Fair Hill Challenge
at
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
Fair Hill, MD
December 6th and 7th, 2008
Two Day Dryland Race
Event Web Site:
The web site for the event should be considered the primary source of information regarding the event itself. See this page for information regarding PSDC's role in this event (although the information here should also be complete and current). The event web site is linked here: Event Website
Sponsored By:
- OUTLAW Racing Ultra High-Performance Dog Sleds & Dirt Sleds
- Annamaet Pet Foods, Inc.
- Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc.
- Nooksack Racing Supply, Your Dog Sport Headquarters
- Captain's Quarters for Pets, Boarding, Grooming and Training
- Skijor Now, The Skijorer's Source
- Alpine Outfitters, Working Sled Dog Equipment
Win a 2008 Outlaw DSR-HT at the Fair Hill Dryland Challenge! Outlaw has donated a DSR-HT for us to raffle! See here for details, or see below. Pertitent documents are here:
See the sponsors page here.
A big thank you to all of our sponsors!
Registration Form:
The registration form is available for download here: Registration Form and Dinner Registration Form. Please see the "Documents Available for Download" section near the bottom of this page or the "Forms and Documents" link on the left side of the page for any other downloadable forms or documents related to this event.
Registration will close December 5th at 12:00pm.
This Event Will Offer:
- ISDRA Sanctioned (All-Breed/Pro) Events:
- 4 dog Gig
- 6 dog Gig
- All-Breed (Pro) Non-Sanctioned Events:
- 1 and 2 dog Scooter
- 1 and 2 dog Bike-Jor
- Purebred Events:
- 4 dog Gig
- 6 dog Gig
- Sportsman Events:
- Canicross
- 1 and 2 dog Scooter
- 1 and 2 dog Bike-Jor
- 4 dog Gig
- 6 dog Gig
- Kid and Mutt Events:
- 2 one day Kid and Mutt classes.
Entry Eligibility Restrictions, Limitations and Requirements:
Purebred teams will need to provide purebred documentation if a dog is in question. American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club documents will be accepted.
As per the Summer 2006 Board meeting it is a new PSDC policy that all participants of PSDC racing events are required to be current PSDC members. Participants who are not current PSDC member may join during the registration process.
Important Venue Restrictions:
Use and possession of alcohol is prohibited at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Event Schedule:
| Saturday, December 6, 2008: | |
|---|---|
| 8:30AM | Drivers' Meeting |
| 9:00AM | Canicross |
| 10:00AM | Scooter Classes |
| 11:00AM | Bike-Jor Classes |
| 12:00PM | Lunch (one hour break for race help), Kid and mutt dash |
| 1:00PM | 6 dog Gig Classes |
| 3:00PM | 4 dog Gig Classes |
| Sunday, December 7, 2008: | |
|---|---|
| 8:30AM | Drivers' Meeting |
| 9:00AM | Canicross |
| 10:00AM | Scooter Classes |
| 11:00AM | Bike-Jor Classes |
| 12:00PM | Lunch (one hour break for race help), Kid and mutt dash |
| 1:00PM | 6 dog Gig Classes |
| 3:00PM | 4 dog Gig Classes |
| 4:00PM | Wrap Up/Award Ceremony (on Sunday) |
If classes end early, time and schedule will be adjusted accordingly. There will be a 15 minute time gap between events. Teams will leave starting line in 2 minute intervals.
This schedule is to give drivers a tentative time table of events. It is not a solid schedule. Drivers will need to fallow time announcements during the race.
Sanctioning:
The 4 and 6 dog Gig classes will be ISDRA sanctioned.
Distances:
| Race | Distance |
|---|---|
| All 4 dog Gig | 3.5 miles |
| All 6 dog Gig | 3.5 miles |
| All 1 and 2 dog Scooter | 3.5 miles |
| All 1 and 2 dog Bike-Jor | 3.5 miles |
| Canicross | 1.2 miles |
Trail Description:
The trail will be 3.5 miles, mostly closed loop with no head on passing. Hilly with open field and close forest trails with plenty of room for passing. Trail will consist of one bridge and one stream crossing. Trail will be well marked with caution signs for the challenging parts of the trail.
