On the weekend of Feb. 20 and 21, the picturesque village
of Newboro on the Rideau
Canal will host the third annual Rideau Lakes Cup Dog Sled Races.
Since 2008,
a team of dedicated volunteers have realized their dream of bringing the
exciting sport of dog sledding to the Township of Rideau Lakes.
Dog sled
teams from all over Ontario, Quebec
and northern United States
mush their way along 80 kilometres of the region’s scenic wooded trails and
beautiful waterways. Participants race a distance of 40 kilometres each day and
hundreds of spectators turn out to experience the winter fun and excitement.
“With the success of our first two events, volunteers are really looking
forward to hosting the races once again. The weather has really been on our
side so far this winter and we have an excellent snow base accumulated in the
area so far. We’re anticipating that many teams will compete this year and are
hoping to see our enthusiastic spectators come out and enjoy the day,” says
Brian Patterson, chair of the organizing committee.
“Following the main event,
we’ll be holding skijoring races (two dogs pulling a racer on cross-country
skis) and on Sunday afternoon, a kid and mutt competition so once again it will
be a great family weekend with something for everyone.”
Leaving the start line from the Newboro lockstation, teams will set out at top
speed on a trail over frozen lakes and parts of the Cataraqui Trail.
An
alternative course over land only is mapped out and available to use depending
on ice conditions.
Many of the teams that will compete over the weekend are racing to collect
points at a number of sanctioned races over the season in a dog sled circuit.
The winning
purse in Newboro has grown this year to over $6,000, with $5,000 in prize money
for main event, $1,000 for the skijoring races and a beautiful hand-made sled
for the Kid & Mutt competition.
“The race
is always really competitive and we are hoping to attract some top teams from
around Ontario, Quebec and beyond,” says Patterson.
This event
is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the winter weather and to witness
the exciting sport of dog sled racing. Breakfast will be served both race days
at the Newboro Community Hall.
Anyone wishing
to volunteer at the event should contact Brian Patterson at 613-272-3059, or
e-mail Lori.Patterson@live.ca.
About Newboro and the Rideau
Lakes Cup Dog Sled Races Committee
The village of Newboro,
nestled along the shores of Newboro Lake, was formed during the construction of the
historic Rideau Canal.
Over time,
the village thrived as a central transportation hub with the canal, train and
stagecoach routes crossing at its doorstep.
Several
years ago, local residents were thinking of a special way to celebrate the Rideau Canal’s 175th anniversary, which took place in
2008, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They
decided that hosting a dog sled competition would be a great opportunity to
showcase the beauty of the region during the winter and recognize the history
of the village as an important transportation centre.
The Rideau Lakes Cup Sled Dog Races and the Skijoring Races are
accredited through the Federation of Sled Dog Sports.
For more
information about the Rideau Lakes Cup Dog Sled Races or to view the course
map, visit www.twprideaulakes.on.ca/dogsledraces.