From the Race Coordinator:

The 2005-06 Race Season is coming up, hopefully members are beginning to train and get the dogs (and mushers) into shape.  Gas prices should eventually go back down and so I encourage everyone to come out to some (or all) of our races.  This year's race schedule is being developed to offer fun, family races throughout the winter.  Race dates are still tentative as we check site availability and try to avoid conflicts with other area races.  The CMM website will contain the most current status of races throughout the season - http://colomtnmushers.tripod.com/race-schedule.html .

Below is a brief description of each race venue so that new members can evaluate the different sites for their interests and abilities:

• Camp Hale Kickoff Event (Leadville, CO).  We are shaking things up to kick the season off!  This event will be new this year (Camp Hale was previously the first sprint races of the season).  This event will challenge the MUSHER with skill tests.  Exact details are still under development, but the idea is that the musher will be required to run a sprint distance event, with skill stations set along the trail.  Skill stations may include hooking down, swapping dogs, applying booties, bagging a dog, etc.  It should be good practice for the mushers to work on skills they may experience on the trail.  Camp Hale trails are wide and flat (dirt roads in the summer), but early snow conditions may occur.  We will have trail help available for teams needing limited assistance.  The perfect venue for new or young mushers and for those who want a fun 'twist' on the normal event and see how good their musher skills are.  Also a good venue for seasoned mushers looking to have some fun.  Similar skijor skill events will also be offered.  There will be awards at the event, however year end points will NOT be awarded.
• Grand Mesa (Cedaredge, CO).  Possibly a new sprint and skijor race this year taking advantage of good early-season snow up on the Grand Mesa.  Stay tuned for more information on this event.
• IditaREAD (Snowmass, CO).  CANCELLED.  This race is in its 2^nd year and will be the first CMM sprint event of the season.  The race site is located on the cart paths of the Snowmass Golf Course.  Fun, twisty trails support 3 and 4-dog sprint teams as well as skijor teams.  Strong community support included host families last year offering free lodging in their homes for the mushers.  Donating books to the local school system reduced entry fees and showed our support to the community.  Sprint points will count toward year-end totals.
• Wycolo (Laramie, WY).  The Wycolo race is probably one of the club's worst races for the spectators, since teams leave the start line and immediately enter the forest out of sight, only to return to view at the very finish.  But incredibly beautiful snowmobile trails winding through the Medicine Bow National Forest await the mushers looking for fun longer trails.  The shortest trail offered is a 12-mile course, with longer 20-, 32- , or (possibly) 50-mile courses also available.  Trails are well marked, but there is little trail assistance, the mushers are expected to be able to drive their dogs around the course.  Points count toward mid-distance year-end totals.
• Restone Rendezvous (Redstone, CO).  Redstone is a real treat for small sprint teams looking for a good challenge.  Skijor and 3, 4, and 6-dog trails all start with an exciting 180-degree banked turn and continue down a narrow, tree-lined course.  Steep downhills and blind turns stress the importance of good musher skills, including appropriate use of the brake.  First time mushers have completed the course without incident, but the trail can be extra-challenging for strong teams pushing for the best times.  Beginning and finish areas are easily viewed by the public, usually resulting in good spectator attendance.  Race results accumulate toward year-end sprint points.
• Defiance (Glenwood Springs, CO).  The Defiance race is a mid-distance course starting near Ski Sunlight ski area.  Skijorers can enjoy a nice 7-mile trail while 6 and 10-dog teams and open classes head over a pass on your choice of the longer 15 and 22-mile courses.  Again, the beauty of the backcountry is staggering in the Defiance Park area.  The trails are manageable (no trail help) with some short steep descents and long grades to run up and down.  Bring your drag brake.  Points accumulate toward year-end totals.
• Siberian Rendezvous, and Sammies too! (location TBD, CO  - maybe Defiance Park ).  The Rondy offers mushers the chance to enjoy a purebred-focused race.  Siberians, Malamutes, and Samoyeds turn out to enjoy a weekend of sprint racing and purebred camaraderie  (and possible mid-distance trails offered also) .  Past years' races have been held in Montrose and Granby.  Because the race encourages purebred teams, there will be cash prizes at the race, but no year-end points will accumulate.
• Silver City Classic (Leadville, CO).  The March races at Camp Hale usually has the largest turnout of all our races.  This fun weekend includes all classes of events, including skijor, 3,4,6,8-dog short sprints, and 6&10-dog mid-distance trails.  The trails follow roads through historic Camp Hale and include loops around some of the old artillery ranges used back in WWII.  Come hear what 500 dogs barking together sounds like at the start of the events.  It's easy to see how much they love to run with a great view of the first (and last) ½ mile of the courses.  We are looking for any members interested in helping organize this race.
• Encampment (Encampment, WY).  Possibly a new race this year with approx 20- to 40-mile trails using 6 and 10 dog teams.  This site features snowmobile trails heading into the Medicine Bow forest from the other direction from Wycolo.  Organization is still in progress, stay tuned to the website for more information.

As always, the Race Organizers appreciate your positive attitudes at our CMM race events.  The RO's try everything they can to make successful and fun events for all.  We strive to produce professional and safe races for the enjoyment of the mushers and their dogs (as well as supporting local communities with things to do and promote in winter, and boosting their economies with lodging and food sales).  Please be understanding if things don't go completely like clockwork.  Is it really worth blowing up at your friends over a $50 prize?  Believe me, it is a stressful time for the RO without getting an earful from an impatient participant.  We will do all we can to host the best races possible.  Thank you and see you on the trail!