Mush Larose Summer Executive Meeting Minutes – July 17, 2010
1. Club executive elections for the 2010–11 Season Everyone still ok, but new interest is welcomed.
2. Parking lot signage – We have a sign with approval to go ahead with content as shown. Forestry is/has put up a new map sign. We will have to see what they have done and make adjustments to ours as required (Can someone local to the forest send us a picture please?). Still need to figure out names for trails so we can have a labeled map that will match future signage. Anne brings up that this may need to be approved by council, so could change significantly. Related point: see last point in Trail Maintenance.
3. Trail maintenance issues for the off-season New 7-foot groomer is ordered – will need to widen some trails. Need to identify which. Flattening out the bumps on the Gun Club Loop Extension – agreed to spend up to $500 on widening and flattening. Guy Lortie to research a local bulldozer. Dana to ok with forestry before the trail maintenance day. Need to remind Guy about the bulldozer. Devil’s Elbow culvert – Agreed to wait on this area until more funds are available. JGL and End Loop next year –Nick says they have a disease problem there and can only cut at minus 30°C, so may be several years before the conditions allow this to happen. In any event it will not be until January at earliest. Agreed there is nothing we can do about this other than have Moose trail ready as a contingency plan for race courses when it does happen. Moose trail’s water problem – We need to remove the growth on the sides of the cut to make it easier for Nick to pull the sides onto the trail to cut off the water flow, and widen for new groomer. Agreed to post an extra maintenance day in August for this so Nick can work on it while it is dry. Trail signage – Guy Lortie offered to make wooden signs – discussion about forestry requirements for signage consistency amongst the clubs who use the forest. Dana will confer with forestry if this would be acceptable, and what names we should use, since they may want more bilingual options. Lee suggests permanent arrows visible 50 ft before turns especially on main concession. Exec prefers to finalize names so we can go forward with a permanent solution, but place them to resolve Lee’s concern (far enough out from the forest edge to be readily visible 50 ft away on the trail – like JGL.
4. Calendar of events for the 10–11 Season. Tentative: August 14th Saturday – Moose trail clearing (need 4–8 people, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc - contact dana.cranstone@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca if available) September 4th Saturday – Weight-pull September 18th Saturday – Trail maintenance day October 17th Sunday – Dryland #1 – scooter, canicross, cart, relay November 21st Sunday – Dryland #2 – scooter, cart December 11th – Family Day – bring neighbors, family and friends – events TBD January 8th Saturday – Skijor Training Clinic January 8th Saturday – Night Run January 15th Saturday – Riceville Race - skijor and 4-dog sled January 29th Saturday – Mac Johnson Wildlife Center (Brockville) - skijor and 4-dog sled February 6th Sunday – AMHL Fun Race – skijor, 2 dog and 4-dog sled February 26th Saturday – Weight pull March 5th Saturday – Possible purebred race (FAB) March 5th Saturday – Night Run April 23rd Saturday – Annual General Meeting and barbeque (at the picnic shelter) Exec meeting winter date TBD – January or February. See Anne Melrose’s schedule for a full listing of the sled training group’s practice days out of Cornwall. < www.snowrnr.com > This season’s schedule posted by end August.
Other dates to note: September 12th – Invasive species day at the parking lot. Anyone is welcome to attend, but please run elsewhere. September 25th – Larose Forest day at the parking lot includes various displays for the public and walking tours to see what the forest is all about. Anyone is welcome to attend, but please run elsewhere. September 26th – Ride for Breast Cancer. Horses on Mush Larose trails around the parking lot, please run elsewhere. Marc Lacelle’s events are on hold due to health issues.
5. Extra Trail Grooming During the 2009–2010 season Jonathon Roy did mid-week grooming after snowstorms with skidoo only. Club offered to pay for gas plus $10/hr. Jonathon billed $125 for the gas (well under his cost no doubt – thanks Jonathon). This worked well and it was voted to continue to offer at least a minimal use of trails when forestry hasn’t groomed. It was requested that we get more professional about it and keep an accounting of days and hours spent as well as gas, and also to post notes on Skidogs when there has been extra grooming so people will know trail conditions. We need to get a skidoo pass for him for the joint use parts of the trail. Forestry gets a special deal ($75) so we will see if we can get the same - must have for insurance reasons. Voted to spend up to $400 on this item. Dana to ask Jonathon if he would be willing to continue, and to get a skidoo pass.
6. Unpaid members / communications Discussed whether they continue to get announcement emails. Last year we sent around a notice to unpaid members requesting to update their membership if they were using the trails, and asking them to notify us if they would rather not receive emails. Good for keeping people in the loop. It does cause extra email volume for Anne, which now costs her money. It was decided the club would pay the extra $10 fee/month in months that she goes over her maximum volume when club emails are distributed.
7. Proposed multi-event award Tim proposed a race series award for the best overall teams over the season. On discussion the exec preferred to encourage race participation rather than winning races (avoids the same people always getting the ribbons). Proposed idea: Mush Larose Quest certificates – a member totaling 25 kms of trail at Mush Larose races gets a bronze certificate; 50 kms Silver certificate; 100 kms a Gold certificate and Mush Larose badge (black border); at 1600 kms (Yukon Quest Trail length) there would be some special TBD prize (at this time that would be nearly unachievable, but it’s just a neat idea). We could track this in the membership excel database updating after each race, or at the end of the season. For the purposes of this award Riceville and Mac Johnson would be counted as Mush Larose mileage. This gives us a total of approx 29 kms per season, making the base level certificate achievable in a single season.
8. Outdoors Magazine Article? Good PR idea – Heather to approach them to see if they are interested in covering the dryland or winter races. Good PR for us and also for forestry. Would show a community interest in activities at the forest which looks good on them for all the $ invested.
9. New bibs - Design and style of bib approved for 50 new bibs. Dana to order. Anne Cherry, Josh’s mom, has agreed to pay for them (Thanks Anne!). – Update: bibs now ordered. Should be in by end of August.
