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Online Registration Now Available for All Events!
Visit Events, select your event and choose the online registration option.
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Birkie on Facebook®The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is now on Facebook®. Check us out for race information, discussion boards, photos and more.
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Birkie Now on LinkedIn
Completing
a Birkie race is not an easy! Bob Walasiak has created a group in
LinkedIn to recognize your achievement and as a way to reach out to
fellow skiers who share the same sport. The site was created to meet
and network
with people all over the world who share the sport of cross country
skiing. Subgroups have been created including Birchlegging Skiers. We are also hoping to create Worldloppet, Kortelopet and other subgroups. Please contact media@birkie.com with additional ideas.
Check out the Birkie Skiers group on LinkedIn, click here. |
Mark your calendars for the 37th American Birkebeiner® from
Feb. 25-27, 2010!
The 2010 events include the 50K Birkie Skate sponsored by Becker Law Office, Subaru 54K
Birkie Classic, and 23K Kortelopet Skate and Classic races.
Birkie 2010 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...Ski.Run.Live!
Find out more at http://www.birkie.com
or call us at 715.634.5025. We're eager to hear from you! 2010
American Birkebeiner Trail Run, Relay & Trek
Sept. 25, 2010
The 2010 American Birkebeiner Trail Run includes you choice of:
- NEW! 26.2 mile Individual Marathon
- 26.2 mile Marathon Relay
- 13.1 mile Individual Half Marathon
- 13.1 mile Birkie Trail Trek
- 5K Fun Run/Wlak
Learn more visit www.birkie.com or register today for the Trail Run, Relay or Trek.
2010
BirkieTour
Come out, ski and enjoy the Birkie and Birkie Classic Trails and become a Birkie Tour Founder!
The tour is an untimed, non-competitive, "open-track" event open to skiers age 13 and older.
Tour OptionsBirkie Tour Distances
43K Birkie Tour 48K Birkie Tour 51K Birkie Tour Korte Tour Distances22K Korte Tour 27K Korte Tour Learn more visit www.birkie.comThe Birkie®:
37 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
Praise for 2009 Events!I had a great time skiing my first classic birkie in many years. I want to congratulate Ned and everyone else who have worked so hard to bring the Birkie and the classic trail to near perfection.~Mick The classic trail was a blast!!
I had so much fun! Nice work with the buses this year. The addition of the skier drop-off area was an excellent change. This was the easiest year (out of 12 completed) that I have ever had to get dropped off and bused to the start. Thanks for this change, I hope you can keep this change in place for future years.~Eric The Volunteers are the best. Many thanks to them.
Beautifully groomed trails Many eager, enthusiastic volunteers Fewer grumpy contestants More space and less congestion on the skate trails Outstanding finishes. Is the winner of the classic going to have some bragging rights to his kids and grandchildren?! To me the day is close to a religious experience, you are excited but respectful, almost reverent to the course and the challenges of the day. The people you are skiing with are all comrades on a mission to soak up the day and dig within to see what we all have down deep. I pray I will be able and worthy to ski again next year.~Hugh Thanks for a wonderful event! It's truly a pleasure being a participant.~Roger The extension of the classic trail is great! I had a great time, I'm an avid runner cyclist and I was very impressed by the amount of support that was available to the athletes at the Birkie. Thank you! Superb Event! I traveled from Colorado to ski the event and from my perspective, I saw a "well-oiled" and well-supported event. I was moved emotionally by the community participation and the atmosphere of the day. I have Birkie Fever already and its only March!
Excellent Birkie. Your volunteers make it smooth to those of us who come in for the event. They are much appreciated and help to promote the enthusiasm of the weekend. Thanks for another great race! The new classic trail is great. Wish it was even longer. Great Race and great job by all!!! |
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Greetings from the Birkie!
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Hi Skiers and Friends!Ski conditions on the Birkie Trail system are fantastic!
