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Track Seventeen Productions, Inc.

Stereo Soundscapes from the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon paw

Copyright © Track Seventeen Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clips from the 2009 Beargrease:

Photo

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
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

This sound portrait was commissioned by HearingVoices.com and aired nationally on the public radio broadcast Weekend America January 26, 2008, the day before the start of the 25th Beargrease.

Listen (7:00) >>>