Introducing Michelle Barrett...

Michelle is the Nurse Unit Manager for Retrieval Services Queensland, a department within Queensland Health that coordinates the aeromedical retrieval and transfer of patients throughout Queensland.

Michelle graduated from James Cook University in 1996. Once starting nursing Michelle achieved her goal of caring for the sickest patients in the hospital working in Intensive Care Units in England and Townsville. After achieving a Masters in Intensive Care Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing (Intensive Care) Michelle challenged herself further by obtaining a position at NETS (NSW Neonatal and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service) caring for newborns and paediatric patients in a moving intensive care unit- in the back of ambulances, planes and helicopters throughout New South Wales and internationally.

Michelle and her partner Damian are failed foster parents to two Malamutes: Mojo and Kirra. After going to the animal rescue centre to look for a cat they returned with two massive dogs. Michelle grew up with British Bulldogs and is still trying to come to terms with the amount of hair a malamute can lose without going bald. Dog sledding gives Michelle joy by seeing how excited the dogs are to run and how happy they are after running as far and as fast as they can and a weekend away camping.

If you need Michelle’s assistance during the race, she will be located near the start and finish chute areas monitoring teams during racing. She will also be wearing a hi-vis vest.

If you cannot find her, please advise you require her assistance at the Check In shelter.

Introducing Annie Jackson...

My love affair with sled dogs started at an early age, ignited by reading Jack London’s Call Of The Wild; (like many other sledding enthusiasts). Unfortunately, there were no Siberian Huskies in Australia back then, so I had to make do with the family GSP – I made her a leather harness out of an old horse bridle and we had a lot of fun. By 1988, Siberians had made it to Australia, I got my first one and never looked back. By the end of 1989 I had three or four, and a lifelong commitment to the working Siberian had begun. I bred my first two litters under the Kishiga prefix, and then became Norstarr Siberians. For a few years my focus was dual purpose Siberians, I worked and raced all of my dogs, and also showed – in a few short years I had bred 12 Australian Show Champions - all of them working and race winning dogs. When the American show Siberian type made it to Australia, I knew that that was not a direction I wished my kennel to go in and began to concentrate my time solely on working and racing my dogs. I’m proud of the consistent success my dogs have achieved over the last three decades on the race circuit, as well as bringing myself and my family a lot of joy and a real sense of purpose.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the sport of sleddog racing here in Australia from its’ infancy. The Siberian Husky Club of Victoria was the first to hold races, I held positions on the Committee and Sledding Sub Committee for some years. It was nice to see the club hold its 30th Anniversary Race in 2017!! It was an exciting time as Open Race Clubs formed and began to hold races, and within a few short years there was a number of races in SA, NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD – and the Australian scene has never looked back. I was involved in the formation of one such club, Southern Cross Sled Dog Club, holding various committee positions including Vice President and Race Marshall. The Club held one of the most hotly contested races on the circuit for over ten years and I made some lifelong friends. I was also part of the committee of the first umbrella organisation The Victorian Sled Dog Racing Association, which was responsible for writing and organising many of the policies, rules and guidelines that are still in use today. The race scene in the Nineties was a vibrant one, lots of enthusiasm and growth, big entries and great competition. There were quite a few international visitors who came to share their knowledge and experiences – Dee Dee Jonrowe (USA), Tim White (USA), Leigh and Susan Gilchrist (Lokiboden Siberians CAN), Terry Hinesly (USA) and Ali Koops (UK). Tim White took our Australian dryland sledding invention – the scooter – back to the mushing world, something us Aussies should be proud of.

In 2012, I was able to see a 15+ year dream become reality and welcomed Jedda the GSP x EP to our kennel. I had been a big fan of the Open North American and Fur Rondy Open sprint races in Alaska since the late 90’s, and from the moment Egil Ellis came over from Sweden with his Eurohounds and won the ONAC in 1999 I began following his kennel; and knew that one day I wanted to have dogs like that. Now in 2018, we now have a kennel which is half Siberians and half Eurohounds. As a musher I always want to keep learning, and for me running a new type of dog after so many years has been the way to do that.