Many skiers were here over the holidays and enjoyed the trails from the North
End to Rosie's Field. Ski events begin this weekend with 24T and then the Seeley
Classic followed by the new BirkieTour and the Super Tour at Telemark. It will
be a busy January for events, but there's always plenty of room on the Birkie
Trails for everyone.
More than 240 skiers are already registered for the new
BirkieTour just over two weeks away. It's your chance to spend a great day with
family and friends on this famous trail.
More than 6,300 skiers are signed up for the Birkie and
Kortelopet races just 53 days from now. Preparations for the event are really
ramping up and we will be ready!
We'll be sending you another Carpe Skiem in January and two in February to keep you updated on
the Birkie events. You can always check our website for information and updates
as well
Stay Fit and see you on the Trails!
Ned Zuelsdorff
Executive Director
ned@birkie.com
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 First Annual BirkieTour to take Place January 23
Skiers looking for a fun day on the
trails should plan to join the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation by
participating in its newest event, the BirkieTour. The first annual BirkieTour
will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Skiers age 13 and older may
choose from event distances ranging from 22 to 51 kilometers.
"The
tour is a non-competitive, untimed, fun event using both the new Birkie Classic
Trail and the Birkie Trail," said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF). "We invite everyone to come out
with their friends and family and enjoy a supported day on the trail."
The
BirkieTour events begin at Telemark Resort. Skiers who plan to
ski the KorteTour with event distances of 22 or 27 kilometers can start anytime
between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Those who plan to ski the BirkieTour, event
distances 43, 48 or 51 kilometers can begin anytime between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.
The BirkieTour will have
...continue reading.
Register online, print a registration or find more information here.
The next registration deadline for the BirkieTour is January 15th! __________________________________________________________________________
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Birkie/Korte Wave Closures Announced
There are 6300 skiers registered
for the Birkie, Kortelopet and Prince
Haakon events, approximately 1400 registrations ahead of last year at this time. The following waves have reached their capacity and are now closed to new registrations and any changes: - Skate Wave 2
- Skate Wave 3
- Classic Wave 7
Wave capacity is assigned to ensure a quality event and an even skier distribution on the trail. We anticipate additional wave closures. Skate Waves 1 and 4 each have about 100 open positions. Classic Waves 2, 3 and 4 also have about 100 open positions and Classic Wave 8 is very close to filling.
The registration cap for the 2010 Birkie/Korte is 7500 skiers and a maximum of 250 skiers are allowed in the Prince Haakon.
Register online or visit the Events section and click on your event.
All American Birkebeiner events now offer online registration. ________________________________________________________________
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Sit-Ski Event Returns
Prior to seeing the first Birkie finishers
on Main Street, spectators will again have the opportunity to watch physically
challenged athletes use the latest adaptive ski equipment as they ski to the
Birkie Finish Line at 9:00 AM on race day.
Later in the day several Sit-Skiers
will ski alongside Birkie skiers as they cover the final three kilometers of
the course to their finish on Main Street. These athletes will begin on the far
end of Lake Hayward at Noon.
In addition, you will have the opportunity
to try using a Sit-Ski at the ski demo on Thursday and Friday at Telemark Lodge.
Sit-Skis are being constructed at the University of
Wisconsin in Madison thanks to a generous donation from Becker Law Office,
S.C., and a strong group of volunteers. This equipment is then donated to ski
centers, willing to assist and foster use of this adaptive equipment by
disabled athletes.
You can help this effort. We are looking for used equipment to
be used to construct Sit-Skis. The following equipment is needed: -
Race cut skate or classic skis. They need to be a race cut,
not a wide touring. If classic, they can not be fish scale or other
waxless. Skis should be around 185 +/- .Bases should be in good shape.
-
Poles need to be pairs with any type of adjustable straps and
at least 120cm long. Broken poles at the basket end don't work, as the taper
won't allow for baskets to be reapplied, poles broken at the top will work, but
rarely do poles break at the top. Baskets need to be of the smaller modern
racing variety, as opposed to the large round floppy variety.
