This weekend marks Superbowl 47. Being the sports fanatic I am (or more specifically fan of theatrical half-times, talking animal commercials and chips and dips), I plan to tune in. Truth be told, I had to Google who was actually playing, though. I’ll save you the trouble by telling you it is the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.
Before the big game, though, I hope to check out a much tougher sport, right here in Bayfield County. The Apostle Island Sled Dog races will take off near Bayfield on February 2 and February 3. While not nearly as long or as competitive as the Beargrease, I find the race much more spectator friendly. There are endless chances to mingle with the dogs and mushers, not to mention get up close and personal to the start. And, unlike Beargrease, mushers finish the same day, doubling your opportunity to see more than doggy rear ends taking off in the snow.
That said, my favorite part of the event is watching the Youth Race (16 and under). There is something to be said about watching kids manhandle a team of sled dogs and race 6-8 miles through the North Woods of Wisconsin. I know I couldn’t. But, it is inspiring just the same.
A few years back, I was truly inspired by just how tough these girls were. It was the start of the race and the smallest of the racers lined her dogs up at the start. She was decked out in pink gear, a huge smile and weighed in at maybe 75 pounds max. A man, who I assume was her father, gave her some last minute tips. She nodded and smiled, ready for her turn to go. But, something went wrong when she was told to go. The sled jerked, causing her to flip off of it backwards. The spirited crowd went silent for what seemed like minutes but was perhaps mere seconds. My heart sank. But, before anyone could even react, she popped up and took off running after her team, jumping on the sled and heading full speed into the woods without a care in the word. Her dad just stood by grinning from ear to ear. I can only hope that I someday raise a child as brave as that.
I’m sure Superbowl 47 will display acts of strength, stamina and willpower not to mention emotional interludes displayed in 30-second acts. After all, these are supposedly the best players in the league and the biggest show in-town. That said, I cannot help to think how these players would fair in the wilderness of northern Wisconsin. For some reason, I think I’d bet my money of the Musher decked in pink.
Interested in seeing photos from a previous year’s race? Check out this like to the incredible Hannah Hudson and her take on the sled dog races of 2011.