$5 T-shirts!! Birkie is doing a final blow-out sale of ALL our remaining clothing inventory! Order $25 or more and get a free surprise gift! Selection is still good! Act fast as our goal is for ALL to be GONE by the end of August!! Shop online or in our office. All sales are final, sorry no international orders.
Click HERE to shop the Birkie Store!
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Greetings From the Birkie!|
 Dear Friends -
Hints of fall are arriving here in northern Wisconsin as the red maples begin to turn along the rivers - winter will soon be here!
The Birkie Trail Run preparation is really in full swing as we are now only 6 weeks away. Our new race director Allan Serrano is busily working alongside Shellie Millford to learn the ropes before she retires in March- what a team effort! The trails are in great shape, the bugs are gone and it is shaping up to be a great event- hope you will join us!
The annual meeting just took place at OO and it was marked with a full day of doing the stuff we love- running, hiking, biking, swimming, roller-skiing and more, followed by a nice dinner and the announcement of the new board- time to get to work.
The month has also been punctuated with some exciting changes for the Birkie. After lots of work with the local municipalities we are able to make some modifications including moving the Korte finish nearer the start line at Telemark (will create smoother logistics for skiers and a wider/safer/exciting finish experience), as well as moving the final Birkie aid station from Hwy 77 to Fish Hatchery Park where volunteers and Medical staff will have shelter, reliable water and improved access - a better overall food station to fuel the skiers on their last leg of the journey into Hayward.
I hope your summer had been going well and you have had plenty of time to get out and enjoy the activities you love. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails!
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.
Get Out & Go!
Ben Popp
Executive Director
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Here's What's New for August ...
- " Birkie DIRT " : Trail Run & Trek Fast Approaching!
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-Singletrack
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-Awesome Awards
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-Training Articles
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-Big Prizes
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-Kids Games
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-Best of Both
- Skier Development Grants: Available Now!
- Annual Meeting & Board Elections Recap
- SWIX Corner: History of SWIX
- Birchleggings Club
- Final New Moon Bike Clinic
- Birkie Clothing: $5.00 Blow OUT!
- SWIX Birkie 2015 - Wave Closures & More!
- 2015 Official Birkie T-shirt Design Contest Winnner
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Join us for the Birkie Trail Run &Trek
Saturday, September 27th
Next Fee Increase Is 2 Days Away!
Register Now and Save!
Marathon . Half Marathon . Marathon Relay . Nordic Trek . 6K
Click HERE to Register Today!
The FIVE Birkie Trail Run, Relay and Trek events put you on some of the best sections of the Birkie Trail and now--for all you can't-get-enough singletrack runners--we have that, too! Here's What You Get! __________________________________
SINGLETRACK!
We've added some AMAZING singletrack section to the new Birkie Trail Marathon, Marathon Relay & Marathon Trek courses. All events also start & finish at the new Birkie Ridge Trailhead, 2 miles north of Seeley, on Hwy 63. The Birkie Trail Run & Trek and post-race picnic just keep getting better & better.
Click Here for Details!
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Awesome Awards!
Again we have Salomon trail running shoes for overall male and female winners of each timed event (marathon, half marathon, 6K) and the 3- and 6-person relay teams--open, mixed, and women! Shoes from SALOMON! Need we say more!
PLUS ... Salomon will be AT THE EVENT
Fri. and Sat.! They will be at bib pick-up on Friday and in the big start/finish tent on Saturday. Look for this SHOE DEMO
of the best trail running shoes around! Salomon is the Presenting Sponsor of the Birkie Trail Half Marathon.
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3 TRAINING Articles
Just for the Birkie Marathon, Marathon Relay + Half Marathon
Three Great Articles from "Coach O"!
CLICK HERE
. "Get to know the New Course"
Plus advice for Marathon Relay teams on who should run
which leg of the course
. "Long Runs, Tempo, Recovery, Taper + More "
Make sure you're ready to run a trail event and those Birkie hills!
. "Race-Day Prep and Strategies"
Includes great advice on being race-day ready for the Birkie
course
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Register by August 15th to save!
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BIG Prize Drawings at Bib Pick-Up!
Head inside the CABIN STOP on Hwy 63--on your way into Hayward if you are coming from the south, and just a couple of blocks from the Birkie office if you are coming in from the north end of town. WOW! 6 BIG DOOR PRIZES plus sampling stations for craft beers, wines, artisan breads, cheeses, and more.
PRIZES INCLUDE:
1. American Birkebeiner VIP Package: Get a free entry for the 2015 or 2016 Birkie, Korte, or Prince Haakon AND park at Race Start area
2. Cabin Stop Gift Bags: See photos below - 12 Winners Total
3. Salomon Hydration Pack: 4 Winners Total
4. Free Birkie Entry: BirkieTour, Fat Bike Birkie, or Birkie Trail Run
5. Two-Night Stay at McCormick House Bed & Breakfast in Hayward: Luxury accommodations in the heart of Hayward
6. FITS Sock Packs: 3 Pairs - 3 Winners Total
The Cabin Stop is Sponsor of the Post-Race Party for the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, BirkieTour, and Fat Bike Birkie, and is the Presenting Sponsor of the Birkie Trail 6K.
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Register Now!
