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!
We continue making final preparations for the 36th American Birkebeiner event now less than three weeks away. The trail is in great shape and hopefully Mother Nature smiles upon us. The greatest x-country ski event in North American will be waiting for you.
Stay Fit!
Ned Zuelsdorff
Executive Director
ned@birkie.com
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Participants From Around the World Get Ready to Ski the Birkie
by Cherie Morgan
They come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. Some have done it dozens of times while others are embarking on their first long-distance ski journey. The elite ski to win, while many race their friends or only compete against themselves. Others simply want to mark it off their "to do" list. They're cross country skiers and they're gearing up for the 36th annual American Birkebeiner ski races from February 19-21, 2009 in Cable and Hayward, Wis.
Nearly 10,000 skiers will join the colorful pageantry. While over 7,000 skiers set their sights on the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet, another 2,500 arrive for the shorter races and events that dominate the three-day event.
And they're doing all kinds of things to get in shape for it. Continue reading, click here.
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Greetings from Bjørn Daehlie
Dear Fellow Skiers,
Hei. You may know that I will be coming for the first time to race in the American Birkebeiner Classic Race and am really excited about skiing this great event and meeting many of you over the four days I will be there. The main reason I am coming to Wisconsin however is to help the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society raise money for MS research. My mother has had MS for many years and its effects on her life and mobility have been severe. We have many Norwegians with MS and you in Wisconsin, Minnesota and the other Midwest states have many more people who suffer from this terrible, incurable disease.
I am asking for your help to donate money to find a cure. I will be hosting an easy ski hour on the Birkie trail on Thursday morning at 11-12, then we will go to lunch. We will have fun at an easy pace and I will give you some "Olympic tips." A photographer will take pictures if you would like. In order for me to meet you personally we have to limit this event to twenty-five people who have raised the most money or had their name drawn out of the hat and you can find out the details at www.birkie.com. Navigate your way to the MS website to find out how to donate. You might even consider raising money to support an MS patient, family member or other to ski with me in your name.
I will also be at Fischer booth at Telemark on Friday, 12-1, signing a special poster. My Fischer race skis can be won in a raffle and you can buy tickets there.
I look forward to meeting many of you in February in Hayward. I understand that this is a difficult time to raise funds, yet for people with MS, their disease and its progression pay no attention to financial crises and they need your help. Please consider donating generously.
With my best wishes and good luck in the Birkie,
Haj det!Bjorn
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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 at Telemark Resort, Thursday, February 19th and Friday, February 20, until 6:00 p.m.
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2009 Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie This Weekend
Pre-Birkie Schedule of Events
Friday, February 6th
4:30-9:00 p.m. Carbo Load Spaghetti Feed at the Moose Lodge on Beal Avenue in Hayward
4:30-9:30 p.m. Registration & Bib Pick Up at the Spaghetti Feed
Saturday, February 7th
7:00-9:30 a.m. Late Registration & Bib Pick-up at Moose Lodge, you can also enjoy breakfast from 7:00-9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. RACE START on Lake Hayward
3:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony at Moose Lodge
New this year the Pre-Birkie is offering a 42K event that will be a qualifying race for the Birkie. As in past years the 26K event is a qualifier for the Kortelopet. Please review the information above for submitting qualifying race times.
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How To Make the Most of Your Race Photos
Presented by ASI, Official Race Photographer
Please take a numberWear your number high on your chest on your outermost layer of clothing. We like attentionSmile, yell or wave at our photographers. CelebrateAs you finish, raise your hands in the air. Do a shot after you raceVisit our candid photo locations after you finish and have your finisher photo taken.www.asiphoto.com
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Exclusive Opportunity to Meet Bjørn Daehlie on Birkie Day
Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) invites a select number of ski enthusiasts to join CXC for the second annual CXC dinner post Birkie at the historic Telemark Lodge. We are very excited to announce that Bjørn Daehlie will join us for our fund-raising event this year. It will be a unique opportunity in an intimate setting to hear him speak.
Dæhlie is widely considered the greatest cross-country skier of all time. He has won eight Olympic Gold Medals and nine World Championship titles. His eight Olympic titles are a record for an athlete at the Winter Olympics, as is his total of 12 Olympic medals.
