First I have to say congrats to Tad Elliott and Chris Cook.  Thank you guys for not letting those Euros sweep the podium… nice work!!!

Birkie Summary for those not willing to read my ramblings… The Birkie skied like a bike race, missed the one break that counted and my skis were awesome for the first 35k.

Today I am still feeling the remnants of Birkie Fever.  It was a good race but I am feeling my level of effort did not reflect the result.  This year, the Birkie skied a lot like a bike race.  I covered a lot of breaks and skied near the front, because I fully expected the Italians to make a break before OO and I wanted to go with them.  Early in the race, my teammate Andre said “you’re being marked.”  I turned around and noticed 2 Italians right one my heels and usually they keep sending one off the front.  I tried not to chase down too many breaks but it’s hard not to know which one is going to stick.  After OO I was able to get a little gap with my teammate Tad Elliott and I thought it was going to stick.  Unfortunately we were caught and shortly after that 2 Italians and Tad got a gap.  I spent the next 20+ minutes trying to bridge to their group.  Eventually one of the Italians cracked and our chase group absorbed him but by Bitch Hill I was feeling cooked and my skis were starting to slow down.  Tad and Santas had great skis and great fitness and they were not going to crack… the race for 3^rd was on everyone’s mind by about 45k.  I figured my only chance was to break away from the group or at least make sure everyone was a bit tired for the sprint finish.  For me, group sprint finishes are a lottery that I never seem to win.  I ended up outsprinting a few guys and crossed the line in 7th although the results are a bit mess up at the moment.  FIS has me tied for 4th place but other results show me in 8th.  It was a fast Birkie and my time was 1hr 58min and some change.

After the Birkie Marybeth, Mike and I headed to Famous Daves for an awesome post race lunch.

Yesterday, I blew off some stream and ripped around on the sleds with Mike up in Park Rapids.  Ben let me barrow his ZR600 but Mike let me spend some time on the 900… that thing is ridiculously fast.  Over 170hp on a sled that weighs less than 500lbs.  I had it to 115mph it wasn’t even close to being pinned.  I also spent some time classic skiing in Itacsa State Park, beautiful.

 Thank you Ben!

 Looks innocent but it’s a monster.

 Nice trails but won’t last long at 40F

Spring is in the air…

Full Birkie story coming soon; it was a wild one. First, I need a couple days to regroup and spend some much needed family time.  Until then…

Samantha rocked the birthday hat

This time of year the ski community gets a “Fever,” and the craziness that ensues can only be brought upon by the Birkie. People panic about skis, waxing, feeds and logistics. I try to put off the “fever” as long as possible. I try to fly under the radar and remain as relaxed as possible.

This year it has been easy for me to find distraction outside skiing and put off getting the “fever.” Marybeth has shingles so I have been helping with the kids more, although she still does more than she should. Samantha crawled today for the first time! It is more of a lunge and belly flop, but she moves. I even did an interview this week with a reporter from the Washington Post.

However, I know the “fever” is coming… hopefully not until Saturday morning,

Make sure to cheer for our family friends Grant, Dave, Josie and Karl Nelson. They will be the Birkie warriors, Inga and baby prince.

This Friday my niece will be one! Happy Birthday Natalie!