Another Great Birkie On The Books!

2012 Birkie was a huge success! With warm temps and well below average snowfall this season, many thought that any Birkie, let alone a full length event, was unlikely. Thanks to hard working volunteers, Birkie Staffers , and a little help from Mother Nature, the 2012 Birkie was considered one of the best ever by many Birkie veterans. Smiles ruled the day.

Compared to the brutally cold conditions in 2011, temps in the teens and twenties were a welcome relief for racers and spectators alike, not to mention the faithful volunteers who are often out on the trail from before dawn 'til after dusk.

Waxing was easy this year, with enough fresh snow to allow for simple kick waxing without complex layering or bizarre binders. Glide was on the slow side for most due to a light dusting of snow overnight. In fact, the lead group of Birkie Classic skiers, led by Norwegian legend Vegard Ulvang, double poled the entire length of Lake Hayward in the skate lane because of the slower, fresh snow in the classic tracks. Virtually any temperature-appropriate glide wax seemed to do fine. For kick, Toko Blue, Rode Multigrade Violet and Blue, Swix VR40 and Blue Extra (V40) were all reported to be good. We used Toko Green Base and Swix Blue Extra for our Birkie Wax Service with great feedback. Sometimes, the old favorites like Swix Blue Extra are just as good as fancier, newer formulations. There is a saying that goes: "If Blue Extra doesn't kick, it's either too warm or too cold to ski." The moral being - don't over-think your wax, keep it simple!

Spectators were treated to the first all-American men's podium in many years. Tad Elliott won the overall title, becoming only the second American to win in 22 years. The podium was rounded out by former Birkie champ, Matt Leibsch in second and Brian Gregg taking third. Amazingly, Leibsch made an incredible recovery after breaking a pole at 39K. Our good friend, and former New Moon staffer, Santi Ocariz was with Leibsch at that time, and gave his former teammate one of his poles shortly after the mishap. Leibsch immediately got back on the chase for the lead group, powering right past them, eventually taking second. Santi finished just a short way back in 11th place. Santi is truly a class act.

Not to be out done, Santi's wife and former New Mooner, Carloyn Ocariz, skied an inspired race in the Birkie Women's Classic, dropping her competition during the race , striding to a solo finish for the Women's Classic title. Carolyn skied in memory of her former UW- Green Bay ski coach, Butch Reimer, wearing an orange arm band commemorating his passing in 2010 after a battle with leukemia.

New Mooners Joel and Kristy Harrison shepherded a group of Hayward Middle School girls, fully equipped with clip-on fairy wings, to their first Korte finish. Kristy reports gossiping while skiing to be a particularly popular activity with the girls during the race. There were smiles, crashes, giggles, and a few tears were even shed, but they all finished. Good job guys!

Countless other inspirational stories abound from this year's Birkie, and that is part of what draws us all back for more. All in all, the Birkie was an amazing gift after a challenging winter. Thanks to everyone for helping making it a great success! Be sure to sign up early for 2013 - it will fill to capacity sooner than you think!


Skiing With Purpose...

Speaking of inspiration, we wish good luck, safe travels, and sharp pole tips to Santi and Carolyn Ocariz. These good friends and former staffers embarked on their trans-continental rollerski adventure, "Ski Across America" on the morning of Wednesday, March 7th from Charleston, SC. Over the next few months, they will rollerski their way to San Fransisco, CA, with the goal of increasing awareness of hunger around the world. Along the way, they will be raising funds for the charity, Food For The Poor. Interestingly, for many people among their route, this will likely be the first and only time they will ever see rollerskiers. It would be hard to find two people to better represent Nordic skiing and such a noble cause. Please consider supporting Santi and Carolyn by purchasing the Ski Across America T-Shirt at newmoonski.com. You can also make a donation and learn more about their journey at www.skiacrossamerica.com.

And finally, on the topic of fund raising, congrats to New Moon staff member Amy. She sold over 150 pins for the MS Society's "Ski For The Cure" fund raiser. This translates to over $3000 which directly benefit the MS Society and it's effort to find a cure for MS. Norwegian skiing legend Vegard Ulvang skied the 2012 Birkie in support of this cause and personally thanked Amy for her efforts. Good job Amy!

Toko LF Moly 60g - Our most popular race prep glide wax. LF Moly makes a great foundation for virtually any fluoro race wax and is almost always the recommended starting point for any Toko Wax Tip. 3 for $52, was $72.

Toko LF Blue 60g - Toko's coldest and most abrasion-and dirt-resistant low fluoro glider. Solid performer up into the 20s. A great budget race wax or high performance training wax. 3 for $52, was $72.

Toko System 3 Blue 60g - The non-fluoro companion to the LF Blue above. Fantastic cold snow wax. 3 for $20, was $30.

