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Tag: fat bike birkie

  • 2019 Birkie Registration Now Open

    (May 1 press release) 

    Who: American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation

    What: Registration opened for the 2019 American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation slate of events.

    When: As of noon today, well over 1000 registrations have already been received for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner race alone.

    Event Dates:

    Friday, February 22, 2019

    Saturday, February 23, 2019

    Saturday, March 9, 2019

    Sunday, January 13, 2019

    • BirkieTour
    • The BirkieTour, an untimed, aid station supported ski tour of the Birkie Trail

    Where: Events are in Hayward & Cable, Wisconsin. Registration for all events is open and available at www.Birkie.com.

    Why: “Silent sports, including Birkie events, provide an estimated over twenty-million-dollar economic impact to northwest Wisconsin alone,” said Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Executive Director. “Birkie events provide year-round opportunities for people from around the world to join together for healthy, active lifestyle events in the great north woods of Wisconsin.”

    About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

    Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the Birkie has grown to encompass a variety of year-round, silent sport events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The ABSF also acts as steward of the legendary Birkie Trail, providing year-round grooming, mowing and maintenance to all 100+ kilometers. From the iconic American Birkebeiner ski race, to the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, and Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite athletes. Learn more at www.birkie.com. BIRKIE Ski. Run. Bike. Live!

  • American Birkie, Korte & Prince Haakon Final Price Increase Fast Approaching

    Racing toward the finish of the American Birkebeiner on Main St. in Hayward, Wis. (Photo: American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation ©)

    (Press release)

    Skiers Encouraged to Register By Thursday, Nov. 2 at 11:59pm!

    Hayward, Wis. (October 31, 2017) – With flurries in the air and Birkie week festivities a mere 113 days away, skiers interested in participating in the American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Prince Haakon races are urged to register before the Friday, November 3, 2017 price increase. Many race waves are already closed and remaining waves are filling quickly. Registration will close when the combined participant cap is reached for all three races. The Birkie is North America’s largest cross- country ski race and is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2018, with the Kortelopet, North America’s second largest ski race, and Prince Haakon, on Friday, February 23, 2018. Skiers from 48 states and 22 countries participated in the last-held races.

    • Friday, February 23, 2018
      • Both the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races will finish in downtown Hayward with the 29K Kortelopet starting at the Highway OO Trailhead and the 15K Prince Haakon starting near Mosquito Brook.
    • Saturday, February 24, 2018
      • For the first time ever, 44th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner skiers will line-up at the new permanent start area at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, located just southeast of Cable, WI. 2018 Birkie skiers will embark from the starting line as they journey on the Birkie Trail, 50K skate and 55K classic, to their destination at the finish line in downtown Hayward, WI.

    During the American Birkebeiner and the Kortelopet races, skiers are released from the start area in waves. Wave Placement is based on a first registered, first seeded basis. Once a wave has filled, participants will be placed in the next available wave. November 2, 2017 marks the final price increase and last chance for skiers to save before the official close of registration.

    Birkie week festivities begin on Thursday, February 22, 2018 with the Birkie Adaptive Ski, Barkie Birkie Skijor, Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, and Birkie Giant Ski events, all on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. Registration for all events is open and available at www.Birkie.com.

    March 10, 2018 marks the Fat Bike Birkie, the world’s largest fat bike race, where riders choose between a 49K (The Big Fat) & 21K (The Chico) ride through the north woods on perfectly groomed trails. Now in its 6th year, the race has grown from fewer than 200 riders in 2013 to a capped registration of 1200 riders in 2018.

    Registration for all events is available at www.Birkie.com.

    About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

    Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the Birkie has grown to encompass a variety of year-round, silent sport events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The ABSF also acts as steward of the legendary Birkie Trail, providing year-round grooming, mowing and maintenance to all 100+ kilometers. From the iconic American Birkebeiner ski race, to the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, and Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite athletes. Learn more at www.birkie.com. BIRKIE Ski. Run. Bike. Live!

