Now Available
ON-LINE SKIER CONFIRMATION
Click link above to verify your race registration.
Mark your calendars for the 36th American Birkebeiner® from Feb. 19-21, 2009!
The 2009 events include the 50K Birkie Skate, Subaru 54K
Birkie Classic, and 23K Kortelopet Skate and Classic races.
Birkie 2009 also features shorter races, events and festivities for:
- men, women, teens and kids
- families
- the super fit
- the super enthusiastic
- those vowing to get in shape
- those wanting pure and simple recreation
- those wanting to meet like-minded fitness buffs
- those wanting challenge, excitement and fun
- those wanting to support friends, family and skiers from around the world!
From the Barnebirkie to the Birkebeiner...Take the Challenge, Ski the Adventure, Live the Birkie!
Find out more at http://www.birkie.com
or call us at 715.634.5025. We're eager to hear from you! 2009
American Birkebeiner Trail Run, Relay & Trek
Sept. 26, 2009
The 2009 American Birkebeiner Trail Run includes you choice of:
- 26.2 mile Marathon Relay
- Individual 13.1 mile Half Marathon
- 21K Birkie Trail Trek
- 5K Fun Run/Wlak
Learn more visit www.birkie.com
The Birkie®:
36 Years of Inspiring Skiers
to Live Fit, Healthy Lives!
"Tony Wise asked me to design a good trail system at Telemark. I spent
14 days there and laid out trails similar to the Vasalopet trails in
Sweden. Later, Marty Hall added more hills. From the point of view of
competitive skiers, it is a very good course."
~ Sven Wiik, Nordic guru, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
"The Birkie has been a factor in my life since the first time I skied
the trail in 1976. My philosophy is to do whatever we can do to foster
participation in the overall event. I want more people on the snow and
enjoying the weekend."
~ Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director, Cable, WI
"On my 63rd Birthday (Feb. 11th) I made my "Birkie Fever" goal to do
the race in under four hours. I was running behind my goal for most of
the race. While crossing Duffy Road a cheering crowd of younsters gave
me an adrenalin boost to kick my stide into overdrive. My finish time
was 3:59:59. Thanks kids!
What I appreciate most of all is how the Birkie Staff does not quit
after the race. They still have a grooming priority following the race
and it makes for many hours and days of great grooming."
~ Carl Kozak, Hayward, WI
I would like to thank all the organizers and volunteers who provide a fun and motivating experience.
~Ken Hill
Completed 6 Marathons in his 60th Year.
Praise for 2008 Events!
"It was like skiing on Heaven's Floor."
"Better than Christmas. I will be skiing the Birkie every year I'm
alive on Earth. It's that special. Thanks for another spectacular
year."
"To all of the you who make the American Birkebeiner your life. I thank you."
"Every year I marvel at the manner in which details are prepared and
the volunteers so willing to help. Great stuff, always a highlight of
the year for me."
"I just finished my first Birkie and loved it. You guys are amazing. I'm hooked. I'll be back next year."
"I would like to thank all the organizers and volunteers who provide a fun and motivating experience."
"It is just amazing how each year, something is always improved, since every year I think it is just perfect."
"I have grown to consider the Birkebeiner a lifestyle as opposed to a
race, so there's no urge to let it go at the milestone of registering
for my 20th race."
"What I appreciate most of all are the Birkie Staff efforts and how they don't quit after the race. They still have a grooming priority and it really makes for many hours and days of great skiing. Thanks guys."
"I want to compliment the volunteers who staffed the course for their bright moods and helpfulness. I also want to thank the folks who drove the buses and managed the traffic. Even the snowmobilers who add a little spice to the event. It seems that every year those things are just the best. This year you had snow and you used it perfectly."
"One of the most wonderful moments while skiing my first Kortelopet was skiing up the big hill to the amazing rhythm of Anishinabeg drummers and singers. What an outpouring of power and warmth! Please extend my thanks to those musicians if you know who they are."
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Greetings from the Birkie®!
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 Hi Skiers and Friends!