Mush Larose Annual General Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2010
In attendance: Club wide invitation
1. Club executive elections for the 2010–11 Season – Executive members have agreed to stand for another season. President, Dana Cranstone; Secretary/Treasurer, Kathy Lacroix; Event Coordinator, Tim Vandermeer; Sled Training Coordinator, Anne Melrose; Skijor Training Coordinator, Heather Adeney; Trail Master, Jonathon Roy (Gilbert, David J, Michel L, and anyone else who is available to help with emergency maintenance issues); Media Advisor, Monic Marion-Gagnon. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these positions in the future, or in being an assistant. We’d be happy to train you, and it’s good for the club to have more people who know what is going on, and more hands keep the workload as light as possible for everyone!
2. Parking lot signage – We will proceed with our own sign describing Mush Larose and general trail etiquette over the summer – budget approx $200.
3. Trail maintenance issues for the off-season Moose trail’s water problem - Nick to fix this over the summer with forestry equipment Flattening out the bumps on the Gun Club Loop Extension – agreed to spend up to $500 on widening and flattening. Guy Lortie to research a local bulldozer; Dana to ok with forestry. Devil’s Elbow approach – yes people are using it, ok as is with no need to smooth out but please continue grooming Devil’s Elbow culvert – Beyond our current budget to fix, but something to consider for the future. Possible solutions: (1) Skidoo trail uses old tractor-trailer beds: drives them into position and cut off the wheels – this would need railing to be safe, and anchoring against spring run-off. (2) Have the existing culverts improved with heavy stone fill, and landscaping tarp with covering stone to stabilize the culvert and the approach trail. Both solutions will tend to encourage trucks driving through, which could ultimately lead to more trail damage overall, so the issue is complicated. Consider addressing when we have more $$$. What to do without full use of JGL and End Loop next year (they may be logging on them): Forward info to the club about when logging activities may be going on as soon as forestry can tell us, so we can make plans for dryland events. Hopefully Nick will repair Moose trail’s water issue giving us an alternate winter race route. Guy Lortie suggests that there is an unused trail past Conc 9 that might make a nice alternate for those who want more distance. He is to survey this and let the exec know what condition it is in. Trail signage: Guy Lortie offered to make wooden signs – discussion about forestry requirements for signage consistency amongst the clubs who use the forest. Dana will confer with forestry about if this would be acceptable, and what names we should use, since they may want more bilingual options.
4. PR requests – We get several calls per year asking us to give rides or do a talk. The exec has decided to refer these requests to a list of willing presenters who may respond if they are interested. Please let us know if you are interested.
5. Club communications – No specific concerns were brought up – let an exec member know if you have any ideas/concerns.
6. Calendar of events for the 10–11 Season. Tentative: September: Weight-pull October: Dryland (consider relay option) November: Dryland #2 December: Sled Training Clinic January: Skijor Training Clinic, Night Run, Riceville Race (costume skijor was fun; consider extended run from the spectator tent; consider grooming field to the west to get more distance when open fields are not good for sledding) February: AMHL Fun Race Late February or early March: Weight pull, Night Run Exec meetings: June/July, Jan/February and as required
7. Other topics: Monic Marion-Gagnon presented the club executive with a cheque for $337.50; proceeds from the sale of Mush Larose hats. Thanks to all the sponsors who helped fund the initial hat purchase, and have their names embroidered on the back of the hats. Thanks especially to Monic for organizing the fundraiser! Sorry Monic - I neglected to mention this at the AGM as it was not on the agenda to remind me! Please accept my apologies and the club’s thanks! Marc Lacelle (Komatic outfitters) announced that he was looking at reviving the Eastern Ontario Sled Dog Championships in Kemptville (ISDRA/IFSS sanctioned) – possibly Jan 29/30. Anne pointed out a conflict with race in Brockville (Mac Johnson Wildlife Center) Jan 29th. He was also considering a sanctioned dryland event in the fall. Possible scootering seminars for beginners by Komatik, perhaps the 3–4 week of September. For updates check the Komout.com events page around mid-July. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the executive members with your thoughts on these issues and anything else that you think would be of interest to the club.
Mush Larose: End-of-Season Potluck Dinner and Annual General Meeting
April 17th - 4:30 pm, Larose Community Centre, 205 Limoges Rd
This year’s schedule
4:30 pm - Arrival, meet and greet
5:00 pm - Annual General Meeting and executive elections (draft agenda attached)
5:30 pm - Potluck pig-out and presentations. Presentations are very much open for audience participation, so don’t be shy! We will have the presentations at the same time as dinner this year to keep things rolling.
Presentations
The year-end DVD slideshow (Ian) Presentation by the skijorers who attended the clinic in Norway General discussion of events attended throughout the season – bring pictures if you have them! Let me know if you would like to talk for 2–5 minutes on topics that may be of interest to club members. We will have a laptop and display device available.
Ian will need pictures of Mush Larose events through the season for the year-end DVD slideshow, so please email them to him ASAP at lamontc@nakina.net or make arrangements for a CD pick-up.
Hope to see everyone there!
Dana Cranstone President Mush Larose
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Weight-Pull
February 27 - is still on rain or no rain.
Calling all Weight pull dogs!!!! For anyone interested in trying your dog in a weight pull competition we have the event for you. We are planning a FUN weight pull competition. Enter as many dogs as you like or can handle.
Saturday February 27, 2010 at Larose Forest Registration 9:45–10:15 Weight pull competition to start at 10:30
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Spotless parking lot at Larose
It has been brought to my attention that we still have a problem with poop in the parking area at Larose. I would like to thank the people who take time, as I do, to tour the parking lot cleaning up after themselves and others. I know the poop may not be Mush Larose members, but it is still important that we keep the lot clean if we want to keep our trails.
Please keep it up. I hope that others can learn from the good example!