Another way to keep learning was to take off on an adventure. In Jan 2016 I was very fortunate to stay at Mitch Seavey’s Iditarod kennel in Alaska. It was a couple of months I will never forget. I was responsible for the yearling group in the kennel, around 40 or so. This involved their daily care, feeding etc, as well as training them to be sled dogs. Running teams every day in beautiful Alaska was a dream come true. We did runs every day, some of them 40 miles with a break in the middle to teach the yearlings how to camp in preparation for their long-distance racing careers. It was amazing to see just what these dogs are capable of, and how much joy there is living and working with them every day. By the time I left the whole group were proper sled dogs, including three yearling leaders I had developed in that time. I was so proud following them in Iditarod this year! I was also teamed up with Mitch’s main handler for the daily ‘vet care’ routine of his A-Team, which included daily massages, laser treatments and foot care. That was a huge learning curve being able to get my hands on so many dogs every day and fast track my knowledge of injury treatments and prevention. All of us who were there at the kennel that season were incredibly proud of the dogs and Mitch for his record-breaking win in Iditarod that year, the perfect end to an amazing winter for me. The week before I left I attended the Fur Rondy World Championship Open Sprint race and handled a friend’s team, and then handling for Seavey teams at Iditarod Ceremonial Start before heading home.

I’m very happy to be able to attend as Race Marshall for NEGRC Queensland this year.

I competed at this race back in 1999 when Bec was just 3 years old. She still remembers the ferry ride in the dog truck to get to the race site 😊I attended again in 2016 to compete in the ASSA National Championships and it was great to see such an enthusiastic and professionally run event; and I’m sure this year will be the same.

Thank you to the club for inviting me and I look forward to catching up with you all.

Annie Jackson

ASSA Vice President

Introducing Cate Macnamara...

People often ask how I got into Dogsled racing seeing as I don't race.

It started with Dragonboat racing. I met and then raced with mushers who used to paddle in a team called DogPaddle. From there an invitation to come to a race to see the action, turned into 15 years of being involved in the sport either as photographer, volunteer or race organiser.

As a photographer, shooting dog sledding definitely became easier once cameras went digital. I have probably taken 200,000 sledding photos over the years but all in Victoria. So I am looking forward to a change of scenery, which I hope includes puddles because they make great photos! I hope you all have a great weekend racing.

Thanks Cate - CATEMAC Photography

Introducing Michelle Barton...

Michelle has been a race vet with NEGRC Queensland now for many years and takes fantastic care of our dogs. For those of you that don't know, Michelle is also a volunteer vet for the Iditarod and has been caring for dogs on the Iditarod trail for 2 years.

We also have a Vet Clinic on standby at Tenterfield and Casino should it be needed.

If you need Michelle’s assistance during the race, she will be located near the start and finish chute areas monitoring teams during racing. She will also be wearing a hi-vis vest.

If you cannot find her, please advise you require her assistance at the Check In shelter.

Are you feeling competitive? Check out the winners of the 2017 NEGRC Queensland Northern Challenge:

6 DOG OPEN CLASS

Claire Batchelor

Steven Shale

Ryan Cooling

4 DOG OPEN CLASS

Luke Parker

Jake Hogan

Alan Pitchforth

3 DOG OPEN CLASS Kristen Morton

Emily Vourlides

2 DOG OPEN CLASS

Justine Murray

Claire Batchelor

Taryn Affleck

1 DOG OPEN CLASS

Wayne O'Shanesy

Ebony Powell

Luke Parker

2 DOG VETERAN/TOURING CLASS

Ingrid King

Flick Carriage

1 DOG VETERAN/TOURING CLASS

Ryan Cooling

Stuart Smyth

Nicole Robinson

WOMENS BIKEJORING

Ashleigh Kay

Taryn Affleck

Alecia Oldfield

MENS BIKEJORING

Wayne O'Shanesy

Brad Powell

Rob Delaney

WOMENS CANICROSS

Ebony Powell

Nerrida Powell

MENS CANICROSS

Luke Parker

JUNIOR

Ebony Powell

Georgie Badenhorst

PEEWEE

Aurora

Tiaan

Edith

Jay

SPORTSMANSHIP

Ben Bonaddio

HARDLUCK

Kristen Morton

SPIRIT OF THE CHALLENGE

Luke Parker and Nicole Robinson

Are you interested in getting your business out there a bit more but in a totally different way? We have the answer for you!

Class Trophy Sponsorship opportunity!

