Race Rules Clarification

Meredith LaBeau; Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Mushers with the race only three days away, please note we have had a rule clarification for Stage 1 on Friday!

Race Rule ADDENDUM

(pg. 9, section 13, For 150-mile race: bullet #16 & For 40-mile race: bullet # 12)

For the first stage of the race on Friday, all teams must have at least one red, blinking light on a lead dog. The light must be mounted and operational at the start, at all times while on the trail, and at the finish line.

Happy Healthy Campaign

Jason Makela, Checkpoint Coordinator; Saturday, February 23, 2013

Since the inception of the CopperDog, our motto has been "Happy healthy dogs! Happy healthy mushers!" and we try our best to make this motto more of a lifestyle than a catchphrase. In addition to the dogs and mushers, we also strongly advocate for community vitality. Part of organizing our sled dog event involves spending a significant amount of time working with all of the communities in the Copper Country.

As we've been cruising around this winter we have crossed paths with all sorts of traffic - ranging from traditional winter sports like snowmobiling and skiing to bicyclists riding their new snowbikes and we have even come across the occasional broken-down car or truck. At first glance the aforementioned events seem to have nothing in common with dog sledding but we do share a very important common interest - safety. The wintry roads can make for dangerous conditions at times so we're starting a "Happy healthy community!" campaign to raise awareness for motorists to think twice and slow down when they come across snowmobilers, stopped vehicles, snowbikers, skiers, dog sledders, or any other unexpected events on the roadways.

That said, if you see someone in town wearing a copper colored ribbon, please let that be a reminder to keep your eyes peeled while driving and to slow down if you are approaching any trail crossings or traffic. If you would like to join the campaign, you can get a copper ribbon at our Lead Dog Sponsor, River Valley Bank, or you can come to our Volunteer Training this Sunday in Calumet.

Thanks for helping to keep our community a happy and healthy community!

2013 Official Event Poster

by Audery Small, Graphic Designer, Finlandia ; Friday, February 22, 2013

A Chunk of the Keweenaw

by Lesley DuTemple; Tuesday, February 19, 2013

CopperDog will be awarding 17 trophies at the finish of the 2013 CopperDog 150 and 40 races. But these are no ordinary trophies. The CopperDog trophies are hand made from local stone, by artist Fred Reese, and the theme for the awards is "A Chunk of the Keweenaw." (What? You thought we'd be handing out spray painted plastic?)

The 17 awards are:

• CopperDog 150 - 1st - 10th place, based on fastest times.
• CopperDog 40 - 1st - 3rd place, based on recorded finish times.
• The Copper Harness Award: awarded by CopperDog's veterinary staff, to the musher deemed to have provided the best care to his/her team.
• Sportsmanship Award: determined by vote amongst the CopperDog mushers, and awarded by the mushers to one of their own.
• Two Red Lantern* Awards: one for each race, awarded to the musher who finished last.

To learn about the origins of the Red Lantern Award, check out "Traveling the Iditarod Trail" article in the "Learning" section of our web site.)

The stones used in the trophies were gathered by Fred and Jan Reese, Pam Hecht, Chris and Abbey Green, and Mike Eddleman. If you recognize a couple of those names as CopperDog board members, well, it just goes to show what a versatile group we are. Anything for CopperDog, including scrambling around a rock pile, digging for rocks hidden under 40 inches of snow.

As an artist, Fred Reese's talent is "sand carving in stone," and he's been producing his artistic creations for 15 years. His artwork can be seen at Studio 41 in Copper Harbor, as well as Copper World in Calumet.

Once the stones are gathered and the surface has been cut (a process one board member referred to as "a mess") Fred creates a computer design and fits the layout to the stone. From there he creates a rubber stencil of the design, called a "sandblast resist," and then pulls it apart (a process calls "weeding"), and places the rubber sandblast resist over the stone. With the design now transferred to the stone, Fred carves out the design with his sand blaster and paints the finished product. The result is a CopperDog trophy!

The CopperDog trophies can be seen in the windows of Copper World, on 5th Street in Calumet, starting Monday February 25, and will be on view until they are awarded Sunday afternoon, March 3, during the mushers awards banquet.

