Tuesday night after the Birkie felt a little odd not having anywhere to go.
For those that made the pilgrimage to Hayward this year, 2012 will be remembered as the
great paradox. For those who live south of Highway 8 snow was a precious
commodity, groomed tracks virtually non-existent. What a great surprise to see the
trail in such great shape and to be rewarded with near perfect conditions. For
most of the skiers I know the Birkie raises the bar and you responded in kind.
Despite the lack of snow and training K's most of you had a great day and in
lieu of a great time, a great experience.
Anecdotally I have never seen Main Street as busy as it was. People were
hanging out and hanging in there. The Birkie has become a lifestyle with
something for everyone. From the whimsical Barkie Birkie to the Family Fun Ski or the
Junior events the Birkie offers a lot of reasons to stay motivated. As a
(relatively) ole' timer I am most pleased to see the kids skiing and more
importantly having fun. The Birkie has been instrumental in getting youth
programs moving again and for that they deserve our thanks. I look forward to
watching this current crop of youngsters develop and hopefully embrace the same
values and traditions that we have.
We have a lot of challenges trying to keep up a Nordic Lifestyle. This year
was a kick in the pants reminder of our fickle climate. I see the need for augmenting
nature with better manicured trails and man-made snow if we want to keep skiing
on the front burner. Expect to hear more about that in the future. It is going
to be hard but it's worth it. Watching the electricity at the start of the
Junior Birkie and the wall to wall smiles at the Family Ski is something I want
to invest in. The next few months will change your focus but not the target. Get
a goal, get a friend and get out there. I know my capabilities have certainly
changed in the last few years and I expect yours may too but there will always
be something if you just keep looking down the trail.
Every year there are countless stories of perseverance, challenges and
overcoming obstacles but I need to point out one racer in particular. My friend
Barb Klippel of Hayward, 79 years young, finished her 20th Birkie this season.
Barb and her late husband Jim have been a central part of the Birkie for
decades, Barb as a skier, volunteer and role model, Jim a race volunteer for
years. Barb's daughter Sue is the current Birkie Board President (and
Birchleggings member). To say that they epitomize the Birkie Family is an
understatement. This year Barb achieved her goal to be a Birchlegger, overcoming
time, and injuries to complete a journey that started decades ago. She says she
is done doing marathons now but I doubt she is through with this race. I hope
you all find that inner drive and keep lining up for the journey through history
and all the great things that the Birkie is.
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