This world-famous dogsled race called Šediváček's Long is celebrating a quarter of a century's history. The stage race called the "sleddog trace" is held every year in Deštné in Orlické Mountains. Mushers from all over the world will be competing for the 25th time on an up to 300 km long track in just a few weeks' time, traditionally during the last January weekend. The organisers are hoping that the race will be able to take place after a one-year break.
The legendary Šediváček's Long dogsled race will be taking place in just a few weeks' time. What to look forward to?
Dogsled races not only beyond the Arctic Circle
There is perhaps no musher who has never heard of the Šediváček's Long. This musher event of the year, or at least in the Czech context, will celebrate a quarter of a century of existence. The jubilee race was supposed to take place this year, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have postponed it to 2022. It is not only because of such significant historical milestone in the organisation of the races but also thanks to the one-year break that all the fans of this dog sport are more than excited.
Šediváček's Long attracts also amateur mushers
The extreme race is classed as long trail and although its motto is "Towards the polar worlds", it is not intended only for professional mushers. According to the organisers, any dog lover or fan of dog sledding can attend. If you are considering taking part, it is high time to start preparing. You will have to conquer over two hundred kilometres along the Orlické Mountains mountain ridge and compete with 600 furry participants of all sorts or breeds.
More than a hundred competitors have already registered. You can choose from a 200 km four-stage category or a 300 km long trail with five stages. Whether a spectator or a participant, mark the 25 - 27 January 2022 in your diary and see you at the village of Jedlová u Orlického záhoří in Orlické Mountains. The full list of conditions for the participation in the race can be found at official race website www.czechlongrail.com.
Musher vocabulary
Do you know what go, gee or haw? Musher vocabulary is very rich and if you want to understand the race a little, it is good to know at least a few basic terms. The key commands for racing dogs are go - run, gee - turn to the right and haw - turn to the left. The dogsled rider and the dog handler in one is called the musher and the sled he is riding on is called toboggan. It is the most common sled model you can come across in this sport. Musher slang has dozens of terms and it is sort of a musher Esperanto, which you can use in dogsled communities all over the world.
Mush!
In terms of winter mushing events, 2022 is going to be very busy! If you are as mad about this sport as we are, get your diaries ready so you don't miss out on any of the upcoming events. What can you look forward to in the world of mushing?
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