America's Future Advertising Experts

by Bridget Harsch; Monday, February 18, 2013

Finish the phrase: If you need something done right, go to... 

Believe it of not, we would finish this phrase with “High School Students.” Little did we know when we spoke to Michael Roland (CLK’s Technology Instructor/District Coordinator) to gather some students to create a Saturday event poster for Calumet’s downtown family friendly event in association with the CopperDog 150 sled dog races, the volume of submissions and caliber of work we would receive.

Upon receiving our request, Mr. Roland opened the poster making contest to his desktop publishing class. In less than a week, the 17 students had kicked out 29 posters of professional (or close to) quality. These posters were hung along the walls of the Main Street Calumet for the members of the committee to judge.

The reactions as the judges walked in were priceless. Eyes wide, gazing in amazement, the committee members said things like, “High Schoolers did that?” and “I don’t know how I am going to decide!” The posters they saw displayed before them were diverse in design. Some had words written in giant paws, some had pictures from past events as the background, many had dogs doing a variety of tasks, one had a dog dressed as NASCAR driver, and there was even one with a picture of a sign that said, “Dog sled parking, violators will be peed on.” The feel of every poster was different, though the information was the same.

Never would we have expected that America’s future advertisers live right here in Calumet. Though it was difficult to choose, the committee decided on three posters to use. Congratulations to Jenna Anderson, Twila Apger, and Chelsea Jacques for creating the posters that will represent the Saturday event throughout the Keweenaw. 

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Principal George Twardzik and Michael Roland for all your support in making this happen and the students involved for all their hard work. As for you, dear reader, look out for the winning posters on a bulletin board near you and never underestimate the ability of your local high school students.

The winning posters will be posted soon.

2013 Official CopperDog Apparel

by Abbey Green; Monday, February 18, 2013

What about those beautiful blue eyes sled dogs have? That's the color of the official 2013 CopperDog tee shirts. The 2013 tees are $25 and come in sizes S-XXL. We are also be selling new 2013 hoodies (a lovely maroon color) for $35. In addition, we have a limited supply of golden thermal shirts and CopperDog hats.

We have it all for 2013!

The new 2013 apparel is available at River Valley Bank in Calumet on US 41 and Sharon Ave in Houghton. Come to the volunteer training at CLK School Sunday Feb. 23rd from 1-3 and purchase a new 2013 CopperDog limited edition item! All merchandise will be available race weekend or contact Rob at swag@copperdog150.com

How We Approach Safety

by Todd Brassard, Exec/Race Director; Monday, February 18, 2013

We have had a number of inquiries asking if CopperDog is going to be reviewing our safety plan in light of the recent incident where a sled dog team was hit by a car at a rural road-trail crossing at another race. The short answer is yes, but this posting will provide a little more information.

To fully appreciate how we approach safety, it’s very helpful to know a little about our history, especially the story of our inaugural event.

In 2010 as mushers poured into town for our first race it was also pouring rain. We watched in dismay as the rain and high temperatures caused our trail system to deteriorate before our eyes. Record high temperatures concerned the vets about running the dogs on the third and final day. In the end, mushers were split down the middle as to pressing on or ending the race early. Tension was high and our Board was sweating, until a compromised was reached, but there were those mushers who walked away not intending to return to CopperDog.

For being newbies planning a sled dog race, we received a full dose of tough love, unanticipated challenges, and we learned much about the realities of hosting a sled-dog race.

At this point we simply made a decision; we were going to be one of the most, if not THE MOST, dog-friendly event in the sport.  Our approach to racing became simply the goal of having “happy healthy dogs and happy healthy mushers.” 

Since 2010 we have worked very hard to develop our race around this very simple, but power concept. The people who plan the CopperDog are engaged and passionate about every aspect of the event, especially the safety of the dogs, mushers, and hundreds of volunteers who make the race possible.

Although it is impossible to remove all the risk from events like sled dog races, with clear focus and persistence it is possible to minimize risk through excellent planning, effective communication, innovative tools, and hands-on volunteer training.

