In snowless Chicago – Time to jump in the Subaru and find snow
The Subaru and Fischer Sports cross-country ski road trip takes off with the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski marathon. The 40th running of America’s most prestigious cross-country ski race takes place in Hayward, Wisconsin.
Fischer skis loaded in the Subaru Crosstrek
Thanks to Subaru and Fischer skis, I will be well equipped. Subaru lent me a new Crosstrek and Fischer Skis lent me a pair of skis to use for the race.
In an attempt to get prepared for the race, I took off a week in advance for our cabin along the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota. On the way up, I spent a day near Madison at Blue Mound State Park and skied the very icy conditions at the park. The next stop was Eau Claire, Wisconsin at a Days Inn.
Wisconsin and a little more snow welcomes me
From Eau Claire, I drove up the North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais, Minnesota. From here it was 63 miles up the Gunflint Trail to our cabin in the woods.
The first order of business was getting my Fischer skis professionally waxed. I did this at Devil’s Track Nordic along the Gunflint Trail just outside of Grand Marais along the Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trail system. I dropped my skis off here and picked them up the next day.
Gunflint Trail – That is the kind of snow I am looking for
Minnesota northwods cabin with a thick coat of snow
I have taken trips from the cabin to the Gunflint cross-country trail system and Pincushion Mountain. The snow is absolutely unbelievable right now. The first two nights I was up here they received a fresh 6 inches each night. There has to be close to three feet of snow up here. It is absolutely gorgeous.
Skiing the Gunflint Trails along the Gunflint Trail
After my stay in the cabin is done it is back down south into Wisconsin. I plan on hitting a few cross-country ski trails on the way back south and then staying in Eau Claire again Thursday night. Friday I roll into Hayward and get my race bib and get registered.
The finish line of the Birkie in downtown Hayward
Friday night I will stay at the Hayward Middle School. Hayward is a town of only about 1,500 and there are over 10,000 skiers who come up to participate in the race. You can imagine the pressure that puts on the local hotels and lodges. Thankfully, the town opens up the school for dormitory like arrangements for $20.00 a night on Friday and Saturday. You have to bring your own sleeping bag and pad and find a spot in a classroom or in the gym. When I stayed there three years ago I felt like a storm refugee.
Updates on the road trip and the race will follow. Although Subaru and Fischer were generous in their support of my trip, the views, pictures, opinions are always my own.
TT
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That’s awesome that you got Subaru and Fischer to help you out. Sounds like you got off to a good start by relaxing a little before the big race. Good luck!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..I hate cruises (and other vacations I won’t take)
I did a lot of skiing, but I made sure to relax a bit too. There is not much you can do to help your endurance and training the week before a race. In fact, I think you can do more harm than helping by pushing yourself too much in the last week. I was a little worried I might be a little tired from all the driving, but I was fine on race day.
six inches of powder every morning, that is living the dream… all the best in the race. i look forward to more of the photo and images….
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..A Beach with History, the Petroglyphs of Las Labradas
Thanks Craig,
It snowed over a foot the night before the race, so the conditions were optimal.
I’ve never heard of a cross country ski trip before.. sounds fun. Now if only I can ski… LOL
Cross-country skiing is my favorite winter activity. So much so that I prefer winter over summer.
wait just a minute. winter > summer? we just don’t know about you, ted.
the lazy travelers recently posted..photo essay: wynn las vegas
Summer is possibly my third favorite season. It beats spring.
How were the skis in the Birkie? It looked like the glide wax STAR HA6 over MAP 200 should have been good, but I bet the kick wax was tricky. Hopefully the violet fluor wax waxed long did the trick!
Dave,
The glide wax was fantastic. I was flying down the hills. I actually had several people complimenting my glide as I soared past them after their momentum had stopped at the bottom of the hill and mine kept going.
The kick wax was tricky. I started with a blue and should have added the violet during the race, but I did not want to stop. I could have used another coat as I was slipping going up slight inclines.
I beat my time by 25 minutes, which I am quite pleased especially considering the course was a bit slower due to the fresh snow.
Thanks again for the great work and advice. I have some great material to add from the race and will definitely make note of your contribution.
Professionally waxed cross country skis – WOW! My skis have 25 years of wax on them – and I bet that’s slowing me down. Very cool that Subaru and Fisher supported you and I’ll be interested to hear how the race went. As a side note I do have to say the Subaru is the NLY car I’ve had (don’t have one now) that I can 100% count on in the snow.
Leigh recently posted..This is My Canada – and It’s a Wild One
The waxed skis made a huge difference. I was flying down the hills and the glide kept me going sometimes all the way up the next hill.
Looks like a nice set of wheels and skis you’ve got going there! Best of luck with the challenge
Fiona recently posted..Five Dublin Film Locations from Once
Thanks Fiona for the good luck wishes. I think it worked.
So while I could never do this myself, I could definitely handle some spectating with a beverage. The finish line looks like a cool spot on race day!
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..A Gift From The Travel Gods And A Failure To Pay It Forward
There was a guy with an ape suit handing out shots near the end. You could always do that next year and of course have a few shots yourself.
SHUT YOUR MOUTH! Chris and I are getting our Crosstrek in April and are so stoked about it! My dad works at a Subaru dealership and absolutely loves the cars.
Tawny of Captain and Clark recently posted..An American’s guide to shopping in London.
It is a great car. I enjoyed having it for the trip and miss it. You will love it.
Freakin’ awesome. I’d never do it, but way to go Traveling & Skiing Ted!!! The car looks sweet too.
Pola (Jetting Around) recently posted..Photo of the Week: A pier in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Thanks Pola,
It was a great and fruitful trip.