This event is your opportunity to socialize with a legendary skier and support our sport at the same time. The proceeds from the event will strengthen the development of youth skiing and ski education in the CXC territory, the Upper Midwest. Your contribution will also help the fight against MS, which is a cause of high importance to Bjørn Daehlie.
The event will include dinner and beverage in the Parlour room at the Telemark Lodge at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 21 (race day), immediately before the award ceremony, which starts at 6 p.m. The price for this event is $250 per person or $400 per person and a guest. Tickets are limited on a first-come basis, so contact Scott Wilson at Wilson@Cresthillresort.com today to reserve your ticket.
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Event Highlights
Barnie Ski Games Sponsored by Woodland Development and Realty
The 2009 Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie will be held on Thursday, February 19th. The event starts on Lake Hayward at 12:30 p.m. More information can be found here. Immediately following the Barnie children will have the opportunity to participate in the first ever Barnie Ski Games sponsored by Woodland Development and Realty. The Games will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 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.
Skijoring Demo
On Friday, February 20th a Skijoring Demo will be held on Hayward's Main Street from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The event will include five teams with an introduction of each participant and their canine. The demonstrators will also discuss their equipment, training, breeds of the dogs and local races.
Johnson Bank Prince Haakon
This year's Prince Haakon race will be an 8K event starting at Hatchery Park and finishing on Hayward's Main Street. All skiers must take a bus to the start at Hatchery Park between 12:15-12:45 p.m. Buses leave from in front of the Sawyer County Courthouse on Hayward's Main street and are for skiers only. Skiers will start in pairs at approximately 12:30 p.m. Registration for this event is limited to 250 participants, click here for more information or a race application form.
CXC On-Snow Classic and Skate Skiing Clinics
Two on-snow clinics will be held on Friday, February 20th at Telemark. A skate clinic and a separate classic clinic will be held from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. The clinics are being presented by Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) and are limited to 30 participants. Get more information and sign up early at the CXC booth at the Skier Expo in the Telemark Auditorium.
Dine Out to Benefit the Hayward Community Food Shelf
The Steakhouse and Lodge located on Hwy 27 South, will donate a portion of the proceeds from their dining room receipts on Thursday, February 19th to the Hayward Community Food Shelf. In order for the food shelf to receive a donation, customers must mention that they are part of the HCFS benefit.
A complete Schedule of Events and additional event information can be found here.
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Birkie Briefs
Skier Certificates of Completion
Birkie and Kortelopet skiers will be able to download their personal Certificate of Completion for these races at www.birkie.com. The certificates will identify you and the event you completed and provide a OO split time (for Birkie skiers only), ski pace and your division place. The certificates are in color and suitable for framing. Certificates will be mailed to first time Birkie and Kortelopet finishers mid-March.
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.
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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Jack Woehler Wins Entry Into Birkie 2009
By Leslie Hamp
 During Birkie 2008 opening ceremonies Jack Woehler, Shawano, Wisc., strided up Mount Telemark wearing red wool socks, tan knickers, a blue Norwegian sweater, black Stormy Kromer and his first Birkie bib, #930, from 1978.
His attire got the thumbs up from judges who declared Jack the winner of the contest for "best traditional outfit." His prize? A free entry for Birkie 2009, which just so happens to be his 30th race.
Reflecting back over his Birkie history, Jack says his first Birkie was the hardest race because .......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.
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Ready or Not Here it Comes!
 It's now past the first of February and there are just over two weeks to the 36th American Birkebeiner. For some it's time to get nervous. For most it is time to plan. For all it is a time of excitement, anticipation, and true fun! Travel, lodging, bib pickup, and start line transportation are just a few of the details that you should plan and review.
Going to the Birkie is not like going to any other ski race and all aspects of coming to the area take extra planning. Everything takes longer and everything is larger! If you have never been to the Birkie, be ready to be WOWED. This event is truly the GREATEST ski event in North America, and one of the top five in the world. Some of the must dos and sees are viewing ....Continue reading, click here.
Bill Pierce is the head coach for the Central Cross Country Ski Association
(CXC Skiing) Junior Development Program and for the Hayward High
School's Nordic Team. Bill also serves as the American Birkebeiner's
Chief of Course. An accomplished athlete, Bill has completed 12 Birkies
and one Kortelopet. Look for more of Bill's training articles in
upcoming Carpe Skiems and on this web site.
~Photos courtesy of CXC Skiing. |
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
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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