competed in fourteen marathons and three
ironman triathlons. However, the dogs take up all of his free time now.
Ashley Simpson
She’s back. Ashley Simpson, 20, handler and stitcher from Shirley, Maine is
back racing for Mountain Ridge Kennels. She placed fourth in the last two CanAm 250’s after finishing seventh in the Can-Am 60 at the age of seventeen in
2002. She also finished second at the Craftsbury 60 that same year. Her goals
begin with winning a Can-Am 250 and then going on to finish in a Yukon
Quest or an Iditarod. She enjoys spending time with the dogs as the bond
between her and them grows. Agassi, Apollo, Hand Dog, and Stitches are her
lead dogs. Agassi is five and the others are four. Stitches being the only female.
All four dogs are Alaskans. Ashley likes her dogs because they are like her,
tough. She also likes snowshoing, mountain climbing, and big game hunting.
Ashley is the girl to watch during this year’s race.
Kevin Malikowsky
Fifty-four year old Kevin Malikowski hails from Outing, MN. were he lives
with six goats, twenty-one rabbits and forty-one dogs. He is a retired
electrician. Kevin has raced in the Mid Minnesota 150, the Empire Sled Dog
Race, the Beargrease and the Can-Am 250. He has one simple goal and that is
to have fun being retired. Kevin enjoys the woods, the trails, being alone with
the dogs and relying on each other. His lead dogs are Lucy, a Euro hound, and
Gerty, an Alaskan husky. What he likes most about his dogs is the lifestyle it
takes to live with them.
60 mile race
Shawn Akins
Shawn Akins, 38, a paper mill worker from Williamstown, Ontario, and his
wife Vicki, have a daughter, Ashley (9) and a son Tyler (7). His racing
experience includes participating in the Kearney, Bancroft, El Dorado,
Sandwich Notch and four Can-Am 30's as well as taking 1st place in the 2004
Craftsbury. Shawn's goal is to eventually run long distance races. His Alaskan
husky lead dogs are Iris (3 female), April (6 female) and Rye (2 male). Shawn
enjoys everything associated with dog sledding. His other interests include
hunting, fishing, cutting firewood and just being outdoors with his dogs.
James Lalla
At 59, Jim lives with his wife in Bradford, New Hampshire, has three grown
children and three grandchildren and is employed as a manufacturer’s
representative in the electronics industry. His mushing experience takes him
through 35 years of mushing. His goal is to wake up on the morning after the
race and be able to get out of bed. Jim loves the dogs, the outdoors, the
competitors and everything else about mushing. His lead dogs are: Ackers, four
year old female; and Buster, two and a half year old male Alaskan huskies. Jim
likes their sweet dispositions and the fact that some are from rescue shelters.
Alan Ricalton
Thirty-eight year old civil engineer, Alan Ricalton, lives in Natural Bridge, NY
with his wife, Sara. His previous experience includes the Craftsbury 60,
Eladorado, and the Marmora. Last year took a second place finish in the
Craftsbury 30, a fourth place finish in the Sandwich 30 and a second place
finish in the Can-Am 30. His goal is to compete in the Can-Am 250. Peace and
quiet are his favorite part of running with the dogs. His leaders, both Alaskan
huskies, are six year old male Blue, and four year old Zenna. Alan says he is
awed by the dogs willingness to run and please. Hunting and carpentry are his
other hobbies.
Ben Thomas
Ben Thomas, thirty-one, lives in Blanchard, ME with his wife and stepdaughter
and runs Russel Mtn. Racing kennel. He has participated in two Labrador 400's
and three Can-Am 250's and a lot of shorter races. His future goals include
running of a stage race. His favorite part of mushing is the challenge of putting
together a team that works well. Rogue and Jen are his lead dogs, both female
Alaskans, and are eight and three respectively. Their heart and their
unconditional love are what Ben loves most about his dogs. Ben says that
family, dogs and work are pretty much the highlights of his life.
Amelie Aubut
Twenty-five year old Amelie Aubut comes from Pont-Rouge, Quebec where
she lives with her husband and three year old son and where she works as a
government collection agent. She has run other races but her most recent
achievement was placing fifth in last year's Can-Am 30. Her future goal is to
finish in the top ten of a 60 mile race. The part of sled dogs that she enjoys
most is the passion for the dogs. Lead dogs are Patsy, an eight year old female
from Nelson O'Farrell's kennels and Lyndsay, a ten year old female from
Streeper kennels. What she likes most about her dogs is simply her dogs… she
love's her dogs. Her other hobbies include the horse competition of barrel
racing.
Steven Fox
Thirty-one year old
30 mile race
Dennis Cyr
Forty-six year old Dennis lives in Fort Kent with his wife Lynne and three
children. By trade, Dennis is a carpenter, building inspector, code enforcement
officer and plumbing inspector. As Dennis puts it, family life is pretty much
made up of caring for the 24 dogs of their Sno Runner Kennels. His racing
experiences include 2 60 mile races and a 30 mile race of previous Can-Ams.
His best showing was seventh place last year. He hopes to win this year’s 30,
next years 60 and someday, the 250. Dennis enjoys carefully developing a team
that is people friendly and yet competitive. His lead dogs are: Thomas, a four
year male Alaskan husky from Minnesota; Patches, a 4 year old female setter /
husky mix from Ontario; and Bat Man, a 3 year old Alaskan male that ran in
last years Iditarod with Matt Weik’s team. Dennis likes the eagerness of his
dogs. They are eager to please, eager to run and eager to eat. Dennis also gives
dogsled rides on weekends and weekdays by appointment. You can reach him
at 207-834-3862.
Lynne Cyr
Lynne is from Sno Runner Kennels of Fort Kent. She is a school teacher and
lives with her husband, Dennis, and three children, Kaleigh, Lora and Davis.
Lynne has been running the Can-Am 30 for three years and keeps getting better
each time. Lynne’s goals are to have 3 teams finish in the top 10 and then to
downsize to a recreational team (which are somewhat the opposite of Dennis’
goals.) Lynne enjoys the solitude of the wooded trails with the snow glistening
in the trees and the unconditional love of the dogs. Her lead dogs are four year
old male Alaskan, Bush; four year old Alaskan female, Pumba; and three year
old Alaskan male, Rumble. Lynne likes their eagerness to please and their
affection. Their dogs are well socialized and friendly with children and adults
that visit their kennel.
Amanda Damboise
Twenty-six year old Amanda Damboise lives in Fort Kent and works as a
substitute teacher at the Fort Kent Elementary School. Her team is from Sno
Runner Kennels and this is her third year of running the Can-Am 30.
Amanda’s goal is to own her own sled dog kennel and to get her father as
deeply addicted to mushing as she is. Her favorite part of dog sledding? Just
imagine a hardwood ridge with large snow flakes falling slowly to the ground
and the soft sound of birds and the feet of the dogs padding the snow… what’s
not to love about the sport. Her lead dogs are Alaskan huskies Kricket and
Rumble a four year old female and a 2 year old male, respectively. She enjoys
the fact that the dogs love the trail as much as she does. She says that when she
picks up a harness they get so excited that they almost put it on by themselves.
