FasterSkier

Tag: “oo” trailhead

  • ABSF Announces Groundbreaking of New Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center

    Rendering of the new Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center at the halfway point of the Birkie Trail near Seeley, Wis. (Photo: ABSF)

    (Press release)

    2500 Donors from 37 states & Canada Help ABSF to Reach Capital Campaign Goals

    Hayward, WI (May 25, 2018) — The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has been enhancing the quality of lives for nearly half a century. For generations, ABSF events and the award-winning Birkie Trail system have been motivating adventurous spirits to embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle. In support of providing the infrastructure, spaces, and places to keep that spirit alive, the ABSF is pleased to announce completion of the second and final phase of their Honoring the Legacy – Ensuring the Future capital campaign.The resulting initiatives will change the face of the Birkie Trail for participants, volunteers, visitors, and surrounding communities for years to come.

    At the heart of phase two of the capital campaign is the creation of the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center. The new 4,000 square foot facility will be located at the halfway point of the Birkie trail at the WI County Highway OO Trailhead near Seeley, WI. With an estimated 100,000+ Birkie Trail users each year, the Samuel C. Johnson Outdoor Center will provide a gateway and year-round hub for people to access and utilize the world-class trail for hiking, biking, running, skiing, and year-round events. Facility amenities will include a gathering hall, heated restrooms, changing rooms, and a waxing and bike repair room. Named in memory and honor of Samuel C. Johnson, the Johnson family from Racine and Cable, WI, respectively, provided the lead gift for the structure through the Johnson Family Foundation. This is not the first philanthropic support the ABSF has received from the Johnson family over the years (SC Johnson Wax, Johnson Financial Group, Johnson Family Foundation). Johnson Financial Group (Johnson Bank) is the longest-standing Birkie event sponsor through their ongoing support of the Barnebirkie youth ski tour, while the Johnson Family Foundation and Johnson Financial Group supported the creation of the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner, and the family was personally instrumental in assisting the ABSF with procurement of the land for the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, along with other philanthropic efforts.

    “We are extremely grateful to the Samuel C. Johnson Family and the many generous donors who helped us to reach our capital campaign goals,” said Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director. “We’re humbled by the supportof the Birkie community, by their sustained belief in what we do, and are thankful we can continue to make theBirkie lifestyle dreams a reality for generations to come.”

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center is slated for June 9, at 2:00pm, 3.3 miles East of Seeley, WI, at the County Highway OO Trailhead. The public is invited to attend.

    In addition to support from the Samuel C. Johnson Family, a grant for development of the trailhead was approved through Sawyer County and with the help of County Administrator, Tom Hoff. Funding will come from the Stewardship Acquisition and Development of Local Parks Grants program and the Recreational Trails program of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In addition, grant funding was made possible through the Huelsmann Foundation and the Judd Alexander Foundation. Funds will be received from the Johnson Family over three years, with DNR funds acquired throughout the construction process. In addition, over 2500 individual donors from 37 states and Canada supported the second phase of the Honoring the Legacy –Ensuring the Future capital campaign. Other donors playing an integral role in the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center and associated Birkie Trail infrastructure enhancements include:

    • Brent Carlson, M.D. Great Room, Classroom, and Entry foyer – Supported by Brent Carlson, M.D., the rooms will provide gathering spaces for groups, clubs, families, and schools, before and after they embark on outdoor adventures on the Birkie Trail.
    • New Moon Ski & Bike Shop Ski Waxing & Bike Repair Room – Supported by New Moon Ski & Bike Shop of Hayward, WI, this tech room will enable skiers and bikers to prepare and repair their equipment for their Birkie Trail experiences.
    • Virkus Workout Room — Supported by Gus and Julie Virkus, this room will provide a year-round space for outdoor Birkie Trail users to learn and practice skills to encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle.
    • GymRage Outdoor Circuit Course — Supported by Thom and Utina Malnourie, this outdoor, multi-station fitness course will adjoin the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center.
    • Key Log Rolling Crossing — Supported by Jay and Judy Hoeschler and located near the new Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center, this Birkie Trail connecting bridge will allow safe passage over WI County Highway OO for all users of the Trail system.
    • Becker Law Link — Supported by Becker Law Firm, this recreational tunnel will enable Birke Trail users to travel beneath WI County Highway 77, on race day and every day.

    Plans for all projects are underway with completion dates ranging from fall 2018 to spring 2019; final approvals, permitting, and plan revisions are currently in progress.

