American Birkebeiner

My first Birkie was in 1984 when we used cross country skiing as cross training for the UW Rowing team. Rowing coach Randy Jablonic, "Jabo", provided rowers with old wooden skis for workouts. It was quite a sight to see 50 collegiate rowers skiing across Lake Mendota and through picnic point in Madison. I think Jabo was just using us as human trail groomers to set tracks so he could train for the Birkie every day. Jabo introduced hundreds of rowers to cross country skiing over the years and many rowing alumni still meet at the Birkie every year.

About 20 rowers traveled to the Birkie in 1984. When we arrived at Duffy's field for the start, I dropped my skis to the ground and the bale on the three-pin binding broke in half (it was very cold). I found one of the race officials and explained my dilemma. The official drove me into Hayward, knocked on the door of the ski shop and put the new binding on for me.

I had originally planned on a scenic tour of the course with my rowing buddies but they were all gone by the time I arrived back at the starting area. The last wave had started 12 minutes before and I was alone. I decided to race to catch up to my group. I remember people cheering me on as I passed them, first grandfathers skiing with their grandchildren, then individual skiers and finally groups. I finally caught my friends having lunch at the aid station after "OO", and decided I would continue racing without them. I didn't catch my brother or Jabo since they both started in one of the early waves but I had fun through the entire race.

I skied intermittently after college and started in the 10th wave three times before coming back to skiing with a passion. This year I will be my 11th Birkie and my first start in the elite wave but I will always remember my first Birkie and all the help and encouragement from strangers at the starting line and along the course.

I've attached a photo of me at the finish line in 1984 - a poor college student dressed in surplus UW athletic department clothing (and socks for gloves).