BEND — Jane Devlin has 14 Siberian huskies, which in the world of dog sledding is considered a small pack.

She’s one of two Central Oregon residents preparing for the Idaho Dog Sled Challenge, which is held Jan. 27 through Feb. 5 and includes three races: a 100-mile, a 200-mile and the Warm Lake Stage Race, a 52-mile sprint race. 

The longest race, typically 300 miles, was cut back due to trail damage from wildfires. However, it remains a qualifier for Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Devlin, a veteran of the sport, will compete in the 100-mile race and the sprint race, along with Kelly Barton of Bend.

However, Devlin’s not expecting to win any awards this time around. She’s already bagged a Rocky Mountain Triple Crown, completing the Idaho dog sledding race, Eagle Cap Extreme near Joseph and the Race to the Sky in Montana in the same year.

“I’m just doing it for fun now,” Devlin said. “I’ve got older dogs. I just want them to have fun.”

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Dog sledding safety

Devlin’s first concern is the well-being of her huskies.

She’s a fan of the Idaho race because it prioritizes dog care and musher safety. It also educates the public on the sport as an activity the dogs enjoy, she said.

Races such as the one in Idaho afford Devlin a support system. She can enjoy flying across a frozen lake or being out in the middle of an empty trail, knowing her location is being tracked, and she can call for help if she gets in trouble.

Mushers are required to stop a checkpoints, where veterinarians check on the dogs as they are given food, water and rest.

“I don’t really race to race. I do it for the adventure,” Devlin said, adding she loves the history of the sport and building a working relationship with her dogs.

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Sharing the trails

Devlin, who started dry-land training her dogs in September, is an advocate for responsibly recreating on the trails. As more users compete to use the trails, it is of the utmost importance to stay aware and be respectful of others to ensure everyone’s safety.

Most importantly, she recommends slowing down, especially around blind corners. It’s also courteous to communicate, signaling if there are group members coming up behind you. Off-leash dogs that are barking and lunging pose a risk for sled dog teams, so she recommends that canine owners have their dog facing toward them.