Greetings!

Birkie Fever 2011

It's Birkie time again everyone! This ski season began here in Hayward back on November 13 with our first heavy snowfall, and we've been skiing ever since. Snow conditions are currently fantastic, and barring a big melt-down, conditions for the 2011 AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER should be perfect. Now is the time to squeeze in those last few distance days and start tapering down your training so you're fresh and well rested for race day. If you haven't yet, mark your calendars: February 26, 2011. Wave starts begin at 8am sharp!

There are a few important changes with this year's Birkie that skiers should know about:

Birkie and Korte are Full Again!

Most importantly, if you don't already know, the Birkie and Korte reached their registration limit back on December 18, 2010! If you didn't get in this year, however, there are plenty of other opportunities to in which to participate and spectate. Check out Birkie Events for a complete list of the week's events. Volunteering is another important way to participate. The event simply wouldn't exist without the remarkable work of an army of volunteers. Interested? Just give the Birkie office a call at (715) 634-5025.

Telemark Resort will be open for the Birkie!

Telemark closed its doors last spring after a purchase agreement fell through. A temporary opening was recently negotiated, and the lodge will be offering approximately 100 rooms for that weekend. As of 1-26-2011, rooms were still available. If you still need lodging, give Telemark a call at (715) 798-3400. Don't wait long, the vacancies will be gone soon.

New Bib Pick-Up Location

Bib pick-up on Thursday and Friday, February 24 and 25 will now be at the Hayward Middle School, just south of Hayward off of Hwy. 63, on Greenwood Ln. Ample road signage will guide you there easily. Why not at Telemark? The event organizers had made extensive plans over the summer and fall while Telemark was closed. With an uncertain future for Telemark at that time, plans had to be finalized for space, extra phone lines, electrical hook-ups, janitorial services etc. The temporary re-opening of the lodge was just too late. Please note that Saturday morning bib pick-up will be at Telemark Lodge, as in the past.

Check out www.birkie.com for the complete schedule and more specific details.

Other Upcoming Events

In the mean time, there are plenty of fun events throughout the region. These are important fundraisers for great organizations. A more comprehensive listing can be found at skinnyski.com. Check'em out! Here are a just few of them:

City of Lakes Loppet
February 5, 2011
A BIG race through the hills and dales and across the lakes of Minneapolis.

Mt. Ashwabay Summit Ski Race
February 5, 2011
A small race on the beautiful Mt Ashwabay trail system, just south of Bayfield, WI.

PreBirkie
February 12, 2011
One of the big ones. Features a wild mass start on Lake Hayward with 26K & 42K options. Part of the Cable-Hayward double header with the North End Classic below. Always a tough one.

North End Classic
February 13, 2011
A fun and hilly romp through the Birkie hills in Cable, WI.

Mora Vasaloppet
February 13, 2011
Minnesota's largest and most prestigious race. Lots of distance options, and a finish in charming downtown Mora, MN.

The Shell Lake Sprints
February 19, 2011
New Moon is proud to be a new sponsor of The Shell Lake Sprints, in nearby Shell Lake. These fun sprints offer a 100% pay-out of entry fees! Also, every skier receives a New Moon Gift Certificate.

American Birkebeiner
February 26, 2011
The granddaddy of them all! See ya there.

Riverview Loppet
March 5, 2011
A great wind-down race on a superb trail system along the world famous Bois Brule River.

Great Bear Chase
March 12, 2011
An old favorite and the last of the season for many. Way up in 'da U.P.

Birkie Week at New Moon

Special Hours
New Moon will have special hours over Birkie week. Tentatively, we will be open as follows:

Monday, 2/21—Wednesday, 2/23
9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thursday, 2/24
9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Friday, 2/25
9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday, 2/26 (Race Day)
Closed – Gone Skiing!

Sunday, 2/27
9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Monday, 2/28
9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday, 3/1—Wednesday 3/2
Closed For Inventory

Last Call for Stone Grinding

New Moon will be accepting skis through the end of business hours on Saturday 2-19-2011 for our last stone grinding batch before Birkie. Due to time constraints Birkie week, we are unable to take any stone grind skis later than Saturday. Skiers are welcome to ship skis to us before the deadline, then pick them up at the shop during race week. For more info, view the detailed stone grinding info, as well as downloadable grind forms.

Birkie Waxing Service

New Moon will again be offering professional race waxing services. Birkie waxing is offered on a strict, first come, first served basis. While we strive to accommodate as many skiers as possible, our waxing service typically fills up by mid-day Thursday before the race. We encourage skiers to ship their race skis ahead of time to ensure a spot in line. If you ship them, be sure they arrive by Tuesday 2-22, and include complete payment and contact information. A detailed Birkie waxing menu will be posted at newmoonski.com in mid-Febrary, and will include fluoro and non-fluoro glide waxing as well as kick waking options. Final wax choices are made Thursday. All Birkie waxing is done off-site and finished skis will be available for pick-up Friday after 4 p.m.

Birkie Sweater—The Ultimate Birkie Keepsake

New Moon is proud to offer the official 2011 Birike Sweater. The design was originally hand-knit by Allison Barta of Cass Lake, MN. She has partnered with St. Croix Knits of Winona MN to produce a limited number of sweaters which will be available at New Moon race week. We are taking orders now for in-store pick-up starting Tuesday 2-22. Order yours today!

Pre-Birkie Sale

Be sure to check out some amazing Equipment Closeout deals. Some of the exceptional deals include Rossignol Xium Classic C2 Rubber Base (hairy base), and Rossignol Xium Classic C1 Waxable Skis at 50% off retail! Other deals include Madshus Nanosonic SC Skate Skis at 50% off , Toko Waxing and Service Table/Profile at 25% off, Salomon Equipe 10 Skate and Classic Skis at 20% off. In addition, we will be offering our discounted package prices on all in-stock skis, boots and poles that are not in the closeout section. (Bindings are not on sale.)

Thanks everyone for checking in! Keep on skiing, good luck at the Birkie, and see you on the trails!
The crew at New Moon