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Birkie Blow-Out!
60% Off
Official 2014 Poster, T-Shirt, and Pin!
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Official 2014 Birkie T-Shirt
See More Items Below!
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SHOP ONLINE HERE!
Or, visit the Birkie Store at our office in downtown Hayward, WI
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Greetings From the Birkie!|
Dear Friends -
Summer has finally arrived here in the northland! Trails are open for running, hiking, and biking. The summer trail maintenance work is underway, and our mowing crew is hard at work!
It will be a busy summer as usual with the Worldloppet meetings coming up next week in Italy, summer work projects in July, the ABSF annual meeting Aug 9th (I hope you can join us for a full weekend of activities - more info below), and then the Birkie Trail Run & Trek Sept 27.The event is a great way to experience the trail without snow and not have to worry about what wax to use!
There are all kinds of great new features in this issue, as well as an update on 2015 Swix Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon registration, which is more than 25% full.
Enjoy wherever you are and being outside in this great weather!
Feel free to contact me anytime. I can always be reached at ben.popp@birkie.com. Don't hesitate to drop me a line if there is anything I can help you with.
Until then - get out & GO!
Ben Popp
Executive Director
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
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Here's What's New for JUNE ...
- NEW Feature! Throw-Back Birkie
- NEW Feature! "Birkie DIRT"
- SEPTEMBER 27 - Next Big Event
- Summer Schedule: Clinics, Weekly Rides, and More
- NEW Feature! Birkie Summer Programming
- Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest--Open for Entries
- Swix Birkie 2015: 2,800 Already Registered, Next Fee Deadline, Event Insurance, and more
- Become an ABSF Member
- AUGUST 9--Annual Member Meeting / Day of Festivities
- Run for the Birkie Board of Directors
- Birkie Deals & Steals--Birkie Store and GARAGE Sale
- Coming Soon: Mayo Clinic Wants To Know What Makes Birkie Skiers So Fit!
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Back in the Day!
We thought, why not deliver your Carpe Skiem on Thursdays and include some pics from the archives. We found this photo in the office and love it. Check out the lawn chair! Trailside wax service, anyone? We tracked this down to the 1980 American Birkebeiner. More to come in every Carpe Skiem!
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Have some great old photos or your "Birkie Fever" story--old or new? Send them to birkie@birkie.com, subject line: Carpe Skiem. |
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Bring Your Love of Running ...
To the Birkie Trail and Singletrack!
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It may sound like a gossip column, but "Birkie Dirt" is all about showing you what's waiting for you when the snow melts--some of the best trail running you can find. There's the main Birkie skate and classic trails, plus the 44+ miles of CAMBA singletrack that run adjacent to the Birkie Trail and intersect it every few Ks. It's trail runner's paradise out there! Go green and get on some of that Birkie Dirt. You can access the singletrack most easily from the Hatchery, Mosquito Brook, and "OO" trailheads. Signs are posted, and trails are clearly marked.
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The section of singletrack above is just one look at the 44-plus miles of CAMBA singletrack trail that run adjacent to the Birkie Trail and intersect it every few kilometers.
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12th Annual
Birkie Trail Run & Trek!
Marathon . Marathon Relay . Half Marathon
Nordic Trek . 5K . Plus Kids Games & 1K
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For Details and to Register Now!
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There are lots of great ways this summer to get involved in group trail runs, hikes, and bike rides, learn how to do your own bike repairs, and just get out in every way possible to enjoy summer. Check out what's happening on our new Birkie Training Page. You can also go directly to:
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Summer Events Calendars:
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Birkie Programming
Have fun working out with a group! Last month we announced that we were getting ready to launch Birkie Programming in conjunction with Out There Nordic Sports. Here it is! Get out on the Birkie Trail and other destinations to stay fit, get ready for the Birkie Trail Run and Trek on Sept. 27, or just to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of group outings and training.
Call to Sign Up--All Programming Is Free! 715.234.4505
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2015 Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest
Winner Receives:
Fischer Skis, SWIX Ski Poles, Bindings from New Moon,
Free Birkie Entry, and Parking at Race Start!
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest is now open for entries! The winning design will be featured as the official T-shirt of the 2015 American Birkebeiner to be held February 19-22nd, 2015, the 42nd annual event.
Anyone Can Enter the Contest - No Design Experience Necessary
Deadline for Entries is July 15, 2014
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Almost 30% Full!
Next Fee Increase is August 1
With just about 3,000 skiers already registered for the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon, registration is quickly nearing 30% of the total participant cap of 10,500 for the 2015 events, putting the pace of registrations well ahead of last year. As always, there are lots of new things going on to make your Birkie experience--even registration--a great one! See what's new, below ...
REGISTER NOW
For the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner Ski Events:Next Fee Increase is 8.1.14
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IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
Because we are using a new registration system this year, please register as a "GUEST" for the first year.
Event Insurance
Having to commit to an event six-plus months in advance can be difficult, and issues can arise. The Birkie recognizes this and now offers an option for the Birkie, Korte, and Haakon similar to travel insurance. Information about this insurance option will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Wave Placement - 4 Years Instead of 3
Due to the adverse weather conditions that affected so many of you at the 2014 Birkie, we're going four years to determine wave placement for Birkie 2015. Please allow up to 30 days for wave placement notification, which you will receive by email from the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
Skier Confirmation
As soon as you register for any Birkie Week event, you will receive two email confirmations--one from ZapEvents and one from the American Birkebeiner.
Participant Cap
The total participant cap for the 2015 Birkebeiner 50/54K, Kortelopet 23K, and Prince Haakon 12K events is set at 10,500.There is no way to predict how quickly registration will fill for 2015 events, so if you, friends, and family are interested in participating, consider signing up early to ensure you get in and also to take advantage of the lower registration fees.