Toko System 3 Blue 167g - Race service bulk size non-fluoro companion to the LF Blue above. Fantastic cold snow wax. 3 for $46, was $69.

Toko System 3 Red 120g - A must have non-fluoro glider. Reliable performer in the 20s and 30s. 3 for $38, was $57.

Other super wax deals from the best names in Nordic...

Toko HF Red 60g - One of our most popular high-fluoro gliders. An ideal base wax for pure fluoros and awesome as a stand-alone race wax. Performs well from the upper teen to the mid 30s. 30% off - $65, was $95.

Toko HelX Cold - A popular alternative to iron-in pure fluoros. This spray-on wax is ideal in the upper teens and 20s. One can will treat up to 11 pr of skate skis - not a bad deal at all! Includes required buffing pad. 50% off - $59, was $120.

Toko Carbon Klisters - We still have most flavors of the Toko Carbon Klister line in stock at 50% off!

Swix Cera F FC8WS - Predecessor to the updated FC8XWS, but just as good! This is the solid version, formed into a 20g “puck". Outstanding pure fluoro wax for the 20s and 30s. 30% off - $75, was $109.

Swix HF4BD 40g - The predecessor to the newer HF4BW high-fluoro glider. 4BD is the coldest of the group and is still used today by some top wax techs. Ideal in the single digits and teens. 50% off - $39, was $78.

Swix HF8BD 40g - The predecessor to the newer HF8BW high-fluoro glider. 8BD is ideal in the upper 20s and 30s. Perfect base wax for Cera F or other pure fluoros. 50% off - $39, was $78.

Swix LF4 180g - Bulk race service size of this popular race and training wax for cold conditions. Super abrasion-resistance and durability. For below zero to the low teens. 30% off - $49, was $72.

Start Green SG8 180g - The wax that set the standard for cold conditions years ago and is still just as popular today. Bulk race service size is perfect for teams, clubs, or any frequent Start Green user. 25% off - $22, was $29.

Start Red SG4 75g - A screaming deal on the older 75g packaging of this warm snow glider. Great in moist, clean snow in the upper 20s and low 30s. 60% off, $3.50, was $9.

X-Ium Ski & Boot Closeouts From Rossignol

Good selection remains on World Cup skis and boots at amazing prices!

Rossignol 2011/12 X-Ium C2 Waxable Classic Skis - $100 off - $499, was $600.

Rossignol 2011/12 X-Ium C2 "Zero" (hairy) Classic Skis - $100 off - $499, was $600.

Rossignol 2011/12 X-Ium WC Classic Boots - 40% off - $169, was $269.

Rossignol 2011/12 X-Ium WC Skate Boots - 40% off - $225, was $379.

Apparel Closeouts Too!

Way too many to list, but here are a few...

Help us shed our base layers!

30% off of Craft Zero, Zero Extreme, and Windstopper Baselayers! Zero baselayers are widely regarded as the gold standard for Nordic skiing. Names and packaging are changing for 2013, so take advantage of this rare 30% off deal now!

Men's Craft EXC Jacket - Superbly functional light training jacket. Ergonomic design and construction provide all-day comfort on the trail. $55 off - $145, was $200.

Men's Craft PXC Light Jacket - Light wind-blocking jacket constructed with the precision and ergonomics you expect from Craft. $35 off - $85, was $120.

Browse other great deals on Men's Nordic apparel here.

Women's Swix Oslo Pant - Casual fit with elite level performance. Ideal for those wishing for more room for layering or a looser fit. 30% off - $70, was $100.

Women's Bjorn Daehlie Half-Zip Function Top - Super-comfy mid-weight ski jersey from a company who knows a thing or two about Nordic skiing. $20 off - $60, was $80.

Browse other great deals on Women's Nordic apparel here.

Rollerskis - Skiers Are Made In The Summer!

Get rolling on your dryland training plan now with our extensive selection of the word's best rollerskis from V2, Swenor, and Catski.

We also have a huge stock of popular rollerski accessories and replacement parts - tubes, tires, brakes, and more - we've got 'em. Want to get started? Give us a call, we'll help get you set set up perfectly for your needs.

Our 2 most popular models:
V2 XL98R with Carbon Composite Frame - ultralight and easy handling, with adjustable rolling speed and superb snow-like feel. Accepts brakes and speed reducers. Very popular with intermediate and elite skiers with access to good road surfaces.

V2 XL150 Aero - The ultimate multi-surface rollerski. Features 6" pneumatic wheels and accepts brakes and speed reducers. Acorns and cracks in the road are no longer your enemy! Extremely popular for limestone bikes paths and bad pavement, and even on firmly packed gravel, but still skis like a dream on good pavement.

Visit New Moon's Facebook page often
for other updates and fun tidbits.