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Greetings From the Birkie!|
Dear Friends -
Summer is upon us here in the Northland, but Birkie Fever is already starting to set in. As runners, hikers, families, and teams register for the Birkie Trail Run & Trek on September 27, and the Birkie/Korte/Haakon ski events continue to fill, planning is in full swing here at the Foundation. Trails are being repaired after heavy spring rains, and race-day infrastructure is being worked on by the race staff.
Our ABSF Annual Meeting is coming up on August 9th--we have a full day of activities planned! I really hope you consider making it a weekend in the Northwoods! I'd like to urge you to consider becoming a member of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (click here for more info). Being a member allows you, among other things, to not only support the Foundation, but to also vote for the board of directors and be a part of shaping the organization. It takes a passionate community of members like you to help ensure that the legacy and excellence of the Birkie continues for years to come.
Feel free to contact me anytime. I can always be reached at [email protected]. Don't hesitate to drop me a line if there is anything I can do to help you.
Until then - get out & GO!
Ben Popp
Executive Director
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
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Here's What's New for JULY ...
- Throw-Back Birkie
- "Birkie DIRT"
- Best of Both: Birkie and Loppet Races!
- Bib Pick-Up Party: September 26
- 3 Great Ways to Get READY - AUGUST 9: Annual Picnic and Meeting at "OO"
- VOTE for the ABSF Board of Directors
- All-Day Activities--Run, Road & MT Bike, Trek, Swim,
- Become an ABSF Member--there's still time! - Clinic & More: Weekly Rides in Hayward
- Programing: the Birkie and Out There Join Forces
- Deadline for Entries, JULY 15--T-Shirt Design Contest
- Swix Birkie 2015: Nearly 50% Full
- Next Fee Deadline, JULY 31--Birkie/Korte/Haakon
THIS WEEKEND / NEXT WEEK: (See details below!).
_ Gear West Ski & Run - Group Run & Waffles!
_ New Moon Ski & Bike - Weekly Road and MT Bike Rides
_ Out There / Birkie - Run & Trek, Eau Claire, WI
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Back in the Day!
The Birkie finish line has changed many times over the past 41 years. Here are the "chutes and booths" where someone recorded your time from your bib number as you skied through. Notice the catwalk on top for the media. This scene is from 1996. It looks like a warm year from the spectators!
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Have some great old photos or your "Birkie Fever" story--old or new? Send them to [email protected], subject line: Carpe Skiem. |
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Bring Your Love of Running ...
To the Birkie Trail ... & Singletrack!
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BIRKIE TRAIL RUN & TREK
September 27
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Best of Both -- Birkie & Loppet Half Marathons!
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The Birkie Trail Run and the City of Lakes Trail Loppet, MN, have teamed up to offer a "Best of Both!" Run the City of Lakes Surly Trail Loppet (Sept. 20) and the Birkie Trail Salomon Half Marathon (Sept 27) and see if you are the "Best of Both." The fastest combined times (for men and women) will be crowned "the Best of Both." Or, simply participate in both and be eligible to win an assortment of great prizes. The "Best of Both Trail Run"--are you up for the challenge? Click Here for Details! |
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Bib Pick-Up Party -- Prizes, Beer and Wine, More!
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Located on Hwy 63, Hayward, WI,
right on your way into town.
Everything you need for the weekend!
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Win one of these Gift Bags at Birkie Trail Run Bib Pick-Up - Friday, September 26
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You may already be familiar with the Cabin Stop, our official Post-Race provider of great local food, grilled homemade Birkie brats, craft beer on tap and wine tastings--all at our events, starting in 2014. Now the party starts a day early ...
For the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, right at bib pick-up, at the Cabin Stop! Pick up your bib then sign up for BIG door prizes, like (1) Birkie VIP Package, (2) Overnight in Hayward area, (3) Free entry to Birkie event of your choice, (4) Salomon Hydration Pack, (5) the famous Cabin Stop gift bag (above), and more!
