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Birkie Forum
Barry ·
I have already secured lodging in Barnes but am second guessing my decision to stay that far away from the race. Wondering if anybody knows of a place for my wife and I to stay for Th-SU morning. It would just be the 2 of us and would like to be closer to Cable if possible. Thanks.
barryrotman@yahoo.com
Ralph Thornton ·
I used to stay in Barnes during the Birkie a long time ago. The lodging I had there was free but it was a fair distance from the various events, especially those in Hayward. Try calling hotels in Hayward as they often have last minute cancellations.
winonan ·
is there an online tracking system for the birkie that family/friends can watch as I'm racing?
Nick Raisanen ·
Have any skate skiers ever developed shoulder problems? WIth this weird winter my training has consisted of periods of no skiing followed by 2-3 days straight of heavy skiing. After one of these periods my right shoulder is very sore, I suspect from poor form skiing up hills. It hurts to lift my arm up and to make circles with that arm. Anybody have any information on shoulder stretches and/or light strengthening exercises?
sam ·
I'm a family doctor and suspect you probably have rotator cuff tendonitis, an overuse injury of the shoulder. I have the same thing. I'd recommend you see your family doctor, since a few sessions of physical therapy may be helpful before you aggravate it further. Try ice after workouts, and Advil if no contraindications.
samseltz@msn.com ·
I am skiing my first classic Birkie this year. I usually ski Afton State Park. Would anyone who has done the Birkie and Afton State Park be willing to compare terrain and grooming?
Rick Goldin ·
My lodging arrangements just fell through and I'm looking for a place to stay and share costs Friday/Saturday night...I have a ride from Chicago area and my friends will drop me off..please email me at skiwaterdog@yahoo.com
Rick Goldin ·
Thank you Birkie forum I lined up lodging :)
About LOST- ·
The Atomic Ski bag has been found and returned, THANKS SO MUCH TO THE HONEST AND CONSIDERATE FOLKS IN CAMBLESPORT, WI Who have been trying to locate us. WE are very, very grateful. Happy Trails again.......Hope can return the favor some day.
John Altman ·
LOST -Atomic bag at Zillmer Park, in Camblesport, WI on Sunday 1-22-12 please call me know if know anything. Reward offered. 920-574-0949 or 920-284-2281
Telemark ·
Birkie lodging right at Telemark resort. Walk to Birkie/Korte start! Smaller condo sleeps 2-3. Available all week; you pick the number of nights. Negotiable. Madconsigny@sbcglobal.net
Jim Clapp ·
Could I rent the smaller condo just for Friday nite? Need to get back to work on Sunday
Jim
We have a 3 bedroom house available for Birkebeiner weekend that ·
We have a 3 bedroom house available for Birkie weekend - sleeps 8 to 10 people - within walking distance to Start of race. Chalet style house is located on Telemark golf course. Please email for details, photos. Thanks. mattbloedel@yahoo.com
Dorsey ·
Any of you classic skiers using Rex PowerGrip for your kick wax - how do you like it?
James ·
I would also like to hear from skiers regarding kick wax. After about 25k at last year's Birkie, I lost any grip I had and attempts to re-wax were futile. Any help would be appreciated.
j ·
For a long ski, I iron in two layer of binder and then iron in one layer of the wax of the day. I cork about 10 thin layers of additional kick wax on top of that. Last year, my kick wax stayed with me the whole way.
Amber Dolphin ·
I just was able to ski for the first time a week ago and realized I have two different poles. (The last time I skied before that was the Birkie.) I feel terrible that I took someone else's pole or perhaps they accidentally grabbed one of mine and one of theirs but in my cold, frost-bitten state my dad got them for me and I didn't notice until this year when I had two right handed poles! Perhaps the person who came up a pole short saw my single left handed one and grabbed that too? If so, we coul… Read More
Gene ·
My search for lodging about seven posts down (coming from Bozeman) has to be withdrawn. While descending a local canyon trail, a dog ran between my legs and the result, after landing was a broken wrist. No Birkie this year.
Mary ·
I have available lodging at the resort. Please list your contact info.
Sara ·
We have a room for 2 skiers in a new large construction rental home. $200 each for Thursday-Sunday. Email at muffinstumble@yahoo.com if interested.
Eric ·
Does anyone know if it is possible to withdraw my registration from this year's event? I haven't been able to train any this year since there has been 0 snow :(
Ralph Thornton ·
I'm pretty sure there would be no refund. You can easily withdraw from the Birkie by not picking up your bib.