I don’t know if CopperDog is unique in offering hands-on training (practice trail crossings with real 10-dog teams in a large parking lot) to volunteers, but we know it teaches volunteers what they need to know going into race weekend.

Our volunteers are trained how to clearly signal teams (day and night), capture and line out teams, follow the instructions of mushers, log mushers through crossing, and communicate vital data back to headquarters so we can make sure all the mushers are accounted for and making forward progress throughout the race.

We work closely with fire departments, police, search and rescue, first responders, and the road commissions to alert traffic to upcoming trail crossings, close lanes on bridges, and stay in radio communication with headquarters. We also employ a radio network that is constantly sending information on musher movements back to headquarters which is logging data into a database and feeding an interactive map that is estimating the position of each team on the route.

We have some pretty advanced technology driving our information flow and each year the systems are being developed and improved.

We have instituted a new Lead Volunteer program in 2013 where volunteers interested in taking on more responsibility are provided with additional training and tools to help us manage the hundreds of volunteers working the event race weekend. These volunteers will help ensure that race procedures are followed, that information is flowing properly, and safety receives top priority.

Lead Volunteer Training - CopperDog 150 from Defined Visuals on Vimeo.

Finally for 2013 we have created and filled a new Safety Coordinator position and supporting positions within CopperDog intended on help bring together all of our safety initiatives into a comprehensive plan that actually gets communicated effectively.

Will all of these initiatives guarantee that the CopperDog will never have a tragic incident? No, but these initiatives help us minimize both the frequency of incidents and their impact when they do occure.

Will our efforts be enough? We hope so with so many dogs, mushers, volunteers and fans putting their faith in our careful planning to keep them safe.

We are deeply saddened by incidents where dogs or mushers are injured, but we must study these incidents to understand would types of policy or procedures can help prevent similar problems from happening in the future.  

Hopefully this post provides a few answers to the questions being asked right now.  Feel free to contact us with concerns and/or questions.  Send inquiries to toddbrassard@copperdog150.com.

Warm Regards,

Todd Brassard
Exec/Race Director
CopperDog 150

2013 Full Page Newpaper Ad

design by Audrey Small; Saturday, February 16, 2013

The CopperDog 150 is benefiting from the design talent of Finlandia student Audrey Small. Audrey is working with the race on print and web design as part of an internship with Brassard Media.  Click to download a higher resolution PDF of the ad.

Happy Healthy Dogs- No pets allowed!

by Kim Pici, Asst. Race Director; Wednesday, February 06, 2013

The CopperDog race has some great superstars. Yes, we all know the dedication and hard work the “humans” put into this sport, but I am talking about the “4 –legged” Superstars- the dogs.

Coined by Executive Director of the CopperDog Todd Brassard, one of the phrases you may hear during race weekend is “Happy Healthy Dogs”. With a team of skilled veterinarians, as well as a group of mushers that know how to care for these athletes, CopperDog is continuously trying to live up to just that…happy, healthy dogs.

These animals’ health and welfare is one of the highest priorities. Throughout race weekend, the veterinarians on staff work to make certain that these animals are in healthy condition and that no one places them in jeopardy.

We here at CopperDog would be remiss, if we did not do our part, to assist in striving to keep these animals safe and healthy during the race. We want everyone to come out and enjoy race weekend. It’s an exciting event that, thanks to the communities in and surrounding the Keweenaw, we should all be proud of.

We want to keep the dogs out of harm's way so here are a couple of tips for doing just that:

• Please keep “Fido” at home. We here at CopperDog love dogs.  But during race weekend, keep your pets at home. It is distracting for the sled dogs and can be a health risk for them as well. Sled dogs live, function, and run with a pack mentality. Seeing a dog on a leash close by can disrupt this balance.
• We also want to keep the community pets safe; we do not want anyones’ beloved bow- wow to get into a situation that could potentially cause harm to them.
• Please do not come to the race, planning to feed the dogs. These animals are on very specialized diets that their mushers and handlers work hard to devise and maintain. (No hot dogs for these canines during race weekend!)
  