We have several classes that are looking for new sponsors for the 2018 Blackhawk NEGRC Queensland Northern Challenge.

The following classes are now available for sponsorship:

6 Dog Open3 Dog Open 4 Dog Open2 Dog OpenJuniorsCanicrossBikejoringTouringVeteranJunior ChallengeHard Luck AwardSportsmanship AwardSpirit of the Challenge

Class sponsorship includes the following:

Prime logo placement on the following

Race Program and Schedule2 x organic Social Media postsWebsiteClass Trophies (1st, 2nd, 3rd places and last placings)3 x 3 Market Stall Site on Saturday (6am – 3pm)

If you are interested in sponsoring a class please send us an email toinfo@negrc.org.au.

Planning for 2018 Blackhawk NEGRC Queensland Northern Challenge? Us too!

We've started planning all the major elements of this event including where to camp, start and finish chutes as well as the best places to watch all the action as a spectator!

Don't miss all the new stuff in 2018...

This year, we have the Tenterfield Lions Club on board to provide food all weekend! Yes, that's right. No need to pack any food if you don't want to!

We also have an onsite coffee vendor thanks to Jo & Co Expresso so you can get your coffee fix before driver's meeting, and those necessary hits throughout the day!

Plus all your favourites including camping sections for classes, toilets and warm showers all weekend!

Make sure you get your entries in NOW! And tell your mates to come and watch! See you there!

In sled dog racing, a lot of equipment for the sport is required the bigger the team you are driving. Fortunately, most equipment is easy to get, borrow or purchase within the sporting community. You might even find that you have some items at home that you have used for other activities such as bike riding or dog walking.

The following two items are a MUST HAVE no matter what class you would like to compete in. These items are also very important for training on the trails or at home.

1. SAFETY KIT

A safety kit is required to go out on trail with your dog. It is normally fixed to your scooter or rig in small bag or on your person in a bumbag. Based on NEGRC Queensland and ASSA Rules, Safety Kits must include the following:

Cutters - A device must be carried that are suitable to cut through the lines that you are using. Side cutters must be carried for cable lines and parachute cutters (or equivalent for) material/poly lines. Open knife blades or pointy ended cutters are not permitted.Snubline - a lead or line with a clip that allows you to tie up your dog, rig or scooter safely (generally to a tree or similar) so that you can fix any tangles or issues you may be having. This can include a quick release system for ease of getting back onto the trail once the issue is resolved (generally required for bigger teams).

**NEGRC Queensland New Members receive the cutters and bumbag safety kit as part of their new membership. You should receive this from one of the committee on your first training run with your dog. You will need to provide the snubline - a dog lead is appropriate for this purpose**

2. HELMET

Based on NEGRC Queensland and ASSA Rules, an Australian Safety Standard Bike Helmet is required at all times on trail with your dog. The exception for this rule is Canicross class, where no helmet is required to compete.

3. FRESH WATER

Many of the forestries that we compete and train in do not have access to potable water. It is imperative that you bring water from home. It is recommended about 2L per dog per day. And make sure you bring extra, just in case!

4. DOG COLLAR

Dogs must be wearing a standard webbing collar (not chained) with an O or D ring attached. This can be a limited slip collar however, full slip collars are not permitted. No slip collars are recommended.

5. HARNESS

Harnesses are specifically designed for dogs to wear that are conducive to pulling and running. They should be fitted properly to ensure injuries and rubbing do not occur. Types of harnesses include (just to name a few):

X back harnessH back harnessSaddleback or Half harnessSeavey harness

**If you have any questions about fitting a harness to your dog, please ensure that you see an NEGRC Queensland Committee Member**

***If you are a New Member to NEGRC Queensland or just looking to give sled dog racing a go, we recommend that you don't go and purchase a harness straight away. Our members and committee will be more than happy to lend you a harness for your dog for your first couple of runs. This will also help you find the right harness for your dog both in sizing and in style***

The following list of equipment is also essential but with different requirements depending on the class you wish to enter. If you are confused by what is required of your class, please see one of the NEGRC Queensland Committee Members or our Visitor Liaison (Maranda Wegrzyniak) and Musher Delegate (Steve Shale).