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Riceville, Saturday Jan 16th
Jonathon and Jessica have been busy grooming a trail for next Saturday’s race in Riceville. Here are the details as they stand:
We will have a skijor class, followed by a 4-dog class. Race meeting 11:30. First race class starts at 12 pm. Map to get there is available on the Mush Larose Events page
Like last year we will have a dual start sour-dough style start: You start in your blanket or sleeping bag; run to your dogs, put your blanket in the sled; harness the dogs and hook them up. Once the race marshal has approved your hook-up, off you go! The trail is about 5 km with some head-on passing this year. The wind has blown most of the snow off the ice in the open field, but Jonathon has organized an alternate route that keeps to the tree line and loops at the end. The musher’s yard will be to the right this year, with the start line closer to the shelter.
There is a purse of $400 again this year that we will distribute mostly evenly with a bit more to the top teams in the skijor class and the 4-dog. If money allows we will also have a bit extra for the best purebred time. Top two teams also get free dinner.
For a good time, stick around for the games and dinner. Several of us entered the nail hammering and arm-wrestling contests last year! It was quite comfortable in the heated shelter, and everyone was very welcoming.
Dana
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Night sled / skijor run has a new date January 9th
As Nick has the holidays off the trail would not have been groomed on January 2nd, so we are moving the date for the night run to January 9th. Hope to see you there!
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Note: The skijor clinic date has changed to January 31st. Please keep your eye on this site for further information.
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Mush Larose Dryland Race - November 22nd
Nov 22nd Dryland race this year will be offering the following race classes: 4 Dog Cart 5 km 1 Dog Bikejor 5 km 1/2 Dog Scooter 5 km 1/2Dog scooter 2.5 km
All the courses are essentially the same as were used in the October dryland race so if you were at that race then you already know roughly what to expect.
Registration starts at 9:00am on Sunday the 22nd, pre race metting at approx. 9:40 and first race at 10:00am. Events will take place in the order listed above.
Now on to the part where I ask people for help. Last year I was chief/starting timer and race marshal for the whole day, this year I don’t mind being that for most of the day, but as I was unable to run in the October dryland event I’d really like to run this year, which means I need some help.
If you would be able to volunteer to help out as a timer or some other odd job, please let me know at timothy.vandermeer@gmail.com and also let me know what event you’ll be racing in so I can try to plan accordingly. Anybody who can volunteer, if you could please let me know by Monday the 16th so I can get my schedule made up ahead of time.
Thanks
Tim Vander Meer Mush Larose Events Co-Ordinator
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Mush Larose Trail Maintenance Day - RESCHEDULED - Indian Creek Parking Area, October 4th, 9 am
Sorry for the last minute rescheduling. It looked like the weather was going to be pretty unpleasant on Sunday. As it turned out Harry, Lynn, Monic and her friend Carolyn were able to put in several hours to get us started with trail clearing. Thanks very much for that!
We will try again for this Sunday, October 4th at 9 am.
Forecast looks better than last week, but still not stellar, so check your email before you come. If your email is inaccessible on weekends, let us know you are intending to come and we will call if it is rescheduled.
David and I will be up at Larose from 9:30–2:30 on Saturday doing a demo for the Larose Forest Day celebration. The Forestry people are having a special day for the locals to visit the forest and showcase the new picnic shelter. You will NOT be allowed to park in the lot during this time and I would ask that you do any training away from the parking area as it will be full of visitors - they need space for their activities. You are welcome to join in the activities of course. They have various clubs represented, walking tours and a barbeque.
See you on Sunday!
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Mush Larose Trail Maintenance Day, Indian Creek Parking Area, September 27th, 9 am
Update: If you will be late, please meet us at the culvert leading to Tower loop off Gun Club Loop. Forestry has taken Moose trail back for the skiers, so we will not be clearing that section.
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Mush Larose Trail Maintenance Day, Indian Creek Parking Area, September 27th, 9 am
It’s almost time for the Mush Larose season to begin – yippee! -, so we need to prepare our trails.
Catch up on your dog stories and have a fun day of semi-slavery with your buddies in a great outdoor setting with free pizza lunch for everyone. At 9 am we will meet in the parking lot to decide our priorities and deploy work groups. If you will be late, you can always head down Moose Trail (just south of the ski trail on the east side of the parking area and meet with the crew clearing there. Lunch will be around noon, likely down by the Gun Club Loop. See map on About Mush Larose page.
Bring: Rubber boots and walking shoes/boots, work clothes, gloves, snippers, ax, chainsaw (and appropriate protective gear), blade trimmer (for clearing swampy bush areas) and whatever else you think might be useful for removing trees and shrubs from the trails.
If a few people can bring bikes or ATVs, checking the easier trails will go more quickly than on foot! :)
List of objectives: Check all trails for debris and remove new shrubbery (especially on the south side of Gun Club, 10–11 Trail and on the new Moose Trail) Gun Club extension - removal of problem trees and smoothing of the trail Clear new trail for the straightened approach to Devil Elbow culvert (marked with survey tape) Rebuild bridges to 8 ft wide (Jonathan and Guy may already be done by the 27th) Check trail signage and replace any steel nails with aluminum (particularly on Gun Club)
Any time you can spare would be welcomed: if you can’t make it but would like to help, contact <sledding@nmushlarose.ca>, and arrange a task at your convenience.
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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They got the grant!
The picnic shelter is under construction! Yay! There is a permanent port-a-pottie in the parking area as well. The forestry will also consider paying for trail sign labels and a parking lot sign for Mush Larose. Work is in progress.
