Bachelor Butte Dog Derby

March 1-3, 2024

THE ODD DOG RACE

Wanoga SnoPark, Bend, Oregon



Sponsored By

Pacific Sled Dog and Skijoring Association — PSDSA

Race Details

The Bachelor Butte Dog Derby is a return to racing sled dogs in the Cascade Mountains near Bend, Oregon.  This is an opportunity to experience the splendor of the Cascades and contest one’s dog team on world class terrain.   The courses will be challenging and the classes offered somewhat nostalgic.


Class Description

  • The 1.5 mile course is an out-and-back trail though short it is still challenging as far as hill climbing.  It is geared for anyone with just a few dogs; kids and adults;  Skis or sled.   1.5 mile course map
  • The 5-mile course is  loop that features some climbing; tight, downhill turns, a mile long straight-away.  This will be a 5-dog maximum for sprint teams and a separate 1 or 2-dog skijor event.  5 mile course map
  • The  9 mile, 9 dog course follows the 5-mile, with a challenging 4 mile loop tacked on.  9 mile course map
  • Mid-distance drivers will enjoy the 7-dog 15-mile class, set to be in line with other mid-6 or 8 dog events in the Pacific Northwest.  15 mile course map
  • Open race for 7-13 Dogs (25 miles/day) pool of 15 dogs.  Each day’s trail will be the same 25 mile trail staged from the Wanoga Sno-Park.  25 mile course map

Race Schedule

Open racers ONLY will start on Friday afternoon, then on Saturday and Sunday all classes will run starting at 8:30am.

Friday

3:00 PM Drivers’ Meeting

4:00 PM Open Start

4:30-6:00 PM   An informal gathering, packet pickup available at Wanoga Sno-Park for non-open racers.  Come early and help get the open racers on the trail.  Stay for social gathering. 

Saturday & Sunday

If the weather and trail conditions warrant it, all classes will be started consecutively – all teams may be on trail at the same time.  Water and prep your dogs for racing before the Drivers’ Meeting.

7:30 AM Drivers’ Meeting

8:30 AM 

  • Open
  • 15-Mile Mid
  • 9-Mile Sled
  • 5-Mile Sled/Ski

11:30 AM

  • 1.5-Mile Sled/Ski for juniors, novice, and fun

Saturday Only

12:30 PM  An informal musher potluck held in the parking lot after the sprint races are completed.  Bring whatever food you’d like to share, and something to grill.  A chair, some music, whatever you can contribute to set the mood for the very casual “last snow race of the season” afternoon affair.

Sunday Only

12:00 PM  A hot lunch will be hosted by the local snowmobile club, Moon Country Snowbusters. Cash donations accepted for lunch.

1:00 PM Awards ceremony

Race Notes

  • Mandatory drivers’ meeting for all racers will be at the Wanoga Sno-Park outside of the warming shelter on each day one hour before race start.
  • Sled and ski teams will be segregated on each course.
  • Helmets are suggested for all participants and strongly recommended for juniors.
  • Metal-edge skis prohibited in skijoring classes.
  • Contact: Cyndi Smidt at  cynsmidt@gmail.com or  541-233-3470
  • Remember that Deschutes National Forest requires that all straw – including the straw in your dog boxes – be certified weed free! 
  • Masks should be worn when social distancing is not possible
  • BBDD is proud to support the Siberian Husky Club of America Inc. (SCHA) recognition of purebred teams by awarding ribbons to the top 3 Siberian husky teams in the 15-mile Mid and 5-mile Sprint classes. Awards are provided by the SHCA to promote the continued workability of the Siberian Husky. ALL dogs on the team must be purebred.

Registration

Volunteers Needed! Please click the links to see open positions and to sign up.

Dog Handling (Timers, Chute Boss, Dog Handlers, Wranglers)

Start Line Setup, and Operations (Set Up, Tear Down, Parking, Information, Announcer)

Trail Crew (Course Set Up, Trail Boss, Spotters)

Communications (Trail Crew, Radio Spotters)

Helpful Links

A Big Thank you to all of our Sponsors!