Birchleggings Club 2026 Annual Awards Breakfast

 

Join Your Fellow Birchleggers (New & Veteran) at the Annual Breakfast Enjoy a celebration of dedicated skiers during Birkie 52 at the annual Birchleggings Club Awards Breakfast! RSVP up via RunSignup using the link below. All skiers and their families are invited. Pre-registration is encouraged so we can plan on the number of attendees.       Sunday, February 22, 2026      Doors open at 8:30 am, breakfast served at 9:00 am      Hayward Steakhouse & Lodge      Highway 27 South, in Hayward New 20-year Birchleggers, new 20-year Kortelopet Tuje Skiløpers, and new 20-year Birkie+Korte “Combi” race finishers will receive a free breakfast. Cost for others is $20.00 plus tax and the RunSignup processing fee. Children 5–10 years old are $10.00 plus tax and fees, and children under 5 are free. You may also attend and pay at the door, but preregistration is preferred. Register Here for the Breakfast At the breakfast we will: - Present 20-30-and 40-year Birchleggers their awards - Present the Tony Wise Birkie Spirit Award for 2026 - Hear race summaries from Ben Popp and others - Get updates on Birkie and Birchleggings Club events and developments - Provide opportunities to help support the Birkie, the Birkie Trail, youth skiing, healthy lifestyles, and winter climate health.   Come to the breakfast and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Birchleggers and skiers. Get involved with club projects to promote and improve the Birkie and its events.

Birchleggings Club 2026 Activities Announced!

 

 

Download the Flyer  

Birkie Stats - New Website by Jim Coors Showing Stats from 1999-2025!

 

Who did this and why?

 https://xcskistats.info/

I am a retired professor of agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, who has skied the Birkie 36 times. I’d like to ski the Birkie at least 4 more times, but I’m 75 and nearing the point where every new year is more an act of serendipity than a planned event.

I have always enjoyed working with large datasets, and this comes from my UW years when I was a research geneticist/biostatistician/plant breeder. Most of my work involved field-based research evaluating extensive plant germplasm collections over multiple years and varied environments. I enjoy creating summaries from large datasets that capture performance potential in meaningful ways.

Only now, instead of plants, I want to focus on summarizing the performance of thousands of skiers over decades of the Birkie. The challenge is just as great given the tremendous variation in weather conditions, alterations in course/race management, and demographic shifts. I’ve started to do this in this website, but “started” is the operative word.

All statistics are bare bones at this point, but there is good potential for a more thorough undertaking. This project has benefitted greatly from the help of Dave Armstrong, Liam Johnston, and John Oman.

I would welcome additional help from anyone who is willing and qualified to move this effort to higher level.

I would also like to recommend the work of Paul Anderson and Ralph Bovard who compared the health and behavior of Birkie skiers to that of a representative swath of Americans. That data had been collected starting in 2014 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

As a last note, I’m obviously enamored of the long tradition of the Birkie, and I want to make sure the long tradition becomes ever longer.

Support the Birkie Endowment!

Jim Coors

skilongtime@gmail.com

Birchleggings Club 2025 Fall Foliage Cornhole Classic Wrap-Up

 

The Fall Foliage Cornhole Classic, the final event on this year’s Birchleggings Club Year Round Activities calendar, was held on October 9, 2025, at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Ladder ball was added to Cornhole and all participants were pitching for pumpkin pies provided by organizers, Gus and Julie Virkus. A big thanks to both of them for this fun 2nd annual fall activity.

 

The Cornhole game was hotly contested with Bob, Steve, Adam, Larry, Paul, and Edward, and the Ladder Ball had fun matches with Gus, Adam, Paul, and Adam.

Sweet treats, warm sun, and good company made for a most pleasant, sunny afternoon. Now it’s time to start dryland training, hit the weights and think snow!

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birchleggings Club Annual Meeting 2025 Wrap-Up

 

The Birchleggings Club Annual Meeting was held on September 26, 2025, from 11:00am - 02:00pm CDT, at the Samuel Johnson Family Outdoor Center at Double 00 on the American Birkebeiner Trail in Seeley, Wisconsin.

The meeting included music by the BLC Strummers, which included Edward Eroe, Tim Burke, Jim (JT) Tenorio, and Randy Lueth during lunch before the meeting started.

After lunch, Paul Thompson, Birchleggings Club President, called the meeting to order at 12:00pm. He introduced all Birchleggings Club Board Members and had all members and guests introduce themselves.

