Sled Dog Races

[Sunrise Point]

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary to do this weekend, the 80th Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby is being held on Feb. 13, 14 and 15. A detailed schedule of events and a map can be found at this site http://www.lrsdc.org/.

We watched several of the events with friends last year and had a great time.

[hazelnut]

Thanks for the information. Where is the best place to go and watch this? I would be heading over on Snowmobile, is there a good area that you can get to and watch the races? I was also thinking about heading over to Alton on Sunday for the winter carnival and bed races.

Looks like another busy weekend on the lake. ha ha ha :laugh:

[webmaster]

Here are a few pictures of last year's race posted by djwoodward (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/member.php?uid=175&protype=1):

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/LaconiaSledDog2.jpg (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=12357)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/LaconiaSledDog4.jpg (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=12355)

[Sunrise Point]

I'm not sure about snowmobile routes. I do know that part of the race follows a snowmobile route along Meredith Center Rd. There's a short loop in the Ahern State Park behind the prison. We watched there last year on Sunday. There was parking for about 3 or 4 cars. For the Saturday races, we stayed at the beginning/finish line across Parade Rd. from the prison. There we were able to see the teams before they ran, talk to the owners and listen to the announcements. There's a large parking area on one of the fields and parking on both sides of 106.

I hope that someone else can answer your snowmobile question.

[vmartino26]

I'm coming up this weekend with my grandson to see the sled dog races in Laconia. Can someone give me an idea of where the best viewing spots are? We'll be up both Saturday and Sunday. Thanks.

[angela4design]

I checked out the map, and it looks like the best place to watch 6-dog teams is across the street from the Laconia Prison, or the Laconia Country Club on Elm Street.

[djwoodward]

Back at it at the 2009 event

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/Laconia2009_1.jpg

[SIKSUKR]

That photo was on Channel 9 news last night.

[Jonas Pilot]

Great captures DJ. Would you mind telling what type of camera you use?
Thanks!

[hazelnut]

That photo was on Channel 9 news last night.

Saw the photos again today and I was like "HEY I know the person who took those!" My wife said "REALLY?" I said "Well not really, they're just on the winni forum like I am."

She rolled her eyes.

If I had to explain she wouldn't understand it....:laugh:

[djwoodward]

Great captures DJ. Would you mind telling what type of camera you use?
Thanks!

I used a Canon Rebel XTi w/ 70-200mm f4.0 lens.

Thanks for the kind words folks, I have a quite a few pictures. Once I get them sorted I'll post a few more.

[Jonas Pilot]

Thanks for your prompt reply.

[moose tracks]

Attended the sled dog racing on Saturday, Feb 14th. It was alot of fun. I had a chance to talk with some of the drivers, see the dogs up close and even meet Miss Lakes Region. I mostly watched from the start/finish line side of Parade Road. My wife and Mother-in-law used the car to drive across the street into Ahern Park and then found a nice spot at the prison and then on the road that takes you to Ahern Park and the prison. The organizers worked really hard to get the trail into shape, I don't know how they pulled it off. I'll try to make this an annual pilgrimage.
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/jpavelock/100_2246.jpg