Dryland mushing isn’t just for Alaska. In this episode of Mushing, Robert Forto interviews Christine Taylor and Alexandra Crossett, two competitive mushers from New Jersey who are proving that dog-powered sports can thrive far from traditional sled dog country.

Christine and Alexandra explain how they discovered the sport, the early dogs who started it all, and how their local club, the Jersey Sands Sled Dog Racing Association, helped them move from recreational runs to the IFSS Dryland World Championships. They share what training looks like in the Pine Barrens, why some trails won’t allow bikes, the impact of weather on racing conditions, and the community support that got their teams to a global event.

They also talk about:

• Bikejor, scooter, and rig racing
• Training before dawn and after dark to protect dog health
• Trail access issues and laws impacting the sport
• The gear they never run without (helmets and eye protection)
• How climate and race logistics will shape the future of mushing
• Growing canine sports for new pet owners and working breeds

Whether you're a racer, adventurer, or curious dog enthusiast, this is a powerful inside look at the evolving world of dryland mushing.

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Trail Bytes 2025

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What does it take to represent Mexico on the world stage of dryland mushing? In this episode, we talk with Elly Lugo, a CaniCross and scooter musher who traveled from central Mexico to compete at the Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Elly is a mom of three, a former marathon runner, and a dedicated athlete building the future of dog-powered sports in her region.

She shares how she qualified for Team Mexico, how the public is learning to understand mushing, the breeds her family runs (GSPs, Eurohounds, a Border Collie, and a Golden Retriever), and what’s next as Mexico prepares to host the Continental Championships in November 2026.

If you care about spreading the sport, building community, and running dogs with heart, you’ll love this conversation.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

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You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Former Air Force pilot turned musher Konrad Jakob joins us from the IFSS Dryland Championships in Wisconsin to talk about the rapid growth of dog mushing in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and across Latin America. Konrad shares how he launched sled dog tours in the Andes, helped expand IFSS participation, and what to expect from the 2026 Pan-American Championship in Mexico.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

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We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com