So hopefully we will see you all race weekend and remember safety first… please leave your pups at home.

Live as a Musher

by Gabrielle Mays; Tuesday, February 12, 2013

CALUMET -- Jerry Trudell is a musher.

Click here to watch the video

"It's someone who's gotten a virus of running dogs, and the only way to cure it is to hop on a sled behind a team of dogs and head out into the woods," said Jerry Trudell, musher.

He started in 2007 with just two dogs and now he owns an entire dog sled team, competing in up to five races each winter. Mushing has become a very popular sport in the Upper Peninsula, from Newberry's Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race to the UP 200 in Marquette and the CopperDog 150 in Calumet.

Trudell came in second during the 2011 UP 200 Midnight Run. But before any race, it takes a lot practice.

"So far this year, this training season, we've got just about 900 miles on the dogs," Trudell said.

Trudell does a lot of his training with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It gives a musher better speed control, and the four wheeler helps the dogs build up muscles. In order for dogs to become great runners, they need food, and Trudell feeds his dogs twice a day.

"They seem to know if I come out the basement door, they know it's feeding time so these dogs are lean, but they're certainly healthy. The diet is very controlled just to keep their weights at the ideal weight," Trudell said.

As with most sports, mushing can be expensive.

"It kind of adds up. Dogs are like bicycles. If somebody asks you how much a bicycle costs, well, you can get a bicycle for $50 or you can get a bicycle for $10,000. The same goes for sled dogs," Trudell said.

Regardless of cost, having your own sled dog team means the owner and the dogs create a very special bond.

"The more I've done this, what I've really found is you really do bond with these dogs. You really do get an understanding and a trust with each other," Trudell said.

In the second part of my series, I put my trust in a couple of sled dogs to find out what it's like to step on the sled.

Trailside Lodge Trail Webcam

by Todd Brassard; Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Check out the Trailside Lodge's new trail webcam located about a mile into the first stage of the CopperDog 150.  The camera is located near US41 (map marker #30 on the CopperDog 150 map).   The webcam image is at the bottom of their home page.

Other great Keweenaw trail cams can be viewed at www.johndee.com!

Trail Report - January 16, 2013

by Brian Isaksson, Trail Boss; Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Thank goodness they broke down and played the Heikki Lunta snow dance song!  We have temperatures predicted to stay in the teens and twenties into the foreseeable future, as well as, snow predicted every day this week.  It would seem a much needed (desperately needed by seasonal businesses) Keweenaw winter is finally settling in.

A few trail observations from yesterday as well as earlier this week... I am relieved to report that despite the record setting high temperatures and pitiful snow accumulation, the trail from Calumet to Gay and back up to Eagle Harbor is looking good.  What snow we've had, has been groomed into a small base plus the 12 inches of fresh snowfall in the past week are amounting to good trails.  There is no doubt the Keweenaw is going to see an uptick in tourism with our trails coming back to life.

Next week we will be venturing up north and riding the trails from Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor, up and over Brockway Mountain, and finally back down to Calumet.  At this point, with what groomed based we've held on to, plus the additional snowfall we are receiving (groomed often), our entire trail system will be in good to excellent condition.  If temperatures maintain and the lake-effect snow continues to accumulate, the CopperDog should have the same great snow cover as the previous two years.  Stay tuned for more trail reports!

Brian Isaksson,
Trail Boss
2013 CopperDog 150

Fireworks - A Little Fundraising

by Jessie Brassard; Saturday, January 12, 2013

FIREWORKS!

$2,000

$1,500

$1,000

$500

A Q&A with Race Director Todd Brassard

by Lesley DuTemple; Thursday, December 20, 2012

The CopperDog 150 will be featured in an upcoming edition of West Michigan Senior Times.  The questions were asked by writer Leo Martonosi and the publication manager is Debra Slone.

1) HOW LONG HAS COPPERDOG BEEN DOING DOGSLED RACING?

Our March, 2013, event will be CopperDog 150's fourth racing season. The idea to host a sled dog race in Calumet, MI sprang to life early in 2009 and the first race was held March, 2010.