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Mush Larose Executive Meeting Agenda – July 19, 2009 In attendance: Anne Melrose, Kathy Lacroix, Tim Vander Meer, Heather Adeney, Dave Meisenheimer, Dana Cranstone
1. Trail upgrades/grooming – Trillium grant pending – Wrote support letter for Louis to send to the Trillium Grant foundation in June. Still no date declared for announcement. Major projects for September: a. Bridge widening (8ft) – forestry will donate wood we are to construct. Action: (Ask Jonathan, Guy and Michel to do this during the summer if possible, if not, trail maintenance day project) b. Signage changes: confirmed that aluminium nails are ok. We do not need to do this all at once. Suggested starting with Gun Club Loop as it needs improved signage generally. Suggested to add our own Poop scoop signs to parking area. (All Lake Placid dog events are now all cancelled nominally due to poop problem.) Waiting for feedback on the general parking lot sign from Louis. Action: Buy aluminium nails and deliver signs and nails to Jonathan, Guy and Michel to do this during the summer if possible or on trail maintenance day. Re poop scooping – need to have signage at races and provide bags so that people will see that we take this seriously. Anne to buy bag holders Dana to make signs. Contact Louis about the General Mush Larose sign. c. Straighten Deep Ravine Action: Dave M. to discuss with Nick – Dana to get them connected with an email. d. Straighten approach to Devil’s Elbow Action: Jonathan and Guy to scout the route e. Bush hog 10–11 trail in dry season – local members say this route is never dry enough. Suggested we do this with electric trimmers and rubber boots. Action: Ask Lee and Kathy to bring electric trimmers on trail maintenance day. f. Widen narrow spots on Gun Club Loop. A few trees need to be removed. Action: Jonathan and Guy to check this out and outline a plan to present to Nick and Louis. Tim has a small Kubota tractor, trailer and box scraper that could be used to flatten the new route. Ask Nick if this is ok. Moose Trail addition is approved (from parking lot to conc 10). Updated map now loaded on the About Mush Larose page of Skidogs. Also shows new motorized winter trail routes on page 2.
2. Calendar of events for the 09–10 Season Hunting Season dates: Moose, Oct 5–14, bow or lower-limb-impaired hunters with written land-owner permission (not likely an issue); Deer - shotgun, Nov 2–15; Deer – muzzleloader, Nov 30 –Dec 6 . Generally it was discussed that it is up to the organizer to decide what classes they will run. It is suggested that club members contact the event organizer if they want a specific course to be available. August 22 – Weight Pull; Larose Forest parking area at 9 am September 27 – Trail maintenance day; Mush Larose trails at 9 am October 17–18 – 2-day dryland race event; Mush Larose trails, 8 am registration November 22 – dryland Race #2; Mush Larose trails, 9 am registration December 12 – Sled training day and equipment check; Larose parking area, 10 am January 2 – Night Run; Mush Larose trails, details TBD January 9 – Skijor clinic; Mush Larose trails, details TBD January 16 – Riceville race (5.8 km sled and skijor); Riceville fairgrounds, 10:30 am registration February 7 – AMHL Ottawa Fun Race; Mush Larose trails, details TBD March 6 – Weight Pull and training day; Larose parking area, details TBD Action: Contact forestry people and confirm that dates are ok. Send out club notice for upcoming event Aug 22nd. With respect to the weight pull: Anne has carpet if necessary. David J. has nails to secure it.
3. Group purchases – Group purchase was completed with 6 Pawtrekker scooters ordered. Marc Lacelle has announced scooter sales areas between Komatik and Dusk Run. Is this a concern for Mush Larose members? Action: Tim to talk with Marc to clarify the scooter area situation and post a reply on Skidogs.ca so people know where to go to get scooters.
4. Badges – Reminder for Dana to try again to get digitized logo from Jay’s for badges.
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Mush Larose Annual General Meeting Agenda – April 18, 2009 In attendance: Club wide invitation – approx 40 members attended.
1. Club executive for 2008–09 Season – Discussion: Elected/acclaimed positions: President (Dana Cranstone – Sue Giles assisting), Secretary/Treasurer (Kathy Lacroix), Event Coordinator (Tim VanDer Meer – Margie Dewar assisting), Head of Sled Training (Anne and Bob Melrose), Head of Skijor Training (Heather Adeney and Dave Meisenhiemer), Trail Master (Jonathon Roy, Guy Lortie; assiting Bernie Boucher, David Jolette and Gilbert Perkins), Media Advisor (Monic Marion-Gagnon)
2. Club rates and bank balance – Discussion: Statement of accounts for the year displayed and read out. Opening Balance: $1,865.52. End of Season balance: $2,346.03 Membership rates to be kept the same.
3. Mushing Canada (This topic was added here as it had potential had an effect on membership rates) – Discussion: Dave Meisenhiemer presented the value of having a national organization and requested Mush Larose’s involvement with solving the problem of where to get the $$ to fund it. Many options for assisting MC were discussed. It was voted that Mush Larose would consider holding a race to raise funds. Since available race dates are difficult to find it was suggested that the November Dryland might be a good choice.
4. Volunteer hours – Discussion: It was decided that volunteering is it’s own reward. E-mail requests for volunteers considered the best vector to ask when needed for specific tasks. Many individuals stepped forward at the meeting to help out with specific events.