The financial report was provided by Tom Rowley, Treasurer, and the Membership and Communication Committee report was provided by JT, Secretary. Louise Dressler provided an update on the American Birkebeiner Foundation and the clubs' relationship. Bob Britz, Vice President and Fundraising Chair, provided an update on the very successful Birchleggings Golf Outing, and Edward Eroe, Webmaster, provided an update on the Birchleggings Club website and the 2nd Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride.

Other reports included Disc Golf by Paul, the Grand Committee and Corn Hole Event by Gus Virkus, The Birchleggings Club Awards Breakfast and Tony Wise Award by Steve Carmazon, Membership Chair, and Connie Meek. Julie Virkus also talked about all the clothing and ski bags she is making with old Birkie Bibs! Nona Goertz provided an update on the revised Birchleggings Club Bylaws, which are found on the website. Additionally, Jim Anderson, BLC Member, introduced the attendees to his series of books that chronicle his quests to ski in races and run marathons around the world.

JT presented the results of the Board of Directors election results. Bob Britz and Steve Carmazon were re-elected, and Ken Schoville was elected for the first time.

The following day, on Saturday, was the Birkie Trail Run with over 800 runners and hikers. Paul staffed the Birkie Green Sustainability Booth with JT and Deb Tenorio. On Sunday, Gus, Connie, and Paul teamed up at the Team Birkie golf scramble at Lakewood's Forest Ridge Golf Course.

It was a full weekend for the Birchleggings Club, as we continue to grow our presence and impact with the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, and the race that brought us all together.

The photographs from the annual meeting taken by Edward and Paul are on our Facebook Page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1580989423352186&type=3

 

The Birchleggings Club Annual Meeting is one week away!

 