On the other hand the Birkie is such a fun event that you might consider changing to the Korteloppet. There's a fee for that but it can be done. You might also consider lowering your racing expectations. There will be many in the lower level of training group due to the lower amount of early season snowfall. Do the race as a tour, earn your medal or pin and plan for a better tra…
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DJ ·
Can anyone tell me where the best classic ski trails are located in the WI Rapids area? Also, is anyone looking for a classic skiing partner. I am new to the area and once we get snow I would like to get out with somebody and ski.
Nordic Norm ·
Two questions:
Does anyone know...
1. which flavors of Gu and Heed will be available at aid stations?
2. if there will be a method of real-time online racer tracking during the Birkie?
I can't find the answers on the site. Thanks much.
Pray for snow-
Norm
Ralph Thornton ·
There is often Gu at many food stations but they might run out or not have the flavor you might want. Most folks I know carry there own Gu, Cliff Shots, etc.
Seems like the Heed had a faint Lemon Lime flavor. Flavor was not that strong though so for me it really didn't matter what flavor it was. I'm presuming all flavors of Heed have the same benefits.
Gene Goldenfeld ·
Coming from Bozeman, Montana to ski the Birkie and looking for a room or a share for Thursday to Sun Birkie Week. If you know of anything, please contact me at genegold@fastmail.fm. Thanks,
Philip Deger ·
Now live in Valley City, ND (50 miles west of Fargo)...anyone interested in ride sharing to the 2012 Birkie?
Please reply at philbert123@hotmail.com
dale ·
just read that you plan purchasing some land and changing the start area....just curious if you plan on doing a article on this in your website so we can get more info....thanks
Sue Scheer ·
The start of the 2012 American Birkebeiner will have the normal start. We are exploring options that would guarantee permanent access to the trail. No final plans have been made.
KNUT FORSGREN FAUSKE NORWAY ·
I am a Norwegian who has skied the AB 8 times,but i do not fond out how to enter the classic AB by using your website
KC ·
looking for training partner in the Chicago area. I live in the north suburbs an hour south of Milwaukee. also REALLY would appreciate some "training schedule" advice for starting today (nov 3) getting in shape for the birkie.
no snow here, and I don't own roller skis because I don't have a place to use them safely. is there a Program that I can start now for daily work out?
Sue ·
Look here for a training schedule that should be helpful:
http://www.birkie.com/page/show/225246-birkie-training-plan-bill-pierce
Good luck finding a training partner1
Barry ·
We have a huge group of people here in Lake and Cook counties training for the race. You can find us on Yahoo Groups: XC Chicago
Ralph Thornton Thornton ·
Might depend on the weather. Good fast "blue extra" conditions would make for an easy and fast ski, but make it -20F and you got a whole mother story!
Susan Kendrick ·
No, it is not against the rules. However, you will want to be able to hear people around you who might want to pass.
Brian Matakis ·
I am looking forward to my first Birkie. I am a strong intermediate classic skier on track to becoming an emerging advanced skier. And I'm hoping that what I lack in advanced technical ability can be trumped by my enthusiasm and overall fitness level! I have a simple gear question: Presently, I have a pair of waxless Rossignols (EVO Glade)--serviceable but a little slow. Is doing the 54K classic with waxless skis akin to trying to play Wimbledon with a wood racquet? Would love some veteran adv… Read More
Ralph Thornton ·
IMHO waxable skis that fit correctly are easier to ski on an provide faster glide than no-wax skis. To get the most out of them you will have to learn how to wax them correctly, however. Given that I would recommend that you consider an upgrade to your equipment.
Fred Boetcher ·
While classic skiing the Birkie I'm more concerned with bite than glide. That is because I have to haul my 200 lbs up all those hills. Unless you're in the 1st couple of classic waves, the track gets glazed about 8-10km along. It took longer this year because it was colder. For me, I get the best combination of bite and glide with waxable classics. I use ice klister covered with the hard wax of the day. When the hard wax wears off the ice klister bites those glazed tracks very well. Start grip t… Read More
samseltz@msn.com ·
I am wondering about comparing distances and work exerted with roller skiing vs. actual (classic) XC skiing. Is it better to just use the time exercising to compare, or are the distances of either comparable?
Matt ·
Hi, does anyone know if the 2011 birkie video will be posted online, as it has been for the past two years?
Thanks!