5. Trail upgrades/grooming – Discussion: Trillium grant pending – Nick (forestry) seemed to think it is very likely to go through. This includes picnic shelter funding and 9 ft Kubota groomer. There was concern that the deadline to hear may have already passed. Update: Post meeting consultation with the Nick – still optimistic, but did not supply the date when they would know. Major projects for September: • Bridge widening (8ft) – forestry said they would do this. • Signage changes: forestry requests that all signs are removed from the trees – alternatives? Lots of suggestions: plastic electric horse fence posts which could be put in and removed every fall/spring – theft risk and hassle factor. T-bars – cost, danger of injury, theft risk. Aluminium nails – don’t know if forestry will accept these, but BMX club is using them for now. Plastic zip ties (like used for electrical cables) – generally accepted as the best solution will ask forestry people). We do not need to do this all at once. Suggested starting with Gun Club Loop as it needs improved signage generally. Suggested to add our own Poop scoop signs to parking area. • Straighten Deep Ravine – Dave M discussed with forestry so they may do this as a couple of large trees may need cutting. • Straighten approach to Devil’s Elbow, • Bush hog 10–11 Trail in dry season – local members say this route is never dry enough. Suggested we do this with electric trimmers and rubber boots. • Widen narrow spots on Gun Club Loop. A few trees need to be removevd. Suggested that we could hire a small “cat” to flatten the GCL extension. Jonathan and Guy to check this out and outline a plan. Outside of the official meeting a couple of members requested to ask forestry if we could add the trail leading directly east from the parking lot to our network. It leads straight to Concession 10 and would provide a no head-on passing scenario for longer races. We would share a stretch with snowmobiles, but it is wide and straight so not considered to be a big concern. Update: This has been approved and they will groom it. Guy tells us this was traditionally called Moose Trail. Grooming seemed quite good this year. Stick with forestry grooming as is, at cost of $400 per year. Upcoming changes to ATV and Snowmobile trails: Perron and Concession 11 are no longer motorized trails as of winter. Parking area will be added at Concession 8 and Boundary (Clarence-Cambridge) rd for ATVs. Maybe more changes to come. Motorized vehicles may be off trails until June 15th in future years - still under discussion with forestry. Our general maps will need to be updated.
6. Group purchases – Discussion: Anyone wishing to be part of Tim’s group scooter purchase should contact him directly. Embroidery available now at Jay’s in Navan. Instructions for getting your own embroidered Mush Larose gear are on the Skidogs.ca website on the main Mush Larose page.
7. Club communications – Discussion: Members are happy with the Skidogs.ca and email communications. A few members noted that they were not receiving the emails. Up-to-date addresses were re-supplied. There always is something sent out before a planned event, so if you do not get a notice, please let us know so we can fix it.
We now have an Introduction to Mush Larose package with general background info and contacts, which will be emailed out to new members. We will email this out to the entire existing club so that everyone has the information.
8. Calendar of events for the 09–10 Season. – Discussion: Existing events approved: October Dryland, November Dryland, Sled Training Clinic, Skijor Training Clinic, January Race (Riceville?, North Grenville?), AMHL Fun Race
Bernie Boucher suggested a night run. Club will schedule; he will organize. Jonathon offered to help with grooming at the Riceville race (if it goes again this season), so that it can be improved and hopefully made acceptable for skijor as well. Cindy Merkley offered to help with organizing a weight pull – we need special equipment to run these without snow - date pending Cindy’s equipment inquiries. Club has purchased 3 sizes of weight pull harness so we can all try it out at some point this season.
9. Working dog certificates – Discussion: Option for certificate program through AMHL was announced. More info at <http://www.malamuterescue.com/workingdog.html>
10. Other topics – Discussion: The proof for a new parking lot sign with maps and general rules for what to do around mushers was discussed/displayed. No changes were noted. We will try to have that up for the fall pending feedback from the forestry people. Permission for cutting new trails is required. Poop scooping was an issue this spring – everyone is reminded to pick up after their own dogs, and anyone else’s since we need to keep a good rep. Lake Placid is now refusing to hold any dog-powered sports events due to increased volume of poop on their trails throughout the season. This could happen to us too if we are not careful!
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the executive members with your thoughts on these issues and anything else that you think would be of interest to the club.
This year’s awards went to: Most Improved Musher of the Year: Tyson Merkley Most Helpful Musher: Bernie Boucher Mushing Ambassador Award: Dana Cranstone Most Diligent Paparazzi Award: Sue Giles Most Blood Lost while Mushing (or worst injury): Ian Cranstone Mushing Media Darling Award: Murielle Ovenden Most Successful Musher of the Year Award: Dave Meisenheimer
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Mush Larose: End-of-Season Potluck Dinner and Annual General Meeting April 18th - 4pm – Larose Community Centre (205 Limoges Rd)
This year’s schedule:
4:00 pm - Arrival, meet and greet
4:30 pm - Annual General Meeting (draft agenda below)
5:30 pm - Potluck pig-out
6:30 pm - Presentations (these are very much open for audience participation, so don’t be shy!) The year in dog sledding (Anne and Bob); The year in skijor (Heather and Dave); Races around the area this year (Murielle & Susie); Feeding your dog – how to identify a good quality food (Tim); The year-end DVD slideshow (Ian)
Potluck: Everyone is asked to bring something for the potluck and your ideas for where you want the club to go. We have a liquor license purchased, but bring your own liquid consumables. We know everyone will behave appropriately. There is a full kitchen facility attached to cook and/or reheat food.
The AGM includes elections for the executive: Below find text describing the responsibilities for the positions. We have an extended list this year: President, Secretary/Treasurer, Event Coordinator, Sledding and Carting Coordinator, Skijor Coordinator, Trail Master and Media Advisor. Please forward your name, or that of someone else for nomination for any position that you would be interested in. We need help to lighten the load on the current executive, if you don’t feel ready to have a full position we’d be happy to have your assistance with any position of interest. Long-term we need to train replacements so that the club can continue to thrive in the future! Nominations are due by April 11. Email: sledding@mushlarose.ca
Event organizers: We will also be looking for organizers for each of the season’s events, so give it some thought. There will be assistance for any of these positions, so don’t be afraid – you won’t be alone! We want to get people started so that they can be more independent for future years, but we don’t expect it all at once.
We need your photographic submissions for the year-end DVD: Please email your favourite shots to Ian Cranstone at lamontc@nakina.net or mail him a CD/DVD at PO Box 634, Osgoode, Ontario. He will need as much lead time as possible so please send your submissions, with date and event identified, ASAP. Images of any dog-powered sports event in the area are welcome, but especially Mush Larose events. I don’t think we have anything from the skijor clinic so a special plea for photos of that event! Please send your submissions by March 21st.
Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM and potluck dinner!