Amanda also enjoys horse back riding, skiing, snowboarding and just about
anything that has to do with the outdoors.
Francois Maurice
Thirty-two year old Francois Maurice lives in Ste-Sophie, Quebec with his wife
Natasha and seven year old daughter, Syndelie. He has been mushing for 10
years and racing for three years. He placed second in the Lac St-Jean 70,
twenty-first in Marmora 25 mile and eighth in Can-Am 30 in 2004. Francois
would like to see the sport of dog sledding become more recognized in Quebec.
His favorite parts of dog sledding are training young dogs and night time runs.
His lead dogs are Timide, 5 year old female; Golden, 4 year old male, and
Pesos, a 2 year old. All of which are Alaskan huskies.
Larry Murphy
Larry Murphy (53) is the assistant principal of Fort Kent Elementary School.
He lives in Fort Kent with his wife Irene and has three grown children, Kim,
Erica and Ben. He also has three grandchildren, Shawn, Cole and Collin. This
is Larry’s sixth year of racing. He started here in Fort Kent in the Can-Am 60
in 2000 extended his racing domain to the Blanchard 30, the Katahdin 100. He
has raced the in last three Can-Am 250’s. His goal is to finish in the top five of
the Can-Am 250, Eagle Lake 100 and Greenville 100. The things about dog
sledding that Larry likes most are the work ethic of the dogs and the solitude of
traveling under a bright full moon over a smooth dog sled trail. His leaders are
males: Sparky (6) and Goose (4) and females: Merlin (4) and Reggie (3), all
Alaskans. The best thing about his dogs is the work ethic, loyalty and trust.
Ron Brigham
Ron Brigham (39) lives with his wife, Stacey, in Warwick,
Massachusetts. They have two boys and a girl. Ron is a State
Correction Officer.
Ron’s experience includes the Craftsbury and Sandwich Notch 30mile races. He plans to complete the Craftsbury 60 before coming to
the Can-Am 250 as a rookie racer this year. His lofty goal is to run in
the Iditarod in 2007 or 2008, so he is determined to complete this
year’s races as qualifiers.
Ron should have the stamina for this race as his hobbies include
boxing, motocross, and martial arts.
Watching the excitement of his team when it’s time to start is
something Ron enjoys about dog sledding. He also enjoys the
peacefulness of being out on the trail as part of the team and being
treated to the finest views that nature offers.
Hervé Belanger
Hervé Belanger (39) is a Forester Technician living in Berry
,Quebec.
Hervé’s experience includes four years of sprint races in Northern
Ontario, where he drove Siberian Huskies. Then he switched to
longer races using Alaskans. In 2004 Hervé ran the 80-mile Kearney
Race. This year he plans to do the Marmora 120-mile race before
coming to the Can-Am 250.
Hervé likes running with his dogs on the trails. His future goals are
distance races.
Five of his Alaskans share the leadership of the team. Four are
males, Wilder (6), Patch (6), Jack (3), and Digger (3). The lone
female is four-year-old Princesse.
Duane Ramsay
Duane Ramsay (68) says his dogs are always upbeat and happy
and they keep him young. His goal is to stay healthy.
He has raced in the Sandwich Notch 60, the Kearny 80, the
Marmora 150, the Bancroft 60, and the Labrador 400.
The team has four Alaskan Husky leaders. Ashley (4), Amy (4),
and Flame (3) are females. Frosty is a 3-year-old male.
Duane lives in Inverary, Ontario, with his wife, Mary. They have 5
children and 4 grandchildren. Duane now does a lot of volunteer work
with the village youth group.
Keith Aili
Keith Aili (30), a seasoned musher from Ray, Minnesota, is also a carpenter
and the owner of Wolf Ridge Kennel. He has won the Can-Am 250, had
three wins in the UP 200, and finished 32nd as a rookie in the Iditarod. He
has 16 years of mushing experience with many top finishes in several other
races.
Kim Darst
Kim Darst (35) is a helicopter pilot from Blairstown, New Jersey. She has raced in the
High Point Classic, the Nighthawks Sled Dog Race in Stratford, New Hampshire, and the
Tug Hill Challenge in upstate New York. Kim is secretary of the New Jersey Sled Dog
Club. Her future goals include the Can-Am 60 and 250 mile races.
The best thing about dog sledding is the peacefulness, she says. What she likes most
about her dogs is that they always love you even when you have had a bad day. Her team
leaders, Prairie Dawn (6) and Cotton (4), are both female Alaskan huskies.
JR Anderson
JR Anderson (25) lives with his wife Anna in Ray, Minnesota. JR builds sleds and
is a bear guide. His racing experience includes the Grand Portage Passage, the
Beargrease, the Empire 130, and the UP 200. He has his sights set on the
Iditarod in the future.
JR’s hobbies are running and hunting. His favorite part of dog sledding is being
outside. What he admires most in his dogs is their love of running.
Anna Anderson
Anna Anderson (23) is married to JR Anderson. They live in Ray, Minnesota.
Anna works as a website designer. She enjoys graphic art as a hobby. Anna also
enjoys the North woods with her dogs, who love running. She will have four dogs
sharing the leadership in the Can-Am 250.
Anna has raced in the Grand Portage Passage, the John Beargrease 150 and
the UP 200.
Bob Jones
Bob Jones (56) has been married to Patty for 30 years. They live in Luther,
Montana. Their daughter Britta is married, has two little girls, and is a senior
nursing student. Their son Nick is married and is a mechanic and chef.
Bob is a heavy equipment operator. He enjoys backpacking, fishing, hunting, and
skiing in his spare time. He has plenty of experience in dog racing in various
locations, including Elkford, British Columbia; Phillipsburg Mountain, Montana;
West Yellowstone Mountain in Casper, Wyoming; and Seely Lake Mountain in
Ashton, Idaho. He has run the Race to the Sky — twice in the 250 and 4 times in
the 500.
Bob likes training and racing his dogs, and he enjoys the long peaceful runs in
beautiful country. He has four male Alaskan Huskies to share leadership of the
team. Joker and Spud are five years old. DJ and Louie are only 2 years of age.
Robert Fredette
Robert Fredette (40) is a dairy farmer in Plantagenet, Ontario. He is also a hunter
and a captain in firefighting. Dog sledding is relaxing for him, and he likes to be
out in nature with his dogs. He likes seeing them happy every day even after a
hard training session. He says for them it is Christmas every day!
Robert raced in the Can-Am 250 last year. He is looking to the Yukon Quest in
the future.
His lead dogs are Alaskan huskies; Blackie (7, female), Koagie (7, male), Alie (6,
male), and Kino (2, male).
Robert lives with his daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Marco. Marco will be racing
the Can-Am 60-mile race this season. The Fredettes have forty dogs.
