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Gerecke · 4 months ago
I came from germany to do the Birkie the first time . 10 years ago, I had been there with my brother, but they cancelled race. So I was really happy to have this nice experience. I did more than 30 worldloppet races in Europe and to finish the Birkie on Main Street with all the nice spectators on that sunny day , was a phantastic feeling ! All the people from organizing team had been really helping to find lovely accomodation and all the skiers during the race has been relaxed, laughing and frin… Read More
Gregory P. Miller · 4 months ago
Last year was my first Berkie. I did it because i was having a midlife crisis and on my 50th birth day i did 5000 sit ups and i though what can i do for my 51st year so i skied the Berkie which i though was a 51k race but alas i was a classic skier and had to go the extra 3 k. Now I have set a goal to do 25 Berkies which will mean that i will be doing Berkies until i am 76 or 77. It takes me a whole year of working out to get ready for one day but that one day is worth it. I know what Berkie fev… Read More
Peg · 4 months ago
I love the birkie and it's been a huge part of our family tradition since the mid 80's. My husband and I now have kids so training and participating in the Birkie is not as easy as it used to be. Instead we participated as a family in the Family Tour 5/10K which was awesome. I see my kids carrying on the tradition of the greatest RACE on skis. My hope is that you will post results for that race (just finishing names) and pictures since you do it for ALL the other smaller races and the kids l… Read More
Kent · 4 months ago
The skier who collapsed 50’ from the finish line of the Birke was medically determined to have had a sudden cardiac failure. It was not a typical "Heart Attack" in that there is no evidence that his heart was denied O2 enough to cause permanent damage. He was defibrillated and taken by Helicopter to Hennepin County Medical Center. After a week in the hospital, a stint, and a barrage of tests he is now home with his family resting and recovering.
I wish him all the best for a co…
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Andy Kaiser · 4 months ago
Thanks to the Volunteers and those who organize the food stations - I couldn't thank you enough along the trail or I would be attempting to finish well after dark.
Aaron Halberg · 4 months ago
What a great day! My only regret was hustling a little too quickly out of the men's changing tent where I think I left my red and gray GPS watch (a Garmin Forerunner 305) behind, I think it must have fallen on the floor. If you may have picked it up or know who did and can give me information leading to its return, I'm willing to offer you a reward. 715-296-9256. BIRKIE FEVER!
Richard Bates · 4 months ago
A Birkebeiner Limerick
When I think of the Birkie at all
It is in winter spring summer and fall
I just can't let it go
In July I think snow
I dream big dreams nothing small
To ski a 54k race
You must set a pretty good pace
Over hill and dale
Your legs cannot fail
Lest you be lost in the snow without trace
Snowmobilers sit on their sleds
To see skiers land on their heads
I will not fall down
I am honor bound
To land on my …
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Bob Baker · 4 months ago
This was my first Birkie and I must admit the experience of skiing down Main Street was well worth the effort of getting there. One amusing story occurred at the top of a rather ominous hill about 20 km into the race with a big curve, and 4 or 5 snowmobiles parked to watch people careening out of control. One of the snowmobilers stuck a beer in my face and told me I should take it. I said it was tempting, but no thanks. Her reply was "you'll wish you had". So, I started down this hill… Read More
John · 4 months ago
This was my first time in a cross country ski race and it was a great experience! I have been looking forward to this race for about a year and It lived up to everything I had heard. Thanks for a great memory!
Tyler Gruetzmacher · 4 months ago
I found that conjestion in Wave 2 skate last year was not a problem this year in 2, but I think it was due to the faster snow conditions. It appears I was in the same group as W. Zimmerman from earlier
I have had several people ask me "How many skiers are in each wave? Is there a table somewhere?
The only flaw in a perfect weekend was the busing at Telemark on Friday afternoon. 2 buses didn't work, 4 next year?
We will be talking about this race for a long time…
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Cherie Morgan · 4 months ago
As a general rule there are about 650 skiers assigned to each skate wave and 350 skiers to each classic wave.
Bruce Rosenheimer · 5 months ago
My 19th year and this was the perfect race, the course, the track , the wax, the weather, the volunteers, thank you birkie team, will be back to live the dream again........
Erin · 5 months ago
Just started skiing about a month ago and LOVED the Korte! Volunteers were AMAZING. To the gentleman who gave me two squirts of water around the 20K you saved my life - Thanks!!! Trails were awesome, though, maybe more waves to separate skiers would help prevent crashes and waiting at the top of hills. Can't wait to train for the Birkie next year!!
1st time Kortelopet Classic Skier · 5 months ago
Hat's off for the organization and how well the event flowed. I arived early afternoon on Friday and did not experience the delays that others taked about to regester.