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
Mush Larose Annual General Meeting Agenda – April 18, 2009 In attendance: Club wide invitation.
1. Club executive for 2008–09 Season – Elections for club positions: President, Secretary/Treasurer, Event Coordinator, Head of Sled Training, Head of Skijor Training, Trail Master, Media Advisor? Role descriptions (discuss)
2. Club rates and bank balance – Share bank balance. Membership rates review.
3. Volunteer hours – The Training Division group has a great history of volunteerism that I am hoping to build into the Mush Larose membership as well. We need to work on spreading the work around so any event will not be too much of a strain on individuals, and hopefully not the same individuals at every event. I am actively pursuing training volunteers to do some of the heavier tasks, so that they will be more comfortable sharing the load. We will provide a list describing the tasks so that people can know what to expect. Volunteer hours incentive program to encourage people to participate. Should we offer a volunteer prize, like an embroidered jacket with that great sled team embroidery on the back and Mush Larose on the front. For every hour a person puts in throughout the year they get a ticket for the draw at the end-of-season party.
4. Trail upgrades/grooming – Trillium grant pending - Nick seemed to think it very likely to go through. This includes picnic shelter funding and 9 ft Kubota groomer. What’s on our major project list for September? Straighten approach to Devil’s Elbow, widen narrow spots on Gun Club Loop, Does Gun Club Loop extension need revision or ok as is, bridge widening (8ft), other? Guy Lortie offered to pack trails after a storm between forestry grooming. He’ll look for an inexpensive skidoo if we like – he’d buy it. Do we pay for gas/time?
5. Group purchases – Tim is heading a scooter purchase from Pawtrekker. Any other group purchases this year?
6. Club communications – Are we effective at getting the word out about events? Skidogs.ca working? Email volume ok? Suggestions? Preset executive meeting times so the members will know about them beforehand. One summer one mid-winter.
7. Calendar of events for the 09–10 Season. – Dryland races: Do we prefer races or training days. How many races? What classes 2.4 km always offered? Bikejor? Canicross? October Dryland, November Dryland, Sled Training Clinic, Skijor Training Clinic, January Race (Riceville, North Grenville), AMHL Fun Race, Weight pull? Other events?
8. Working dog certificates – AMHL certificate program:. <http://www.malamuterescue.com/workingdog.html> info@malamuterescue.com.
9. Other topics:
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the executive members with your thoughts on these issues and anything else that you think would be of interest to the club.
Mush Larose Executive Positions
These position descriptions have been written by the people currently doing the jobs, or as a description of what we would like to see. It is up to each elected person to make what they want of the position they have taken on. For instance, Anne Melrose was already running a training group in Cornwall, so she has included all the duties involved in keeping that going, which is above and beyond the minimum expectation, so don’t let that scare you too much.
If you are interested in a position, but afraid that you do not have experience, don’t worry! We will be happy to mentor people, or the share positions so that people can learn as they go. We want to encourage participation in the executive rolls so that the club will continue to thrive in the future.
An invitation is extended to all executive members to attend meetings, but it is understood that not everyone will always be available. All executive members get a chance for feedback when they review the minutes prior to being sent out to the general membership.
President • Interface with township officials (Forestry Technician, Larose Forest, U.C.P.R.). Attend semi-yearly trail users meetings. Keep communications open and friendly with other trail users groups. Organize a thank-you or the township people (rides, embroidered items, card, whatever seems appropriate). • Ensure that the trails and events are safe, waivers are signed etc… Insurance up-to-date • Consult with members at the AGM and throughout the year, see that their concerns are addressed directly, or discussed at the AGM. • Organize the election of the executive. Ensure that the each perform their assigned duties. • Organize meetings with the executive: draw up an agenda (items for discussion either from member conversations, your own ideas or those of the rest of the executive), send out a meeting request with agenda. Chair the meeting ensuring that each item is either dealt with or shelved. Ensure that meeting minutes are produced and sent out for exec comment and then to the membership. Ensure that the action items are addressed within a reasonable timeframe, or add to next meeting agenda. • In conjunction with the executive, schedule season’s events keeping conflicting events in mind. Find organizers for each, track and help as required for each event. • Ensure that club members know what is going on (emails/web site) • Respond to emails sent to club asking for assistance or information that the secretary can’t address. This may include requests to post information to the membership. • Ensure that records are kept. • Ensure that regular trail reports are posted on the website. • Currently organize the October dryland, the January race event and the End-of-Season Potluck
Treasurer/Secretary • Keep books of accounts: Submit a statement of the financial position of the Association at least once a month to the Executive committee during the active part of the season; and submit a yearly balance statement for the spring AGM • Receive all monies for and on behalf of the Association and deposit in a timely matter to account in the name of Mush Larose Association • Pay all accounts approved by the President/Executive committee • Arrange for insurance and memo of understanding with the forestry officials • Issue membership cards/renewal stickers to members on payment of membership and send out Welcome documentation (new this year) • Maintain an up-to-date membership list with contact info, paid status, preferences etc… and send to the Executive committee as required • Answer the general email account requests, or pass them on to the appropriate executive member • Currently makes arrangements for the End-of-Season potluck hall rental
Event Coordinator • Send out club-wide email announcements • Ensure that all the club events have an organizer and lend whatever assistance is required (disseminate information on event planning) • Currently, organizes the November dryland race and the March events
Trail Master • Check trail signage at the beginning of each season and repair as required throughout the season (directional signage, caution signage) • Organize trail maintenance day in September to clear the trails of garbage and debris before the racing season begins (consider hunting season dates) • Ensure that the trails remain as safe as possible throughout the winter – ie organize the removal of fallen trees • Interface with club members with trail concerns and desired upgrades keeping both sledding and skijor requirements equally in mind • Post trail condition reports as much as reasonably possible • Easiest if this person has a skidoo and time available to be up at the forest every few weeks to deal with issues as they arise