Marco Fredette
Marco Fredette (14) is a ninth grade student in Plantagent, Ontario. He expects
to finish the Marmora 120 mile race this year before Can-Am. His father, Robert,
is in the Can-Am 250 this year, and Marco is hoping to do the Can-Am 250 next
year. Marco has two sisters, and he shares a 40-dog kennel with his Dad. He
likes to work with his Dad at the farm.
Marco likes training his dogs, and he likes to see them happy every day after
training. His dogs are Alaskans, and his leaders are females. They are Ginger
(6), Skate (5), Curly (3), and Cocette (2).
Donald Hibbs
Don Hibbs (48) lives in Millinocket, Maine, with his wife, Angel, and three children,
Derek (13), Ryan (11), and Fredericka (6). He is owner and manager of a lodge
(http://www.nahmakanta.com/) at Nahmakanta Lake. http://www.nahmakanta.com/ Don
is not a stranger to the Can-Am races, having won the 250 mile race in 1997, 1999 and
2000. He won the Labrador 400 in 1996, and placed second in 1997. This experienced
musher has also raced in the Yukon Quest and the UP 200. Don likes training young dogs
and watching them develop. His most enjoyable dog sledding experience is exploring
new trails and seeing the enthusiasm of the dogs. His leaders are a Husky mix. Arrow (5,
male) shares the lead with Beauty (3, female). Don likes fishing and hunting. His future
goal in the sledding world is to get Derek and Ryan started and interested in mushing.
Mike Paradis
Mike Paradis (34) is a Fort Kent native. He is the owner of Green Earth Energy
(http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byP/hybrid/byN/byNameG.shtml), which
sells windmills and designs alternative energy systems. He is also a trail groomer for the
biathlon center in Fort Kent. Mike lives with his wife, Kim, who is the owner of the dog
team. Mike was in the Can-Am 30 last year. His leaders this year are male Alaskan
Huskies, Eagle (5) and Polar(4). His favorite part of mushing is sledding through cedar
bogs. A future goal is to complete the Can-Am 60 and the Eagle Lake 100 with happy
dogs in one season. Mike’s hobbies are climbing and skiing.
Abe Rose
Abe Rose (30) is a woodworker from Fryeburg, Maine. He is dedicated to
mushing, his goal being to maintain a small kennel of happy dogs for the rest of
his life. His dogs are his role models for optimism. Abe hopes the Craftsbury or
Sandwich Notch race will qualify him for this year’s Can-Am 250. His four leaders
are all Alaskans, with a large range of ages; Cirrus(1, male), Kettu (2, male),
Viking (9, male), and Satin (11, female). Abe likes dog sledding because it gets
him out in the woods.
Mary Wolf
Mary Wolf (18) lists her occupation as Dog Sledding, and this is her tenth year of
sledding. She has raced in the Can-Am 30 and 60. She tried the Can-Am 250 last year
and this year she hopes to finish in the 250-mile race. She is looking ahead to attempting
the Iditarod in 2006 or 2007. Mary is using two Alaskan Huskies and one Alaskan/hound
cross for her leaders. The cross-bred dog is a four-year-old male, Opie. The huskies are
Elvis(6, male) and Yukon (5, female). Mary’s mother, Pat Wolf, is the owner of the
team. Mary lives at home in the woods in St. Francis, Maine, with her mother and 13
huskies. She appreciates her dogs’ different attitudes and the way they work as a team.
She likes to explore the wilderness by dogsled, and she enjoys watching her dogs
improve during training. Mary also likes hunting, playing hockey, and bird watching.
Chris Johnson
What Chris Johnson likes most about her dogs is the time they spend together. She enjoys
training a group of dogs and herself to be a team. She is a 52 year old business owner
from Cambridge, Minnesota and works as a designer and artist. Her goal is to finish the
Can-Am which shouldn’t be too difficult for her because she has had top 10 finishes in
races like the Grand Portage 300, the UP200, the Beargrease 190, and the Hinkley Stage
race. Her lead dogs are Ida (6) and Shim (5) both Alaskan / Eurohound females and Wing
(6) and Sigourney (6) Alaskan females all from Hounds and Horses kennels. Chris also
dabbles in theatrical arts and martial arts in which she holds a fourth degree black belt.
Mario Racine
Mario Racine (41) is a pressman from Ste. Cecile de Milton, Quebec. He was in the CanAm Crown 60-mile race last year. Mario plans to run the Mamora 120-mile race in
Ontario this year, as well as the Can-Am Crown 250. He likes mushing during the night.
Mario’s future goal is the Yukon Quest. His four leaders are Alaskan Huskies: Jak (2,
male), Gousak (2, male), Patch (6, male), and Youka (4, female). Mario likes roller
blading and trekking.
Bob Joy
Bob Joy (50) lives in Milford, New Hampshire. He’s ben married to his wife
Barbara for 29 years. They have a son, Brett (18), and a daughter, Caitlin
(15). Bob has raced in Sandwich and Craftsbury 30-mile races, and has
done the Sandwich Notch, Can-Am, and Marmora 60-mile races. He was in
the Can-Am 250 in 2001. Bob’s future goal is to have happy, healthy dogs.
He likes the attitudes of his dogs and their desire to work. Bob coaches
baseball and softball. He is thankful for his family’s support and for his
sponsors, The MuShield Company and CB Sleds. His team leaders are
Siberian Huskies. Two, Mica (age 4), and Sam (6) are males. The other two
are females, Molly (age 6) and Roxie (age 4).
Keith Peppler
Keith Peppler (44) comes from Bruce Mines, Ontario. His family includes
Tina, his wife, and children Cody (18) and Kelsey (13). Keith is a Highway
Construction Superintendent. His experience includes many races of
various lengths during twenty years of mushing. He has also been a race
marshal for the UP 200. In the future he hopes to be able to keep mushing.
What he likes most about mushing is raising and training the young dogs
and seeing them at the finish line. He is pleased that his dogs are always
happy to see him. Work and dogs keep him busy. He has two Alaskan
Husky lead dogs: Goldie and Simon(5, male). Keith also has a couple of
other lead dogs still in training.
Ref: http://www.up200.org/v2/keithpeppler.htm
Jordan Richter
Jordan Richter (24) is a forklift operator from Stirling, Ontario.
He is driving a team owned by John Richter. Jordan has raced in the
Craftsbury and Sandwich Notch races. He has two Siberian Husky
leaders. Max is a six-year-old male, and Mint is a three-year-old
female.
Jaye Foucher
Jaye Foucher (38) is a web site developer who lives in Ashland, New
Hampshire. She has raced in the Sandwich Notch 30 and the
Craftsbury 30 for the last two years. She hopes to do the Sandwich
Notch 60 this year, weather permitting. Her future goals are to work
up to the Can-Am 250 in 2007or 2008. Her leaders are Siberian
Huskies. Two of them are brothers, Anthem (2 ½ ) and Dodge (2 ½ ).
They are joined by a female Siberian of the same age, Kudee.
Jaye says she loves it when the dogs do completely goofy things that
make her laugh!
