Spectators stood among the trees at the Grand Portage start of the Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race on Sunday, January 6. Winner Ross Fraboni of Two Harbors had an excited team at the Mineral Center start and kept them that way throughout three days of racing, finishing the event with a total trail time of 12:07:51. See more sled dog excitement on page A3.
The Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race brought the adventure of sled dog racing back to Cook County in an exciting way, with a field of almost 20 teams following historic trails for three days of action and interaction with the community on January 6 – 8, 2013.
The Gichigami Express was a stage race, taking place over three days with starts at different locations. The race starting points had to be modified slightly because of weather conditions and lack of snow near Lake Superior, but the starts on Mineral Center Road in Grand Portage, Poplar Lake at Windigo Lodge and on Devil Track Lake in Grand Marais worked just fine and there were crowds to send off the teams each day. The finish back at Grand Portage Mineral Center was attended by children from Oshki Ogimaag Community School and by many community members.
The race was fast and Ross Fraboni of Two Harbors crossed the finish line at 1:19 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, completing the race with a total trail time of 12:07:51. He claimed the first place prize of $6,500.
Although the mushers and dogs might have liked a bit more snow on the trails, they appreciated the snow-covered scenery along the Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race route. After the race, No. 8 Michael Bestgen of St. Cloud said, “This is a beautiful race. I hope to come back next year.” His comments were echoed by many of the other mushers.
All told, a purse of $25,000 was shared by the top 15 finishers and all of them were at the Mushers Banquet at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on Tuesday night. The evening, like the sled dog race, started with drum song by the Grand Portage Stonebridge Singers. After a hearty and delicious meal, the prizes were distributed. Accepting his check, Fraboni thanked his handlers and his family. He expressed appreciation to the race organizers, supporters and volunteers. “Thanks for putting on a great race,” he said.
Grinning at the room full of mushers, he added thanks to his competitors, especially local mushers Frank Moe of Hovland and Rita Wehseler of Tofte. He said as he passed Moe, and neared the front runner, Frank shouted out to him, “Get your butt in gear, you’re right behind him!”
Wehseler also told him to hurry. Fraboni said she yelled, “Keep it in Minnesota!”
Frank Moe of Hovland was one of several mushers who took a tumble on the tight downhill corner leading to Hungry Jack Lake. Fortunately Frank and the other mushers were not hurt.
The good-natured competition is part of the stage race style and it was challenging for some of the mushers who were more used to marathons such as the John Beargrease. The 2010 winner of the Beargrease, Nathan Schroeder, accepted his 9th place prize and acknowledged the skills of his competitors. “I thought I had a smokin’ dog team, but you guys that run stage are really fast. If I come back, I have some work to do,” he said.
As the winners were called forward to accept their checks, they thanked the race organizers and many, like Erin Redington of Wasilla, Alaska said, “See you again next year!”
The Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race board of directors—Jack Stone, Norman Deschampe, Sarah Hamilton, and Odin Jorgenson—was on hand, looking tired but exhilarated at having pulled off the event and fulfilling the organization’s mission: to further the visibility and understanding of Cook County’s sled dog history and culture. Race Director Beth Drost said thank you to a long, long list of people who helped make the first running of the Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race a success.
Rita Wehseler of Tofte struggled to keep her sled upright as her team rounded the corner onto Hungry Jack Lake.
After a traveling song by the Stonebridge Singers, Drost said goodnight, and like so many of the mushers who enjoyed the race, Drost said, “See you next year!”
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