The start of the Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race at the Mineral Center trailhead in Grand Portage is a great place to watch dog sledding action. Last year’s Gichigami Express winner, Ross Fraboni of Two Harbors, takes off with his high-energy team.
With the new snowfall, northeastern Minnesota’s premier stage sled dog race is expected to repeat the excitement of its inaugural race. The Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race will start Saturday, January 4, 2014 in Mineral Center in Grand Portage. An expected field of 25 mushers will compete for a guaranteed $25,000 race purse.
The Gichigami Express Sled Dog Race is a three-day stage race. The first stage is 60 miles through the wilderness from Mineral Center to Hungry Jack Lodge on the Gunflint Trail. Teams will hit the trail at 9 a.m. Signs from Grand Portage will direct visitors to the start area. A shuttle bus from the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino will also be available.
Teams will finish the first day at Hungry Jack Lodge starting at 1 p.m. That evening there will be a banquet at Gunflint Lodge with stories of the history of mushing on the Gunflint Trail.
The second stage will start the following day at 9 a.m. at Trail Center Lodge where a hearty breakfast will be available to everyone. Teams will travel approximately 60 miles following a trail that will end at The Landing at Devil Track. Teams are expected in around 1 p.m. That evening a banquet will be hosted by the American Legion Post 413 downtown Grand Marais. Everyone is welcome.
The third stage will start back at Devil Track Lake and return to Grand Portage. This will also be about a 60-mile stage. Viewing of teams will be available for spectators at the start and finish locations and also at road crossings and across lakes. Organizers invite people to come watch and enjoy the winter in northeastern Minnesota.
The communities of Cook County have come together to offer visitors to the area a number of activities to do while they are following the race. The Cook County Visitors Bureau will host a winter scavenger hunt for people following the teams. The race committee is sponsoring a coloring contest for children at The Garage in Grand Marais. Ski trails will be open and there will also be sled dog rides available through Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais along with winter rental equipment.
For people who want to follow the race in the comfort of their own home, tracking and updates will be available on www.gichigamiexpress.com and www.facebook.com/GichigamiExpress.
Prior to and during the race there will be an online auction with items donated by various sponsors including overnight stays at local resorts and lodges, framed photographs, gift certificates at Cook County restaurants and more. Please check out the auction site at: www.biddingforgood.com/gichigamiexpress.
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