After a two-year wait, mushers are anxious for Wilderness Sled Dog Race

Staff Report

    GREENVILLE — The 8th annual Plum Creek Wilderness Sled Dog Race will take place Saturday, Feb. 1 in the forested mountain trails of the Moosehead Lake Region.
    The race was canceled for two years in a row, so mushers are looking forward to this one, said Cheri Goodspeed, a longtime event volunteer. “We have an inclement weather date of Feb. 8, but we certainly hope we don’t have to use it,” Goodspeed said. “With Northwoods Healthcare coming on board this year, we’re very happy to offer something extra to the fans.”

Contributed photo

    DOGGED DETERMINATION — Roger Blanchette gets his team ready in the 2011 Wilderness Sled Dog Race.

    One of only three long-distance races in New England, the event will begin and end in Leisure Life Resort on Lily Bay Road and offers mushers and their canine athletes a chance to compete in the challenging 100-mile wilderness area.
    A 30-mile race is also held and fun activities for spectators and families are scheduled throughout the day. This event is free to the public.
    The 100-mile race begins at 9 a.m. and the 30-mile trek starts an hour later. Spectators can follow signs through town to Leisure Life Resort to witness the noisy and fun excitement of dog teams eager to run. Race organizers suggest that fans get to the starting point between 8-8:30 a.m. to meet the teams.
    The race trail passes through several remote sporting camps, providing vantage points along the course for spectators who want to watch this daylong event and the race’s progress.
    The first viewing area is located at the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club on Scammon Road where the teams cross the road.
    The second location is accessed by driving north on Lily Bay Road toward Kokadjo and taking a right on Frenchtown Road. Take this road 12 miles to the West Branch Pond Camps where Eric Stirling and his crew will cater to spectators as the race teams travel past these remote camps.
    The third is the checkpoint at Medawisla Lodge and Cabins — now closed for renovations — on Second Roach Pond near Kokadjo, also accessible by car. The roads will be marked for those who want to see the teams at rest. The teams travel back on the same course and so the viewing spots would be the same.
    Long after darkness falls, even the last team to reach the finish will be greeted by a welcoming bonfire and cheering supporters in Greenville.
    The event is organized by the Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association, a Greenville non-profit. This year they are partnering with Northwoods Healthcare of Greenville which will provide events that day to help promote their Northwoods Kids Program.
    For more information, visit www.100milewildernessrace.org, e-mail wildernessrace@yahoo.com or call Bethany Young at the Greenville town office at 695-2421.