Jamaica Dogsled Team to Compete at the Three Bear Sled Dog Races and Games

From: Three Bear Sleddog Race Committee
Date: Saturday, February 02, 2008
Where: Land O Lakes WI

Three Bear Sleddog Race

It’s not often one thinks of sled dog racing and Jamaica at the same time. But this year, musher Damian Robb from Ocho Rios, Jamaica will be competing at the Three Bear Sled Dog Races and Games in Land O’ Lakes Feb 2nd and 3rd.

At 21 years of age, Robb started racing just this past fall in dry land races, a form of sled dog racing but on a rig with wheels and no snow. He works for Chukka Caribbean Adventures Tours, an Ocho Rios based company. The company’s founder, Danny Melville, got the idea for a dog sled team while shopping for dune buggies in Canada. Robb couldn’t be more thrilled. “I’ve always loved animals, and I love working with these dogs. They love what they do. Their saddest times are days when they can’t run.”

While already placing in the top tear of several dry land races, Robb is enjoying the snow. He will be competing in two races next week in Canada before heading down to the Three Bear Races the first week-end in February. Robb doesn’t mind the cold. “Sometimes I still get too warm!”

Jamaica does not have any actual races at this time so Robb goes on tour presenting the Jamaica Dog Sled team whose official sponsor is Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” His team coach is Ken Davis from Twig Minnesota, who will also be competing in the Three Bear Races.

Racing action will get underway on Saturday and Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd at the Land O’ Lakes Town Hall grounds. Competitions start with the Open Class at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the six dog, four dog, skijoring and junior competitions to follow. Winter games and the Children’s Mutt Race will he held in between races. Land O’ Lakes Chambers’ Winter Festival Craft Sale and Flea Market will run next store at the Elementary school from 10 am until 3:30 p.m. Saturday evening Musher’s Ball will be held at the Vintage Inn in the historic Gateway Lodge at 8:30 featuring Brett & Frist with Mama’s Little Hippies. Races resume Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Admission to all events is free. Hot food and soft drinks will be served throughout both days, including breakfast.

For more information about the Three Bear Sled Dog Races and Game, call committee chairman Peter Schindelholz, D.D.S. at (715)547-3541. Information on the Jamaica Sled Dog team can be found at jamaicadogsled.com.