  • 2018 Birkie Registration Opens May 1

    Participants at the start of the 2012 American Birkebeiner in Cable, Wis. Registration for 2018 Birkie events opens Monday, May 1. (Photo courtesy of Darlene Prois/ABSF)

    (Press release)

    Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon, BirkieTour & Fat Bike Birkie

    Hayward, Wis. (April 25, 2017) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) board of directors today announced that registration will open for the 2018 American Birkebeiner schedule of events on May 1, 2017. North America’s largest cross-country ski race, the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2018, with the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races slated for Friday, February 23, 2018. Additionally, Fat Bike Birkie, the world’s largest fat bike race, is March 10, 2018, with the BirkieTour hosted on January 14, 2018.

    Friday, February 23, 2018

    • 10:45am – Kortelopet 29K Classic & Skate Ski Race
      – North America’s second largest ski race will journey from the Highway “OO” Trailhead east of Seeley, WI, to the finish line on Hayward’s Main Street. 
    • 1:15pm – Prince Haakon 15K Classic & Skate Ski Race
      – A race which honors the eventual Norwegian King, rescued and skied to safety by Birkebeiner warriors in 1206, the Prince Haakon Race will begin near Mosquito Brook, outside of Hayward, WI, and will finish in downtown Hayward.

    Saturday, February 24, 2018 

    • 8:30am – 44th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner 50K Skate & 55K Classic Ski Race
      – 2018 Slumberland AmericanBirkebeiner skiers will embark on an over 50K journey (50K skate/55K classic) to their destination in Hayward, WI. North America’s largest cross-country ski race finds thousands of skiers recreating the journey that Norwegian Birkebeiner warriors traveled to save Prince Haakon – the very legacy of the American Birkebeiner race.

    There is a 10,500-participant race cap for the combined three races. Registration will close when this cap is reached. Wave Placement is based on a first registered, first seeded basis. Once a wave has filled, participants will be placed in the next available wave.

    As part of registration, 2018 Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Prince Haakon registrants have an opportunity to help the ABSF go greener by donating $35 to the ABSF toward a reusable Birkie gear bag. This reusable backpack or duffle style bag will be used in lieu of the large plastic bags skiers normally receive as part of their packet at bib pick-up. The $125 value exclusive Birkie gear bag is available only while supplies last and only during the registration process. It is the hope of the ABSF that participants will choose this option which will ultimately assist in reducing the overall amount of waste generated by use of plastic bags during the annual ski events. The Birkie gear bag is a slightly larger version of that used by the US Ski Team athletes. Details are available at www.Birkie.com.

    Saturday, March 10, 2018 

    • 45NRTH Fat Bike Birkie
      – The Fat Bike Birkie is the world’s largest fat bike race and offers both 47K (The Big Fat) & 23K (The Chico) race options for riders of all skill levels. In its sixth year, the Fat Bike Birkie has grown from fewer than 200 riders in 2013 to an estimated 1200 riders from 19 states and two countries in 2017. In addition, a criterium obstacle course and fat bike expo round out the event weekend.

    Sunday, January 14, 2018

    • BirkieTour
      – The BirkieTour, an untimed, aid station supported tour of the Birkie Trail provides skiers with
      experience on the trail before February races, allows skiers who are not interested in racing an opportunity to experience a supported event, and extends skiers a fun and camaraderie filled atmosphere, with family and friends, at their leisure, on the legendary Birkie Trail.

    Registration for all events is available at www.Birkie.com.

  • Birkie Registration Opens May 2

    Registration for the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon, BirkieTour and more opens May 2, 2016. (Photo: ABSF)
    Registration for the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon, BirkieTour and more opens May 2, 2016. (Photo: ABSF)

    Birkie 2017 Event Registration Opens Today!

    Exciting New Schedule! Waves Fill Fast!

    Click here

    Friday – February 24, 2017
    Kortelopet & Prince Haakon
    Ski the International Bridge!
    Finish in Downtown Hayward!

    Saturday, February 25, 2017
    Slumberland American Birkebeiner
    Experience the New Start Line!
    Test Your Inner Warrior!

    Saturday, January 15, 2017
    BirkieTour
    Tour the Birkie Trail
    Aid Stations & Untimed
    Food, Friends & Fun!

    Saturday, March 11, 2017
    45NRTH Fat Bike Birkie
    World’s Largest Fat Bike Race!
    Test Your Skill on the Rolling Hills!
    A Race Distance for Everyone!

