ASPA will host a fun race on Sunday, November 21 at North Star Golf Course off the Old Steese Highway. Registration begins at 10:00 am with the race starting at 11:00 am. Distances include 2, 2.8 and 3.9 miles with one and two dog classes; a three dog class may be added if more snow arrives. Pre-registration by Friday, November 12 is $5 for ASPA members and $10 for non-members. To pre-register, e-mail Janna Miller at janna@alaska.net with the name of the person racing, dog name(s), distance to run and whether you are an ASPA member. Race day registration is an additional $5 for each category. If the temperature at Birch Hill cross country ski area is below -15 at 9:30 am on race morning, the race will be canceled. Check the Nordic Ski Club weather page for Birch Hill or 457-4837 for temperatures. The ASPA Web site and the ASPA hotline will have the updated info shortly after 9:30.

For additional information, contact race director Janna Miller at 479-5585.

The morning classroom session (10am-1pm) will cover equipment, training tips and trail etiquette. This session is for humans only. Students will sign-up for a half-hour, on-snow session between the hours of 2&4 pm. This session, for skiers and dogs, will be held at Creamer’s Field. There will be experienced skijorers and dogs on hand to help beginners get started.

Cost $20. You must pre-register at Alaska Feed on College Road next the Fair grounds.

For more information contact Sara Elzey or Carol Kleckner.

It was a bit late in getting finalized, but the ASPA 2010-2011 calendar of events is finally up. Click the Events link above to start planning your winter skijoring activities!

Please come join us at our annual Fall Membership Meeting and Potluck:

Date: Tuesday, October 26
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Tamara Rose
Topic: Her 2010 Iditarod Run
Where: Mushers Hall on Farmers Loop

We will start with a potluck at 6 p.m. Please bring a dish to share (entree, side dish or dessert). Drinks and paper plates, cups, and silverware will be provided. The potluck will be followed by a short business meeting. Then we will have a special speaker for the evening. Dr. Tamara Rose will be talking with us about running the Iditarod this year.

Have you always wanted to try skijoring but never got around to it last winter? Do you want extra practice on skijoring commands? Then this clinic is for you!

The Alaska Skijoring & Pulk Association is offering its first ever Dryland Skijoring Clinic on Sunday, May 23rd, 3pm, at the Alaska Dog Mushers’ on Farmer’s Loop Rd. The clinic will start with an hour-long, outdoor classroom session for humans that will cover basic equipment and commands, and offer training tips for common problems encountered when training dogs to skijor. It will be followed by a 30-60 minute practice session for dogs and humans on foot. There will be an obstacle course set-up for practicing commands. Experienced skijorers and dogs will be on hand to offer help and demonstrate gear & commands. The cost is $10 per person.

Bring a camp chair for the classroom session (or plan to sit on the ground), your dog, a leash, a harness if you have one and any skijoring gear that you have, dog treats, and lots of bug dope. There will be some harnesses available to try out.

Contact Sara Elzey or Carol Kleckner with any questions.