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Apostle Islands are Spectacular Winter Setting For Largest Sled Dog Race in Wisconsin Feb. 2-4
The Race is Free - Then Party with the Mushers in Bayfield, WI
 http://www.golftransactions.com/gpaccess/upload_files/1002721.jpg> Fast off the Starting Line! http://www.golftransactions.com/gpaccess/upload_files/1002720.jpg> Bayfield Winter Hospitality at Rittenhouse Inn |
The spectacular Apostles Islands National Lakeshore is the backdrop for the largest sled dog race in Wisconsin February 2-4, 2007. The Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races along with various dinners, events and celebrations are based in the popular Lake Superior coastal community of Bayfield, Wisconsin, named "The Best Little Town in the Midwest" by Alan Solomon of the Chicago Tribune.
Some 90 - 100 teams are expected to compete in the 12th annual event which is growing in popularity as outdoor enthusiasts, dog lovers and travelers looking for relief from cabin fever discover the exciting competition. There is no admission fee for spectators and there is a great feeling of celebration and camaraderie as checkpoint volunteers, dog team owners, handlers and spectators all cheer on the spirited teams as they pass by.
On Friday, February 2, the three-day event kicks off with a pre-race "Meet the Mushers" spaghetti dinner at the Lakeside Pavilion in downtown Bayfield. This is open to the public and a great place to meet the folks who love dogs, spend hours on the trail and live the adventure.
"If you're looking for some winter fun, you'll not find anything better than this race," says Cari Obst, Executive Director of the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce. "You can spend hundreds of dollars for tickets to professional sports and not be anywhere near the real action. But this one is free, you can meet the competitors and they're delighted to meet you.
"The dogs live to run and their high spirits, raw energy and desire translate into thrills and great action all along the trail. This race is one of the high points of our winter season and one of the greatest winter events in the Upper Great Lakes."
The races wind through the pristine snow-covered hills and forest wilderness north of Bayfield. Races begin at 10 am Saturday and Sunday with half of the total race distance completed each day. There are two main races: an 8 dog, 80-mile race and a 6 dog, 60-mile race. A 40-mile Sportsman's Race and a 16 and under 10-mile Family Race will also be held over the weekend.
Spectators can enjoy the race at the start/finish line in a warming tent with hot food and beverages, retail booths, restrooms and outdoors next to a huge bonfire. After the races, there's plenty for spectators to do in downtown Bayfield at boutiques, galleries, pubs, retail shops and wonderful restaurants.
On Saturday there's The Mushers' Mix and Dinner at the Bayfield Inn starting at 5 pm. After dinner at about 6 pm, Jim Ryder of Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures will give a presentation about his solo journeys across the Arctic. On Sunday February 5 an Awards Ceremony will be held at the Northern Edge Restaurant just south of Bayfield on Hwy 13 about 4PM immediately after the races.
Bayfield, the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore" is a picturesque maritime community of some 686 people built on a steep hillside on the shore of Lake Superior overlooking the Apostle Islands. Known for outstanding inns, bed-and-breakfast homes, lodges and hotels, it also has earned a reputation for arts, entertainment, fine dining, shopping and hospitality.
Bayfield is located on Highway 13 just 24 miles northwest of Ashland, 90 miles east of Duluth, 220 miles northeast of Minneapolis-St.Paul, 315 miles north of Madison, WI, 360 miles northwest of Milwaukee and 450 miles north of Chicago.
For more information on this event or a free guide to the area please contact the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-447-4094 (or locally 715-779-3335) or e-mail the Chamber at bayfieldchamber@charter.net, and visit the web site at www.bayfield.org
Media Contact:
Gary Knowles
608-231-3884
OPENAIR@aol.com |
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