Off to the Race!

[Ralph Thornton]

The American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Race, that is.

Chris noted yesterday that I hadn't posted in a number of weeks. I've been away from home and while I did have Internet access I just didn't have time for my normal run through the various forums I like to visit. To see more of where I was during the two weeks you can visit my blog at:
Ralph's 2012 Birkie Blog from Eagle River Nordic

The Birkie is a 33.5 mile (54 km) ski marathon through the forests and over the hills of Northwest Wisconsin in the US. The course features almost 5,000 vertical feet of uphill and many screaming downhills. This was the 33rd time I've completed this course.

Just before the start as 9,000 participants get ready to start in up to 12 waves. I'm #3024 and I'm with my good friend Steve who completed his 17th race.

You might say this is an after shot. Taken at the finish line just after I skied in. I was a little tired but I had a great time on the trail. No falls and lots of fun skiing those downhills often with other skiers right next to me.

The finish line is on Main Street in Hayward. Here I'm skiing the last 200 ft. to the finish. A good crowd gathers there to cheer on the participants. I skied using the "classic" technique. Other skiers skated the course using the "skate" technique. The quality of the photos are not that great but you can at least get the idea, eh?

 

[Hamish Gill]

You look fairly well together considering the distance travelled, if id skied 34 miles I would be lying on the ground at the finish line im sure!

 

[Pete Askew]

Seems like you had a good time. Thirty third time Eh? I'm impressed. And I wondered what had happened to Robin all these years!!

 

[Ralph Thornton]

My goal for this race is to have fun skiing and reach the finish line in good enough shape to walk back down the street and have a nice fat Wisconsin Bratwurst smothered in sour kraut and wash it down with a bock beer! Here's a shot from a previous year.

Note: the beer we're drinking is NOT Miller Light as it says on the cup but a very nice Leinenkugel Bock. Note the sign over my shoulder for Leinie's Amber.

 

[Pete Askew]

A well earned reward I'd say!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

I saw the beer cups and feared the worse Ralph!

Glad you got to put some real beer in them!

That's a long way to got for a beer and brat - but looks like an amazing experience - nice style on shot #3

 

[Garry Lee]

I'm like you, Chris, except for me it's cycle touring. It's hard going at the time but it leaves you with good memories.