The Birkie Tour and the Seeley Classic will join forces Jan. 17 and 18, 2015, giving skiers the opportunity to participate in one or both of these events over the weekend.  Both events offer cross country skiers a chance to experience the Birkie Trail with friends and fellow skiers.

The 23rd annual Seeley Classic on Saturday features two race distances for traditional skiers – 42 and 22 kilometers.  Both races start at 10 a.m. and finish at Highway OO.

The Birkie Tour also begins and ends at Highway OO on Sunday with official distances of 23 and 45 kilometers.  With numerous short-cut options, both freestyle and classic skiers can go as short or long as they wish.   Skiers can start the tour anytime between 8 and 9 a.m.

The cost for the weekend of skiing is $70 when registering by Dec. 1.  Besides the race and the tour, the fee includes a SWIX Seeley Classic hat, a Birkie Tour pint glass, a chili feed and beer.  “What’s not to like?” asked Ben Popp, executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.

According to Seeley Classic race director and ABSF board member Dennis Kruse, the January calendar is “really jammed up” with multiple events, so partnering the Seeley Classic and the Birkie Tour on the same weekend seemed sensible.  The events can also share resources, such as tents and co-op advertising.  The organizers are also planning to co-host a ski demo over the weekend.

Skiers can earn Worldloppet Gold credit for completing the 45-km tour or Worldloppet Silver credit for finishing the 26-km tour.

See www.birkie.com/ski/events/birkie-tour or call 715-634-5025 for more information or to register for the event

Posted November 21, 2014 at 8:05 am