Harry Sunman
Harry “Tony” Sunman (42) is from Casselman, Ontario, where he is a
senior systems manager. Besides running the Can-Am Crown 60 for
the last three years, he has run several other races, including the
Bancroft, the Eldorado, and the Grand Portage. In the future he wants
to continue mid-distance racing and take in some new races around
the 100 mile mark. Harry’s leaders are Alaskan Huskies, both seven
years old. C.J is a male, and Ziggy is a female. Harry enjoys hunting
and fishing.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/dogpower/kennel.html
Barry Dana
Barry Dana (46) is well known in Fort Kent. He first entered the CanAm 250 skijoring behind his dogs, using part of a canoe for his sled.
Barry is a former Penobscot Nation Chief and is keeper of Tribal
Traditions. He is a self-employed Native American Educator and
Artist. Barry says to give him a call if you need help complying with
the Indian Education Law. Barry’s and his wife, Lori, have five
children. Barry’s racing experience includes the Blanchard Fun Run
30 and the Can-Am 30; Ski-Jor Sandwich Notch 60, Can-Am 60, and
the Can-Am 250 with 3 ½ finishes. He wants to be able to afford
more dogs, run bigger teams, and master the art of sled dog
mushing. His current kennel is 11 dogs. Barry says what he likes
most about dog sledding is that it matches his need to be obsessive
about training for endurance. He says, “Humans were made to be in
motion. Dogs were made to be in motion. We find joy in movement.
Long distance mushing provides the perfect venue for humans/dogs
to find inner peace and reconnect with our primordial instinct”. Barry’s
four leaders are Alaskans. Abel(6) , Guy (4),and Joe Polis (2) are
males. Coco-Nut (3)is a female. When asked what he likes most
about his dogs, Barry says: “To others my team may look like just a
pack of dogs. To me, I see individuals on my team. I know each by
name, character, and spirit – like we are all one unit. Sled dogs are
natural athletes that love to run and be one with nature. I can’t think
of a better combination.” Besides being a skilled builder of birchbark
canoes, Barry is a national champion whitewater canoeist.
http://www.avcnet.org/ne_do_ba/wa_06.html
http://www.mainepbs.org/hometsom/p8interviews.html
Émie Désilets
Émie Désilets (29) is an agronomist who lives in the small town of
Neuville, Quebec with her boyfriend, Eric, and her pet dog Rusty.
They have four horses. Émie has had three years of racing
experience in the recreational field and in sprint races. In the future
she wants to keep getting experience and become a competitive
musher. Then she hopes to win a great recognized race like the CanAm 250. Émie got tired of skiing and snowboarding, so she took up
dog sledding. It’s different and presents a great new challenge. It
keeps her outdoors and active all winter. For Émie , winter is dog
season and summer is horse season. She spends the summer going
to rodeos and horse shows. Émie likes the contact with her dogs.
They are energetic and joyful. They have strong bodies and strong
minds. She says that after breeding dogs for a couple of years, they
are getting closer to their ideal dog – a good body, speed, and the
right attitude. Émie has three male Alaskan leaders. Joker (5) and
Wrangler (3)will start the team. Rocky (3) is a backup leader.
Louise Siragusa
Louise (17) comes from Stow, Maine. She is a student and lives with
Mom, Dad, a brother, a beagle, a cat, and nine huskies. Louise like to
ride her bike and says she is really into theater. Louise has had two
years mushing experience running her brother’s team. Her future
goals are to run the Can-Am 60 and go to college. She says the dogs
make her laugh. She likes the way they are always happy and so
unique in the way they act. Louise will have three Alaskan Husky
leaders. Apollo (4 ½) is a male. Alpine and Tahna are nine-year-old
females. Louise’s team is owned by Barry Siragusa.
Denise Thomas
Denise Thomas (34) of Blanchard, Maine, shares the joys of dog
sledding with her husband, Ben, and likes spending time with her
daughter, Marie. Denise is a Title One Teacher. She says, “Who has
time for other hobbies?” Her experience includes the Can-Am 30, the
Moosehead mush, Blanchard, and various sprint races. She hopes to
develop a competitive mid-distance team. Denise enjoys watching
her dogs come alive in the great outdoors. She likes the individual
personalities of the dogs. Her favorite thing about working with her
dogs is trying to find the best qualities in each. Denise’s team is
owned by Russell Mountain Racing. Her three leaders are Alaskans.
Abby and Avery are females, and Blaze is a male.
Stephen Duplessis
Stephen Duplessis (39) comes from St-Zenon, Quebec. He is a chop
worker at Plywood Comp L.P. He has 15 years of racing experience,
including 10 years of sprint racing. He has raced the UP200 and run
the Can-Am 250 three times. His hobbies are trapping, hunting, and
fishing. The thing he likes most about sledding is being outdoors.
His leaders are Patch and Blue, both 5-year-old males.
Jim Oehlschlaeger
Jim Oehlshlaeger (58) lives in Hooven, Ohio. This experienced
musher has run the Can-Am 250, the Yukon Quest, and the Iditarod.
Jim is an electrical engineer. He enjoys running dogs and particularly
likes the way they work. His leader, Teddi, is a six-year-old female
Alaskan Husky. To see how this Ohio musher inspired a school class
go to:
http://surfaquarium.com/eIDITAROD/2002/letters/bisesi_oehlschlaeger.htm
Lise Marquis
Lise Marquis (47) lives with her older son in Isle -Verte, Rivere-Du-Loup,
Quebec. She is an insurance representative. In her spare time she likes to
garden, taking care of the lawn and flowers. She also does Quad Biking in
the forest with her two sisters and her son. Last year she raced in the CanAm 30. Her future goals include the Jacques-Cartier 2 X 40 km. About
sledding, Lise says “It’s cool”, and it makes her relax. Lise spends a lot of
time training her dogs and what she likes best about being with them is the
cooperation between her and her dogs. Two Alaskan huskies, Princess (8,
female) and Dum-Dum (7, male), share the lead of Lise’s team.
LISE MARQUIS AGEE DE 46 ANS RESIDE A L'ISLE-VERTE COMPTE
RIVIERE-DULOUP QUEBEC, ELLE EST LA MERE DE 2 GARCONS.
LISE EST REPRESENT ANTE EN ASSURANCES DE DOMMAGES.
LISE EST A SA DEUXIEIv1E COURSE POUR LE 30 MILES A FORT-KENT
ET UNE FIDELE
SPECTATRICE DEPUIS PLUSIEURS ANNEES A
FORT-KENT. LISE EST DE CONNIVENCE AVEC SES CIDENS DONI'
LES DEUX LEADERS PRINCESS AGEE DE 8 ANS ET DUM-DUM
AGEES DE 7 ANS, TO UTE L'EQUIPE EST DE RACE ALASKAN. MON
OBJECTIF EST DE TERMINER LA COURSE DANS LES MEILLEURS
TEMPS POSSIBLE TOUT EN RESPECT ANT LES CAP ACITES DE
MON EQUIPE.