With this my first race experience I knew that there would be congestion, but what I did not anticipate was the amount of last second decisions I had to make to keep from contact skiers who had fell down or those skiers I quickly over took on the down hills who were using the slower wax-less skis. Starting in the back of wav…
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Bernt · 4 months ago
I'm in the exact same boat. I was supposed to be with wave 9 for the Korte (I goofed and got out with wave 10 instead) and found the congestion to be crazy, especially once the korte trail and birkie trails split. There were many times that I had to come to a complete stop because of the sheer number of people. I had a lot of fun despite that, but adding additional waves could help the congestion a great deal.
Looking forward to next year!
Paul Thomas · 5 months ago
I did my first Korte this year and plan on coming back next year for the full Birkie. The day of the race was awesome and met all my expectations of this event. I was very disappointed however in the bib pick-up on Friday. I waited for over 45 minutes outside for the shuttle bus back to the parking lot. For a world class event like this to plan so poorly was really making me doubt why I wanted to do this race. Get it right next year.
JJ · 5 months ago
All together everything was great. Friday got a little disorganized around Telemark with busing and traffic. I also noticed the registration line all but stopped and backed to the entry doors. Saturday could not of been better for my 2nd birkie and 2nd year skiing. The trail was in great shape, the volunteers seemed to be working hard (sorry for not stopping and saying thank you as I was on a mission). But the best part was all the support, from spectators, volunteers and other skiers who en… Read More
Kurt · 5 months ago
Great first Birkie experience!
What a privilege to be part of such a huge turnout on my first Birkie. I skied the 54k Classic and enjoyed it immensely. Beautiful day, great grooming, happy spectators and volunteers.
Only complaint: Where was the GU??
I started in Wave 7 Classic (9:10 AM) and there was no energy gel at any of the Food Stations.
I asked at every food station after Timber ridge (3,4,5, etc) and none of the volunteers had any.
Each time the volunteers said…
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Joe Timmerman · 4 months ago
My 17th birkie this year. I learned years ago to staple 4 gu's to my bib and carry my own. The stops are simply too crowded and crazy to get what you want. I even carry a bottle so I can skip the first 3 or 4 stops. I know I pass hundreds of skiers that way.
Louis Verstegen · 5 months ago
I want to thank the Birkie organizer and volunteers for one of the best Birkie's ever. This year was my worst time but my best Birkie. A year ago I could not walk because of a LisFranc Fracture in my left foot and that was the only Birkie that I missed since 1983. The doctor at that time told me that I would not be able to do the Birkie this year because of the recovery time needed. So I went out and found another doctor to help me. I could not walk until June and the only training that I d… Read More
Ken Hundert · 5 months ago
Thanks to all the volunteers; the
"rookies" who tried something new
and the "veterans" who guided the
rookies. I'm happy you had a
warmmmm day in the sun -
I've done 16 Birkies and volunteer
my time on the Thursday morning
before the Birkie. I stamp (with
my classical skies) "BIRKIE FEVER"
on the sides of two hills (off piste),
near the Hatchery. This is done
if no snow is in the forecast for Thursday
and Frida…
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Kevin Syth · 5 months ago
I was looking at that hill as I came thru. I would like to help out. How can we hook up?
Kevin
Soozie Franklin · 5 months ago
Love the energy of this event...Favorite spots: Drummers on the power line-they're awesome + really help with those hills, the organization of the event was stellar, volunteers were top notch...definitely a "must do" each winter!...What a great way to ring out winter & bring on spring! Can't wait to start training to ski my first Birkie! Thanks for a great weekend!
tom waidelich · 5 months ago
enjoyed another great race event (my 17th). I would again recommend that they waves be smaller in size, add more waves with less time inbetween to help with the congestion and crashes. With the timming chip this shouldn't be a problem. The Friday afternoon bib pickup was a disaster. That whole undertaking could be well avoided if you mailed the bibs & packets and/or have it located in a place where traffic is an easier flow through.
Joseph · 5 months ago
It was a great Birkie day but I'm curious what wax worked because my Toko didn't (skating)! I took few minutes off last year's race but was in much better shape this year and hoped to do a 3 hour race. My legs were borderline cramping the last two hills and shoulders and arms still hurt today, they definitely got me through. Thanks to all the volunteers!!
Peter Rayne · 4 months ago
Fast Wax Tan worked great for glide for me. I was skiing with the skaters on the downhills, but keeping the kick was a problem. I couldn't believe how little kick wax was left when I pulled my skis out for the post race inspection
mike mehne · 4 months ago
My sons (wave 3, 3:20) skate skis had Fast Wax HSHF10 and fine linner strcture to heal fine broken back. Faster than most, ran with the rest and looked like new at the end. I had the same for glide on my classic and had great glide early and very good at the end. (I was out a long time and temp. went way up) I have to make the coment that after 23 Birkies over 30+ years in wave 1 to 6 get off your edges, STOP snowplowing, and learn to ski transitions.