Just 31 days to the "greatest show on snow" and ski conditions are fantastic. There are more than 5,800 of you already registered for the main races, 500 more than at this time last year!
More than 1,000 skiers visited the "OO" Birkie Trail Head this past weekend to participate in the Birkie Classic Trail Tour, the Seeley Classic Ski Race, the local Nordic Kids ski program, and to just get out and ski. We're happy that so many of you were able to come out and enjoy the trails.
We are working with the Central Cross-Country Ski (CXC) organization and planning to video record the 2009 Birkie from a snowmobile. CXC tested their equipment this weekend at the Seeley Classic Race with great success. The resulting video of the 42K race leaders provides a good look at the new, beautiful and challenging Birkie Classic Trail, as well as some great skiing technique. Check it out here. I think you'll enjoy it.
Stay Fit!
Ned Zuelsdorff
Executive Director
ned@birkie.com
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American Birkebeiner Team Competition Expanded to Include Clubs, Businesses and Organizations
Sponsored by Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN
HAYWARD, Wis., January 20, 2009 -There's nothing like the energy of a team to bring out the best in a group of athletes. The team spirit and camaraderie motivates men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Now there's an outlet for all that energy, training and motivation. The Team Competition is intended to be a fun addition to the American Birkebeiner.
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) and Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minnesota, will again present the Team Competition.
Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation explains that the Team Competition has been expanded for 2009.
More information is available here.
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 Birkie Skiers for Cures 2009 Pin
Skiers raising funds for the 2009 Birkie Skiers for Cures program benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will receive a commemorative pin to wear on their race bibs in recognition of their fundraising efforts.
The pin designed by Kay Lum of Kay Lum Design is also available to those making a donation of $25 or more to this year's Birkie Skiers for Cures Program benefiting MS.
Remember skiers raising the most money for the Birkie Skiers for Cures program will reap the benefits. Anyone raising $2500 or more is guaranteed to meet, ski, have lunch and have their photo taken with Norwegian Olympian Bjorn Daehlie. Twenty spots are available for this opportunity.
For more information on the Birkie Skiers for Cures Pin, the National MS Society or the opportunity to meet and ski with Bjorn, click here.
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IMPORTANT! Race Registration Deadlines
Race Registration Change Deadlines - $10 fee is required/changeRace Change Deadline From Birkie to Korte or Korte to Birkiedue by midnight, Monday, February, 9, 2009Wave Change Deadline due by midnight, Monday, February 9, 2009. Qualifying race information must accompany request including Race name, distance, year and finish time. A complete list of qualifying races and criteria is available here. Classic/Skate Designation Change Deadline due by midnight, Monday, February 9, 2009Changes should be emailed to cindy@birkie.com or faxed to 715-634-5663 or call 715-634-5025. Include skier name, date of birth, change request and credit card number with expiration date for $10 fee. Additional information is required for skiers requesting wave changes using qualifying information. Please see above.
Registration Deadlines
Registration by Mail, Fax and On-line due by Friday, February 13, 2009
Race Week Registration Thursday, February 19th and Friday, February 20, until 6:00 p.m.
Birchleggings Skiers
Birchleggings
Skiers (those skiing their 20th or more Birkie) have the distinct honor
of wearing distinctive Birchleggings bibs. Birchleggings bibs are only
guaranteed to those skiers who register by February 1st.
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Ski Games Add Another Aspect of Fun to the Beloved Barnebirkie
By Darlene Prois
Great big Birkie Week opens with an event for the wee small skiers in the family. The Barnebirkie, the nation's largest ski event for children, kicks off race week on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Last year, nearly 1,200 kids participated in this beloved tradition. An additional few thousand spectators - along with 200 volunteers - lined Hayward's Main street to watch the little darlings.
The kids traditionally celebrate their big ski by consuming hundreds of dozens of homemade cookies (supplied by Sons of Norway District 5 volunteers) and countless cups of steaming Swiss Miss hot chocolate.