Scott Shaw
Scott Shaw (41) comes from Stirling, Ontario. He and his wife Beth have a
son, Andrew (14). Scott is a construction worker. Scott has raced in the
Mamora and the St. Ignace, and he won the Bancroft 45-mile race in 2003.
He has raced the Can-Am 60 four times. Scott most enjoys the devotion of
his dogs and their amazing desire to run and finish, whatever happens.
Scott’s lead dogs are Alaskans huskies; Lana, (6, female); Faith (4, female);
and Buddy (4, male).
Terry Knowles
Terry Knowles (57) returns again to the Cam-Am 60. He is a retired from
the Army. He and his wife Margie are both ham radio operators. Terry’s has
run many 60-mile races. His future goals are to continue to train his dogs
and enjoy the outdoors. The best thing about dog sledding for Terry is being
on the trail by himself with his dogs. He enjoys training the dogs with a goal
in mind. He likes watching his dogs work together as a team. Terry says
mushing takes up a lot of his time and he is also involved in many
community activities. Four Siberian Huskies share the leadership of the
team. There are three females, Jo-Mary (6), Echo (4) and Merrimack (6).
Seeker (6) is the lone male leader.
Wesley Baum
Wesley Baum (43) is a livestock caretaker for AI Bull Stud. He and his wife
Sharon, son Jonathan (18) and daughter Erin (13) live in Dryden, New York.
Wesley has raced in the Sandwich Notch and Can-Am 30's. This will be his
first 60-mile race. His future goals are just to enjoy his dogs and mushing.
He aims at having fun at the races and having his dogs do well. Wesley
would like to dedicate this race to his father, who helped him get started with
sled dogs 30 years ago as a junior musher in the New England Sled Dog
Club. He also recognizes all his father’s help with building sleds and dog
boxes. Wesley likes the way his Siberian Huskies enjoy running and
working hard. He likes the quiet time running at night under a full moon
without artificial lights. Chosen to lead the team are a male, Chubs, and a
female, Congo. Teddy, a male, is sometimes a leader, too.
Al Tarr
Al Tarr (57) is an excavating contractor who lives in Gibsonia,
Pennsylvania with his wife Carol. He says that, luckily, Carol also
loves dogs. Al likes hunting and fishing for a change of pace. Al has
raced in the Trapper Special, Marmora, Kearney, Can-Am Crown,
Sandwich Notch, and Endless Mountains races. Someday he hopes
to have a team capable of finishing the Iditarod and hopes he will be
capable of doing the same. For Al, the best thing about dog sledding
is traveling with his team to different places, new trails, and finding
new friends and experiences. When it comes to his dogs, the best
thing is the excitement he brings to the dogs when they get ready to
run and their enthusiasm and joy and total devotion to Al, as well as
his devotion to the dogs. Al’s leaders are Riley and Phoebe, a tenyear-old Siberian Husky female.
Jason Bennet
Jason Bennet of Fort Kent is married to Erica. They have two sons.
Jason is a carpenter and has no time for hobbies other than dog
sledding. Jason is driving a team owned by Larry Murphy. Jason has
been racing for a year and has run three 30-mile races. In the future
he wants to compete in 60-to-100-mile races. Jason admires the
enthusiasm and work ethic the dogs bring to sledding. He likes their
loveable nature and willingness to please. The two leaders are
Alaskans. Spanky is a six-year-old male and Lou is a three-year-old
female.
Anthony Colello
Anthony Colello (27) lives in Rangeley, Maine. He and his wife,
Johanna, are expecting a child in May. Anthony, a builder, says his
hobbies are finding new trails and working to pay all dog expenses.
Looking ahead, he wants to be competitive in 30-mile races, and try
60 and 250 miles. He has had some experience in the Nighthawks
Race, the Can-Am 30, Craftsbury 30, and Blanchard. Anthony loves
that his dogs love to run more than he does. He wishes he could take
them running every time they wanted to.
The leaders are two five-year-old Alaskans. Rocket is a male, and
Leia is a female.
Jeffrey Baril
Jeffrey Baril (24) lives in St. Zenon, Quebec. He likes fishing. He won
the the Can-Am 30 in 2004 and is back to defend his title. In the
future, Jeff wants to have fun and help his father, Claude Baril.
Claude owns Jeffrey’s team. Claude, who has raced in the Can-Am
60 many times, will be competing against Jeffrey in the 30-mile race
this year. Leaders of Jeffrey’s team are two female Alaskan Huskies,
Sula(4) and Seawee, a youngster of 1 ½ years.
Claude Baril
Claude Baril (54) of St. Zenon, Quebec, works in the doors and
windows fabrics business, but in the winter he mushes. He has raced
in the Can-Am 60 several times. This year he will be racing in the
Can-Am 30, competing with his son, Jeffrey, who is also in the 30mile race. He hopes to run the Can-Am 250 in the future. Claude
says he likes everything about dog sledding. He also enjoys fishing
and hunting. His team leaders are two seasoned Alaskans. Jeff is an
8-year-old male, and his partner is White, a 7-year-old female.
Martin Massicotte
Martin Massicotte, (36) has won the Can-Am 250 twice and placed second once.
He raced in the Yukon Quest in 2003, and is racing in it again this year. His
future goal is to win the Yukon Quest and the Can-Am 250 in the same year. Will
this be the year? Martin lives in St-Tite, Quebec, where he is a pavement
contractor. His wife is Marie and their children are Melody who is six years old
and Etienne who is three and a half years of age. When it comes to mushing,
Martin likes the wilderness that the trails pass through. He says, “Mushing,
mushing, mushing” is his hobby. His leaders are all male Massicotte dogs.
Berger and Jim are five years old, Buck is five and a half, and Snoopy is the
senior member at 7 and a half. Martin likes to see the improvement in each dog
and the way they run for him.
Rene Marchildon
Rene Marchildon (??) Of South River, Ontario, is driving a team owned by Choc
Paw Expeditions. His folks started the sled dog expedition company and he
notes that it is probably the largest of its nature in the world. They have 326
dogs! Rene’s occupation is a combination of Landscape Contractor and Sled
Dog Guide. Rene’s previous experience includes a few wins in the Sandwich,
Marmora, and Kearney races. His future goals are to continue qualifiers for the
Yukon Quest. Rene likes the unconditional love from his buddies, the peace and
solitude in the bush, and watching the progress of his team as they run miles and
miles. He finds the performance of his dogs “truly mind blowing.” He likes each
dog’s personality, but also their ability to function as a team. Rene lists his
hobbies as hunting, fishing, and camping, but says, “No dogs, no life”. The four
leaders chosen from those 326 dogs are all Alaskans. They are Tulip (3, female);
Iris (7, female); Ryder (3, male); and Vodka (4, male).
Ward Wallin
Ward Wallin (43) from Two Harbors, Minnesota is a Volunteer Services
Administrator. His wife, Colleen, has mushed with him for 11 years. The
children, Ian (10) and Fro (2), are their official puppy trainers.