  • Fat Bike Birkie 2014 Hosts Biggest Field in Fat Bike Racing

    FFB-2014-NedOverend

    World Champion Ned Overend Takes National Title at Fat Bike Birkie

    The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s second annual Fat Bike Birkie, presented by Freewheel Bike, hosted more than 500 riders on Saturday, March 8, in Cable, WI, making it the biggest fat bike event in the country and in the world. Among this strong field of riders from across the country was renowned world mountain bike champion and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame member Ned Overend of Durango, CO, who won the Fat Bike Birkie and in doing so also took the title of the first annual U.S. National Fat Bike Championship.

    Registration for 2015 Opens April 1
    CLICK HERE

    Ned Overend, aka “The Lung,” registered for the event in December, even before it was designated as the U.S. National Fat Bike Championship. He commented in the weeks before the event that, “I work for Specialized in product development and marketing and I’m part of the fat bike product team. I know that the Midwest is currently the center of the universe for fat bikes so I felt it was important to participate in the Birkie event and to come learn from the riders in the area.”

    The Lead pack of about 12 riders stayed together, single-file, until the halfway point. Overend, Jordan Wakeley–the 2013 Fat Bike Birkie champion–and Jesse LeLonde were out in front. Then the field shrank to a lead pack of about six to eight riders and spread out in a line across the trail. At this point Overend took a lead, charging both up and down the hills to clear a two-minute gap and capture the win.

    In an interview immediately following his first-place finish, when asked if he came to win, Overend smiled and quickly answered, “Absolutely!”

    See All 2014 Results
    CLICK HERE

    See Photos
    FACEBOOK

    Watch LIVESTREAM Video of Event:
    Available for viewing through April 7
    CLICK HERE

     

    47K – Fat Bike Birkie Champions / National Fat Bike Champions
    Ned Overend – First in 1:52:50. Durango, CO
    Will Ross – Second in 1:54:53. Anchorage, AK
    Brendan Moore – Third in 1:54:57. Prior Lake, MN

    47K Women’s Fat Bike Champions / U.S. National Fat Bike Champions
    Jenna Rinehart – First in 2:13:10. Mankato, MN
    April Morgan – Second in 2:14:00. Minneapolis, MN
    Diana McFadden – Third in 2:15:11. Duluth, MN

    20K Men – Winners
    James Kauth – First in 52:22. St. Paul, MN
    Dag Selander – Second in 53:56. Hudson, WI
    Scott Veldhuizen – Third in 55:01. Green Bay, WI

    20K Women – Winners
    Cindy Bijold – First in 55:18. Hayward, WI
    Bianca Bergman – Second in 59:10. Fargo, ND
    Jackie Johnson – Third in 1:00:49. Hancock. MI
    Birkie Trail Conditions – Called “One of Top Rides Ever”!

    Birkie Trail conditions were near perfect, with many riders commenting that it was not just one of the best races they had ever ridden but one of the best trail rides … ever. Thanks to the Birkie trail crew’s final Friday night, pre-race grooming of the trail, the course was firm and fast with no sign of the icier surface in some areas the day before the event.

    The American Birkebeiner employs a year-round, full-time trail staff that operates three Pisten Bullys during ski season. The entire Birkie Trail system, including the portions used for the Fat Bike Birkie, have been groomed continuously all winter and then right up to Friday night before the event. This daily and weekly attention to the trail continues as long as there is snow on the trail, even after the American Birkebeiner ski race in February where more than 10,000 skiers take to these trails in a 50/54K race.

    Saturday morning the temperature at the start was 20 degrees with an afternoon high of 28, so these great conditions held for the very last riders. The day started out sunny, become overcast and offered up a picturesque period of snow flurries, then the sun came out again to welcome in the middle of the pack and later-finishing riders. The day was, serendipitously, the first break from the sustained sub-zero temperatures across the Midwest all winter.

    Course – New Route in Second Year

    The Fat Bike Birkie includes two distances–47K and 20K. Both were mass starts. Riders lined up on the drive in front of Telemark Lodge. The course then took them to the infamous Power Line, then into the woods and onto the world-famous Birkie Trail. Riders in the 47K followed the “Skate” trail to the Birkie “OO” Trailhead–the halfway point and turn-around. They then followed the “Classic” trail back to the Telemark property and the finish. Both distances include great climbs and fast down hills that are perfect for fat bikes.

