Husky News

Decorated sled dog racing veteran John Barron of Helmville, Mont. is among the 20 mushers entered in the 2008 Eagle Cap competition.

Every year starting in 1978, Barron has raised, trained and driven teams through the annual Iditarod - a 1,150-mile course in Alaska. He finished 1,000 miles of the 1994 Yukon Quest in 11th place. Experience has him ready for the 200-mile trek through Wallowa and Baker counties.

“I’ve run 200-, 300-, 500-mile races, so this is nice training,” Barron said.

In its fourth year, the Eagle Cap Sled Dog Race drew Barron because it is a rare dual qualifier for the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest.

John Barron, 58, of Helmville, Mont., who has competed in the famed Iditarod race in Alaska 29 times, looks over one of his Alaskan Huskies on Main Street Joseph Wednesday morning, Jan. 16, the day before the start of the Eagle Cap Sled Dog Race. He is competing in the Wallowa County race for the first time.
Photo By Elaine Dickenson
“I used to log out of Bend, and I’ve always wanted to go to the Eagle Cap area,” he said.

Barron has prepared 18-20 dogs for the race, which starts at Wallowa Lake State Park. Teams take off the morning of Jan. 17. Most of his team consists of young pups, rookies to the competition. Every other day, he takes them out on practice runs from their ranch in Helmville at 6,200 feet above sea level. To get ready for challenging stretches of hills and valleys, Barron and his dogs go as deep as 4,500 feet and as high as 7,000.

The teams have also grown accustomed to success around the continent. Barron has twice won the 350-mile Race to the Skies in Montana. He has also captured several first-place crowns at the 400-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and the 300-mile Klondike in Alaska, and he won the Canuck 200 three times.

2008 Race Schedule
all times p.m. unless otherwise noted Race Central Open, Jan. 16-19 (9 a.m. to finish) at Joseph Community Center. Locals and handlers can track teams while the race is in progress.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Vet Check at Main Street (Joseph) ………………9 a.m.-noon

Vet Check at Main Street (Enterprise) …………………….1-4

Musher’s Meeting ……………5, 6 at Joseph Community Center. Mushers only at 5; Public potluck and bib drawing at 6. Meet mushers and teams.

Thursday, Jan. 17

Race Start …………………..11 a.m. at Wallowa Lake State Park or Main Street in Joseph.

Friday, Jan. 18

Halfway in Halfway …6 a.m.-noon at Halfway. Six-hour layover for the Iditarod Qualifier.

Saturday, Jan 19

Awards Dinner/Dance ……..6-9 at Joseph Community Center.

Source: Wallowa County Chieftain