Ward’s experience includes 12 finishes in the U. P. 200, a John Beargrease
Marathon finish, and a Beargrease 150 finish. In the future he wants to continue
to have fun with family and dogs. The best thing about dog sledding is being
outdoors, he says. How happy his dogs are is what he likes best about them.
Ward says his hobby is list-making. Ward’s leaders include three huskies,
females Tasha (5) and Lizzie (7). Ed is a young male, age three. The fourth
leader is a ten-year-old Husky/Poodle cross named Pepplar.
Nathan Schroeder
Nathan Schroeder (27) says, “My father, Vern Schroeder, raced the Can-Am a
couple of years ago and claims it is the best race he’s ever done. So here I
come!” We hope Nathan’s experience here will be as good as his father’s.
Nathan lives in Nashwauk, Minnesota, where he works in construction in the
field of Millwrighting Local 1348. Nathan has raced in the Beargrease, the U.P.
200, and the Grand Portage Passage. Nathan says the thing he likes most about
his dogs is that they are always happy. His future goal is to continue to have fun
with the dogs! He says he can’t afford any other hobbies while he has sled dogs.
The most enjoyable thing about dog sledding is being in the wilderness.
Nathan has chosen four Alaskan huskies, all four years old, for his leaders. The
males are Mac, Donnie, and Winston. Squint is the lone female.
Shawn Linendoll
Shawn Linendoll (43) is a musher, sled builder, and owner of the Happy Husky
Kennel. He lists his hobbies as sled building, hunting and trapping. He lives in
Fort Ann, New York. He and his wife have a 16-year-old daughter and a son who
will be 20 on March 5. Shawn has been mushing for ten years, has done the
Craftsbury several times, and the Midnight run in Michigan U.P. The Can-Am 250
will be his first attempt at a long race. His future goals are to see his dogs excel
at what they do best and he hopes to race in the Iditarod soon. What he enjoys
most about dog sledding is to see a pup that he raised and trained do so well and
enjoy what they do. The dogs bring him pleasure. One of his leaders is Socks, a
four-year-old female Siberian husky. The other three leaders are Alaskan
huskies; Dickie (2 ½ , female); OJ, (1 ½ , male); and Naya (2 ½ , female).
Shawn likes how hardworking and loyal his dogs are.
Matt Weik
Matt Weik (33) is from Outing, Minnesota. Twice he has finished in the top five in
the Can-Am 250. He is a Landscape Contractor who likes to fish, mountain bike,
and spend time with his wife Sara and eight-year-old son Josey. He and Sara
own North Star Kennels. Matt has not chosen his leaders yet.
Sara Weik
Sara Weik (34) lives in Outing, Minnesota. She is the wife of musher Matt Weik
and team partner with him as owners of North Star Kennels. She and Matt have
an eight-year-old son, Josey. Sara ran the Can -Am 30 in 2003, and has
completed the Grand Portage of 100 miles. She enjoys horseback riding,
gardening and spending time with Matt and Josey. She has not chosen her
leaders yet.
Rhonda O’Hearn
Rhonda O’Hearn of Sandown, New Hampshire, is driving a team
owned by herself and husband Bob. The designated leaders are
Siberian Huskies, Steel (male) and Allie (female).
Boyd Wilson
Boyd Wilson (28) comes from McArthur’s Mills, Ontario. His wife is
Kelly and their children are Candice and Ricky. Boyd is a Marketing
Associate for SYSCO. In the summer and fall Boyd hunts and fishes.
Boyd was second in the Can-Am 250 in 2003. He won the Can-Am
60 in 2001 and 2004. He has been first and second in the Marmora
120. His future goal is the Wyoming Stage Stop and the Attaboy.
When it comes to dog sledding, Boyd likes racing the best. The best
thing about his dogs is their intense desire to please.
His leaders are male Alaskan Huskies. Thumper is five and Mork is
two.
Amy Delano
Amy Delano (19) from Troy, Maine, lives with her parents , Fred and
Heidi, and her sister, Heather. They run dogs as a family sport. Amy
is a College Freshman at Husson College. She likes anything
involving the outdoors. She rides and shows horses, plays soccer,
and skis. Amy wants to always be improving her dog sledding
knowledge and eventually run the Can-Am 60. She has raced in the
Can-Am 30 and the Blanchard Fun Run, where she has been second
and first. Dog sledding is the perfect way to forget about everything
and just be alone and have fun with her dogs, says Amy. Her dogs
have wonderful personalities and positive attitudes. They always give
their all. That’s what Amy likes best about them. Amy’s leaders are
two Alaskan Huskies. Sadie is a nine-year-old female, and Bentley is
a four-year-old male. Amy’s father owns her team.
Diane Marquis
Diane Marquis (50) is an agricultrice from St. Hugues, Quebec. She
raced in the Can-Am 30 last year. Her leaders are Chef (6, male)
and Sonia (2 ½, female).
Ian MacKenzie
Ian MacKenzie (49) is an experienced musher from Bruce Mines,
Ontario. A railroad trainman and farmer, Ian is married to Nancy.
They have a daughter, Aurora. Ian’s hobbies are canoe trips and
antique tractors. Ian raced in the Can-Am 250 in 1995, finishing in
fourth place. He has also run the Iditarod and won the Labrador 400.
His future goal is the Yukon Quest, when he retires in five years. Ian
enjoys dog sledding in the bush with his human and canine family.
He says he can always trust his dogs and that is what he likes best
about them. Three Alaskans will lead his team: Moose (5, male),
Coco (6, female), and Tiny (6, male).
John Hull
John Hull (33) from Elton, Wisconsin, will be driving a team owned by
Rocky Flats Kennel. John is a machine operator. His hobbies are
hunting and weightlifting. John has been racing for three years. He
has raced the Midnight Run and won the Beargrease 150. He has
also won the 2005 Empire Race (8-dog class). In the future he wants
to do stage races. Competition is John’s favorite part of dog sledding.
As for his dogs, he most appreciates their personalities and
endurance. The team leaders are McKinnly and Bomber, who are
both three-year-old male Alaskan Huskies.
Micky West
Micky West (57) comes from Elton, Wisconsin. His wife’s name is
Linda. Mickey is retired. He was a professional bowler, but his hobby
is golfing. He has 10 years of experience in races under 200 miles,
finishing in the top five numerous times. His future goal is to win the
Can-Am 60 and run in stage races. The best thing about dog sledding
is traveling — being with the dogs and making new friends. Mickey
says dogs are the greatest athletes in the world, and they amaze him
with their endurance. Mickey has four leaders. They are all Alaskans.
Noddle and Angel are 3-year-old females. Raven is a 4-year-old
female and Boner is a 6-year-old male.
Martin Charette
Martin Charette (33) is from St-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec. He is a
Guide in Tourisme d’ Aventure. Martin has been in the 30 mile Lac St.
