Avid sled racers mush in Massena

MASSENA — Neither biting cold nor insufficient snow for a sanctioned race kept about 20 dog sled racers and their canine teams from making the trip to Hawkins Point on Saturday and Sunday.

The Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce Winter Carnival's first-ever dog sled sprint races originally were intended as a sanctioned International Sled Dog Racing Association event, but not enough snow fell after an early thaw two weeks ago to meet association requirements.

"They need to have at least 6 or 7 inches of snow for a base," said Susan E. Stiles, Winter Carnival co-chairwoman. "If it weren't for the thaw, we could have had 50 to 80 mushers here."

That 20 who still showed was proof enough that the chamber should try again next year, she said.

"The thing I found out is what a family sport it is," Mrs. Stiles said. "We have husband-and-wife teams, a grandfather and grandson. It's been wonderful."

The grandfather to whom Mrs. Stiles was referring is Spencer F. Thew, South Colton, who helped organize the event. Mr. Thew, who has been racing dog sleds since 1985 and braved the 1993 Iditarod in Alaska, said he wasn't competing Sunday. He was there to encourage his grandson, Sean Samolis, 18, Syracuse.

Mr. Samolis said he got into the sport in 2008 after giving it a try during a visit to his grandfather's house.

"It's a good time," he said. "It's fast-paced, and it's a different sport."

That it's fast-paced was a reason many mushers said they were hooked once they tried the sport.

"It's exhilarating," said Roy W. Smith, Sandy Creek, an 18-year veteran. "It's a fast winter sport that's just exciting."

It's a great way to get outside and exercise the dogs in winter, said Mark A. Lee, Lorraine. He and his wife, Christine N., are organizing Saturday and Sunday's Tug Hill Challenge at Winona State Forest, Lorraine.

"It's really peaceful," Mr. Lee said. "We both really like living right next to the forest."

Many were quick to admit that some might think them crazy for engaging in their cold-weather pastime. Mr. Thew said he and his dogs were exposed to the elements for 17 days during the 1993 Iditarod. Race archives show his time was 17 days, 22 hours and 38 minutes.

He said it was so cold that he had to breathe on his lead dog's eyes to keep ice out of them.

"I like distance and mid-distance events because I'm out in the wilderness, seeing things nobody else ever gets to see," Mr. Thew said. "It's just you and the dogs against Mother Nature."