Logan Johnson · 5 months ago
The conditions for my first birkie could not have been any better. The birkie is a world class event that showcases what care the skiing comunity has for all and I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement,generosity,grooming,and reststop help. Hope to see everyone next year for birkie number 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nels Hanson · 5 months ago
My name is Nels Hanson and I attended the 2009 Birkie as a spectator. When I got home my wife asked me what I thought about it and I told her I was going to enter in 2010. She,of course,try to talk me out of it since I was "old" and she was worried about me. I trained all fall,used my son who is a certified trainer,lost weight,and started the "skating" technique around Thanksgiving. Took 3 lessons and worked as hard as I could. I assumed that I would get "timed off&quo… Read More
Peg · 4 months ago
Great Job Nels! The energy that comes from being part of the race weekend is just amazing and so hard to explain to others. I feel your pain, I feel your excitement and I feel that overwhelming sense of accomplishment! Cheers to next year!
Bob Baker · 4 months ago
Nels, I checked the Birkie results the day after the race and was pleased to see you had finished successfully. Congratulations!! Several days later I posted a comment about snowmobilers offering me a beer at what I now know was Hecklers Hill, but neglected to scroll down far enough to see your comment from three days earlier. What a great story about the race official with both a sense of humor and a heart. I looked for you when I got to Duffey's Bridge, but continued on after a couple of m… Read More
Teresa Olson · 5 months ago
Awesome!!! We really liked the Barne course this year! Good for the kids and the spectators. We got to take pictures at the cross over to the golf course and at the finish for our 3 and 5K kids. The Birkie was great!! The volunteers are the best! Quickly got whatever I requested (water, energy, oranges or Gu) at the food stops. The priest and nuns on B hill made me laugh out loud!! The drummers are always appreicated as well as those playing music and everybody cheering! Thanks to the S… Read More
Charlie · 5 months ago
Unfortunately, we had witnessed an older gentleman colapse of an apparent heart attack about 100 yards or so from the finish. This was a very serious situation. It appeared that he did not have a heartbeat. The defribulator had been used and it seemed as though the man was breathing when taken away on the stretcher. I was hoping to know the man is okay, now. We would appreciate if someone might know something and tell us that he was okay. Does anyone know? Thanks.
Sue Scheer · 4 months ago
Today we were notified that the 45 year old man was released from the hospital--he can ski recreationally but no more Birkies--it is great news.
Derek Axell · 5 months ago
A great big thanks to all involved! So perfect I crushed my personal best by 1 hour 40 minutes. Is there a wooden ski division? Thinking about it for next year!
Fern Spence · 5 months ago
What a well supported fun event. This race kicked my tail, but the good memories far outweigh the anguish I endured. You may consider more race day porta-jons at the Telemark Lodge where the busses dropped us off. I was getting worried while waiting in a long line after a long bus ride!
Rich Hoeg · 5 months ago
Is the Skier okay who appeared to have a heart attack? Not long after finishing, and while watching my wife finish, I saw a skier go down 30 yards prior to the finish. I was impressed with how fast the medical staff started giving him care. All our prayers are with that skier, and his family.
Charlie · 5 months ago
We had been wondering too. Here is a news article. It's sounds like he will be okay.
Birkie skier revived after finish line collapse
By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel
March 1, 2010 |(0) Comments
Emergency medical workers revived a skier who collapsed, apparently due to a heart problem, at the finish line of the American Birkebeiner ski race on Saturday.
The skier was hospitalized but survived, according to Shellie Milford, the director of race operations f…
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Tom Weitz · 5 months ago
23rd Birkie. I believe my first was back in 1983 and it gets better and better every year. This was truly a class act!
You ought to still lay down some classic tracks, maybe one on each side on all the down hill sections of the skate trail. It's nice to jump in a track on occasion to provide for better control and rest.
I understand the issue with the parking on Friday, but people were waiting a long time for the shuttle or they were walking a long way. Not something you want …
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Classic/Pain Fan · 5 months ago
Perfect weatherand perfect tracks. Trust me when I tell perfect because i went through all three phases of it-cold, warm and then cold again :) Man what a blast! Thanks
William G. Zimmermann · 5 months ago
Had another great Birkie experience in 2010, two comments:
1. Whatever you are doing with the waves, it's great. I have been steadily improving my times over the past 9 years, but this is the first time I can actually say that I skiied the entire race with people with the same level of skill.