2) HOW DID COPPERDOG GET STARTED?

A local Calumet business owner, Jerry Mitchell, was enjoying a cup of coffee with his wife at their home when they looked out their back window and spotted a couple of sled dog teams cruising down the trail. He thought it was a beautiful sight. Later, at his Calumet restaurant, Carmelita's, he happened upon the actual musher - Truman Obermeyer of Brewery Creek Racing - and started a conversation that led to the idea of starting a sled dog race.

Tom Tikkanen, the Executive Director of Main Street Calumet, was approached with the idea and a public interest meeting was held. In turn, this led to the formation of a steering committee to raise the funds needed to hire a race director and execute the first race. Twenty local businesses, CopperDog's "Trail Blazers," provided the initial start up funds.

For that first year a planning committee was formed, a race director was hired, and the 2010 race took place.

3) HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED IN COPPERDOG? ARE ANY OF THEM PAID?

CopperDog 150 was originally organized as a sub-committee of Main Street Calumet, and remained as such until August, 2012. In August, 2012, CopperDog 150 incorporated into CopperDog, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Currently, CopperDog has 12 board members, 6 Event Directors, approximately 20 people working on high level planning teams, and uses 400 volunteers on the race weekend.

CopperDog, Inc. is a 100% volunteer organization. I do not get paid, nor does anybody else. This is a volunteer community effort and we're very proud of that fact. After paying a race director that first year, to get things off the ground, nobody has been paid for the work they do, or the time they put in.

4. WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR COPPERDOG'S SUCCESS?

Although the idea for a race can be narrowed down to just a few people, the actual success and growth of the race is due to an ongoing infusion of time and talent from key members of our community. Our working board, our event directors, our high level planners are each smart, creative, resourceful, and dedicated individuals. The CopperDog 150 is too big and requires too many talents and disciplines to attribute the event's success to any one person. We do however, have a core team of people at the heart of the event that provide the vision, ethics, integrity and so on that have become the base on which the rest of the organization is founded. Ultimately, it's a team effort by many excellent people.

5. THE WEATHER CAN BE A FACTOR. WHAT ARE PRIME CONDITIONS FOR THE DOGS AND DRIVERS (I BELIEVE THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL THEM)?

Sled dogs do very well in cold weather. That's not to say that blizzard conditions are favorable for racing, but the dogs certainly love snow covered trails. Ideal conditions are cold temperatures, a well packed trail which is not too powdery, crunchy with ice, or punchy from lack of packing. The CopperDog 150 has survived warm weather, a snow storm, and perfect conditions as well. Dog and musher care is top of our list, so we always have contingency plans for unfavorable weather.

6. DO YOU RACE?

I do not. I have never been on a sled. In early interviews, back in 2010 and 2012, reporters would ask what we knew about planning a sled dog race. I told them, with some amount of pride, "Absolutely nothing!", but that was made the CopperDog 150 fresh and unique. Rather than inheriting all of the long-standing, tried and true methods of running a sled dog race, we introduced fresh and fun ideas - as much out of ignorance as inspired insight. We really care about our stake holders (and there are many - especially the dogs) and it shows in our attention to detail and our high standard of veterinary care. We focus on all aspects of putting on a good community event.

7. WHAT KIND OF TURNOUT DO YOU USUALLY HAVE? WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING THIS MARCH, 2013?

At the first race in 2010, we had no idea if anybody would turn out to watch the Friday night start. As we wrapped up our tasks and the mushers prepared their dog teams, we watched and waited. At first 50 people arrived, then 100, then 500. We were feeling pretty good at that point, but the people kept coming. Then there was 1000, then 2000, and then 3000. We were completely amazed at how the community came out to experience and support the 2010 CopperDog 150. We knew we had started something great. In 2011, we estimated 4000 spectators were present at the start. In 2012, our estimate was somewhere between 5000 and 7000 people. We're anticipating growth for 2013, especially since we're finally getting the hang of this whole dog-race thing.