Canicross trail is 1.2 miles looped with no head on passing.
Purse Payouts and Awards:
- Pro 6 dog class - winner take all - $500.00
- Pro 4 dog class - winner take all - $500.00
- Purebred 6 dog
- 1st place ($125.00)
- 2nd place ($75.00)
- 3rd place ($50.00)
- Purebred 4 dog
- 1st place ($125.00)
- 2nd place ($75.00)
- 3rd place ($50.00)
Entry and Event Fees:
Sorry, but we cannot accept foreign currency. All fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Please note all participants must be current PSDC members. Membership can be sent along with entry form.
| Event | Fee |
|---|---|
| All-Breed/Pro Classes | $28.00 per class |
| Purebred Classes | $22.00 per class |
| Sportsman Classes | $15.00 per class |
| Canicross | $15.00 |
| Kid and Mutt | Donation of Unopened bag of dog food or $5.00 suggested (For SPCA) |
The Pro and Purebred class will pay a purse this is why fees are slightly higher than the sportsman class.
Parking Fees:
Fair Hill requires a $4.00 fee for parking of spectator vehicles. Event racers will not have to pay this fee.
Race Organizer:
Chris Bannister
Address: 121 Marysville Rd., North East, MD 21901
Phone: (763) 229-2294
E-mail Address: xtremeweather@comcast.net
Kennel: Xtreme Weather Kennels
Web Site: http://www.xtremeweather.net/
Event Information:
There will be an gig inspection prior to the start of the race, all gigs must be cleared in order to race. Make sure your equipment is in safe operating order prior to the event.
Featured Guest Speaker:
Two time world champion and North American Champion Harris Dunlap. Ginger and Harris will be giving a presentation on genetics and the evolution of the Siberian and Alaskan Husky.
Venue Policy:
Use and possession of alcohol is prohibited at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Fair Hill requires a $4 fee for parking of spectator vehicles. Event racers will not have to pay this fee.
There will be a designated area for all the dog trucks. Fair Hill NRMA has a leave no trace policy. Please respect this and leave your area the same way it was when you arrived. This is very important to a new race and the park. It will ensure the race to be successful in the eyes of the park and the future of the race event.
Event Rules:
DRIVERS MUST WEAR HELMETS AND SAFETLY GLASSES FOR ALL WHEELED CLASSES! THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS!
Gigs will be inspected for safety. Once a gig has passed inspection, it will be given a marker (colored electrical tape) that must be clearly visible to the race officials at the start line.
- Competitors caught racing without the inspection marker on thier gig will be disqualified.
- Gigs will be inspected for proper mechanical order and brake function.
For the 2-Dog Scooter event, mountain bikes with the chain disengaged are acceptable
More details regarding PSDC dryland racing rules adopted August 9th, 2006 by the PSDC Board, are available here. PLEASE REVIEW THE NEW CLUB DRYLAND RULES BEFORE THE RACE:
More details regarding the ISDRA dryland racing rules amended September, 2006 are available here. PLEASE REVIEW THE NEW ISDRA DRYLAND RULES BEFORE THE RACE:
Equipment Checked and Carried:
- Helmets
- Safety Glasses
- Gigs must be cleared in order to race
Gig Raffle:
The Fair Hill Challenge will be brought to you in part by Outlaw dog sled products this year. With this great sponsorship, Outlaw has graciously donated a Outlaw DSR-HT racing cart. The Fair Hill Challenge committee will be raffling the cart off at the awards ceremony of the race. Raffle tickets go on sale September 20th 2008. Don't wait, there are only 100 tickets available.
SPCA Food Drive:
The Fair Hill Challenge would like to announce for the first time, a partnership with the Cecil county SPCA to raise funds and supplies for the local shelter. We ask that all musher's and spectators please bring an unopened bag or case of dog food and or dog toys or supplies for the SPCA drive.