Birchleggings Club Membership Join Donate The Birchleggings Club Annual Meeting is one week away The Birchleggings Club of the American Birkebeiner (BLC) will be holding its annual meeting for 2025 next week. On Friday, September 26, 2025, come to the SC Johnson Family Outdoor Center at the OO Trailhead of the Birke trail near Seeley, WI from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The annual meeting is a great way to learn more about the club and find ways to get involved that fit your interests and talents. Join or renew your membership on the spot! Following a picnic, the annual meeting will conduct club business that will include a review of the past year's club activities and accomplishments, introduce and solicit ideas for the upcoming year, conduct voting for important club decisions and announce the results of the election of Birchleggings Club Board of Director members. All current dues-paying members of the BLC were sent online voting instructions for the Board of Director elections via email from Birchleggings Club Membership on September 1. Or... members may vote in person at the annual meeting. Please RSVP for this free event below if you will attend so we can plan food and beverages for the picnic: RSVP for the Annual Meeting here! We encourage you to attend the annual meeting to make and renew friendships with other Birchleggings Club members and take part in guiding your club’s and the Birkie’s future. ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉ Financial grants available from the Birchleggings Club As part of its mission to support the American Birkebeiner, encourage healthy lifestyles, and preserve our winters, the Birchleggings Club has once again provided monetary grants to several organizations. Here are some recent recipients:       -       Nordic Rocks Program, developed by CXC. Grant to provide cross-country ski equipment to schools, clubs, parks, and community organizations that have programs to introduce youth to cross-country skiing.       -       Wisconsin Nordic Network. Grant to provide Kortelopet entry-fee “scholarships” to high school cross country ski team athletes.       -       American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. Grant to purchase new durable trash and recycling bins for ABSF events.       -       American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. Grant to the Mount Telemark Village Capital Campaign. If your non-profit organization’s mission matches ours as described above, we encourage you to apply for a grant. The deadline to apply for fall-season awards is October 1. The deadline to apply for spring-season awards is April 1. Grant applications and instructions may be downloaded using this link: Download Grant Application Here! ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉ Join Jessie in celebrating Sun Day around the globe and with the ABSF at the Hub-- Right after the annual  meeting! Sun Day is a national day of action, celebrating the power of clean energy. Our 50th American Birkebeiner female champion Jessie Diggins is an ambassador for this national event.  The clean energy revolution is here. Solar, wind and batteries are the cheapest form of power on the planet, lowering costs, creating new jobs, and strengthening our communities. But some politicians and industries are trying to hold it back. On September 26 at 4:30 pm, right after the Birchleggings Club annual meeting, we’ll celebrate the progress we’ve made and push for more. At Telemark Village, visit the newest building, The Hub, and solar installation by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and learn about how we are working to be more sustainable and inspire others to do the same. Hear from Birkebeiner staff, and the local Citizens Climate Lobby Partner and get an up-close view of the solar array and the underplanted native plant garden. Together, we’ll make the sun rise on our clean energy future. Follow Jessie’s lead and be a part of this day of action. RSVP at the link below: RSVP for the Sun Day Solar Tour Learn more about the national event (focused around Sunday September 21) or find a local Sun Day event close to you at: Learn more about this national event ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉ Team Birkie Golf Classic is the day after the Birkie Trail Run Event location: Forest Ridges Golf Course, Cable, WI Event date: Sunday September 28, 2025 @ 10:00am – 3:00pm CST Get ready to "putt" your best foot forward and join us for the inaugural Team Birkie Golf Classic at the award winning 18-hole golf Forest Ridges Golf Course in Cable, WI presented by Lakewoods Resort! This is the event everyone's talking about, and trust us, you don't want to be "left in the fairway”! Sign up for the Golf Classic Here! Team Birkie is a Midwest-based professional cross country ski team formed through a collaboration between the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, The Loppet Foundation, and Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC). With athletes competing at the FIS World Cup, U.S. SuperTour, and regional marathon levels, the team is dedicated to advancing skiing in the Central Region. With its home base in Minneapolis, MN, Team Birkie promotes partnership and community engagement, striving to set higher standards in the sport and inspire the next generation of Nordic skiers. In addition to supporting the Team Birkie athletes, enjoy a great day of golf, camaraderie, and opportunities to win great prizes. If you’re unable to attend the event, you can still make a meaningful impact by supporting our athletes with a donation: Donate to Team Birkie Every ticket sold for this event will be matched 1:1 by the Knicker Nordic Foundation!  SCHEDULE 9 am Registration 10 am Shotgun Start  Lunch & Awards at conclusion of play ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉ Fall foliage fun - Cornhole Classic coming on October   Get ready to renew friendships and enjoy some spirited competition at the 2nd annual Birchleggings Club Fall Foliage Cornhole Classic.   This free event will be held at the permanent cornhole pits at Hyland Park in Bloomington, MN near the chalet. This event is free and open to everyone. Feel free to invite family and friends. You do not need to be a Birchlegger or a member of the Birchleggings Club to attend. We do ask you to register through RunSignup using the "Sign Up" link below.     We will have three courts set up for you. There is no need to bring any equipment. A picnic shelter is right there for our use. We will provide beverages and snacks. Incentives:  You’ll be “Pitchin’ for Pumpkin Pies”.  Enjoy some pie on site, then get lucky as five more large pumpkin pies are given away in a drawing.   Come and join in the fun! Sign Up for Cornhole Here! ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉  ◉ Time to renew your membership in (or JToin) the Birchleggings Club Get ready for the 2026 Birkie season and our year-round events by renewing your membership. Membership in the BLC is an optional opportunity for all Birchleggings and for 20-year Kortelopet finishers. In addition, we welcome “Combi” skiers whose combination of Korte and Birke finishes totals 20 or more! Benefits of Birchleggings Club Membership:       ·      Be recognized for your dedicated accomplishment of 20(+) races.       ·      Honor skiers at their 20, 30,40, and 50th anniversary finishes at the annual BLC Awards Breakfast.       ·      Receive a BLC “My Deals” Discount Program membership for excellent nation-wide discounts.          •      Enjoy year-round BLC events with fellow Birchleggers.       ·      Participate on a BLC volunteer team, Grants, Birkie One, Birkie Green, others.       ·      Have a direct impact on the future of the next 50 years of Birkie history.       ·      Help continue the youth skiing, ABSF, Birkie Trail, and community projects we support.       ·      Join our community and tell your Birkie story--details on our website: Birchlegger’s Birkie Stories Project. New member bonus! New memberships joining this fall will include the entire 2026 calendar year! Use the link below to access the membership page. Membership is accomplished as follows using your RunSignup (RSU) account that you use to register for Birkie events:       1)    Click on the membership link below.       2)    Select your level of membership (one-year, five-year, or lifetime)       3)    Confirm your payment-option amount       4)    Click on “log in here” at the end of the first paragraph       5)    Log in to your RSU account and complete the registration process. Join or Renew Your Membership Birchleggings Club Membership Powered by RunSignup, © 2025 Unsubscribe | View in Browser

Birchleggings Club Dakota Trail 2nd Annual Bicycle Ride Wrap-Up

The Birchleggings Club Dakota Trail 2nd Annual Bicycle Ride was held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, on the beautiful Dakota Rail Regional Trail that goes from Wayzata to Lester Prairie, Minnesota. We had 12 riders that did distances of 57, 38, 29, or 13 miles with starting places in Wayzata, Mound, Saint Bonifacius, and Mayer along the trail.

We were lucky as rain had been predicted on and off all day, but while cloudy and cool, there were only a few sprinkles at the end of the rides.

Pictured from right to left are: Paul, Dan, Dave, Greg, Tim, Dave, Kat, Bob, Kevin, Emily, Matt, and Edward.

