UPside of Life: It's a dog's life during the UP 200

There are few things that scream winter-time fun as much as outdoor sports. From ski jumping to luge to snowshoeing and even snow biking, we basically have it all here in the Upper Peninsula.

But one sport has truly carved a name for itself here in the frozen tundra--sled dog racing.

There are a slew of races that can be attended here in the U.P. if you're a sled dog enthusiast, from the Copper Dog 150 to the Jack Pine 30 to the Midnight Run. The most recognizable of them all, however, is the U.P. 200.

This race has been run since 1990, bringing sled dog racing to the Upper Peninsula thanks to a fellow named Jeffrey Mann and many other dedicated individuals.

The race has continually grown and prospered, drawing attention and racers from all across the country--including Alaska. This year is no different, despite some issues with the weather. This year there are mushers registered for the race from Montana, Minnesota, Lower Michigan, Quebec, Alaska, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

The most notable of those racers entered--beyond our local mushers--is Tim Osmar, an Iditarod veteran and 2001 Yukon Quest winner. Quite frankly, this guy knows how to race, having won the Junior Iditarod three times as well. His family is entrenched in the sport. His dad, Dean, is a former Iditarod winner and his daughters, Nicole and Merissa, both have Junior Iditarod championships to their names.

This year presents some of the top mushers who have ever entered the race, and that makes for a guaranteed good time for race fans.

There are some changes this year as compared to years prior. With the lack of snow in Marquette (c'mon, lake effect!), the start of the race has been moved to Chatham and is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17.

For those who are about to groan that they won't be able to go watch the dogs take off from downtown Marquette, have no fear--the city and the race organizers have developed a plan for a ceremonial start so that the crowds can still get elbow-to-elbow and cram onto Washington Street to cheer the dogs and their mushers onward.

But don't hesitate to go to the REAL start of the race, which is about 25 minutes away from Marquette. Simply take US 41 South through Chocolay Township and into Skandia Township and turn left onto M-94. Follow it down and you can't miss Chatham, a typically quiet, yet enjoyable little town in Alger County.

The place will no doubt be packed full of people, but it's a great chance to see what small-town Upper Peninsula can offer--such as the wonderful and delectable Rock River Cafe. It's there that you'll find some of the most surprising meals, dishes made from local ingredients and cooked to perfection. If they have any left by the time you get there, you absolutely must try the crustless cheesecake--it is out of this world.

But the real reason for going to Chatham is the racers and their dogs. Cheer them on. Let them know that, yes, we support them no matter where they have to start their race. Hoot and holler as they take off through the town and into the wilderness beyond.

The UP 200 is something special, and we should celebrate it. But, more importantly, we should celebrate the mushers and their dogs who come here every year and bring flocks of fans with them. They deserve our applause. And, for the dogs, maybe a treat or two.

Sam Eggleston is the managing editor for UP Second Wave. He was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and spent some time covering news and sports in Alaska. He covered Tim Osmar's 2001 victory in the Yukon Quest and subsequent run for the Iditarod championship that very same year. He can be reached via email.