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Greetings from the American Birkebeiner!
Hi Skiers and Friends!
 We continue to hope for additional snow. We did receive 2 - 3 inches last week that allowed for some skiing over the weekend. The new snow over the ice base was not adequate to hold last Saturday's scheduled BirkieTour. The snow is poorly adhered to the ice and easily sheared off as soon as a few skiers snowplow. We continue to work on preparations for the 2013 American Birkebeiner, now just 32 days away, and the 13,000+ skiers who will be here. It's going to be an exciting 40th Anniversary. We and our 50 race chiefs and 2,000 volunteers will be ready to host all of you. You'll be receiving several Carpe Skiem electronic newsletters to keep you updated on the Birkie events and preparations. You can always check our website for information and updates as well at www.birkie.com. Thanks for reading, and as always, we welcome your comments. You can reach me at ned@birkie.com. Stay Fit, Think SNOW and see you on the Trails!
Ned
Ned Zuelsdorff Executive Director
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Ready, Set ... CELEBRATE
The 40th Annual Birkie! Feb, 21-23
THURSDAY: 5:00 p.m. Nikkerbeiner Wooden Ski 5K 6:00 p.m. Welcome, Torch Lighting, Parade of Nations
6:30 p.m. "Blast With The Past" Tent Party! 7:00 p.m. Family Luminary 5/10K Fun Ski
SATURDAY:
Awards and ... Birkie Bash! Live Band, Food, and More The Best Post-Race Party in Town!
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THURSDAY - 5:00 p.m.
"Nikkerbeiner"
Wooden Ski 5K
Presented By Out There Nordic Sports
Break out the wooden skis, knickers, and bamboo poles ... 
This retro 5K fun ski is your chance to re-live the earliest days of the American Birkebeiner, in the high-tech gear and clothing of the 1970s. This untimed event will start and finish on Main Street, right before the Welcome Ceremony, Torch Lighting, and Parade of Nations.
Prizes at the finish line for the best Retro Birkie look!
For More Information
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THURSDAY - 6:30
"Blast with the Past" First-Ever "Birkie Fever" Tent Party!
Presented By Northern Lakes IGA
Immediately following the Welcome Ceremony, Torch Lighting, and Parade of Nations on Main Street, don't miss the "Blast With The Past" Tent Party in the big Celebration Tent, near the Birkie finish line. Great food, a beer cash bar, hot chocolate, coffee, and more--all in our giant, heated Celebration Tent!
For More Information and to Sign UpSpace limited to first 300 guests Please RSVP by Feb. 1
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SATURDAY - See Times Below
Best Post-Race Party in Town!
Awards and ... The Birkie Bash!
Featuring the "FLAT BROKE BLUES BAND" who play a great mix of rock, classic blues, and R&B. Don't miss this year's Birkie Bash.
Saturday Evening Schedule of Events:
5:30 Native American Dancers and Marching Band kick-off 6:00 Food & Beverages for sale in Telemark Lodge lobby 6:30 Race Day slide show 7:00 Awards for the Birkie, Korte and Prince Haakon 7:30 Birkie BASH! Featuring LIVE MUSIC, FLAT BROKE BLUES BAND
COMING SOON!
List of BIG Door Prizes, Including Full Ski Packages!
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Ski Demo and Waxing Services In addition to checking out every booth at this year's expo--there are LOTS of good ones--here are two more things to do during Birkie Week:
MOVED TO SUNDAY:
On-Snow Ski Demo
 Try the all that equipment you've been drooling over, right on the Birkie Trail! Sunday, Feb. 24, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome--skiers of all levels, family, and friends.
______________________________________________ SKI WAXING SERVICES For the Birkie

Waxing services for the Birkie are available from Birkie sponsors at the Birkie Expo, in ski shops in Hayward and Seeley, and at various drop-off locations. You can even ship your skis for waxing so they are ready for you when you get here. See details below to learn more.
Check out all four options to find
the best match for you and your skis!
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Official Birkie Race Guide ... Coming Soon!
Pocket guide ... headed to you FEBRUARY 6. Look in your mail for your copy of the Official Birkie Race Guide. It's small enough for skiers, family, and friends to carry and have handy all during Birkie race week.
Check It Out For:
_ Area pasta feeds _ Bib pick-up locations for all events _ Best places to watch the Birkie _ Special Lost & Found instructions _ And, much more!
Need more info? Contact the Birkie: 715-634-5025
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Start Fundraising Now!
 With your help, JDRF, the Birkie's new "Skiers for Cures" partner, will continue the research that will lead to better treatments, and eventually a cure for type 1 diabetes. Great Fundraising Rewards! - Raise $150 and earn a Team JDRF Cross-Country ski hat
- Raise $250 and get an entry into a drawing to win a trip to Norway (prize includes entry for two people in the 2014 Birkebeinerrennet in Norway, three nights lodging and airfare)
- Go the distance and be one of the Top Ten Fundraisers and receive a complimentary 2014
American Birkebeiner registration.
See how you can "Ski for a Cure" Not a skier but want to help? You can raise funds, too!
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Upper Midwest Endurance Challenge
"Three great races. One Remarkable Feat!"
We are very excited about our new partnership with Grandma's Marathon and the Twin Cities Marathon. We have created the Upper Midwest Endurance Challenge, UMEC, that will test the fitness and endurance of even our strongest participants. Finish both the 2013 Grandma's and Twin Cities marathons and the 2014 Birkie, in one year, be recognized for your achievement, and receive a custom Brooks UMEC jacket. More information is available at www.runrunski.org.
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Love of Skiing and the Birkie Creates a Lasting Legacy
 Fulfilling Bjorn's dream of helping people enjoy CX skiing and ski the Birkie, the second annual Bjorn Norgard Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to two Northland College students. Bjorn was struck and killed in an automobile accident on February 20, 2011, while skiing back across Chequamegon Bay after the Book Across the Bay event. He was training for his fifth Birkie. He was a 2010 graduate of Northland College and 23 years old. "Our family is very excited about these scholarships as they truly fulfill Bjorn's dreams of helping people to enjoy cross country skiing and to compete in the Birkie," said Bjorn's mother, Karin - Continue Reading.
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Support Your Favorite Ks on the Birkie & Korte Trail
Birkie Trail Friends are solely responsible for providing more than $15,000 to the Birkie Trail each year for trail maintenance and development.
Become a Trail Friend and help us maintain and improve this wonderful trail system. Almost 50 individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and groups of friends are already participating, in some cases sponsoring more than a single K.
Your K Marker Plaque Can Be Customized With:
- Your name or family name
- In memory of a family member or friend
- Your organization
- Your children or grandchildren
- Your cause or charity
- And more
* All contributions are tax deductible.
Click Here for more information. Help us continue to give you and other silent sports enthusiasts the best trail possible year round.
To Become a Birkie Trail Friend, email birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025.
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Get Your Favorite 2013 Birkie Gear!
Birkie Race Week
Thurs., Feb 21 - 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fri, Feb. 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Click Image Above for More Info!
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Get All the Birkie news as it happens!
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American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race--the legendary American Birkebeiner--the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars. Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a Lifestyle.
 
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