8. HOW DOES THE MONEY WORK FOR THIS EVENT? IS IT A MONEY MAKER? CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE ENTRY FEES ARE? HOW MUCH DOES THIS HELP THE LOCAL ECONOMY?

The overall budget for the CopperDog in 2012 was right around $60,000. Here's a link to a great story that talks about how CopperDog funds get spent. 

Our clear top financial supporter is River Valley Bank. They provide us with that first $10,000 each year to get the ball rolling. River Valley Bank also goes above and beyond by allowing us to use their facility for receiving mushers, providing snacks for mushers, and giving hats to the incoming teams.

We have a few other organizations that donate money in the range of $1000-$2500 and many cost saving in-kind donations, but much of the money is raised $200 and $300 at a time through the sale of over one hundred dasher and sled banners. Every dollar really counts and gets turned around and spent in the community. Additionally, we take in about $10,000 in registration fee income.

For 2013 our race purse (the prize money) is $23,000.

Incidentally, the 2011 CopperDog 150 filled just 12 days after registration opened. This year the registration for the 150 pro-class race filled in just 3.5 hours.

9. I SUPPOSE MOST OF YOUR PARTICIPANTS ARE FROM MICHIGAN. DO MUSHERS FROM OTHER STATES COMPETE?

This year, in the 2013 race these are the states representing registered teams and teams on the waiting list: WI - 1, AK - 2, MI - 20, MN - 15, NY - 1, OH - 1, Ontario - 4, Quebec - 2, WI - 8, WY - 1

Ryan Redington is one of the teams from Alaska. Ryan's grandfather, Joe Redington, is credited with starting the world-famous Iditarod. The Redington family is famous in mushing circles and Ryan may bring some interesting competition to the trails.

10. IS THIS A HOBBY OR A MONEY MAKER FOR THE DOG OWNERS AND MUSHERS? CAN MONEY BE MADE?

The CopperDog 150 pro-class is designed to appeal to all types of serious mushers. Our purse pays out very well for the top 5 finishers ($6200, $4800, $3600, $2600, $1800) which attracts highly competitive teams that think they can place first. But we also have solid payouts all the way down to 10th place, which covers travel costs and dog food, a fair trade for a hobby musher.

All mushers, pro or hobby, run dogs because they love the sport. They love the dogs, they love the trail, they love the challenge. Many mushers have day jobs just like the people who plan the CopperDog 150. Some mushers devote more time and energy to being very competitive. These mushers tend (but not always) to have larger kennels and are able to field multiple teams. It's not uncommon for a large kennel to have 40-80 dogs. These kennels can win serious money if they have a great season of competition. This buys a lot of dog food.

11. I'M ASSUMING THE 150 STANDS FOR 150 MILES? HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE TO FINISH THE RACE?

The race is actually closer to 137 miles. Mileage changes a little each year as we explore different trail options. At first I thought it was really important to make the CopperDog 150 exactly 150 miles, but we have learned over the years that the actual mileage is just not that important. What is important is a solid, safe trail that we can maintain through the entire winter, so come race weekend the conditions are perfect for dog paws.

Teams in our race typically run between 9.5 and 13.8 miles per hour. The distance of each stage varies between 39 and 50 miles. Dog teams take anywhere between 3.5 and 4.5 hours to complete each stage, depending on weather and trail conditions.

12. WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF COPPERDOG 150?

Good question. In many respects we are still newbies and still learning the ropes. We feel the same growing pains as any organization as we learn about ourselves, what we are about, and what we are not about. Our focus has been on community vitality and calling the world's attention to our comunity. We've also taken an interest in educating kids, families, and everyone on the time honored tradition of mushing. Mushing really has a rich history and we are all learning more every day.

As for the race itself, we will grow it - not by adding more teams to the competition, but by developing a festival around the race. Calumet and the Keweenaw have much to offer. When people come to the race and are exposed to our beautiful region, they come back with their families in the off season. (Actually an on-season if wonderful summer activities is what someone is seeking.)

