February 28, 2017

Favorites February 2017

Can you name me another sport where a major race is cancelled yet thousands of people still show up?

The 2017 American Birkebiener Ski Marathon, largest cross country ski race in North America and part of the reason we trek northward for the season, was cancelled this year due to lack of snow. Around 10,000 people annually participate in the numerous Birkie races and events, the majority of them venturing the long haul of 50-55 kilometers through the rolling Wisconsin terrain from Cable to Hayward on a Saturday in late February. The participants are varied—World Loppet skiers from every continent, Olympians and World Cup skiers, and thousands of other skiers who have been following their training plan all year (or not…) culminating with this legendary race.

As last week progressed with temperatures in the 50’s during the day, 40’s at night, and (to add insult to injury) pouring rain, it was likely to everyone that much of the race would be cancelled. Yet despite these predictions, by Friday afternoon over 7,000 people had picked up their race bibs and more were still in line! This is true dedication to an event.

photo of the Sawyer County Record

The Barkie Birkie Skijor (ski with your dog) race became a Canicross Skijor (run with your dog) and the kid’s Barnebirkie and Junior Birkie ski races became Fun Runs. Saturday-what-would-have-been-Race-Day included an all day party at the new start line with a skiable 5-kilometer loop made from stockpiled snow, brats and beer, ski and boot demos, and live music for the nearly 10,000 people that rode the busses to partake in the festivities of a race cancellation dubbed ‘Birkiestock’.

photo of the Sawyer County Record

Three Cheers to the creative alternatives and the durable positive attitudes of all involved.

What else can you do?

Enjoy the day.