-
Bindings need to be any type of Salomon Profil; manual,
automatic, classic, and skate will work. We don't need to sole plate, or the
rubber flexor for that matter, just the toe piece with the 3 screw plate.
You can drop off your used equipment to be donated at the
Birkie office on Main Street in Hayward from now until February 19, Monday
through Friday from 8 AM until 4 PM. Or the equipment can be dropped off at the
CXC booth at the Skier Expo at Telemark, Thursday or Friday of race week,
February 25 and 26, 2010. _________________________________________________________________
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 Skiers for Cures Pins Now Available!
The 2010 Skiers for Cures pins shown here are now availalbe. The cost of the pin is $20 with proceeds going to the National MS
Society. This great pin designed by Birkie Skier, Kay Lum can be purchased
online wisms.org, in person at the
Birkie Office or at the National MS Society Booth at the Birkie Skier Expo.
In
addition to purchasing a fun pin to support a great cause you will also be
entered into a raffle drawing with wonderful prizes including free entries for
the 2011 Birkie or Kortelopet. More prizes will be announced soon!
Raise Funds and Be Eligible for Prizes
Interested in raising money for the Skiers for Cures
program? Get started now - click here.
For each $250 raised, the fundraiser will have their name
entered in a raffle drawing for great getaways at area resorts and other items
including special prizes donated by skiing legend Bjorn Daehlie. More on that
soon!
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Team Competition Returns to 2010 Birkie
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 ABSF and Lake Superior College in
Duluth, Minnesota will again present the Team Competition. For 2010 the
Team Competition has been expanded to include an Open category for
organization, e.g. businesses and club teams of men and women,
regardless of age. Team Divisions Include: Get your friends together and visit the Team Competition page to get started. ______________________________________________________________________________
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2010 Camp Birkie for Kids
Looking for a great child care option for your children while you ski the 2010 Birkie, Kortelopet or Prince Haakon? Look no further. In its fourth year, Camp Birkie for Kids, an Environmental Education Camp provides children from Kindergarten to 6th grade an opportunity to experience nature and the beauty of the Northwoods while their parents race.
The Camp is organized and supported by the Conserve School of Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. The camp program focuses on the environment, sustainable practices through craft projects with recycled materials, games and a lot of other hands on fun activities. Children will also take a field trip to the Cable Natural History Museum and participate in outdoor snow activities. The cost is $30/child and includes the programs, crafts, snacks and lunch.
Register early because he Camp is limited to 100 children and registration closes on Monday, February 15th. More information and registration.
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2010 Race Guide Available Race Week
 Thanks to support from the Cable Chamber of Commerce and the State Bank of Drummond we will offer skiers and spectators the 2010 Race Guide. Similar to last year's Spectator Guide the 2010 Race Guide will feature a schedule of events, busing information, wave start times and road closure information. There will also be maps of the trail, parking areas, Telemark Resort and the Birkie Finish area.
In an effort to reduce paper and eliminate duplicate materials the Race Guide replaces both the Spectator Guide and the Race Information Bulletin. Skiers will receive their guide at receipt pick-up and spectators can pick up copies at the Information Booth at Telemark, the Birkie Office, both the Cable and Hayward Chambers of Commerce and area hotels and resorts.
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| Birkie Trail Passes
Birkie Trail Passes for the 2009/2010 Ski Season are available at the following locations: American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Cty. Hwy. OO Trailhead Mosquito Brook Trailhead Hatchery Park Trailhead North End Trailhead New Moon Ski & Bike, Hayward, WI Outdoor Ventures, Hayward, WI Riverbrook Bike & Ski, Seeley, WI
At the Trail Heads look for the large yellow deposit tubes and wooden
stands for the envelopes. If you purchase an Annual pass at the
Trailheads they will be sent to you. You can also purchase Trail Passes online.
The passes give you access to the American Birkebeiner Trail, the Birkie Classic Trail and the North End Trails.