Skijoring Coordinator • Answer any skijor questions that are forwarded to the club • Organize the skijor clinic (not necessarily teach it) • Attend Exec meetings (2–3 yearly) and ensure that skijor interests are represented • Promote skijoring in the community
Co-ordinator Sledding and Carting • Maintain binder of members and their dogs with details of vaccinations o Vaccination records to be checked each fall at first session o If records not available after 3 reminders, dogs should not run o Advise new members of website with Schedule, Directions to Parks and letter of Introduction – keep all updated as necessary • Translate details of members to an excel members list and keep an email list in your mail program • Have new Schedule made up by end of August • Check websites for outside race information and conflicts with any of our yearly events before printing schedule which includes details of outside races for those who would like to attend them. • Call St Lawrence Parks Commission for Letter of Agreement to be signed by us so that we may use Mille Roches Campground • Make sure you have the key to the campground. • Email schedule to all members and post on the website. o Make a few copies for those who do not have access to email • Update schedule as needed with changes depending on weather/snowfall (cancellations, locations) o Changes should be posted by Thursday night so that those who only have email at work are aware of any changes o Send email to all for any serious changes, additions or requests for help • Touch base with event organizers a week or so before yearly events and work with organizer(s) for any new events o If a new event go out and check trail a couple of days before to make sure they are aware of dog-sport needs (3 – 5 km trail; groomed night before to set up for next day; turn around or looped trail; wide enough for passing or, if a skijor event, wide enough to skate-ski. NOTE: we do not/will not run dogs on ice) • Keep in close touch with Mush Larose executive to co-ordinate events and offer help where and when needed. • Round up volunteers for events – timers, start/finish line help, help to get teams to the start line, etc. • Keep all communications open with Snowmobile Association, Townships, Parks, etc. If at all possible assist in events for them in thanks for using trails. • Keep information on hand regarding training methods, finding a dog a new home, locations for dog sled rides, breeders in the area, how to deal with problem dogs. You will need it for all the phone calls fielded over the course of the year. People will also visit you to bring you their unwanted dog because “what’s one more?”. • Be aware of ISDRA rules should a situation arise with outside mushers attending our events. • Have drop chains, bibs for races, stop watches, first aid kit available on the vehicle.
Media Advisor • Inform the media of upcoming Mush Larose events • Coordinate interviews, video and photo ops at Larose • Collect press clippings and compile into a scrapbook for member viewing at the End-of-Season Potluck (or the Secretary Treasurer) • Collect video submission for the End-of-Season DVD slideshow appendix • Encourage the growth of dog-powered sports in Eastern Ontario in conjunction with the sledding and carting coordinator and the skijor coordinator
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Poop Scooping Call for Assistance - March 6/2009
I notice that there is significant poop appearing from under the snow in the Larose parking lot. I will be up Saturday morning and will scoop up what I see.
I realize there are other dogs up there too, but we are the most likely to be pointed at if there are complaints. I would appreciate it if people who are up there help out by scooping up any poop they see. We need to keep a good reputation if we expect to maintain our very favourable relationship with the forestry officials, and the other trail users. They know we can’t really scoop while we are running, but we are expected to keep the parking area clean.
Once the rest of the snow melts I would appreciate an extra effort to go up and scoop for those who can spare the time. Please post in the Forum, or email me if/when you have scooped so I can keep track and arrange something if no one has done it. A pass through the closer to the parking lot trails would be a great idea too once the snow has melted, now that there are so many of us using them it might be kind-of obnoxious post-melt.
So just a reminder to all - clean up after yourselves, AND others!
Thanks! Lecture over (for now).
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Saturday’s weight-pull cancelled
Sorry everyone, the weather just isn’t happy with us this year. With rain and 13 degrees forecast for Friday, we can’t expect safe conditions for our weight-pull and training day on Saturday, so it’s cancelled. We will look at holding it later in the spring, or in the fall instead.
Look for the official announcement to come for the End-of-season Party and Annual General Meeting in the next few days. This will include a call for photos for the DVD, and a call for nominations for executive positions. Hold the date: April 18th - 4 pm - Larose Community Centre. We look forward to seeing you there – at least this one isn’t weather dependent!
Dana Cranstone, President, Mush Larose
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Alaskan Malamute Help League - Ottawa Fun Race - Feb 8th
There is more information about this event posted on this site. See navigation buttons on the left for Ottawa Fun Race. Hope to see you there.
Dana Cranstone, President, Mush Larose
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Riceville Race - January 17th
Race meeting: 11 am Race starts: 12 noon 4-dog, 5 km (dual sleeping bag start)
Map to get there and a very approximate map of the course.
Two competitors at a time start at the top of the hill, each wrapped in a blanket or sleeping bag (please bring your own). When they are told to “go” they run down the hill with the sleeping bag. Each competitor will put the sleeping bag in their sled bag, then harness their dogs, hook up their team and run the 5 km course. We will decide on details during the race meeting.
Dogs must be carefully harnessed. Don’t rush it; you will gain no time if you have to catch a loose dog. Anyone excessively manhandling a dog will be disqualified.
Each pair of teams will have a separate starting “chute”, the trails will then merge together into the main race course. Course is over flat ground, skidoo groomed only, so rough, but three skidoo tracks wide. It was quite firm this Sunday when I went to see it. Half the course is on a windswept field, so it could drift in if it’s a windy day. We will have markers out if necessary and a skidoo available to break trail between racers if required. Forecast is cold, so it will likely be fine as is.
There are prizes which we will distribute fairly evenly to all the racers with a bonus to the winner. We’d like to keep it fun for the racers, and exciting to watch. The race is part of the Riceville Winter festival, at which there will likely be a couple of hundred local spectators.
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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Mush Larose Skjor Clinic Saturday 10 Jan 2009, 9:00 am Meet at Boboul’s Restaurant, Limoges
Who should come? If you are a novice skijorer or have never skijored before, you’ll be quite comfortable at this clinic. You can opt in or out of which ever activities you like. If you are an intermediate skijorer you’ll benefit most from the opportunity to share ideas with others like you and the opportunity to train your dogs in a safe and friendly setting. If you are an expert skijorer your help would be much appreciated.
