However, the lure of bikejor, canicross and sledding was greater than that of the duvet for those competing in sled dog racing at the weekend.
The McArthur Ridge vineyard, near Alexandra, hosted the first South Island vineyard mush up (timed dog races) over two days.
About 60 teams competed in a variety of events including bikejor - a cyclist being towed by their dog and able to pedal to keep up - and canicross - a runner leashed to their dog - as well as those being towed on a scooter or sled.
Organiser Sarah Campbell, of Main Ridge Sled Dog Club in Dunedin, said events were usually held on forestry roads, which were long, straight and boring.
In 2021, a mush up was held in Hastings at an orchard attended by teams from both North and South Island clubs.
Cyclone Gabrielle meant that venue was not available. However, it provided the opportunity for a South Island event.
McArthur Ridge had been amazingly supportive.
Running around the vineyard added an extra challenge.
"We are really privileged to be able to race here."
Races followed a track around the vines with events ranging from 7.8km for rig teams to 1.8km for children and veteran dogs older than 8.
The conditions at the weekend were perfect for the events which began at 7.30am and ran until late morning on Saturday and yesterday, Mrs Campbell said.
A range of dog breeds were represented from huskies to mixed breed heading dogs with Labradors, pointers and a greyhound in the mix.
There were even two Jack Russells making their debut yesterday.
Races included mushers on sleds, scooters, push bikes and people running behind their dogs.
Competitors ranged from an 11-year-old to a "more mature" competitor, who was coy about revealing how far over 70 she was.
Ineke Findlay, of Roxburgh, said she began racing in 1995 with her first Siberian husky Anoushka.
At the weekend she raced with her dog Boltnika.
Siblings River, 12, and Autumn, 11, Bowen, of Invercargill, were two of the younger competitors.
They both starting racing when they were about 8.
The pair trained every Sunday on a scooter and canicross.
Both had followed their mother, who also competed.
It was lots of fun, they said.
Watching their dogs Mango and Frida improve was the best, River said.