1. RIG, SCOOTER, BIKE or CANICROSS BELT

This is the vehicle driven by the competitor and pulled by their dog team during the competition. According to NEGRC Queensland and ASSA Rules, the following is required equipment depending on your class:

SCOOTER (1 and 2 Dog Teams only - including Touring and Veteran classes)

The scooter shall be equipped with an efficient brake on the rear wheel and it is recommended that a brake be fitted to the frontThe minimum wheel diameter shall be 40 cm (16 inches)Studded tires are not allowed on scootersHandlebars on Scooters must be plugged

RIG (2 Dog to 8 Dog Teams only)

A Rig may have either three (3) or four (4) wheelsThe minimum wheels diameter shall be 16 inches (40 cm)All rigs shall be equipped with an efficient brake on the back wheels. Having brakes in the front wheels is recommendedA locking brake (handbrake) which can be blockedStudded tires are not allowed on rigsHandlebars on rigs must be plugged

BIKE (Bikejoring Teams only)

The bicycle shall be equipped with efficient brakingStudded tires are not allowed on bikesHandlebars on bikes must be plugged

RUNNING/WALKING BELT (Canicross Teams only)

The hip belt must be at least 7 cm wide over the spineAny form of metal hook or ring that is considered sharp or pointy end or may not be strong enough, will not be permitted. A load rated Carabiner or similar is recommended

2. LINES

Gangline - this is the centreline that runs down the middle of your team and provides the pull onto your rig/scooter. For 1 and 2 Dog Teams, Bikejoring and Canicross, this gangline MUST have a shock absorber attached to the end of the line (at the scooter end).Tugline - this is the line that comes off the gangline and attaches to the dog. There is generally no visible tugline on a 1 Dog Team as it is generally a continuation of the gangline. A 2 Dog Team line creates a 'V' at the end of the gangline as the 2 tuglines are attached to the 2 Dogs.Neckline - this is the small line that connects the Dog Team section together at their collar.

To read the full ASSA Race Rules, click here.

NEGRC hosts race throughout the winter season within state forests in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. There are usually 6 Pointscore Race weekends over the season. The following is the class running format:

1 dog class2 and 3 dog classes4 and 6 dog classes8 dog classCanicross Mens and Womens classesBikejoring Mens and Womens classesNovice, Junior, 1 and 2 dog Veteran classes1 and 2 dog Touring classesPeeWee and Mini PeeWee classes

In our short temperate winters, Dryland Sled Dog Racing is the one of the best ways for all medium to large breeds like Hounds, Pointers, Border Collies, Kelpies, German Shepherds and Arctic dogs (Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, Samoyeds) who like to run.

Teams navigate the tracks following coloured markers;

red on the right - turn rightred on the left - turn leftblue to confirm a correct turnyellow for hazards

Mushers call commands to their dogs at the markers and on track circumstances

"gee" turn right"haw" turn left"easy" to slow"trail" to other mushers before passing"on by" to make a safe pass

Mushers race their dogs on the marked trail on a two wheeled Scooter or three or four wheeled Rig tethered by a harness and gangline. A Gig - Refers to a three or four wheeled) rig drawn by two or more dogs. It can also refer to a scooter drawn by one or two dogs. Rigs and scooters are strong but lightly built with 20" to 26" wheels, good brakes and rigging for ganglines and night lights.

Mushers can also compete in Bikejoring where a standard bike is used instead of a Scooter or Canicross where you can run with your dog tethered to the musher by a walking or running belt.

Teams depart from a start chute at timed intervals, typically 30 seconds or 1 minute apart and are individually timed for the distance using a time trial format or heats. These times are then compared to determine the winner of the race after all heats.

Each team is obliged to conduct itself, mushers and dogs, in a polite manner observing the race rules that guide each competitor's conduct.

To check out the NEGRC Queensland full calendar of events, click here.

Every year ASSA put out a National Calendar of events for clubs that are associated with them. There are other events held within Australia however, this will be listed on their associated club calendars.

If you would like to see a full list of NEGRC Queensland events, click this link.