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Ski Club Feature: Duluth XC Ski Club
In the summer of 2004 the Duluth XC Ski Club (DXC) was six skiers
brainstorming in a living room. Today it has grown to 350 members from
approximately 165-170 households. The Club was created to bring skiers
together, protect their ski trails and to serve as a point of contact
for resources and information about cross country skiing. The DXC has
grown to include programs offering skill improvement and development to
cross country skiers of all ages and abilities and has become a common
voice when advocating for our ski trails and our sport. The clubs
membership is diverse including former Olympians and elite level skiers
to members who have never been on skis.
Activities of the DXC include:
Wednesday Night Ski Race Series KidSki providing coaching for children ages 4-12 Hosts of the LSC Nordic Spirit Ski Race & Tour held Jan. 31, 2010 at Spirit Mountain Tour DuLuth held on area trails on March 13, 2010 followed by the Clubs Annual Meeting and a potluck dinner
During the summer the DXC coordinates a summer junior training
program and in the fall they coordinate an adult training group and
night bounding/skiwalking series. The DXC also coordinates fall trail
workdays to prepare the ski trails for the winter. Every year the club
kicks off the season by hosting the Banff Mt Film Festival.
For more information on the Duluth XC Ski Club email info@duluthxc.com or visit their website duluthxc.com.
To find a club in your area you can check out our Club listing here. For information on how to have your club listed on our website email media@birkie.com.
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 Sponsor Feature: Toko
Toko is a long term Sponsor of the Birkie. Check out their
website at www.TokoUS.com for wax
tips, wax clinic schedule, tech manuals, and product information. You can also
sign up for their eBlasts.
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Birkie Finish Inspires Participation
By John Johnson
 Its hard to believe that
I am writing this. Three months before I attended my first Birkie (2008
as a spectator) most people would have laughed if I had said I was going to ski
the Birkie. I was out of shape and trying to quit smoking, plus I had
never even seen a pair of cross country skis before.
Prior to Thanksgiving
2007, I was told I needed to quit smoking so I could heal from minor
surgery. It was my final motivation and I quit on the spot. Along came
February 2008 and a friend asked us to join her at her family cabin for Birkie
weekend. After watching the first skiers come across the line........continue reading.Share Your Birkie Fever Story
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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Get Ready Using the Birkie Training Plan
This is a fourth article to help you organize
your training plan in preparation for this year's Birkie. To view the
previous articles please see October, November and December
Training Articles. This training plan provides you with guidelines of
what should be done leading up to the race so you have a great event
from start to finish. Continue reading.About Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC Skiing): Central Cross Country Association ("CXC") is recognized by the United States Ski and Snowboard Association ("USSA") as the Regional Organization governing cross country skiing in the 10 state Central Region of the United States. CXC provides an organization which enables athletes, coaches and officials to achieve excellence in cross country skiing through: EDUCATION, COOPERATION, COMMUNICATION, and COMPETITION. CXC oversees youth programs; supports the Junior Olympic Qualifying system, Central Collegiate Ski Association, and Senior/Master skiing; provides athletes', coaches' and officials' education; coordinates competitions; manages a full spectrum adaptive program for all individuals with physical disabilities; trains Olympic caliber athletes; and is the Midwest pipeline to the U.S. Ski Team and the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team. CXC is a 501c3 non profit corporation and gratefully accepts tax deductible donations for program enhancement.
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Mark Your Calendars for the 37th American Birkebeiner®: Feb. 25-27, 2010
From
the Barnebirkie to the Birkebeiner, this citizen's ski race features
something for everyone. Watch for 37th anniversary details in upcoming
issues of Carpe Skiem and online at www.birkie.com.About the Birkie
From
February 25-27, 2010, 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 37th 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. Ski . Run . Live
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Upcoming Events
2010 BirkieTour
Saturday, January 23, 2010
2010 American Birkebeiner Events
Thursday, February 25 - Saturday, February 27, 2010
For more information visit www.birkie.com
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