Ken Hundert ·
To: The Birkie Board
Further to my earlier message in which I encouraged consideration of a grant for a youth ski programme beyond the borders of the USA, I respectfully request that it be named:
The Dave Landgraf International Youth Skier Grant
Dave is more than deserving of this honour (if not another one).
Thank you for your consideration
DALE HRDLICKA ·
With the loss of Dave Landgraf and his red bib, I am curious who the person is wearing the founders bib on the Birkie home page.....thanks
Sue ·
That is our friend Dave on the home page
Doug Riske ·
Ditto on the respects. Dave, your loss is felt keenly here. May your pioneering spirit live on.
Ken Hundert ·
Youth Ski Grant Programme:
I would like to encourage consideration of one grant/year being extended to a programme outside
the borders of the USA...starting with Canada, (eh?).
Ralph Thornton ·
My sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Dave Landgraf, Birkie Founder who passed away this week. While the Birkie community has lost a very strong member, Dave's wonderful Birkie Spirit will live on in the rest of us who annually take on the Birkie Challenge. I will be thinking of Dave each February while skiing the Birkie.
Sam ·
I'm wondering about using resistance bands as an alternative to buying roller skis, which I can't afford currently, for double pole training. Does anyone have any experience with this? I know that it wouldn't be a coordinated movement if done using fixed resistance bands (ie, attached to a door knob while I double or alternate single pole), but it seems it might be a good alternative way to increase pole endurance. Any comments?
Ryan ·
I use the jacketed resistance bands with handles from Lifeline U.S.A. I just use different bands for different exercises. The handles can be grasped in a similar way to a ski pole. A heavier band for double pole lock n'loads and a lighter one for single sticking and full range of motion double poling. This way I can to the double pole workout from the birkie training plan at home. I attach the bands to my chin up bar. I throw in some resistance band leg stuff ("Aerobic bands" Li… Read More
Pat ·
Are my eyes deceiving me, or did the percentages for classic wave placement get adjusted this year? It looks like the cutoff for wave 2, for example, moved from 50% to 55%.
John Tobin ·
My wife & I would like to send our good wishes to all that made this event possible. It was wonderful and we will be back next year.
- Thank You.
John ·
Are there going to be individual pictures posted or a way we can order photos taken of us during the Birkie. I saw a few photographers out there and traditionally there is a way to purchase photos. Also, is there a way to purchase yourself videod at the finish line. I was told there was. Thanks to all Volunteers, AWESOME JOB!
Ralph Thornton ·
Yes! I received an email yesterday with a link to a website where I could view proofs of photos of me during the race. I think there were 2 or 3 from out on the course and another bunch from Main Street.
Ralph Thornton ·
Here's more info. Action Sports International took photos of skiers at the Birkie. If they have your email they will contact you. But if they do not contact you go to:
www.asiorders.com
You can select the event then enter your bib number to see if there are photos of you.
PJ ·
Did you lose your sunglasses at the race? If so, please email a description of them to pgopher2002 @ gmail . com (no spaces). I'll mail them to you. After 2 weeks, I'll mail them to the Birkie office.
kjell ·
I believe the Birkie office in Hayward has all the reuslts, but you will likely have to go there and look up whatever you need youself. They were able to help me out once.
greg Miller ·
I wish to thank everyone involved in the Berkie. I must endure Berkie fever in relative isolation for 51 weeks a year but these past three years the perfect prescription for the Berkie fever is a good long classic ski with my fellow citizen skiers. A wise skier told me this year it is a completion not a competition. Three huge bonuses this year. 1. I finally finished fast enough to get some hot soup at the end!. 2. Icicles on beard and eyebrows have a noble appeal!!! and last but not leas my wif… Read More
Garrett ·
Anybody who loves Collegiate Nordic Skiing should check this out-
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/csbsjuskiteam/
This year the Johnnies had five place in the top 25!
Rick Eliot ·
My son and I were privileged to cellebrate our double number birthday - age 40 and 80 - in this year's Kortelopet. The track was fast, and only a little chewed up, even skiing out of wave 9, so we were happy with our 2:22 time. Wife, daughter and grandaughter were a great support team making it to each feed station on time. What a wonderful birthday present it was!
Kathleen Blake ·
You are my hero! Or shall I say Heroine? Since I first started back in 1997, I've been determined to ski my 90th birthday just so I could win an age category by being the only one!
