Michigan Tech’s Mushing Club kicked off its school year with an engaging Dryland Dog Demo, introducing new students to the thrilling world of canine athletics. Held on Friday evening at the Michigan Tech Trails, the event aimed to spark interest in dog sledding and provide a primer on dryland dog sports before the winter racing season.
Event Highlights
Despite warmer-than-ideal conditions, the Mushing Club took measures to ensure the well-being of their canine athletes by rotating dogs to prevent overheating. Ben Amat, President of the Mushing Club, began the event with a demonstration on how to harness a dog. He then explained basic mushing terminology and showcased bikejoring—a sport where a dog pulls a rider on a mountain bike.
Students had the opportunity to experience the excitement of bikejoring firsthand, with many trying out the sport for short distances. As confidence and familiarity grew, the distances were extended, allowing participants to feel the full thrill of the sport. In addition to bikejoring, attendees also explored scooterjoring and canicross, which involves running with a dog while attached by a strap.
Student Experiences
Sarah Pratt, a new club member from Colorado, shared her enthusiasm for the event. An Alaskan Malamute breeder, Pratt joined the Mushing Club to continue her training while studying at Michigan Tech. She expressed her excitement at trying bikejoring and scooterjoring with her dog, Runty, highlighting the unique thrill of these activities.
Partnership with Otter River Sled Dog Training Center
To support the club’s activities, they partner with Tom Bauer’s Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures. Bauer’s kennel provides the Alaskan Huskies used in the demonstrations. These dogs are well-suited for sledding due to their athleticism and lean build.
Club members also volunteered at Bauer’s kennel, learning about the daily care required for sled dogs. Bauer emphasized the importance of caring for the dogs as a fundamental aspect of being a musher. He praised the Mushing Club for their commitment and expressed his pleasure at seeing new faces each year.
The Unique Appeal of Michigan Tech’s Mushing Club
The Mushing Club at Michigan Tech is notable for being the only collegiate mushing club in the country following the disbandment of Northern Michigan University’s club. This uniqueness, combined with the club’s dedication to community-building and the sport, makes it a significant part of the local culture in the Upper Peninsula.
Amat encourages students to explore the club’s offerings, noting the rare opportunity to engage in such activities while in college. The club’s next major event is the UP200 Dryland Dash, scheduled for October 12 and 13 at Negaunee Township Park. The competition will feature races for wheeled rigs, scooters, bikes, and canicross on a two-mile loop.
The Mushing Club continues to provide an exciting and educational experience for those interested in the sport, fostering a unique community of dog sledding enthusiasts.
