CHRIS LOWREY
BRISTOL Jan. 25-26, 2020
The Pontiac International Dog Sled Race is a go for this weekend after rainy weather forced Timberland Tours owner and . . .
race organizer, Denis Rozon, to cancel the event a couple of weeks ago.
“We stopped crying and we’ll jump head first again,” he said with a smile.
Timberland Tours serves as the venue for one of the most anticipated events of the winter as racers from far and wide – including World Champions – come to test their mettle on Rozon’s track through the woods in Bristol.
“Everyone wants to come here,” Rozon said. “They love the track.”
Racers from Virginia and Pennsylvania called Rozon the day before the race to let him know that the highways were too icy to make the trip.
With the icy conditions jeopardizing the safety of the racers and their dogs, Rozon was left with no choice but to push the races back.
“It’s dangerous at the speeds we go,” he said. “You can’t control the sled.”
Luckily, he spoke with the organizers for another dog sled race in Michigan who were graciously willing to reschedule their race.
Rozon hasn’t had much luck with the weather over the last few years, with frigid temperatures affecting last year’s races as well.
“It was minus forty last year,” he said.
But with a fresh dumping of powder over the weekend, Rozon said weather conditions are looking perfect for spectators and racers alike.
Admission to the venue is free and Café 349 will be on site serving food and refreshments.
For more information, call 819-647-3185.