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Kelly ·
I'm hoping to get a t-shirt from the 2011 Birkie, my first. There were several designs offered, and I figured I'd pick one up when I checked in the afternoon before Race Day. Sadly, by then all they had left of ANY shirt was Small or Medium (I need a Large). There were a lot of people there who seemed disappointed by this. Didn't seem like they planned so well for the # of people that were expected... which really shouldn't have been a big surprise. And I don't see much to speak of offered … Read More
kjell ·
I have a men's XL. The dark blue with the red skiers. I would gladly give it up and just mail it to you.
Kelly ·
kjell - That's really nice of you, and I appreciate the offer! I'd want to cover shipping at a minimum, and would gladly reimburse you whatever it cost you for the shirt as well. If the offer's still open, please e-mail me at kclose at frii dot com and we an sort out the details. Thanks again!
joe Iverson ·
I'm really looking to buy a 2005 poster. does anyone have one they would like to sell???
Joe Iverson ·
if you have a 2005 poster email me at joeiverson@hotmail.com
Joe Iverson ·
does anyone know when they will come out with the wave seeding times for the 2012 birkie. I am quite curious! :-)-l-<=
Flo ·
To calculate the "basis" times, just take the average times of the first five finishers AFTER the Elite skiers. After that, just use the table on the Waves & Seeding page to do your own calculations.
Melissa ·
I think that it depends on which start and the finish time, but these are some numbers that I heard/saw: a newspaper article stated that the start for elites had a temperature of minus 10 F, which is 3 degrees warmer than the lowest allowable by FIS stardards; the same article stated that the temperature at the finish was 5 degrees F, I believe. A friend who seemed to somehow know the temperature said that the temp at the start of wave 6 was minus 5 F, and upon his arrival in Hayward 3:40 later… Read More
Gregory Joseph ·
I am interested in the calculation for "% Back". This is used for determining wave placement.
Flo ·
Take a look at the "Waves & Seeding" page: the "basis" time the percentage-back figure is based on is calculated as follows:
It's the average time of the first 5 finishers AFTER the Elite skiers; so it was 1:58:10 in 2010 for Birkie skate.
Susan Kendrick ·
The American Birkebeiner will be posting an updated Percent Back Chart and the Wave and Seeding information in the next couple of weeks. You can visit this page for the updated information http://www.birkie.com/page/show/110367-waves-and-seeding
It will also be available in the Results Birch Scroll which will be sent in mid-April.
M C ·
Hi! I have a question about the Birkie classic course I hope someone can answer.
I understand the classic tracks are groomed 3 across for the classic trail. Is there still room on the side on downhills to get out of the tracks completely, in order to safely get down the hill? Many times I am not comfortable with the speed and restriction of tracks on hills, and must snowplow somewhat down hills before popping back in them to get up the next hill, etc. Can you please let me know mo…
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Kjell Erlandsson ·
There is plenty of room to snow plow!
Seabiscuit ·
Thank you for the replies. Is there really room to snowplow on the WHOLE 54k course? Even the classic trail when there are more tracks? Thanks!
Sarah Halberg ·
Did anyone find a Garmin Forerunner 305 watch/gps at last years race? My husband last saw his watch in the changing tent at the finish of the Birkie. We would LOVE to have it back. No questions asked!!!
715-634-9106
Greg Miller ·
Thank you volunteers. You are great!. Everyone I know thinks I was insane for trying a berkie at all and now they are completely convinced that i am totally insane for trying my 3rd one I just don't understand how a slug butt like myself ended up in wave 6 classic? I registered the first week you could but my times the last two years could be more accurately be take with a calendar rather than a watch. See ya all in Cable and hopefully in Hayward. Live the Berkie.
Derek Axell ·
Just wondering, since I registered late and I am stuck in wave 8 classic. If there is a wooden ski division.?????? Anyone know????
Susan Kendrick ·
Derek-
There is not a wooden ski division, but it might be fun to do the race that way.
How many others out there ski the event on wooden skis?
Rick Price ·
I skied the kortie 3 years ago on woodies. It was great. Gt lots of hoots and comments along the way.
Christine/ Modern Hayward WI home ·
I have a 3 bedroom home that sleeps 8, kids could camp out on floor for $700/night. Located in the city of Hayward. Clean and providing linens. Gas fireplace and full kitchen. Direct TV. Would be ideal for a couple of families! Very spacious and right in the city. Large 2 car attached garage to wax your skis! Close to the National Log Rolling off Hwy B. I do have a short haired cat that would not be there at the time but wanted to mention if you have allergies. Very modern 1400 sq. Foot log side… Read More
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