    Growing the Event

    The event was again capped this year, up to 500 from 300 last year, and sold out the week before the race. Total participants included more than 500 rider–those who registered on their own, a few call-ups, and those who had comp entries through sponsors.

    “The Fat Bike Birkie has filled before the event in its first two years!” commented Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “We will continue to monitor and adjust the cap, which allows for the best, and safest, race experience for the participants. Register early before we reach our participant cap for 2015.” Registration for the March 7, 2015 event opens on April 1 at www.birkie.com.

    Non-Stop Hills and Smiles

    With the first annual Fat Bike Birkie in 2013, Birkie event staff discovered what a great bunch the fat bike community is and was eager to welcome them back. These riders have a great can-do spirit and the main goal seems to be having a great time on the trail and getting their fat bikes on some great snow. They take to those Birkie hills and still come across the finish line smiling.

    It was a full house at the post-race party in the big finish line tent. There is a lot of camaraderie among these riders. When the last participants, a couple, finished together in over five hours, everyone still at the party came out to create a long line of high fives for the pair as they made their way across the line.

    “We feel fortunate to host this great group of people!” said Popp. “We are already looking forward to next year’s event on March 7, 2015, and to again hosting the second annual U.S. National Fat Bike Championship. It was a stellar day all around!”

    Awards in Three Best-Of CategoriesAwards were presented on the podium to overall and age-class winners of the Fat Bike Birkie. The Birkie then presented awards to the overall male and female U.S. National Fat Bike Championship winners, which included the first annual USNFBC jersey. Then the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series presented its awards to series winners, which is based on points from all races in the series, culminating with the Fat Bike Birkie 47K.
    What Is the Fat Bike Birkie?

    The Fat Bike Birkie event is a once-a-year chance to ride a fat bike–or any bike–on the snow-covered, and beautifully groomed American Birkebeiner Trail system. Fat bikes and mountain bikes are otherwise not allowed when there is groomed snow on the trails. In fact, this new Birkie event took place just two weeks after the 41st annual American Birkebeiner XC Ski Marathon, which hosted an international field of 13,000 skiers and is the largest ski race in North America. The Fat Bike Birkie, with distances of 47K or 20K, is also a great event for all abilities–from elite to citizen riders. The trail is wide enough to accommodate both expert riders and newcomers to fat biking.
    Thanks to Our Sponsors – The Fat Bike Birkie, 2014 US National Championship Race, is presented by Freewheel Bike. Other sponsors include the Cabin Stop of Hayward, Life Time Cycle, Riverbrook Bike & Ski, Fat-Bike.com, Hed Bicycle Products, 9:ZERO:7, Bar Mitts, BELCH Gear, 1UP USA, Hammer Nutrition, and GU Energy.
    SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE!  For information on a year-round Birkie events, visit www.birkie.com.

    Questions? Email the Birkie at birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025.

     FBB-2014-NedOverend-START

  • Fat Bike Birkie Gears Up for Second Big Year

    Fat Bike Birkie (Photo: Kelly Randolph)
    Fat Bike Birkie (Photo: Kelly Randolph)

    (Press release)

    Next Early Fee Deadline Nov. 30 – Save $10 on Your Entry

    CLICK HERE
    For Details and to Register Online
    (Register by Nov. 30 and Save $10)

    See All 141 Photos from the 2013 Event on
    Birkie Facebook

    Everything’s a go for the American Birkebeiner’s second annual FAT BIKE BIRKIE, presented by Freewheel Bike on March 8, 2014. Register by the next early fee deadline on November 30 to save $10 on your entry. The Birkie’s first-ever fat bike event last March was a huge success with 300 registered riders–a fantastic group that the Birkie is looking forward to hosting again! The event is held on the groomed Birkie Trail system. Last year, the event was was capped at 300 riders to make sure we and the riders got off to a good start. Now the Birkie is opening it up to more who are ready to take to the Birkie Trail on their Fat Bikes.

    There are two distances to choose from–45K and 18K. This year will be for fat bikes only, not mountain bikes since only a few participated last year and fat bikes definitely perform better on the trail. Both distances start and finish on the grounds at Telemark, in Cable, WI, with the long race reaching the Birkie “OO” trailhead before looping back north to the finish.

