Runners and Cargo Bed
The runners or skis below the cargo bed are what make the sled a sled. The runners provide a base on which to support the bed and provide that glide and slide that sleds are famous for. Wood or aluminum is used for the runners, and plastic coverings are used to make the runners even faster and prevent as much dragging as possible. The plastic coverings can easily be changed.
The cargo bed is the structure above the runners that holds all the stuff the sled is transporting. They are made out of plastic, canvas or water-resistant nylon and are usually composed of several compartments and an overall covering that protect the cargo inside. Basket-style sleds are more traditional in design, where the wood beds sit above the runners about 6 inches. Toboggan sled designs have a plastic bed resting directly on the runners. Most sleds today are a combination of a raised plastic bed.
Brushbow and Handlebar
The brushbow is what it sounds like, a bow, as in a wood bow, that deflects the brush that the sled may run into. It is essentially a bumper. Brushbows used to be wood bent into a crescent shape, but today they are sturdier, triangular pieces of plastic.
The handlebar is, of course, what the musher hangs on to when operating the sled pulled by the dog team. They pivot their weight on the handlebar when leaning into a turn.
Footboards and Brakes
The musher also needs to stand somewhere, and the back end of the runners is really the only place to do so. The ends of the runners are covered in a non-slip material such as rubber. They serve as the footboards. The brake, a bar with two claws attached to it, is located just between the footboards. When the musher steps on the bar the claws dig into the snow and create drag to slow the sled team.
The drag mat is also a second sort of brake that can create more drag and resistance. The drag can also be called the track. It is a long rectangular mat piece in between the runners on the back end.
Snow hooks are like anchors that can keep an excited dog sled team at a halt. These are like giant metal claws that dig right into the snow.
Article Written By Naomi Judd
Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.