For the Birkie Trail Run & Trek - September 27
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6K, Kids Games & 1K Fun Run, too!
Birkie Trail fun for the whole family!
Don't forget to register the rest of the family for the other fun events available. There is a 1K Kids Dash & 6K, for a day of fitness and fun for the entire family. Kids Games start at 11:00a.m.
Remember, there is no race day registration, so sign up now!
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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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Skier Development Grants Available Now!
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The mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is to promote cross country skiing as a fun, energetic activity that is part of an active and healthy lifestyle. This effort focuses both on youth and adult skiers.
To this end the Birkie Foundation annually provides grant funding opportunities to skier development programs throughout the nation. We encourage any cross country ski organization to apply.
Priorities of the Skier Development Grant Program include, but are not limited to the following:
- The creation of new or expansion of existing cross country ski programs;
- First time program applicants with solid, sustainable plan; and
- Programs that can demonstrate an ability to promote the Birkie mission and lifestyle in their communities.
To date, the American Birkebeiner has awarded over $350,000 to cross country ski programs across the United States.
Deadline for all applicants is September 1, 2014, with awards made by October 1, 2014.
For additional information and applications, please visit the Skier Development Grant Program page on the Birkie website.
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Annual Meeting & Board Elections
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Celebrating a Successful 2014 and Laying Big Plans for the Future!
It was an amazing day for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's Annual Meeting Party, held on August 9 at the OO Trailhead! Birkie supporters from all over enjoyed a sunny day of biking and running on the trail, followed by an evening of good food and hearing about the latest & greatest going on at the ABSF. To learn more about future plans for the Birkie, including the results of Board of Directors election, Click Here.
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 How Does a Worldwide Wax Brand Get Started? And, How Does It Get It's Name? Here's a look back at SWIX!
"Until that time, ski waxes had been developed mostly by chance out of ingredients like tar, bicycle tires, beeswax, and animal fats, but Gabrielsson felt that a scientifically developed ski wax could be made to suit any ski condition. Though his Norwegian friends laughed at him, Gabrielsson pursued his idea by enlisting the help of Matsbo, whose successful ski career was helped, in part, by his superior wax-making abilities. But, A fire in Matsbo's wax boiler in the autumn of 1942 had left Matsbo without any of his wax recipes or test results and most importantly-without a job. ..."
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ATTENTION BIRCH LEGGERS!!!!
If you have skied 20 Birkies, you are a Birchlegger. But you could be part of something much bigger by joining The Birchleggings Club Inc. The Birchleggings Club has recently incorporated as a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization. Dues are only $25 per year (with an even cheaper rate with convenient multi-year sign ups). Currently less than 15% of Birchleggers have becomemembers of The Birchleggings Club. Please consider joining us.
KeepReading...
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Final clinic in a series from upcoming cycling stars, Kyra and Keely Jackson. Meet at the CAMBA Hwy OO Trailhead to polish off your new riding skills and make a training plan for fall/winter and next year. Discuss your race strategy for the big Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival later in the month. Instruction will be tuned to rider ability. Build your confidence - have more fun! 10 AM - 1 PM. Call the Jacksons at 715-462-9467 with questions.
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https://www.facebook.com/events/1502647613296318
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2015 American Birkebeiner Updated Wave Closures!
Classic Waves:
3, 4, 5, 7 & 8 CLOSED
Skate Wave: 2 CLOSED
The following waves are VERY CLOSE to capacity:
Skate Waves: 3
Classic Waves: 2
With just over 9,000 skiers already registered for the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon, registration is over 85% 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:
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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. See example HERE.
Registration is CASE SENSITIVE
Please remember when registering to use proper spelling and punctuation to insure previous participation records match-up with current registration. Failure to do so may result in improper wave placement.
Deadline for Changes - NEW DATE/TIME
Please note that the race, technique and wave change request deadline has been changed to January 30th, 2015, at 4 p.m. Wave placement will be based on availability. Requests must be made by calling the Birkie office at 715-634-5025. Have your credit card information in order to process the $15.00 change fee.
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 back four years to determine wave placement for Birkie 2015. You will receive two email confirmations. One from ZapEvents right after you register. 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.
Prince Haakon Registration
The 12K Prince Haakon is an 'Open Track' event. Please note there is no technique difference when registering.
Skier Confirmation
As soon as you register for any Birkie Week event, you will receive an email confirmations-one from ZapEvents and within the next 30 days, you'll receive one from the American Birkebeiner. On-line 'Skier Confirmation' is a record of order submission, Not Wave Placement.
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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2015 Official Birkie T-shirt Design Winner!
Marc Shapiro from Minneapolis, MN
 Marc's Prize Pakage Includes:
Fischer RCS Skis SWIX Ski Poles Bindings from New Moon Free Birkie Entry VIP Parking at Race Start! Marc says, "I'm really excited and honored to win this year's Birkie t-shirt design contest! I wanted my design to reflect a vintage ski patch with a contemporary twist to capture the Birkie's 42-year tradition. I skied my first Birkie last year and look forward to tackling those Birkie hills again this winter!"
The winning t-shirt design will be available for purchase by
mid-November.
Shop on-line, in our office or at the upcoming
Birkie Expo, Feb.19-20, 2015
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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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