MAY

20th May - TASSI One Heat Race, TAS

JUNE

2nd June - SASDC Pointscore, SA

9th June - NVSDC Classic, VIC

16th June - SHCNSW, NSW and WASSA Dwellingup, WA

23rd June - NEGRC Queensland, NSW and SASDC Race 2, SA

30th June - Goldseekers, VIC

JULY

7th July - WASSA Hampton Hoon, WA

14th July - SASDC Trophy Race and ASSA National Championships

21st July - NEGRC Queensland Pointscore, QLD

28th July - TASSI Race 4, TAS

AUGUST

4th August - Falls Creek, VIC (snow)

11th August - WASSA Jarrahwood, WA

25th August - DSCWA, WA and SASDC Race 5, SA

8th September - TASSI Classic, TAS

SEPTEMBER

1st September - WASSA Grimwade, WA and Mt Baw Baw, VIC (snow)

Not long now until the boot camp, The weather is not being kind to us and summer is still hanging on so please be prepared for early morning and late evening training runs, lights on your scooter/rig and helmet will be required also headlamps for your handler. We will also be running rain or shine so make sure the wet weather gear is packed, below is a list of what else to bring.

What to Bring (Mandatory)

Two check chains, to fit snug over dogs head.Two double ended leashes approximately 1.5m long each.Two spare leader necklines.

*Note: If you are only running one dog you only need 1 of each of the above.

Headlamp per person. Your choice if you have one fixed to your rig, but one head mounted headlamp is required per person.Your equipment you use to train with (gang lines, harness, bowls, scooter or rig) a rig is preferred if you can get one. If not a scooter will work.Big bag of small dog treats for your dogs.

Bring clothing to suit the weather, we will go out regardless.

Meals

Please provide everything you need for your dogs.Your own breakfast, lunches and snacks.On Saturday evening, we will have a communal meal that we will eat while we debrief after the evenings run. We will probably just chip in for pizza or something simple. We will organise this Friday night so we can order Saturday morning.

We will provide a BBQ for Sunday lunch. Please note camping for 2 people is included in the cost any extra persons camping will be $15 per night payable on the weekend, also the banquet is included for 2 people and extras will be $10 per person (if I could have numbers for the banquet by Friday for catering purposes). The communal meal on Saturday night will be an extra cost if you would like to participate, around $10-$15 per person. There is very limited facilities at the camp ground so please ensure you are self sufficient. We will have portaloos on-site and also a camp shower. Signs will be up for the campground from 12:30 onwards. See you all there for another great weekend.

We had an absolute blast at the NEGRC Queensland Pre Season Camping Trip over the Easter long weekend. The weather was fantastic, although a bit warm for serious sled dog training. Instead, we had a weekend of rest and relaxation with great friends and fur family. Here are our highlights:

1. The Easter Egg Hunt

No matter how young or old, everyone that went on the Easter Egg Hunt had fun searching and finding each Egg hidden (by the Easter Bunny himself, of course) along the start of the race track.

2. Easter Buffet Lunch

On Sunday, we all gathered together and had a big meal to celebrate Easter and the final day of the weekend's camping. With heaps of food and one awesome Costco Apple Pie, there were some very full bellies for the mandatory afternoon nap.

3. The Campfire

If NEGRC Queensland do only 1 thing well when we camp together, it's the campfire and campfire cooking. Maybe we should start a Sled Dog Racing cooking show?

4. Sled dog training

While the weather may not have been perfect for training all weekend, we didn't miss the opportunity to throw our dogs into harness when the temperature dropped. All dogs were very happy to be doing what they love for another start to the season.

Don't miss the next time we hit the trails with our dogs. Become an NEGRC Queensland member today! https://www.negrc.org.au/product-page/negrc-queensland-club-membership

Thinking about heading out to the NEGRC Queensland Northern Challenge but now sure where to go, what it looks like or how comfortable the camping is? Check out our photos below =>

The Queensland Mushers Bootcamp is being held at Twilight Grove Farmstay in Esk, Queensland.

Located just over an hours drive from Brisbane airport in the historic Brisbane River Valley within the Somerset Region of Queensland, Australia, the farmstay is a short drive from Esk.

Surrounded by native wildlife and flora, you will find yourself becoming accustomed to this idyllic country lifestyle.

Facilities available for us at the Bootcamp include:

Running WaterToilets (portaloos)Campground with plenty of space to spread outTracks from training run straight out of the Campsite

Camping is included in your Mushers Bootcamp ticket for 2 people.

If you want to book B and B accommodation at Twilight Grove Farmstay, or have additional guests staying with your team, please contact Twilight Grove Farmstay direct to book. http://www.twilightgrove.com.au/