The 23rd annual event sponsored by Salomon and Swiss Miss, will once again begin at 12:30 p.m. on Lake Hayward, has two new features this year: the Barnie Ski Games and a $5 registration fee.
After receiving their medals and refreshments, children will have the opportunity to play games and test their ski skills on a special course set up in the park between People's Bank and the post office. The Ski Games are the brainchild of Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) Youth Director Everett Myers.
"My hope is that introducing parents and kids to ski games will give....Continue Reading.
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Great Skiing, Fun and Food at Birkie Classic Trail Tour
 On Sunday, January 18th the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation hosted
the second annual Birkie Classic Trail Tour. Over 150 skiers took part in the
fun, untimed leisurely ski.
The skiers returned to the "OO" warming hut where they enjoyed a hot lunch and casual conversation with fellow skiers.
The
Classic Trail was dedicated at 1:00 by Executive Director, Ned
Zuelsdorff. Ned recognized the generosity of the many donors. He also
said a big thank to the many volunteers and trail designers who donated
hundreds of hours over the past three summers to complete the 27K
Birkie Classic Trail.
The Birkie Classic is groomed throughout
the winter for both classic and skate skiing. The newly completed trail will be used for the 2009 54K Birkie Classic. Learn more about the
Birkie Classic Trail by clicking here.
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The Birkie Goes Green
In the Pre-Race edition of the Birch Scroll we announced our efforts to "Go Green." We are very excited to announce that we have achieved our goal of finding compostable materials for our food stations. This year all drink cups, soup bowls and soup spoons will be made from compostable materials.
Our Race Chiefs and volunteers at each food station will need to keep all of the compostable materials separate from any regular garbage. This is especially true at the finish lines and we will need skier and spectator help. Garbage cans will be clearly marked "COMPOSTABLE" and are for these materials only. No regular garbage can be placed in these cans including plastic, styrofoam, aluminum, and food. We will also have recycle bins for plastic and aluminum at Telemark Resort and in the finish areas.
Skiers, you will see boxes at the food stations along the race course for "GU" and energy packets. Please do your best to pitch these items in those boxes.
The success of the compostable program is dependent on avoiding contamination of the compostable materials. Like our staff, Race Chiefs and volunteers we would like to ask you to look at the container before you just "PITCH" your trash. Thanks for your support of our efforts to be more GREEN!
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Birkie Briefs
Awards Distribution, Pick Up and Shipping Procedures
This year all skier awards and recognition items will be available for pick-up:
Saturday, February 21st from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Telemark Resort
Veteran's Community Center in Hayward
Sunday, February 22nd from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Veteran's Community Center in Hayward
This year awards will only be mailed out by skier request. For a fee of $8 awards will be mailed to skiers within the Continental U.S. Payment by credit card or check made payable to the ABSF should accompany the request which can be made to birkie@birkie.com or by phone at 715-634-5025.
Merchandise awards will not be mailed unless requested by skier and an additional fee is due. Please contact the Birkie Office for a shipping quote and to provide payment information.
Waves & Seeding Criteria
2009 Birkebeiner and Kortelopet criteria for waves and seeding, bib color/piping and wave start times can be found by clicking here.
NEW Birkie Busing Information
NEW Skier Drop off point. Skiers must dropped off in a parking area just north of the current Como Field Parking lot. There is NO skier drop off in the Como Lot.
Also, new this year is a Free school buses will be available to carry skiers from near downtown Hayward to Telemark Lodge. Coach buses are also available from Hayward to take skiers to the start. This is a fundraising program and a fee is required.
Coach busing is available from the Twin Cities. The coaches leave the Twin Cities at 3:30 a.m and leave Hayward for the return trip at 6:00 p.m.
For complete details and additional busing information, click here.
Schedule of Events
Looking for information about times and locations for the Welcoming Ceremonies, Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, Johnson Bank Prince Haakon? Interested in the Elite Sprints, Birkie Sit-Ski Demo or Skijoring Demo? Check out the complete Schedule of Events.