Jean race. For thirteen years he has been doing 5-day expeditions. In
the future he wants to do the Can-Am 250 and the Labrador. He
enjoys seeing the passion his dogs have for their work, and he
particularly likes their faithfulness and good nature. His leaders are
Fox, a 7-year- old male Husky, and Punk, a 2.5-year-old male
Alaskan.
http://www.geocities.com/evasionnature/evanature.htm
Francoise Arnoux
Francoise Arnoux (46) lives in St. Zenon, Quebec. Francoise likes the
freedom and nature found in dog sledding. She enjoys the company of her
dogs. Her leaders are two Alaskans. Ross is a 7-year-old male and Kelly is a
3.5-year-old female. Normand Samson owns the team.
Adam Cummings
Adam Cummings (25) is a truck driver from Sharon, Vermont. He and his
supportive wife, Ngarewa, own the dog team. Adam has been an avid
snowboarder for 13 years and an enthusiastic musher for one year. This is
Adam’s first race, but he has done 350 miles of training. His future goal is
to finish the Can-Am 250 in 2008. Here is Adam’s response to what he likes
best about dog sledding: “Spending time on the trail with my wife and our
kids .... oh I mean dogs! And the camaraderie among mushers.” Adam is
impressed “that each dog has a unique personality, yet they are somehow
able to come together as a team”. Adam has two Alaskan Husky leaders,
Rosie and Josie, both 6-year-old females.
Peter Duncan
Peter Duncan (40) is a civil servant from East Lothian, Scotland. He and his
wife have been married for 16 years. She is at home in Scotland looking
after the other dogs. Peter has taken an eight month unpaid vacation to come
to the US to run his dogs. His temporary local residence is in Wentworth,
New Hampshire. Peter’s experience includes a first place in the Leanachan
12-mile race, and this year he has been in the Craftsbury and the Stratford.
In the future Peter wants to develop himself and his dogs to run some
mid/long distance races in Scandinavia and Europe. When Peter is dog
sledding he likes the feeling that he is a small part of nature. He likes the
silence as the dogs run, and he gets a sense of wonder watching the dogs
working together as a team. He appreciates “the dogs’ absolute belief that
life is fun and that something exciting is right around the next bend”. Peter’s
life revolves around his dogs, but he likes to ride his motorcycle in the
summer and he loves the Buffalo Bills. His team leaders include one 9-yearold female, Ubee, and a young 18-month-old male, BB. Both are Siberian
Huskies.
Rachael Nissley
Rachael Nissley (16) is a student from Westfield, Maine. She lives at home
with her Mom, a brother, sister, and her Dad, Steve, who owns her team.
Rachael’s hobbies include hunting, fishing , snowmobiling, and horseback
riding. Rachael has run a couple of sprint races. She has high hopes for next
year when she would like to run the Can-Am 60 or the Can-Am 250.
Rachael likes working with the dogs and getting away from everything and
just being out on the trail with the dogs. Rachael says about her dogs, “ I
like knowing that they are doing their best and are willing to go as far as I
want them to”. Her Alaskan Husky leaders are Dodge (7, male), Spider (4,
female) and Shyann (3, female).
David Rossi
David Rossi (44) of Rangely, Maine, is a painting contractor. His
hobbies are fast motorcycles, fishing and snowmobiling. He has
raced in the Can -Am, Sandwich Notch and Empire races under 50
miles. In the future he wants to run multi-day races. What David
enjoys most about dog sledding is crossing terrain that snowmobiles
can’t. He likes learning the personality of each of his dogs. David’s
leaders are a father and son combination. They are Alaskan Huskies.
The father is Knik, age 8, and the son is Drac, age 5.
Susan Riley
Susan Riley (56) is a designer from Woolwich, Maine. She has been
a registered Maine Guide for 24 years. Her Hobbies are skijoring and
upland bird and waterfowl hunting. Her mushing experience has been
mostly recreational. In the last three years she has raced in the
Blanchard 30 and the Sandwich Notch 30. Her future goal is to finish
the Can-Am 250. Susan says what she likes most about dog sledding
is “Seeing how much the dogs enjoy it, the scenery, the quiet,
watching the dogs work as a team. Refining techniques and
equipment. The Challenge!” When asked what she likes most about
her dogs, she says “their different personalities, their intelligence, the
fact that they worship me and recognize that I am a goddess”.
Susan’s leaders are a bit unusual. They are German Wirehaired
Pointers. Both females, Cassie is 5 and Elvira is 4.
Joshua Flint
Joshua Flint (23) is a Sous Chef from Guilford, Maine. His mother,
Rhonda Welcome, and sister ,Shannon Flint, have both raced in Fort
Kent. He has a younger brother who runs with him. In his free time
Joshua likes snowboarding and cooking. Joshua has his eye on the
Can Am 250 in the future. He enjoys the quiet solitude of the Great
Maine Woods when he is sledding. He likes his dogs most of all
because of their heart and drive to run all of the time. His four lead
dogs are Alaskan Huskies. Three of them are 8 years old. They are
Mosquito, a neutered male, Lupis, a male, and Sheba ,a spayed
female. The fourth dog is Golden Boy, who is just three years old.
Tara Lemieux
Tara Lemieux (33) lives with her husband, Mike, in Phillips, Maine.
They keep a kennel of approximately 12 Siberian Huskies. Before
they came to Maine they lived in Rhode Island and ran sprint races.
Tara is an office manager at a veterinary hospital. Her hobbies are
photography and the outdoor life. Tara has raced in the Craftsbury
and Stratford Nighthawks races. She wants to continue mid-distance
running for as long as possible. Tara says that the most enjoyable
aspect of dog sledding is spending time with the dogs and watching
them do what they love most ...... Also it is amazing to watch them
grow from pups into their full potential as a working breed (Siberians).
What she likes most about her dogs is each dog’s individual
personality, but on the trail they become a team. Her leaders,
Siberian Huskies, are all under three years old. Kane (2.5) is a male.
He is joined by two females, Willow (2.5) and Luna (1).
Rhonda Ransome
Rhonda Ransome (23) lives in Whitney, Ontario. She is a park
warden in Algonquin Park during the spring, summer, and fall. In
winter she is a dog sledding guide. She likes camping, hiking, and
biking. Rhonda was second in the Marmora 25 this year. She won
the Bancroft 70 last year. She has also placed 3rd in the Kearney 80.
For Rhonda the best part of dog sledding is enjoying the time spent
with the dogs and all of the adventures they have together. She says
her dogs are always happy to see her and they love to run. Her
leaders are three-year-old Alaskan Huskies. Delta is a female and
Geronamo is a male.
Nancy MacKenzie
Nancy MacKenzie is from Bruce Mines, Ontario. She is married to Ian
MacKenzie, who is racing in the Can-Am 60. They have an 8-year-old
daughter, Aurora, who is also a musher. Nancy lists dog, child, and
goat wrangling as her occupation. Her hobbies are gardening,
canoeing, hiking, and “picking stuff”. Nancy finds the best thing about
dog sledding is getting out and enjoying nature with canine
companions. What she likes best about her dogs is their colors. Her
leaders are Alaskan Huskies. One is a 6-year-old male, Aldo, and the
other is Roxy, a nine-year-old female.