    The Fat Bike Birkie is a once-a-year chance to ride a fat bike on the world-famous, snow-covered, and beautifully groomed American Birkebeiner Trail system. Bikes are otherwise NOT allowed when there is groomed snow on the trails. Last year riders reported that the course was firm and fast, and the trails held up well to the fat bikes.

    Says Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, “We are really excited about the growing interest in this event. The Fat Bike community is great, and we are looking forward to again giving them their own event on the Birkie Trail on some amazing terrain. See you at the starting line!”

    For more information about the Fat Bike Birkie and other American Birkebeiner events, like the Birkie Trail Run & Trek on September 21, 2013, visit www.Birkie.com, email birkie@birkie.com, or call the Birkie office at 715-634-5025.

  • Fat Bike Birkie Debuts to Sold-Out Crowd

    2013 Fat Bike Birkie (Photo: Kelly Randolph)
    2013 Fat Bike Birkie (Photo: Kelly Randolph)

    First-Annual Event Welcomes 300 Riders to the Snow-Covered Birkie Trail

    See All 141 Photos on Facebook

    The American Birkebeiner’s first-annual Fat Bike Birkie, presented by Freewheel Bike, held Saturday, March 9, in Cable, WI, was a great success with 300 registered riders. The main event, the 45K Fat Bike Birkie was won by Jorden Wakeley, Grayling, MI, while Danielle Musto, Grand Rapids, MI, won the 45K women’s race. All races were held on the expertly groomed Birkie Trail system. The event was capped at 300 riders to ensure a great snow-biking experience on the Birkie Trail for everyone involved.

    There were four races: the 45K Fat Bike Birkie, an 18K Fat Bike Birkie, a 45K mountain bike race, and an 18K mountain bike race. All races started and finished at Telemark Resort, with the long races reaching the Birkie “OO” trailhead.

    Congratulations to all riders who participated in this first-ever event! The overall champions in each bike and distance category are listed below.

    Please see complete race results at

    www.itiming.com

    45K Fat Bike Race:

    Jorden Wakeley, Grayling, MI, in 1:48:30

    Danielle Musto, Grand Rapids, MI, in 2:14:11

    45K Mountain Bike Race

    Leo Kendrick, Minneapolis, MN, in 2:38:54

    18K Fat Bike Race

    John Riley, Cross Plaines, WI, in 00:42:45

    Cindy Bijold, Hayward, WI, 00:48:52

    18K Mountain Bike Race

    Tom Gaier, Hayward, WI, in 00:43:18

    Elsa Hansen, Duluth, MN, in 1:03:11

     

    The Fat Bike Birkie is a once-a-year chance to ride a fat bike or mountain bike on the world-famous, snow-covered, and beautifully groomed American Birkebeiner Trail system. Fat bikes and mountain bikes are otherwise not allowed when there is groomed snow on the trails. In fact, this new Birkie event took place just two weeks after the 40th annual American Birkebeiner ski marathon, which hosted 13,000 skiers from February 21-23.

    According to columnist Tom Held, who regularly reports on endurance sports in the Upper Midwest, “Interest in fat bikes has increased dramatically over the last three years, from a couple races to about 80 in the Midwest alone. Fat Bikes are the fastest growing segment of the bike market, with sales reported as increasing from a couple hundred a year to nearly 10,000 in that same three-year time period.”

    Of course, snow was mandatory for this to be the kind of fast, fun event that got everyone so excited about heading for the Birkie Trail on their bikes. After low- to no-snow conditions in the Hayward/Cable area in much of January, the tables turned. The snow started in February and has kept coming, all the way through the beginning of the week leading up to the Fat Bike Birkie. Even though temperatures reached the low 30sF by Friday, the Birkie Trail was offering some of the best corduroy of the season.

    Saturday morning, race day, opened with a “winter mix” of rain and sleet that quickly changed to light snow. It did change to a rainy mist later, but by then most participants were already swapping stories and digging into the post-race lunch of brats and burgers provided by the Birkie at Telemark Lodge.

    “Riders reported the course was firm and fast, and the trails held up well to the fat bikes,” said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, who added, “This is a great crowd who made this a very fun event for everyone, and we will do it again next year!”

    For more information about the Fat Bike Birkie and other American Birkebeiner events, like the Birkie Trail Run & Trek on September 21, 2013, visit www.Birkie.com, email birkie@birkie.com, or call the Birkie office at 715-634-5025.