Skiing down Main Street, waving my “Happy 30^th Birkie Day” sign (carefully crafted and handed to me by my wife) while toasting the crowd with the goblet and beverage she also provided (Earth Rider, of course), I was too exuberant to fully appreciate the impact of skiing 30 Birkebeiner races. It was only later that I was able to reflect on how much this race and the traditions it has created mean to me.

Cheering me on was our lodging group Birkie Family, hailing from Milwaukee, Wausau, the Twin Cities, Akron and even Toronto – now old friends because of this annual gathering. We look forward to seeing each other Birkie Weekend and maintain a Facebook Group to stay in touch during the off-season. During the years we’ve supported each other through injuries and illness, as well as celebrated births, graduations, other milestones and PRs. Our lives are fuller because of these connections, and the ties run deep.

The Birke has been a constant, an annual goal that has helped me maintain fitness and a healthier lifestyle. It has gotten me out the door on many mornings I would have much rather stayed in bed. It has encouraged me to be part of year-round XC ski groups, now Endurance United, which includes some of the nicest, supportive and fun people I know – to me, reflective of our entire XC skiing community.

Racing as well as training for the Birkie introduced us to a part of the world we’ve come to love and enjoy in all seasons. From kayaking the Namekagon, mountain biking the Camba Trails and scenic country roads, to hiking the many trails, it’s a favorite destination for natural beauty. We also enjoy local food and beverages that just seem to taste better when in the north woods.  

I’m thankful to be healthy enough to have completed 30 Birkies and for how it has enriched my life. Ski. Run. Bike. Live!