Kid and Mutt:
We will also be having for the first time, a Kid and Mutt dash. Children over the age of 3 can run there own dog team 100 yards on a controlled course under the supervision of experienced mushers. We ask kids signing up to bring either an unopened bag of dog food or $5.00 for an entry fee. 100% of the proceeds of the Kid and Mutt go to the SPCA. The Kid and Mutt will be held on days, December 6th and 7th 2008. Sign ups are limited and start at 9am to 11:30am both days. The Kid and Mutt starts at 12:00pm both days.
Auction:
Each year we have a silent auction, please bring an unused sled dog related item to donate. Your contribution is appreciated.
Food:
Breakfast and Lunch:
Breakfast and lunch will be sold through out the day by the PSDC.
Dinner:
Make sure you sign up for Saturday night dinner. See dinner registration form for menu and prices.
Question & Answers e-mail: Chris Bannister, xtremeweather@comcast.netRace Marshall: Christina Gates
Trail Boss: Doug Heitz
Race Timers: John Gates, Jessica Givans
Race Registrar:
Joy Heitz
Address: 259 Parkridge Dr, Parkasie, PA, 18944-1024
E-mail Address: sleddogdriver@verizon.net
Registration will close December 5th at 12:00pm.
Make checks payable to the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club or (PSDC).
On-Call Veterinarian:
A Call Away Mobile Vet (Dr. Mindi Carletti)
On-Site Veterinary Technician:
Christina Gates
Documents Available for Download:
- Registration Form
- Dinner Registration Form
- Mushers' Poster
- Outlaw Raffle Sign
- Outlaw Raffle Form
- PSDC Dryland Rules (Adobe Acrobat (PDF) form)
- ISDRA Dryland Rules (© 1997 ISDRA) (Adobe Acrobat (PDF) form)
Directions to the Event:
You can click this link to visit Mapquest to get directions to the race site (site address is preloaded). The address of 2900 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921 does precisely describe where the turn for the race site parking lot is. This method is recommended.
Directions are also available from the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area Website, at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/fairhillguide.html. However, note that these directions take you to the Fair Hill NRMA office, which is about 1.75 miles WSW of the race site parking lot. This method is not recommended but is included to augment other direction information.
To use your GPS or electronic instruments to find the way for you enter the coordinates: 39°42'51.60"N, 75°49'19.87"W which is decimal 39.7143°N, 75.8222°W or UTM 429524.84m E, 4396375.05m N. These coordinates do precisely describe where the race site parking lot is. This method is also recommended.
From the North:
Take I-95 south to Exit 109A, route 279 toward Elkton. The first light is Belle Hill Rd. This is the hotels will be. To get to the race take route 279 South toward Elkton for 1.2 miles, then take a right onto 213 north toward Fair Hill. Follow for 6.1 miles and take a right onto Telegraph Rd/273 east. Follow for 2.9 miles and take a left onto Appleton Rd. Follow for 1 mile and take a left into the parking lot. You will see signs for the race as you get close.
From the South:
Take I-95 north to exit 109A and follow the same directions above.
Hotel Listing:
Knights Inn
262 Belle Hill Rd.
Elkton, MD 21921
410-392-6680
800-843-5644
http://www.knightsinn.com/KnightsInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=07381&brandInfo=KG
Rate is $65.00 per night. If you would like to have a pet in the room there would be a $10.00 extra charge.
Motel 6
223 Bell Hill Rd.
Elkton, MD 21921
410-392-5020
http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=0768
Rates $45.00 a night with pets allowed.
Restaurants:
Enjoy dinning at these restaurants that are in walking distance from your hotel room:
- Cracker Barrel
- Waffle House
- Iron Skillet
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Taco Bell
You can also enjoy dining at Applebees. It is about 2 miles up the road toward Newark, Delaware on 279.