_ Hours for Bib Pick-Up and Door Prize Sign-Up: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
_ Hours for Sampling: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In-store sampling includes craft beers, wine, cheese, olive oil, bakery items, and more. Register Now! For the Birkie Trail Run & Trek - September 27 |
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Marathon . Marathon Relay . Half Marathon
Nordic Trek . 5K . Plus Kids Games & 1K
1.) Sneak PREVIEW ... Of the New COURSE! |
Matt Ostrander,
aka "Coach O"
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Meet l ocal trail runner (ultrarunner!) and coach. Matt Ostrander. In 2013 alone he placed 22nd overall in the Birkie marathon in addition to being 1st in his age-class. This guys knows how to run! High school cross country coach and English teacher, and all-around-great-guy, Ostrander took off on the Birkie Trail to give runners a detailed look at the all-new Birkie Trail Run marathon and marathon relay course. He also has some expert advice on those Birkie hills, who should run which leg in the relay, overall training strategy, and race-day prep. His first of three training articles for the 2014 Birkie Trail Run on Sept. 27 is the Course Description. Check Birkie.com for his complete series in July and August! Click Here for mile-by-mile Marathon Course Description
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2.) Run & Trek with a Training Group
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July 17 - Birkie - Out There Run/Trek at Lowe's Creek, Eau Claire, WI
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June 29 Run/Trek on Birkie Trail -- Birkie Ridge to Fire Tower and back
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3.) Run for WAFFLES! 
JULY 12 - Like Waffles? Like to Run? Saturday, July 12, is your day--one more way to get READY for the Birkie Trail Run & Trek on Sept. 27! Head to Gear West Ski & Run in Long Lake, MN. Details: (1.) Meet at the store at 7:15 a.m. for 2.5 hr slow trail run (2.) OR, meet at the store at 8:25 a.m. for a 1.50 hr trail run (we will swing by to pick you up!) Bring bug spray and stuff to drink. Hot Waffles to follow at the store at 10:00!
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The beautiful trail just a short run from the Gear West store.
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Waffles are a weekly thing at Gear West!
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Register Now!
For the Birkie Trail Run & Trek - September 27
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Birkie Trail Run & Trek Course Map
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AUGUST 9 -- ABSF Picnic & Annual Meeting
From Bike Riding and Running ... to a Great Picnic and
Hearing about Where the Birkie is Headed Next!
We are very excited to introduce a whole new format to our Annual Meeting! Come join us for a full day of fun on the Birkie Trail on Saturday, August 9, 2014. We'll start the day off with a wide variety of group activities, including options for hiking, biking, trail running, roller-skiing, and doing trail work - all things that revolve around maintaining a fit and healthy outdoor lifestyle! This is a great opportunity to meet and share stories with other like-minded Birkie enthusiasts, get a workout, and have a whole lot of fun on the Birkie Trail. Then late afternoon we will gather at the OO Trailhead for a social hour, including casting any last minute ballots for the Board of Directors election, followed by a great meal, and finally a brief meeting highlighting the past year and sharing what lies ahead for the ABSF - LOTS of exciting improvements coming down the pipe!
See the full schedule of events and meeting agenda here: ANNUAL MEETINGEveryone is welcome to attend! We're looking forward to spending the day with you!
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Board of Directors Election CandidatesSee Who's Running and WHY. Then, Cast Your Vote.
Not a Member Yet? Become One Now!
We have 10 amazing candidates vying for five seats on the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Board for the 2014-2015 election! Ballots are in the mail! Your vote will help determine the group that leads the ABSF into the future!
Ralph Bovard Jason Kask
Charlie Dee John Kotar
Paul Eckerline Dennis Kruse
John Garrett Mike Mandli
Dave Gorringe Mike Sund
If you know and support any of these people, make sure to join the Birkie Foundation so you can cast your vote for them! Click here to learn more about the election, the candidates and how to vote: CANDIDATE PROFILESFor membership information and to join the Birkie Foundation, click here to visit our special membership page: JOIN THE ABSF! Act soon as the election is only one month away! |
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More Info: Call 715-634-8685
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For Complete Summer Calendar, including Weekly Road + Mountain Bike Rides (photos below):
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 | Weekly Tuesday Night Road Bike Rides - New Moon Ski & Bike
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 | | Weekly Thursday Morning MT Bike Rides - New Moon Ski & Bike |
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Have Fun Working Out with a Group! Get out on the Birkie Trail and other destinations with Out There Shop! 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 working out together.
Call to Sign Up--All Programming Is Free! 715.234.4505 | |
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Don't Miss the DEADLINE on July 15!
Winner Receives:
Fischer Skis
SWIX Ski Poles
Bindings from New Moon
Free Birkie Entry
VIP 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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NEARLY 50% FULL!
Next Fee Increase is August 1
With just about 5,000 skiers already registered for the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon, registration is quickly nearing 50% 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 skier confirmation and 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.
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Fundraise and Get a FREE Birkie or Korte Entry!
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Starting in July! JDRF is 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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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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