2006 UP 200 Biographies
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Ed Stielstra
McMillan, MI, USA
Ed StielstraOccupation: Kennel Owner and Tour Operator, Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Racing and Adventures Kennel size: 74 dogs Ed has been mushing for 10 years and is assisted by handlers Rachel James, Matt Drost, and Mike Varly. Ed writes: "I love the U.P. 200 since it's in my backyard. Even after finishing the Iditarod (in 60th place) in 2004, the U.P. 200 is still my favorite race." Names of dogs on Ed's team: Buz, Opal, Piepie (2year old, hard driving and very sweet), Butter, Bert, Skip, Othello, Sisla, Sandy, Gumbi, Demi, Badger (8 years old) and the nephew of is Arlo. Ed believes Arlo has great potential. Ed relates an amusing incident during a training run with Tim Hunt. Ed stopped to wait for Tim and soon Tim came along unexpectedly wearing a clown's suit. Ed mushes for the love of the dogs and to be outdoors. His hope for the UP200 is safe travel for all the dogs.

Sponsors: AMSS; Bayshore Veterinary Hospital, Harvey, MI, USA; Dogbooties.com; Great Lakes Geoscience; Ursa Wagons;
UPSDA MISSION: To promote the sled dog sport, educate the public about sled dog activities, and sponsor a continuous, mid-distance sled dog race in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.