2. The parking situation on Friday at Telemark was really poorly managed. We were forced to park at Pilot Fish with only two buses running. When we arrived at telemark, there were many pa…
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Eric Tadsen · 5 months ago
Agreed on the parking. Very long wait for the buses causing many people to walk the route which ended up slowing everything down as there was not really space for people to walk aside the road.
Gale R. Otterholt · 5 months ago
Thanks to all who helped to make my 33rd Birkie memorable!
Thanks to all the volunteers at the food stations - YOU'RE GREAT! The new classic trail is a fantastic addition to the race. The nuns and friar at "B" hill were an incentive to keep moving! It's good to know I've been forgiven too!
I also enjoyed watching the future Birkebeiners at the Barnebirkie, next year the grandkids will participate!
Some suggestions for making the race even better: Consider setting…
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Leah Rebne · 5 months ago
Awesome Birkie this year! Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out! Can't wait til next years Birkie!
James Hamre · 5 months ago
Dear Birkie organizers and participants, thank you so much for the opportunity for me and my handi-capable friends to take part in the 1K and 3K events. I was able to attend the Birkie with my wife and four children to experience this awesome example of human perseverance and will power. Already making plans for next year's Birkie. My children have seen what is possible and are eager to be part of the cross-country sport. Thank you again.
Classic Fan · 5 months ago
The classic course was wonderful once again! Changes made to the wave start times and to the lay out of the tracks (two on one side) once the courses came back together helped make everything run more smoothly.
My only concern is how hard the top classic skiers are working and how little recognition they receive for their efforts. Even with the main focus on the skate race there should still be some resources/donations available to better recognize the classic skiers. The wooden plaque g…
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Rich Hoeg · 5 months ago
Great time! Great volunteers! Here are my head cam photos taken while I skied the 54 km classic .. http://www.northstarnerd.org/econtent/2010/02/birkebener-photos.html
Chad Schultz · 5 months ago
I started to ski 5 weeks and this was my first XC ski race I came up to Cable alone and without any knowledge of where to go or what to expect. The event was so well organized from the parking lot, shuttle bus and the registration. It was a very well run event that allowed me to really enjoy the entire experience. I am already trying to recruit new people to join me for 2011.
A. Behrends · 5 months ago
What a gorgeous day to ski! I got to watch my little brother finish the Kortelopet, then go ski the race myself. Glad I decided to ski the Korte this year, it was a great time. Thank you to all the volunteers and people out on the trail cheering us on - you guys are great!! Also - the lady wearing Korte bib 8650 - you are an inspiration!
~the girl in the crazy rainbow suit =)
(P.S., shout out to all the WWC'ers out there skiing and volunteering - you guys rock!)
l carter · 5 months ago
Hey did anyone else see the guy who skied the whole race without poles? Skate skiing? Got to give him alot of credit! thats a huge undertaking- you don't see that everyday.
pretty cool!
K. Simons · 5 months ago
Yes we saw him also- it was really cool- your right you don't see that everyday for this kind of race - def- challenging! He seemed liked he was really good at it too!
Ralph Thornton · 5 months ago
Thanks so much for another fantastic event! Given there were 8000 skiers everything went well. Not too crowded. Just a fantastic Ski!!!!
Ralph Thornton - 31st Birkie
Leslie Hale · 5 months ago
The classic track was even more AWESOME this year for 2 reasons- the side by side tracks on the second half (rather than one set on each side of skate trail) was really great- kept skaters off the tracks and made it much easier for classic skiers to pass each other. And not having the Prince Haken skiers on the route was a huge improvement.
2 suggestions- sure would make the packet pickup easier and less congested if you had the option of picking up in Hayward
And the Camp Birkie is fab…
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Paul Wyatt · 5 months ago
Not a major thing, but when I registered online, I didn't see where there was a place to put previous Birkie experince. I think it only asked about the last three years. When I picked up my bib, I had to explain that I had skied 6 Birkies before (finishing 5) before 1984. Medal#1280. They gave me the correct pin at the finish despite the number 1 on my bib.
kendobbslaw@prodigy.net · 5 months ago
Are there plans to live stream the race next year over the internet? That would be great for those of us that can't be present.
Alieta Gregg · 14 days ago
I love watching the birkie, and have several family members who race each year; including my husband, my father and mother in laws, and my brother in law, Brian Gregg who is on local team CXC, sponsored by the birkie foundation.
I myself have not skied the birkie, but always get quite a workout on that day trying to get from the start of the race at telemark to the finish in time to see my "Elite wave" family cross the line on main street! Since they typically finish at around 10… Read More
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