Ken Golton
Ken Golton (48) is retired in L’Amable, Ontario. He and his wife have
four children. Ken and two of his sons, age 11 and 13, run the
Ontario circuit. His hobby is hockey.
Ken enjoys just being on the
trail with his dogs. He likes their friendly nature and positive attitude.
Ken’s leaders are Alaskan huskies: Boris (6, male) and Avalanche (3
½ , female).
Caroline Morin
Caroline Morin (39) comes from Sainte-Helene-de-Bagot, Quebec.
She has been raising and racing a working line of Siberian Huskies
for fifteen years. She is President of a company producing a raw
fresh frozen diet for dogs. Caroline does organic gardening in the
summer. She likes to read about natural rearing, plant remedies, and
homeopathy. Caroline has raced in numerous short races in the
Quebec province for the last 15 years. In 2003 she did the Labrador
120. Caroline is looking ahead to the Iditarod or Yukon Quest in 3 or
4 years and probably the Can-Am 250 in the next couple of years.
Caroline said this about what she enjoys most about dog sledding: “
The contact with the dog .... observing what they can achieve... I think
the dog is the most complete athlete on the planet. I like observing
the fabulous winter scenery.” What Caroline likes most about her
dogs is their ethic toward working. They are a monument of the past
history of man and dog. She likes to observe their natural instinct
while working. She says they definitely know more that she does. Her
leaders are CKC registered Siberian Husky dogs. Her leaders may
change depending on conditions. She proposes to use females Belle
(6.5 yrs) and Samantha (2 yrs). She will also use males Lancelot (5
yrs), and Nagano or Napoleon (10-year-old brothers). She and
Thomas Arsenault own the team.
Rhonda O’Hearn
Rhonda O’Hearn is a career financial analyst for IBM. She and her
husband Bob moved to New Hampshire and established Mishawum
Kennel (www.mishawum.com) five years ago. They now jointly race and
manage a growing kennel of Siberian Huskies. Rhonda finished 8th in
the Can-Am 60 in 2004. Two weeks ago Rhonda competed in the
Midnight Run, which was her first point-to-point event. Rhonda is
looking forward to sharing trails again at Can-Am with some of the
finest drivers in the Northeast. Her team leaders are Rocky, Ady,
Steel, and Allagash.
Charlie LaBoda
Charlie LaBoda (22) comes from Howland, Minnesota. He is a heavy
Equipment Operator. Mountain Biking is his hobby. Charlie is single.
His experience has been in the Beargrease Marathon, the UP 200,
the Beargrease 150, Midnight Run, Grand Portage Passage, and
more. In the future he intends to do lots of racing. Charlie’s focus is
on his dogs, and he likes everything about them. He has four leaders,
all are male Alaskans. Miles, Page, and Bohnam are three-and-half
years old. Spruce is a year younger.
Joe St.Marie
Joe St.Marie (33) is a printer from Underhill , Vermont. He will be
driving a team owned by Ingrid Bower. His hobbies are hiking and
gardening. Joe has been running for eight years and has raced in 30mile races. At some point in the future he hopes to run races of 200
miles or more. This is what Joe likes about dog sledding: “The
feeling that you get when you’re on the sled that that’s all you ever
want to do and the relationship between you and the dogs that is
constantly being built upon.” He particularly likes his dogs’
personalities. The two leaders of Joe’s team are Siberian Huskies:
Flint, a four-year-old female, and Tote, a two-year-old male.
Ingrid Bower
Ingrid Bower (42) is a librarian from Underhill, Vermont. She has 25
years of mushing experience, racing in 30 and 60 mile races,
including the Can-Am 30 and the Sandwich Notch 60. In the future
she would like to try the Can-Am 250. The best thing about dog
sledding for Ingrid is driving on challenging trails. She also enjoys the
quiet snowy woods with her dogs. Ingrid says she likes working with
her dogs’ individual personalities to form a cohesive team.
Her hobbies are gardening, biking, and walking. Ingrid’s leaders are a
pair of Siberian Husky females. Maja is a four-year-old and Phori is a
two-year-old.
Kyle Stoops
Kyle Stoops (38) is a pastor in Winterport, Maine. He has been
happily married for 14 years and they have 3 children — Katie, 12;
Kolin, 10; and Lauren, 6. Kyle’s hobbies are basket ball and coon
hunting with hounds. He ran in the Can-Am 30 last year. Kyle is
hoping to increase to longer distance races in the future. The best
thing about dog sledding for Kyle is working with a. The thing he likes
most about his dogs is their different personalities and their desire to
work. Kyle’s leaders are Seppala Siberian Huskies. Two young
males are Gimli (2) and Pirate (1). There are also two female
leaders, Eve (6) and Ember (2).
Tom Roig
Tom Roig (55) is a Landscape Contractor and a Wilderness Canoe
Guide from Shreve, Ohio. He says that his wife, Brenda, is a very
hardworking and giving dog handler. Tom has been in several races:
the St. Ignace, Seney 200, the Seney 300, the UP 200 , the Can-Am
250, and three times in the Midnight Run. He has also done Alaskan
Trapline Trips. When it comes to dog sledding, Tom likes the dogs,
the winter, and the hard work. The best thing about his dogs is their
hard work and dedication to him. Tom’s leaders are Alaskans. Three
are males, Only (5), Toby (4), and Jim (6). The one female is Sunny,
who is six years old.
Genevieve Telmosse
Genevieve Telmosse (27) comes from Mont-Temblant, Quebec. She
is a golf financial administrator. Her hobbies are horseback riding,
hiking, and biking. Genevieve has raced this year in the St. Eugene 2
X15 miles, and the Marmora 25 mile. In the future she would like to
perform long distance races of 100 to 200 miles. Genevieve’s
enjoyment in dog sledding comes from seeing the results of the work
she does with the dogs (the training and the feeding). What she likes
most about her dogs is the way they like to run and their cooperation
with her. The leaders of Genevieve’s team are two male Alaskan
Husky dogs, Fonceur and Buck. They are both two years old.
Jim Wellert
Jim Wellert (37) is a professional land surveyor from Wadsworth,
Ohio. Tom Roig shares ownership of Jim’s team. Jim has raced in
the Midnight Run, Marmora, and won the Endless Mountain races.
His future goal is to win more race. Jim says the best part of dog
sledding is being out in the woods with the dogs. His dogs are honest
and hard working and that is what he likes best about them. Jim’s
leaders include: Glacier (5,female Alaskan Husky); Chicago (3, male
Alaskan/Pointer cross); and Raven (2,female Alaskan/Pointer cross).
Francois Latour
Francois Latour (41) from Embrun, Ontario, works in construction. His
hobby is old tractors, especially Massey-Harris. Francois wants to
improve his qualification in races in the future. His dogs are what he
enjoys most about dog sledding. Team leaders are two seven-yearold Alaskan Huskies, Maverick, a male, and Minie, a female.