CopperDog Free Kids Rides Are a Wrap

by Kim Pici, Asst. Race Director; Photos by Daniel Cunningham; Sunday, December 16, 2012

Mother Nature almost did not cooperate, but the 4th Annual Free CopperDog Sled Rides went off without a hitch in Agassiz Park Saturday afternoon. Even though the possibility of not enough snow loomed over the days leading up to the event, the rides were a success once again!

With sounds of the seasons playing for all to enjoy, veteran musher Tom Bauer owner of Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures, his son Roy, and another young musher, Katherine “Kat” Manderfield, spent Saturday afternoon giving kids a small, yet exciting introduction to this great sport.

With many of the CopperDog's volunteer staff on hand, the community got to take an up lose look at these amazing athletes. With hay bales (donated by Main Street Calumet) strategically placed, a small course was set up in the park to give anyone who wanted a chance to see these dogs and mushers in action. Close to 260 kids were lifted in and out of  the sleds, during the 2 hour event.

Local Mushers Jerry Trudell and Truman Obermeyer were also on hand to share their knowledge and love of this great sport. Brad King may not have the fastest dogs, but his Alaskan Malamutes (also known as “those big, fluffy dogs“) were on hand once again and provided many photo opportunities. Over 100 photos were snapped of kids and those big ,fluffy dogs, thanks to Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, who donated the use of an Instamatic camera.

Free hot dogs were roasted (thanks to donations from Pats’ IGA, Ferrellgas, and Aspirus Keweenaw Fitness/Rehab Center) and hot cocoa was sipped as both kids and parents alike, got to get up close and personal with the dogs.

The CopperDog 150/40 sled dog races will take place March 1-3, 2013 and the sled dog rides definitely help to generate excitement and support for this wonderful event.

Thanks again to all our local mushers; sponsors, and most importantly, the families that came out to enjoy this event.

As the rain started to fall and the last kid was lifted out of the sleigh one of my dreams came true… I got a ride too!

Kim Pici
Asst. Race Director
CopperDog 150

Photo Credit Daniel Cunningham

"Tis the Season"

Lesley DuTemple; Monday, December 03, 2012

It's not quite the Twelve Days of Christmas, but it's darn close. The countdown has begun and if you are looking for a unique—and we mean UNIQUE—gift for that special someone, look no further. The gift of a customized CopperDog 150 Dasher Banner or Sled Banner comes packed with 3 days of adventure, fun, friendship, and glamour (yes, glamour - with those gorgeous eyes, sled-dogs are glamourous).

Did we mention big? Because this is a BIG gift! It encompasses the entire community and will be seen all over the Keweenaw! All banners are prominently displayed during CopperDog race weekend (March 1, 2, and 3, 2013) and are seen by thousands of people.

Consider purchasing a banner in the name of your loved one. They come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Why give a sweater (or diamond earrings) when you can give a CopperDog 150 banner and all the adventure that comes with it?

For more information click here or contact Abbey Green at abbeygreen@copperdog150.com.

Need photos of mushers with host families

by Todd Brassard; Friday, September 21, 2012

Hey everyone!  I am currently seeking photos of mushers staying with host families.  We are looking to promote our host family program a little sooner this year and it would be great to have some photos of mushers hanging out with host families.  If you have photos to share, please send them to toddbrassard@copperdog150.com.  Thank you!

Getting Rolling for the 2013 Race

by Todd Brassard; Tuesday, September 18, 2012

If you've been watching the c-dog website over the summer you've probably noticed that it hasn't been getting a whole lot of attention.  Its true, we are guilty of neglecting our website, but not because we've become lazy.  Rather, we have been working frantically, behind the scenes (a few people in particular... Lesley DuTemple and Jo Cauvin) to implement some pretty significant changes to our organization, changes that will keep us evolving while maintaining a heart felt commitment to what is truly important. 

We will be rolling out some exciting, new stuff soon enough, but for now, suffice is to say... we are very excited about where this organization is headed and super appreciative of everyone from mushers to land owners to volunteers for supporting this amazing community event.  The CopperDog 150 is truly a unique event that brings out the best in us and our communities.

Todd Brassard
Executive Director
CopperDog, Inc.