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Stereo Soundscapes from the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon commemorates the son of a Chippewa chief who delivered mail by dog sled along Lake Superior's rugged North Shore in the late 19th century. It is the longest and toughest sled dog race in the Lower 48, drawing world-class dog teams from Minnesota, Wisconsim, and around the world.
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Iditarod Champion Speaks at 2011 Beargrease Gala Dinner
Four-time Iditarod winner Jeff King spoke at the Gala Dinner for the 2011 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Great, entertaining stuff! He is introduced by Duluth's inimitable Ken Buehler...
Cover photo courtesy of Kit Larson
Flying Raven Mocks Sled Dog Team
On day three of the 2009 Beargrease, I hiked out onto the frozen expanse of Devil Track Lake. It was just past noon; the temperature had risen to slightly above zero (F); winds were about 10 mph from the southwest; the sun was shining brightly. The few teams that remained in the race were beginning their down-bound run back to Duluth after resting a few hours from mushing through the night in -30 degree cold.
I set up an audio recording kit on the west end of the lake, near the marked race trail, and walked a couple hundred yards beyond, in the direction from which the teams would be coming. After a long wait, John Stetson, the first musher to leave the Devil Track checkpoint, approached. His dogs barked when they saw me. Little did I know, but at that exact time a raven was flying right over my mic rig. It responded directly to the dogs barking -- almost mocking them.
More clips from the 2009 Beargrease race:
Highlights from the Gala Dinner :: Listen (3:28) >>>
HIghlights from the Cutest Puppy Contest :: Listen (2:31) >>>
HIghlights from the Opening Ceremony :: Listen (2:36) >>>
Jason Barron on the trail just off Devil Track Lake, downbound :: Listen (:54) >>>
Colleen Wallin at Devil Track road crossing, downbound :: Listen (1:09) >>>
Crowd Welcomes Second-Place Finisher John Stetson :: Listen (1:14) >>>
Winner Jason Barron Crosses Finish Line :: Listen (1:31) >>>
A Beargrease Musher's Run from Race Start to Billy's Checkpoint
This is, without a doubt, the most unusual sound recording I have made. Champion dog musher John Stetson graciously permitted me to lash a light-weight stereo recording rig to the bow of his racing sled during the first leg of the 25th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, January 27, 2008 in Duluth, Minnesota, USA.
Photo courtesy of Kit Larson
To my ear, the results are absolutely striking -- almost mesmerizing. But it's quite different than I expected. Canine breathing and footfalls that I thought would dominate, are obscured by the sounds of the sled itself -- sometimes running smooth and quiet on the trail, sometimes rough and noisy. John's comments to spectators along the way, and to his dogs, keep the journey interesting. I especially enjoy the "sled's-ear" perspective of all the hubbub at both the race start and checkpoint.
Short sample ride :: Listen (4:10) >>>
Twelve-minute ride :: Listen (12:00) >>>
Full-length ride :: Listen (1:14:00) >>>
Sound Portrait for Public Radio
The following sound portrait was commissioned by HearingVoices.com and broadcast nationally on the public radio program Weekend America January 26, 2008, the day before the start of the 25th Beargrease. It aired again nationally in January 2011 on the public radio program The Story.
Classic Clips from Previous Beargrease Races
Photo courtesy of Kit Larson
Team launches from Sawbill checkpoint, downbownd :: Listen (:47) >>>
Two teams pass by on the trail :: Listen (:25) >>>
