ICY WATERS LTD - RACE 3: SAT SEPT 15TH, 5PM

Set beside the swamplands of MacIntyre Marsh, these races start above Icy Waters in the trees off the Haekel Hill Road. If it's been raining the first 500m are going to be a bit slick (ask Dave Desmarais, his training "crash n splash" in there would certainly have won the Yukon Brewing best crash sympathy prize if it happened in a race. But it didn't, so no prize, better luck in the race). After this winding through the trees the trail opens out onto the Copper Haul up to the old landfill. Here the 1 milers (Canicross, 1 Pet dog, 1 Sled dog) complete a small loop and shoot straight back to the finish - which isn't at the start line - aha! don't worry, it will be well marked. Beware the two earth moguls on the way back and the steep final 50m down to the finish. There will be water at this turnaround.

For the delight and edification of the 2 sled dog entrants running 4 miles the trail continues into the dump after the water stop. This is relatively twisty, and includes the turn where last season Jon Lucas's Snowpigs team successfully schemed to roll a three wheeler over him....twice in one attempt. Well done dogs, I say, do it again, but better next time. The trail then opens onto the old landfill access road in a gentle downhill for a good half mile, then a sharp right (that's a "Gee" for the Team Leaders reading this) back into the trees and a shallow, muddy creek to cross. Then it's pretty much packed earth all the way home over those moguls, the downhill to the finish, and a cool refreshing beverege for the dogs whilst the monkeys prepare dinner.

"GET MORE BEER!"


Potluck BBQ after the race.

Icy Waters Ltd produces delicious Artic Charr, available for sale to the public, and are putting up Frozen Fillets and Frozen Dressed Fish as prizes for monkeys; and secondary processing products (heads and racks left from the filleting process) as prizes for the dogs. Call 668 7012 for more details, or check out the website at www.icywaters.com.

Yukon Brewing provide a very fashionable T-shirt for the monkey having the most spectacular wipe-out.

Eat and drink their locally produced products! and don't forget Phillipe's Bike Repair can fix anything at very reasonable prices as well as selling the bikes, body armour and helmets you need for this non-contact sport (honest) - ask anyone involved, what's a few scrapes and bruises anyway, it's only a flesh wound. If this charging around on wheels with dogs is not for you then do a bit of gardening with Yukon Garden's plants, seeds and garden hardware, although I've often wished for a bit of body armour after stepping on the rake....

So, see you all at the Icy Waters Ltd offices for the race meeting, 5pm, Saturday September 15th...if you think you're hot enough

"AHHHH! THAT'S GOOD"