Talking Sled Dogs with Deborah Molburg-Bicknell

Join host Robert Forto as she welcomes Deborah Molburg-Bicknell from her home in Laconia, NH to talk about growing up in a mushing family, Team and Trail, running the Iditarod, dogs through the ages, and much more.

Deborah Molburg Bicknell shares her history and experiences in dog mushing, starting from her first dog team in 1957. She talks about her family’s involvement in the sport, including her parents’ production of the Team and Trail newsletter. Deborah discusses her favorite races, including the Laconia World Championship and the Canadian Championship in Nepean, where she became the first woman to win.

She also shares stories about her favorite dogs, the changes she has seen in the sport over the years, and her thoughts on the future of mushing.

Keywords

dog mushing, history, family involvement, races, favorite dogs, changes, future

Takeaways

Deborah Molburg Bicknell has a long history in dog mushing, starting in 1957.
Her family was also involved in the sport, and they produced the Team and Trail newsletter.
Deborah’s favorite races include the Laconia World Championship and the Canadian Championship in Nepean.
She had favorite dogs that were loyal and performed well in races.
Deborah has seen changes in the sport over the years, including the impact of weather and a decrease in interest and participation.
She believes that the sport needs to diversify and attract younger generations to ensure its future.

Titles

Changes in Dog Mushing: Weather, Participation, and Cost
Loyal and Talented: Deborah’s Favorite Dogs in Dog Mushing

Sound Bites

“Team and Trail, a newsletter that really is truly the history of the sport from that point on.”
“The first day we went out, was warm. I think it was like 50 degrees, somewhere’s in there.”
“I decided not to take my leader because I thought he was hurt. And later on we found out was only a little harness burn.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:50 Deborah’s Early Years in Dog Mushing

01:47 Family Involvement in Dog Mushing

03:13 Team and Trails Newsletter

04:03 Deborah’s Siblings’ Involvement in Dog Mushing

05:29 Traveling and Racing with the Dogs

06:23 Favorite Races: Laconia and Canadian Championship

08:30 Favorite Dogs in Dog Mushing

10:44 Transition to Long-Distance Racing

13:12 Switching from Sprint Mushing to Iditarod Racing

14:36 Changes in Dog Breeds and Styles

19:01 Changes in Dog Breeds and Styles (continued)

22:22 Biggest Change in the Sport

25:26 The Future of Dog Mushing

26:32 Conclusion and Farewell