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January 21, 2013
                    
 
 
 
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Greetings from the American Birkebeiner! 

Hi Skiers and Friends!

NedZuelsdorff

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

 40th Kick-Off!

 

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!  

See more details below!
 
 1.) Retro 5K

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
 2.) Tent Party!

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 Up
Space limited to first 300 guests

Please RSVP by Feb. 1

 3.) Birkie BASH!

 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!

 "Sneak Preview"


        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.
 
See the top of the page 

 ______________________________________________   

   

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!

 


  


 Check Your Mail

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

      
 Ski for a Cure   

    
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!

 

 
 NEW Series   

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.   
 Birkie Fever

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.   
 Trail Friends

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.  

 

 
 Birkie Store

 

Get Your Favorite 2013 Birkie Gear! 

Shop Online, Or ...

Visit the Birkie Expo!
 
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.
 
 NEW Event

 


  
Click Image Above for More Info!
 Get the Latest


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as it happens!
 

  ABSF  



American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation  

Our ABSF Board Members are a diverse group of professionals who each has a deep connection to and experience with the Birkie. See their stories.  What they do behind the scenes contributes to your Birkie experience. Click Here to get to know the Birkie Board.

___________________________________________________________________  

 
Become a Member

Do you ever wonder how the Birkie gets pulled off year after year with great success? The staff, Board of Directors, a huge network of volunteers, and the communities of Hayward and Cable pour their hearts and souls into the events every year.   

 

The ABSF was formed in 1984 when a group of local business people realized that strong support would ensure the race's future for years to come.  Members are the backbone of the organization because they alone elect the ABSF board.  You can show your support and take a bit of "ownership" in the race by becoming an ABSF member.  Individual memberships are $25 annually, $40 per family, and $50 per business. Click Here to learn more. 

 Important Dates
              
February 21-23, 2013   
 Birkie 2013 - Our 40th Anniversary!


March 9, 2013                Fat Bike Birkie

September 21, 2013      Birkie Trail Run & Trek


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.


Becker Law2009 Birkie Trail Run Half