Sled dog races in Massena; no one says “mush” anymore

MASSENA - For starters, let’s get one thing straight.

In the world of sled dog racing, no one says “mush” anymore when instructing the animals to get going across the snow.

At Saturday’s third annual running of the Massena Winter Carnival’s Massena Dash sled dog racing competition, the mention of the word brought grins across the face of driver after driver.

Patty A. Kulpa, of Browns Mills, N.J., didn’t miss a beat.

“I’ve never heard anybody say ‘Mush,’” Mrs. Kulpa said. “I just say ‘Let’s go’ or ‘Hike.’”

Cody E. Frock, of Ambler, Pa., was kind enough not to roll up her eyes.

“I’ve ever heard anybody use ‘Mush,’” she said. “Just in the movies.”

So for Mrs. Kulpa, Miss Frock and 52 other contestants who braved the sunny chill at Hawkins Point at Robert Moses State Park, it was ‘Let’s go’ and ‘Hike’ to their dog teams as they raced around courses of 2.8, 4.2, 6 and 8 miles. The competition resumes today at 8 a.m. and will wind down by 3 p.m.

For the drivers and their mostly Siberian husky dogs who are here from throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont and Canada, this is a must destination on their winter weekend dog sled racing itinerary.

“Oh yeah, it’s a good race,” said Miss Frock, 16. “We came up last year and we liked it a lot.”

Mrs. Kulpa, 53, and her husband, David A., agreed. They were here last year and brought 10 dogs with them this weekend.

Coming back was a no-brainer.

“It’s wonderful up here,” said Mrs. Kulpa said.

The drivers and their dogs prefer a specific kind of wintry surface when competing.

“Actually, hard-packed snow is the best,” Mrs. Kulpa said. “There’s no drag.”

Sled dog racers also like sand, but avoid soft snow because of drag and ice because it is both dangerous for travel and can injure the pads of the dogs’ paws.

Miss Frock has been competing since she was three years old, aided by her father in the 100-foot-long Pee Wee course. Since then, she has averaged three or four races every winter.

“It adds up,” she said.

Carnival co-chairperson Susan E. Stiles said the Massena Dash’s appeal is growing. This year’s 54-contestant field was preceded by 40 last year and 24 in the 2010 debut of the International Sled Dog Racing Association-sanctioned event.

That makes it a carnival fixture.

“Oh yes,” he said. “We will have it every year.”

It wasn’t so certain, however, in 2010. Mrs. Stiles wanted something different. She recalled dog sled races in Winthrop years ago.

The reaction to the idea was curious.

“Interesting,” Mrs. Stiles said. “What is that?”

This year was different, especially with rumors around town in recent days that a lack of snow would mean cancellation of the event.

People were asking Mrs. Stiles to assure them that it was still on.

“It amazed me,” she said, recalling the conversations. “‘I want to see the dogs. I want to go see them.’”

Mrs. Kulpa was just happy to be with her dogs in Massena on a sunny Saturday.

“I’ve been running dogs for 20 years,” she said. “I’m just here for a good time. If I get a medal, that’s bonus points.”