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Spectators
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Skiers, whether elite or citizen, count on spectators to cheer them on as they set their sights on the finish line. Just when they think they’re fading, spectators provide an emotional lift that encourages them along their way. Catch Birkie Fever!
Watch, cheer and ring cowbells for skiers.
Where to Watch the Birkie
START - CABLE UNION AIRPORT
The Cable Union Airport is adjacent to Telemark Resort in Cable. The only way to reach the Start Area is to park and take a bus from the parking areas to Telemark Resort. Skiers will be given priority when loading buses. Click Parking/Busing for complete information.
MOSQUITO BROOK ROAD - HAYWARD
The Birkie crosses Mosquito Brook Road at approximately 38K for skate skiers and 42K for classic skiers into the race. Mosquito Brook Road can be reached from USH 63 approximately three miles south of Seeley. Follow Mosquito Brook Road approximately 3 miles. Parking along the road is extremely limited, and spectators should be prepared to walk up to ½ mile or more from their cars to view the skiers.
MIDWAY AT CO "OO" & THE BIRKIE TRAIL
The halfway point of the American Birkebeiner is on Co Rd “OO” at the Birkie Trail. Seeley is seven miles south of Cable or 10 miles north of Hayward on USH 63 and the Birkie Trail is 3 miles east of 63 on “OO”. Spectator parking is limited, and spectators should be prepared to walk up to ½ mile or more from their cars to view the skiers.
BIRKIE FINISH LINE - MAIN STREET, HAYWARD
The Birkie finish line is in downtown Hayward on Main Street two blocks west of USH 63. Good viewing is possible along the length on Main Street. Parking is available throughout the city of Hayward except for areas designated as no parking.
Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Finish Line
It is a short walk from the Birkie and Kortelopet start area at Cable Union Airport to the Kortelopet & Prince Haakon finish at Telemark Resort.
Click Parking & Busing for complete information on getting to the Finish Area. Spectators will be allowed to drive into Telemark after 9:00 a.m. Limited parking will be available at Telemark Resort.
Guide to Waves, Start Times & Race Bibs
American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet skiers are assigned a wave based on past Birkie and Kortelopet race results. If they are new skiers they may use qualifying race results for wave assignment. If no race results are available then the new skier is assigned to wave 10.
The wave assignment process is quite complex. In order to keep it organized and to monitor skiers on the trail and in the finish lines each skier is assigned a race bib that has a unique bib number. The bib is also a certain color based on the skier’s race and is piped with a trim color indicating wave assignment. Classic skiers’ race bibs will also include a large “C” overlay signifying their technique.
The charts below are guides for race bibs and wave starts.
Waves/Start Times/Race Bib Trim Color
| Wave | Technique | Start Time | Trim Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 (+Elites) | Classic | 8:00 | Royal Blue |
| Wave 2 | Classic | 8:10 | Red |
| Elite Men-Birkie | Skate | 8:25 | Royal Blue |
| Elite Women-Birkie | Skate | 8:27 | White Trim (Navy Bib) |
| Wave 3 | Classic | 8:30 | Light Blue |
| Wave 1 | Skate | 8:35 | Royal Blue |
| Wave 4 | Classic | 8:40 | Green |
| Wave 2 | Skate | 8:45 | Red |
| Wave 5 | Classic | 8:50 | Orange |
| Wave 3 | Skate | 8:55 | Light Blue |
| Wave 6 | Classic | 9:00 | Gray |
| Wave 4 | Skate | 9:05 | Green |
| Wave 7 | Classic | 9:10 | Purple |
| Wave 5 | Skate | 9:15 | Orange |
| Wave 8 | Classic | 9:20 | Brown |
| Wave 6 | Skate | 9:25 | Gray |
| Wave 9 | Classic | 9:30 | Gold |
| Wave 7 | Skate | 9:35 | Purple |
| Wave 10 | Classic | 9:40 | Black |
| Wave 8 | Skate | 9:45 | Brown |
| Wave 9 | Skate | 9:55 | Gold |
| Wave 10 | Skate | 10:05 | Black |
| Prince Haakon 12K | Skate/Classic | 10:15 | White Trim (Teal Bib) |
Bib Guide
| Bib Color | Trim Color | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Each wave assigned a different trim color. See chart to left. | Birkebeiner | 50K Birkie Skate & 54K Birkie Classic |
| Yellow | Each wave assigned a different trim color. See chart to left. | Kortelopet | 23K Kortelopet Skate & Classic |
| Navy | White | Elite Women | Top 50 Women in Birkie Skate |
| Purple | Gold | Birchlegging Skiers 20+ | Skiers Completing 20-29 Birkies |
| Gold | Purple | Birchlegging Skiers 30+ | Skiers Completing 30 or more Birkies |
| Red | White | Founders | Original Birkie Skiers |
| Teal | White | Prince Haakon | 12K Prince Haakon |