Win a Birkie Week VIP Package!
The American Birkebeiner invites you to Like its Facebook page to keep up with all the latest Birkie happenings. On July 1, 2014 a randomly selected Birkie Facebook follower will be selected to receive the following Birkie Week VIP Package: Parking at the Birkie Race Start area; Race Wax Service; and $100 in Chamber Bucks from the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce-good at more than 250 area restaurants, hotels, ski and bike shops, grocery stores, golf clubs, and more.
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Fundraise and Get a FREE Birkie or Korte Entry!
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Starting in July! JDRF will be again be offering 50 "Charity Registration Slots" for the Birkie and Korte. By fundraising a minimum of $500 for JDRF, you will receive an entry in the 2015 American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet, a JDRF cross-country ski hat, and be entered into a drawing to win a trip to the 2016 Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet (includes three nights lodging for two people, air travel allowance up to $1000 per person). JDRF will also offer fundraising opportunities for skiers who register directly with the Birkie.
Get the whole story, including how JDRF, through Birkie Skiers for Cures, has already raised $120,000 to help fund research and a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research ... Keep Reading!
For more information about fundraising for a 2015 Birkie or Korte registration and other perks, call 866-233-3354.
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If you haven't already joined or renewed your Birkie Foundation membership, now is the time!
With something for everyone, your membership can include perks such as your season ski pass, discounts on Birkie gear and great merchandise from our sponsors, a very special Birkie Foundation Member tech vest, and of course your chance to vote or run for the ABSF Board of Directors, plus many other goodies depending on the membership level you select. Most importantly, membership in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation means you are part of our success and part of our legacy, knowing 100% of your annual dues goes to supporting the ABSF Mission: 1) To promote and conduct the best international cross country ski competition and related events; 2) To serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail; and 3) To support healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages and abilities. Birkie Memberships run annually from May 1 - April 30.
Learn more on the Membership page on our new birkie.com website.
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SAVE THE DATE!
August 9: Annual Members Meeting & Day of Activities
This year, we have planned a wide variety of activities throughout the day for our annual meeting - please join us for some, part, or all - we just want to see you up here!!! The meeting this year will be outside, a picnic at "OO."The annual meeting will begin with drinks at 4:00 PM, followed by a dinner and then a short meeting recapping the 2013-14 year. Group Bike Ride, Rollerski, Trail Run, Nordic Walk, Swim, and More! Chris will have all the cool ABSF trail equipment out (take your pic in a PB!), meet new friends, talk Birkie training, chat with the Board of Directors & Birkie staff, and enjoy great camaraderie. It takes engaged members like you to continue to make the ABSF a leader in hosting world-class events and promoting the lifestyle we cherish greatly.We look forward to seeing you in August!
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Run for the ABSF Board of Directors!
Share your ideas and passion for the Birkie? See details below--deadline for applications is July 1.
Contribute your ideas and passion for the Birkie by being on the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's Board of Directors! We encourage you to run for one of the five board positions opening up in 2014.
. Applications Deadline - July 1, 2014:
All of the materials below are due in the ABSF office on or before . Election Results - August 9, 2014: Results of online voting will be announced at the ABSF Annual Meeting in August. This year the meeting will be a cookout hosted by the Birkie at the Birkie "OO" trailhead, following a day of hiking, running, biking and other activities on the Birkie Trail.
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To visit the Birkie Board of Directors page
and see the current BOD, minutes, and more
Go to "Elections" for the following Application Materials:
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2 Ways to Get Birkie Deals & Steals!
 | | 2014 Official Birkie Pin. |
Birkie Enterprises
LAST CHANCE to purchase the official 2014 American Birkebeiner poster and winning T-shirt design! As of June 20, these items will no longer be for sale on our website!! Buy now at The Birkie Store to get 60% OFF!! |
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2014 Birkie Poster
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2014 Official Birkie T-Shirt
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The Birkie Office is having a GARAGE SALE!
Yep we are cleaning out years of stuff from our storage areas! If you are in Hayward on June 19-20, stop by the Birkie Office parking lot to check out deals on all sorts of treasures. Books, old awards, supplies, picture frames, old race posters, even some old trail markers! There will also be some clothing at rock bottom prices, as well as all clothing in our Birkie Store is 50% off (online too!). Come visit us - you never know what you'll find!
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Mayo Clinic Wants To Know What Make Birkie Skiers So Fit!
The Birkie is excited to partner with Mayo Clinic on its study on physical activity and why we choose to live an active outdoor lifestyle. Coming this fall, look for this survey in you inbox.
- Ben Popp, Executive Director, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
From Kikken Randall:
"Hey Birkie Skiers! Congratulations on your plans to train for the largest Nordic ski race in North America! Like you, I'm passionate about staying physically active all year around and I'm excited that the Birkie Foundation and the Mayo Clinic want to learn more about how you maintain a physically active lifestyle. Watch for the Birkie Health Survey after registration closes this fall and please take a few minutes to share your info to help us understand how races like the Birkie help you keep moving!"
Best of luck in your training!
Kikkan Randall
4-Time Olympian & "Get-Active"ist
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Check Facebook First!
Get Birkie news, announcements, photos, contests, registration info,
and more ... as it happens!
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Is Your Email About to Change? ... Please help us make sure you are getting ALL communications from the Birkie. We don't want you to miss a thing!!
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To re-subscribe to Carpe Skiem ...
using your new email address!
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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--sponsored by SWIX, the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The
107-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.
SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE!
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