The only fee required to attend is your $30 Mush Larose membership, which also entitles you to run your dogs on Mush Larose trails all year long. If you’ve already paid your membership, then you are free and clear.
You don’t have to pre-register for this course, but if you tell us a bit about yourself we can think about how to tailor the course to your needs. Please use the contact form on the web page.
More info at http://www.skidogs.ca/index.html?n=SkidogDrivers.SkijorClinic09
Sledders can use the trails, but it is preferred that you stay off the trails being used by the skijor clinic (primarily Big Pine Trail, 3rd and 4th), and be especially respectful of learning skijors you may encounter anywhere on the trail system. We have asked for a second trail to be groomed along the main concession, so there should be plenty of room to get by. Sunday is likely to be less busy in the parking area, so if you don’t care which day you sled, that might be your best option.
Happy trails everyone!
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
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January 3rd invitational trail day cancelled due to icy conditions. Sorry. May reschedule at a later date.
Dana Cranstone President, Mush Larose
Minutes – Executive meeting – July 12th 2008 In attendance: Dana Cranstone (president), Kathy Lacroix (treasurer), Tim Vander Meer (events co-ordinator), Anne and Bob Melrose (training division south)
Season schedule 08–09
September 28th (Sunday) - Trail Maintenance Day, 9 am start at the parking lot. (See item #2. Bring whatever trimming/tree cutting tools you may have. Please RSVP < sledding@mushlarose.ca > so we can plan accordingly. There will be an ATV tryout demo from Bombardier in the parking area while we are working. Please meet at the concrete pad near the start of last year’s dryland race, south west edge of the parking area)
October 26 (Sunday) – Memories of the Goldrush Dryland race (organizer: Dana Cranstone)
November 23 (Sunday) - Second dryland race (organizer: Tim Vander Meer)
December 13 (Saturday) - Equipment clinic and ‘Come About’ training for sledders (organizers: Anne & Bob Melrose)
January 3 (Saturday) - Invitational training day. All non-members are requested to sign a waiver. (organizer: Dana Cranstone)
January 10 (Saturday) - Skijor clinic (organizers: Dave Meisenheimer & Heather Adeney)
January 17 (Saturday) - Riceville Winterfest Dog Sled Race at Riceville Fairgrounds east of Larose forest. 5 km, 4-dog sled race with sleeping bag start and possible skijor demo. More details to come. (organizer: TBA)
February 8 (Sunday) - Alaskan Malamute Help League Race (organizer: Dave Meisenheimer & Heather Adeney & TBA)
February 28 - March 1 - Overnight campout, location TBD (Possibly Blake Meldrum’s Cabin, east end of the forest. RSVP will be requested in January for planning purposes. Organizer: TBA)
Spring Party TBA - End–of-season party. (organizer: TBA)
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with organizing these events would be most welcome. Specifically, Heather is looking for someone to help co-marshal the AMHL race as she is due to have a baby in September and would appreciate the help. Please contact Heather directly at Skidgos.ca. An organizer for the Riceville race and the overnight campout would also be welcomed. Please contact the club < sledding@mushlarose.ca > or Dana Cranstone, 613–826–1646)
Please see the training division sledding and carting schedule for more events going on in Eastern Ontario: < http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/2735/schedule.html >
More event information and general information is available and updated regularly throughout the season on Skidogs.ca. Check the Mush Larose pages, and general info pages and the Forum. Have a question about dog-powered sports? Want to get together for a fun run? Ask on the Forum, a broad variety of people check forum topics throughout the season and are happy to help out.
Trail upgrades/grooming
Fall bridge building day and trail cleanup: Teams will be split up to build bridges and clear existing trails of growth and debris. If we have enough volunteers, we will work on clearing the new Gun Club Trail section parallel to the road so we can avoid running on the gravel. Bob and David to pre-measure bridges and make a list of supplies. Bob and David to survey a Gun Club Trail route beside the road prior to the maintenance day. Dana to contact the forestry staff about materials and specific intended trail plan approval. Will need trimming tools, maps, and list of objectives to organize teams.
Results from the spring meeting with forestry staff: Forestry staff will widen ditches with new backhoe; and put signs at the skidoo trail entrances to the forest alerting skidoo riders to the multi-use trails. Sometime in the future, the parking lot will be expanded and a building established – no specific schedule set.
Group scooter purchase
The group (6 club members) decided to buy Diggler DSK scooters with disk brakes and front suspension. A reduced price of US$520 with free shipping to Ogdensburg was negotiated, instead of US$599 plus shipping to Canada. Scooters are paid for and delivered. Anyone wishing to organize a future group purchase may contact Dana Cranstone for information.
Other topics
Portable toilets: Washrooms will cost $110 per installation. Executive has approved the expense when an event is scheduled to go past noon.
Tent for events: No progress reported. Decided not to actively pursue this, as tarps are cheaper and often easier as there are lots of trees in the forest to use. Should anyone be interested in pursuing the cost of a large tent, the executive will be happy to consider it when it is proposed.
Trail map: Distances for trails around the parking area are still to be added. Should be completed this fall before the October race.
Mush Larose promotional items: Modified embroidery-friendly logos done, still need to contact supplier. Hope to do this before the race in the fall. Will try to get samples for people to see at the fall race.
New membership forms: Translation is coming (volunteer source). Will remind supplier.
Membership cards: Another 30 membership cards need to be printed.
That’s our events and progress to date. Executive meetings are called as needed throughout the season, with a full club meeting at the October Dryland race and at the spring end-of-season party. Anyone wishing to bring an initiative directly to the executive is welcome do so. Club member participation in planning and organizing is encouraged!!!
See you in September! Happy trails!