facing them down in the south. No snow or not enough! So Sam built his first sled with wheels and took his pups out for their first run. They loved it and so did Sam, but then came the second problem! As soon as the pups saw a squirrel, the dogs would go off the trail to chase it. It was then that Sam’s new hobby was found! Sam has been working on designing a new type of dry-land rig that gives the musher full control over the dogs instead of being at the mercy of their dogs. Urban Mushing is the ability to “dog sled” year-round, on surfaces like pavement, grass or gravel, not being limited to snow. Using a harness, dogs are attached to a wheeled vehicle, typically some type of scooter or bike, leaving the dogs in control of where they went. When Sam took an interest in sledding over ten years ago, there really wasn’t much Urban Mushing going on, but over the years this unique sport has picked up it’s pace and now there are competitions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. Sam and Jordan had been meeting up with groups in the Chicago area to learn and to train, and realized there was a need for a safer way to mush, due to the many injuries sustained by mushers and dogs alike. Fortunately for them, Sam had already been working on it! Sam’s new design increases safety and control of the dogs, while still allowing the dogs to run their hearts out. Sam plans to built a racing model, a highly adaptable general purpose model, and specialty models for wheelchairs (yes, there are a growing number of wheelchair-bound dog enthusiasts). The best part of this growing sport is the inclu- sion of all high energy dogs, not just Huskies and Malamutes. Any dog who loves to run and pull can be harnessed and exercised with one of Sam’s designs. Sam is even working to add pedal power for the dog loving bicyclists. While Team Brave Heart may eventually race, it’s all about having fun with the dogs and exercising them enough. Any Husky owner will tell you they can’t exercise their dog enough, as well as many other breeds like Collies and other Shepherding dogs, or the large Terriers and Hounds. To put it in perspective, a 2 hour walk is just a warm-up for a Husky, and dogs who train for the Iditarod Sled Race through Alaska train up to 100 miles/day leading up to the race that covers 1049 miles total. Sadly, Nookie and Nina have passed away, but if anything has been learned by the McBride clan, it’s to always keep your heart open. Buddy (aka Shilo-11), Nova (9), Coco (7), NIU (5), Bella (3), and Timber (turns 1 April 12) now make up Team Brave Heart. You may see Sam and his dogs mushing through the streets of Franklin Grove or Ash- ton, or on trails in Rochelle, Oregon, or Dixon, or maybe his dog trailer at Crest Foods in the morning. Sam is working on improving and marketing his design to this growing sport, improving safety and quality of life for people and their dogs. Be sure to check out Team Brave Heart on Facebook for further information. We are happy that the Great Wall of Crest gets to be a part of Team Brave Heart, and can’t wait for updates on your Urban Mushing dog team, Sam!
Thank you again to Chris Land- strom of Twin City Energy Ser- vices for recognizing our good for- tune in no one being injured in the April 9, 2015 tornado by donating an oak tree to be planted at the west warehouse. While the donated tree was planted in the fall, the pictured plaque was attached to a rock by the tree this March.
April, May & June 2016 Crest Ink 7
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