Volunteers Needed
Whether you are a skier, spectator or local resident we have a job for you. Become a Birkie volunteer! Everyone is welcome, no experience is necessary. Inside and outside positions are available. Join the 2,000+ volunteers who help make the Birkie "The Greatest Show on Snow." Please call 715-634-5025 or email us at birkie@birkie.com for more information.
Trail Report
Bookmark the Trail Report link for the latest information on skiing conditions.
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Birkie Buddies
 By Edward Eroe
There are so many things that come to mind when writing about the American Birkebeiner Ski Race. Training, determination, will power, equipment, wax, weather, and for us the most important is friendship.
This story is about the three of us - three guys that typically only see each other during Birkie week. First off, my name is Ed Eroe and I presently live in Overland Park, Kansas, which of course is not exactly the mecca of Nordic ski racing. I am originally from Michigan and over my now 21 Birkie ski races I have also lived in Northern Virginia, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Durham, North Carolina.
I met Tim Burke close to 27 years ago when we both worked at a U.S. Public Health Service clinic in Northern Michigan. Tim currently lives in Superior, Wisconsin. The third wheel is Mike Tarnow. He and I joke .......continue reading click here.
Birkie Fever Stories Needed
We know you have a story to tell. Whether you are a skier, spectator or volunteer we want to hear from you. Birkie Fever is a phenomonen that touches many people in many different ways. Share your Birkie Fever with others. Send 300 word essays or short quotes and photos to media@birkie.com. Afraid you can't write? Don't let that stop you. We can take your words and weave them into a great Birkie Fever story. |
Tapering for a Race
Article courtesy of cxcacademy.com
It's important to be fresh for a race. But depending on where you are in the season, it's also important to continue to train for other races. The importance of the race determines how little or how much the Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC Skiing) athletes do in the days prior to the race.
Brian Gregg, CXC Elite Team member and 2008 American Birkebeiner fifth place finisher, provides a typical day-to-day breakdown for the week leading up to a race.
Monday
Always a rest day in preparation for the Saturday race.
Tuesday
It's important to get out and do some speed work. It is a good way to get your body...
Continue reading click here.
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Mark Your Calendars for the 36th American Birkebeiner®: Feb. 19-21, 2009
From
the Barnebirkie to the Birkebeiner, this citizen's ski race features
something for everyone. Watch for 36th anniversary details in upcoming
issues of Carpe Skiem and online at www.birkie.com.About the Birkie® From
February 19-21, 2009, more than 7,000 fit, colorfully-clad skiers from
all walks of life and from around the world will descend upon the
Wisconsin northwoods to participate in the 36th anniversary American
Birkebeiner, a cross-country ski race that weaves more than 50
kilometers (30 miles) along a hilly, heavily wooded trail from the
Telemark Resort near Cable to the finish line on Main Street in
downtown Hayward.
For
some, it's serious business. The Birkebeiner is part of the
Worldloppet, a circuit of 15 Nordic ski races held on four continents.
The race attracts a top cadre of professional racers from 19 countries,
including past and present Olympians and those competing in the
International Ski Federation standings.
For
many hundreds of others, though, it's an annual celebration of personal
endurance and outdoor enthusiasm. Since its inception in 1973, 'The
Birkie' has grown into the largest cross country ski marathon in the
nation. While pros may complete the course in about two hours, legions
of weekend warriors soldier on in triple that time. Citizen skiers can
compete in the full race or sign up for 23 kilometer Kortelopet or one
of our many other events.
You
don't even have to click into skis to join in on the party. An
estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators line many portions of the route,
and it seems all of Hayward is there cheering at the finish line.
Equipment demos, citizen sprints, family fun races/tours and other
events round out the weekend. Live the Birkie®
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Upcoming Events
American Birkebeiner Hosts Business After 5
Thursday, January 22nd
Birkie Office, Hayward
2009 American Birkebeiner Events
Thursday, February 19 - Saturday, February 21, 2009
2009 American Birkebeiner Trail Run, Relay and Trek
Saturday, September 26, 2009
For more information visit www.birkie.com
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