Social Sledding |
- Social Sledding
Social Sledding |
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In Victoria we get very little snow, and access to the snow fields (mostly in National Parks) is restricted. Hence most of our competitions are based on dirt tracks using wheeled gigs and scooters. The scooter is standard equipment for most of the 1-dog and 2-dog classes. Larger classes use several types of gigs.
1-dog class |
2-dog class |
The Club runs our Social Sledding programme each year during the autumn & winter months. The programme consists of a series of workshop and racing events, conducted during weekends - usually Saturday afternoon/evening through to Sunday morning. The weekends provide a relaxed, yet competitive, environment that are a fantastic introduction to the sport of dog sledding. Our events are held at a variety of bush locations, mostly within a 90 minute drive from central Melbourne.
Social Sledding has proven very popular over the years, for newcomers and experienced mushers alike. It's a fantastic way to exercise your dogs, and an opportunity to get together with other Siberian Husky owners for a great weekend away. For newcomers, we can provide all the pointers you'll need to get started in the sport. Best of all, the dogs love it too!
4-dog class |
Pee wee class for the younger mushers! |
The SHCV Inc welcomes all newcomers and members to our FREE training days.
Come along and learn about:
What you need:
Date: 7th April and 28th April 2012, times TBD.
Venues: Bendigo Region (7th April) and Geelong Region (28th April)
Contact: David & Susanne Hodgson on 0401 648 449
VENUE DETAILS COMING SOON
| Race # | Date | Name | Location |
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| 1 | 19–20 May | Race 1 | TBD |
| 2 | 2–3 Jun | Race 2 | TBD |
| 3 | 16–17 Jun | Race 3 | TBD |
| 4 | 30 Jun–1 Jul | Race 4 | TBD |
| 5 | 4–5 Aug | Race 5 | TBD |
| 6 | 25–26 Aug | Race 6 (Cup Weekend) | TBD |
Click on the location above to view a map & instructions for how
to get there
Race entry forms available soon, or you can just enter on the day!
For further information on Social Sledding events, please contact
David & Susanne Hodgson on 0401 648 449, or send us an e-mail
with your question.
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These times are for SHCV Social Sledding races; other clubs have their own requirements.
Entry fees as follows:
See the Novice's Sledding Guide (above) to get started. Note that for Club races you will need battery-operated lighting (headlamp) for the night heat, especially 2 & 4 dog classes. If it's cold enough to start at 5pm, 1 dog mushers will probably be able to get away without lights required, but please don't rely on that!
Sled dog outfitters in Victoria:
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Breeds other than Siberian Huskies are welcome & encouraged to compete in our Social Sledding race events, although only Siberian Huskies are eligible for point score, sash & trophy awards. Obviously your dog must be athletically inclined!
Socialising around the campfire |
The pre-race driver's meeting |
A couple of our Club members have established professional photography & videography services for our sled dog sports:
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Huskywatch.com, operated by Jamie Myers, specialises in sled dog photography & has a huge stock of sled dog event photos since 2005. |
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Husky Production, operated by Jennie Lamond, specialises in sled dog videography, & has footage of many sled dog events since 2004. |
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There are several other sled dog racing clubs in Victoria & interstate. Most clubs (other than the breed clubs) stage only one event per year, however these are large meetings which attract competitors from several states. Many of these race clubs are affiliated with ASSA, the Australian Sleddog Sports Association.
The biggest event on the Australian sled dog calendar is the snow-based Altitude 5000 Sled Dog Challenge. Generally held on the second weekend in August at the Dinner Plain alpine village, this exclusive event is a once-in-a-year opportunity to race sled dogs on snow. Teams competing in this event must have first competed in several dirt-track races to gain experience.
Altitude 5000 - 2 dog class |
Altitude 5000 - 4 dog class |
| Event | Date |
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| 9-11 June | Northern Victorian Sled Dog Club (Vic) |
| 23-24 June | The Gold Rush (Vic) |
| 7-8 July | Hunter Valley Sled Dog Sprint (NSW) |
| 14-15 July | Wild Dog Derby (SA) |
| 11-12 August | Altitude 5000 Sled Dog Challenge (Vic) |
| 18-19 August | Canberra Sled Dog Club (ACT) |
Refer to the following websites for more information about events organised by other clubs
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