ABSF to Announce 2017-2018 Board of Directors

Hayward, WI (July 31, 2017) — With a mission of engaging, creating, and inspiring a healthy, active lifestyle, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) announces its 2017 Annual Meeting on August 5 to recap the past year, provide an update on 2017-2018 planning, and announce newly elected members of the 2017-2018 ABSF Board of Directors. Both ABSF members and the public are invited to attend this day of activities, friendship, food, and fun.

The ABSF will begin the day with group rides in and around the Birkie Trail area. Whether on a mountain bike or a road bike ride, there is a ride for all who are interested. Later that afternoon, a dedication is slated for the Franzen Cabin at Fire Tower aid station. The cabin is named for Marilyn & Greg Franzen and in honor of their generous donation to the ABSF. The dedication will include a brief program along with light refreshments. The afternoon’s festivities continue with a social hour at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, located off of McNaught Road near Cable, WI, and home of the start of the iconic Birkie ski race. A picnic style dinner will follow, culminating with the ABSF’s annual meeting. Cost for dinner and drinks is $10 per person (free for kids under 12). Guests are asked to RSVP in advance at www.Birkie.com.

Saturday, August 5, 2017 – Schedule of Events

  • 9:00AM – Mountain Bike Ride – led by Ben Popp – Meet at “OO” Trailhead
  • 9:00AM – Road Bike Ride – led by Carol Fitzgerald – Meet at Cresthill Resort
  • 3:30PM – Franzen Cabin at Fire Tower Aid Station Dedication – Firetower Aid Station
    • Meet at the North End Cabin at 3pm to carpool to Firetower Aid Station
  • 5:00PM – Social Hour – at American Birkebeiner Trail Head
  • 6:00PM – Annual Meeting Dinner
  • 6:45PM – Annual Meeting and Announcement of 2017-2018 ABSF Board of Directors

Members are the lifeblood of the ABSF and help to ensure the Foundation’s ability to host superior events like the Birkie, Fat Bike Birkie, or Birkie Trail Run Festival, all of which provide a medium to stay active. ABSF members own a piece of knowing that the incredible Birkie Trail system is sustained both now and in the future. And, their membership support makes the ABSF’s development programming possible, assuring the health of silent sports for generations to come.

While originally created to support a ski marathon, the ABSF has grown into much more than a singular ski race and now encompasses a series of year-round seasonal silent sports activities and events including skiing, biking, running, trekking and hiking. Throughout the year, the ABSF maintains the over 100km Birkie Trail through ongoing maintenance, mowing and grooming, along with the upkeep of trailside shelters and trailhead buildings.

Perhaps most importantly, the ABSF inspires a healthy active lifestyle for all ages, promotes conservation, and aids in driving economic growth in the region. Last year alone, an estimated 100,000 silent sports enthusiasts utilized the Birkie Trail.

About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the Birkie brand has grown to encompass a year-round lifestyle that provides healthy, active events for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From the iconic Birkie ski race to the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, and Fat Bike Birkie race, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars. The Birkie embodies a healthy active lifestyle, is a fitness destination and mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts, and offers a series of best-in-class race opportunities. Ski. Run. Bike. Live! Visit www.Birkie.com to learn more.

Posted July 31, 2017 at 1:20 pm