Lunch was at the famous Central Café in Lester Prairie, a local establishment that has been run by Mary Kate for 18 years. It is an experience just going in and seeing all the things she has on the walls. The food is always home cooked, and was enjoyed by all.

The group was a good mixture of American Birkebiner Skiers (136 total Birkies, if I counted correctly), Twin Cities Bicycle Club (TCBC) Members, and two riders that just saw the ride when doing a search of the Internet. It was fun meeting old and new friends and spending lunch talking about either Nordic Skiing or Bicycling! Two of our favorite sports!

I enjoyed organizing and leading the ride for the Birchleggings Club for the second year in a row, and posting it as an Outreach Ride for TCBC. Thanks to Paul for the photographs!

Submitted by: Edward Eroe, Birchleggings Club Board Member and TCBC Member.

Notice of Annual Meeting and Election of Board of Directors

The Birchleggings Club of the American Birkebeiner (BLC) will be holding this year's annual meeting on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the SC Johnson Family Outdoor Center at the Double OO Trailhead of the Birke trail near Seeley, WI from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Following a picnic, the annual meeting will conduct club business that will include a review of the past year's club activities and accomplishments, introduce and solicit ideas for the upcoming year, conduct voting for important club decisions and announce the results of the election of Birchleggings Club Board of Director members.  This event is free. For more information and to signup, click on the link below:

Info and RSVP Here

We ask that you please register so we can plan for the number of picnic and meeting attendees. Board of Directors Election – Nominations are open! There are four seats to be filled for our board of directors. We encourage you to consider running for one of them. The BLC board meets slightly less than once per month to manage club activities, set the course for the club’s future, and formulate input that we send to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. Being a board member gives you a special opportunity with a direct line to influence the Birkie’s future. The BLC board usually meets via Zoom virtual teleconferencing. The term of office will be three years and multiple terms may be held. If you would like to nominate someone, or yourself, please send an email message to Jim Tenorio, BLC Secretary, at tenorioj@uwstout.edu. The nomination should include the name of the nominee and the person who is nominating her/him. State “self nomination” if you are entering yourself in the pool of candidates. Include in your nomination message: 1) a .jpeg-file photo of yourself, 2) your skiing/Birkie background, involvement in the Birkie or the BLC, 3) the skills and talents you would bring to the board, 4) why you would like to be considered for joining the board. Optional-You may also submit a one-to-two-minute video with your nomination. Our club bylaws state that nominees must have the endorsement of two other BLC members. That support may be a verbal message from the member to Jim Tenorio by phone at 715-556-3300, or an email message to him at his email address above. Nominations must be received by Jim Tenorio before Friday, August 22, 2025, at 12:00 noon. Elections will take place during the month of September via online ballot and conclude at the annual meeting. Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting! Stick around for the Birkie Trail Run on Saturday, September 27 Participate: Click on the link below for more information about the event: Birkie Trail Run Information and Sign up Volunteer for the Birkie Trail Run Volunteer: Click on the link below to help with the event:: Volunteer for the Birkie Trail Run

Birchleggings Club Disc Golf and Dinner Wrap Up

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Second Annual Birchleggings Club Disc Golf and Dinner was held at the Rosland Disc Golf Course in Edina, Minnesota. Paul Thompson, Birchleggings Club President, organized the event and provided this report.

It was a gray day with the threat of rain, but several participants showed up! Paul put on the event to introduce Disc Golf, that was started in 1974 as a World Championship sport, for Birkie skiers. There were six participants that included Gus Otto, MFA #001 and one of the founders of the MN Frisbee Association, which had their 50^th Anniversary on July 19, 2025.

The Rosland Disc Golf course at the Edina pool and surrounding park was a perfect place for an introduction to the game, as there are few hazards or out of bounds to contend with. All the new throwers showed great improvement through the 9 holes and 45–50 minutes of play.

The second part of the evening was a reserved dinner at the near-by Good Earth Restaurant (side note this is where Paul was working in 1979 when he skied his first Birkie and started his decades long campaign for supporting various causes, that year of ’79 The Hunger Project).

The six participants were joined by special guest and Disc Golf Hall of Fame member Tita Ugalde from Los Angeles CA, who was in town for the World Masters (40+) Disc Golf Championships with her playing partner, and ‘Lightnin Lyle’ Jensen another MFA founder and historian of all things flying disc related. The meal was enjoyed, and the conversation shifted from Frisbee to skiing and back to the games we loved as youth.

Thanks to all for an enjoyable gathering and sharing and combining three of Paul’s passions, skiing, Frisbee and bringing people together in community.