    Previously completed phase two capital campaign projects include an initial investment in snowmaking infrastructure for low snow years; procurement of a new dump truck, snowplow, skid steer, snow bucket, and Arctic Cat snowmobile; construction or renovation of trailside cabins including the addition of running water and solar-powered generators at each. Trailside cabin benefactors include Timber Trail Cabin (Anonymous Family, Cable, WI); Franzen Firetower Trail Cabin (Greg & Marilyn Franzen); Strand-Johnson Gravel Pit Trail Cabin (William Johnson); and Mandli Boedecker Trail Cabin (Mike & Jane Mandli). These gifts are in addition to thousands of donors who made the initial phase of the capital campaign a smashing success.

    The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to promote and conduct the finest international cross-country ski competition and healthy, active lifestyle events; to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail; and to support healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages and abilities. As the sole steward of the over 100-kilometer Birkie Trail system, the ABSF spends an estimated $350,000 annually on ongoing trail maintenance, mowing, and grooming.

    About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

    Located in Hayward, 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 Festival, and Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from around the world. Learn more at www.birkie.com.

  • New Time and Location for 2013 Birkie On-Snow Ski Demo

    New Time and Location for 2013 Birkie On-Snow Ski Demo

    Birkie On-Snow Ski Demo Moves to Sunday, Feb. 24 at Birkie “OO” Trailhead

    (Birkie.com press release)

    The On-Snow Ski Demo at the American Birkebeiner each February is a tradition for cross-country skiers from around the country and the world. Everyone from newbie skiers to elites can try out the latest in new equipment–skis, poles, boots, bindings, and more—with many products that will be new for the following season.

    Now, the venue will be bigger and better as it moves to a new time and location—Sunday at the “OO” trailhead on the Birkie Trail, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All of the major ski and ski equipment manufacturers will be there:

    • Alpina
    • Atomic
    • Fischer
    • Madshus
    • One Way
    • Rossignol
    • Salomon
    • Yoko

    The new location is a great way to try out equipment on the trails you ski on and then get immediate feedback from the product designers themselves.

    That’s what makes the Birkie On-Snow Ski Demo such a unique experience. This is the one event each year that brings out not just the best product sales reps from each manufacturer, but the individuals who are actually developing these skis, poles, boots, and bindings. Only at the Birkie Expo and On-Snow Ski Demo do the designers and other product development specialists converge to showcase their new equipment.

    ”Birkie skiers may not know this,” says Ryan Green, Nordic Division Manager, Rossignol, “but manufacturers pull out all the stops to be at the Birkie—the biggest ski festival of the year. You can get one-on-one help from the local reps, race department staff, and the people involved in product development. It’s unique to have all those resources in the same place at the same time.”

    “This is a great opportunity for all skiers,” says Rick Halling, Atomic Nordic Director. “The major marathons in Europe only allow one ski company per event. The American Birkebeiner is unique in that all brands are present. You get to compare all of our skis and boots head-to-head. We want to know what you think; it’s our job to get that information back to our factories in Europe.”

    The new Sunday time for the Demo means that some of the manufacture’s race staff will also be there. These are the people who work directly with super elites who will be battling for the podium on Saturday. It’s one of the only times a consumer will get to work on snow with these individuals.

    You can try out equipment from each manufacturer, ask questions about fit and feel, and get immediate, personalized feedback. Whether you’re just getting started, juggling time on the snow with work and raising a family, or ready to take your ability to the next level, this once-a-year event is unmatched. As always, everyone is welcome—Birkie participants, spectators, family, and friends.

    “We’re very excited about this new Birkie On-Snow Ski Demo,” says Susan Kendrick, Birkie Media/PR Director. Here are four good reasons to be there:

    • All ski brands in one place, on good snow, and plenty of room and terrain to get a great feel for the equipment.

    • Typically you only have sales or tech reps at demos, but at the Birkie and especially on Sunday, you have them plus race department and other key staff. It’s another level of expertise. To get any closer to the brands you’d have to go to Europe.

    • Given the size of the Birkie event, the manufacturers bring everything, a wide range of flexes and profiles of skis to get a real feel for what you like.

    • Boot demos are not often available to consumers in the same way that ski demos are. At the Birkie On-Snow Demo, you can test both skis and boots.

    The move to Sunday and the Birkie “OO” Trailhead will be a big plus for many skiers. Sunday, after the big Birkie races on Saturday, is a much more relaxed time. You don’t have to worry about “saving your legs” and you will likely have a much clearer sense of what you want from your equipment after skiing your race on Saturday.

    Look for more updates about this new Birkie On-Snow Skier Demo as we get closer to February 2013. In the meantime, sign up for your favorite Birkie events or try one for the first time. Go to www.Birkie.com, email us at birkie@birkie.com, or call 715-634-5025.

    Many thanks to our Birkie sponsors, including the ski manufacturers mentioned above and the following event sponsors, for their support: Becker Law – Birkie 54K Classic, Marshfield Clinic, Hayward Center – Kortelopet 23K, State Bank of Drummond and Norvado – Prince Haakon 12K.