The Canadian Championship Dryland dog races are coming to Bristol, Quebec October 29-30, 2016.
Have you ever dreamed about spending a day dogsledding across the frozen fields of Quebec? Perhaps you have already had the fortune of participating in such a unique experience that dates back in time when Canadians used dogs to travel during the winter months.
Do you ever wonder how these athletic canines stay fit when there is no snow? Many mushers practice dryland training during the off-season, a discipline that includes bikejoring, canicross and cart training with teams of up to 8 or more dogs. In fact, more and more people are even taking to bikejoring (where a team of dogs pulls a cyclist) and canicross (cross country running with dogs) as a recreational hobby.
Enter the Canadian Championship Dog Races. The 7th annual Bristol Dryland Canadian Championship Dog Race will take place at Timberland Tours, a short 45 minute drive West of Wakefield. The race is run on a sandy trail that winds through a beautiful pine forest on the Timberland Tours property. Spectators can watch racing in a number of categories including: scooter, canicross, bikejoring and 4, 6, and 8 dog rigs. Several viewing points are available including the start and finish bleachers, a high rise stand, and along an access path that cuts through the forest and crosses the racetrack.
2013 World Champions, Jessica Doherty from NY and Kati Dagenais from QC, are regular competitors. With the largest purse of over $10,000 it is one of the biggest dryland races in the world.
Spend the weekend doing something different and seeing some of the fastest dogsledding teams on the planet! Admission and parking are free. No pets please. Vendors will be on site with warm food and beverages as well as some merchandise.
When you’re done watching the races, head east on Hwy 366 towards Wakefield and be sure to drop in for a bite to eat or stay the night!
For more information and a schedule for the weekend events, please visit www.bristoldryland.ca
Directions from Wakefield:
Head west on Chemin Riverside toward Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield
Turn left onto Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Route Principale E/QC-366
Keep right to stay on Route Principale E/QC-366
Pass through Lac des Loups and continue straight onto Chemin Lionel-Beausoleil
Chemin Lionel-Beausoleil turns slightly right and becomes Chemin du Lac-des-Loups
Slight right onto Chemin Ragged Chute
Timberland Tours is located at 36 Chemin Ragged Chute.
