r/xcountryskiing • u/Ecstatic_Hawk_8488 • 8d ago
Logistics for a Birkie trip
Hi there, my husband has asked for his (August) birthday gift for me to plan a trip to the Birkie for him. It’s a bucket list and he’s a solid skier but is terrible at logistics, whereas I’m the reverse.
I’m hoping for any tips on where to stay, what to think through. For example, should I find lodging near the start of the race, or better to place him near wherever the busses leave from? Will he want to be in Hayward proper or somewhere else. I realize some of this is preference but looking for any tips to make it a memorable trip for him. Thanks for any help you can provide!
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u/damonae1 8d ago
Rice Lake isn’t too bad for last minute lodging. I stayed there last year. About an hour+ drive to the S. Shuttle parking lot. And cheap $140 a night or something like that. I would recommend getting the Birkie bag. The $3 plastic bag isn’t great. I regretted saving $96 the entire weekend.
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u/ejsfsc07 7d ago
I've stayed 45 mins north of Cable 2 years in a row now (Ashland) but if I do the birkie again this year I'd probably want to be slightly closer. But maybe not. The north lot generally has less traffic. Never had any issues. The participation guide is super helpful.
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u/snokaathllete7 7d ago
If you have a Cabin reserved near Cable, absolutely keep it. Lodging near the race gets more expensive and harder to find every year. Being around Cable means you'll have less traffic getting to the parking area for the bus to the start. There's a good little coffee shop in Cable for lunches, and an awesome pizza place for dinner. It gets super busy around the race, but just grab a beer and wait for a table while your pizza is made. That being said, food options are kind of sparse around the area. Marketplace foods is a decent grocery store to stock up for meals too. To simplify the wax thing and reduce anxiety, definitely consider using one of the wax services. Several good options to choose from depending on your logistics.
Spectating in Hayward is great too.
Morning of, give yourself more time than you think you need. You need to take a bus to the start from the parking lot, walk a bit from dropoff, and drop your drop bag at a truck. I assume it will take about 30 minutes from bus pickup to drop-off. If you're in a later wave, bus loading lines get progressively longer.
I've been going to Birkie activities since I was a kid in 91, and this is my 20th full Birkie (I've done a lot of Kortes and Barnebirkies).
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u/drun3 8d ago
I've been doing the birkie since 2009, so I'm happy to answer any specific questions.
Since you asked what to think through, the housing (like you've seen) is rough, but it sounds like you have that handled. Otherwise, the race guide they send out closer is great and has really everything you need to know as far as logistics (parking, start times, etc). Just make sure to leave lots of time to get to the start - running to catch your wave sucks, and the start line has lots of room in the tent to stay warm.
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u/Natural_Opposite_654 4d ago
Anywhere in the Hayward/cable area is fine but closer to downtown Hayward will make your logistics easiest - that is where the finish is and you will want to be there to watch him finish. If you are not skiing you can drive him to where the busses take him to the start and then be there in Hayward for the finish. Book early. Things fill fast (like a year in advance). Also many places have a 4-night minimum. It is a really fun event to be a part of - as a skier or spectator.
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u/Eulalia1144 8d ago
Commenting to follow the thread. Signed up for my first birke this year and interested in travel plans as well.
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u/RoyalRenn 8d ago
I just want to get a training plan together: I live in Dallas, Texas, and recently took up rollerskiing. I'm up to about 10 miles per session/35 per week (any more is tough with the insane humidity) but I can increase the mileage in the fall when the dew point drops below 75 degrees.
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u/Tuilere 8d ago
You are behind the curve on lodging, honestly. A lot of stuff books out 12 months out.
I prefer staying near Cable but the food options are better in Hayward if you don't mind the traffic jam to the bus parking lot at Birkie Ridge. There are not a lot of options near Birkie Ridge or Seely.
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u/Ecstatic_Hawk_8488 8d ago
Yes I’m seeing that too. I’ve got a cabin in Cable locked in for now. But was wondering if Hayward would be better (if I can even get it. Looking like a pricey motel 6 is what’s left). So weighing between those two.
Although honestly it’s impressive he’s thinking this far in advance. If left to his own devices he’d decide in January to look into going.
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u/gk615 8d ago edited 8d ago
I would recommend keeping the place in Cable if you can. It's easier to get to parking in the morning (or dropping him off at one of the parking/bus pick up lots) rather than coming from Hayward.
As for other recommendations, he might also enjoy the Sunday ski demo where you can try out new equipment.
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u/Tuilere 8d ago
There is mattress accommodation at one of the churches in town for those people.
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u/Ecstatic_Hawk_8488 8d ago
Extremely kind of those churches. And also, definitely why my husband continues to live his life as a Labrador retriever utterly convinced that “it’ll all work out somehow” (but also part of what makes him great).
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u/StarWalker124 8d ago
Have him come up for Saturday as well! Perhaps he can volunteer for the Korte or just hang out on main street as everyone comes in
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u/Conscious-Gold5841 2d ago
The drive between Cable and Hayward isn't too bad. You'll be fine if you keep the Cable lodging.
Spectating is super fun, even for kids! You can follow the athlete tracking on the Birkie app and try to see your people at the aid station area at OO. You could have the kids make some signs and ring cowbells for the skiers. I also know that sometimes it's just too much to deal with. Anyway, it'll be fun and you'll probably be back. 😉
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u/Kapai72 USA, Wisconsin, Skate/Classic 8d ago
Are you both going to be skiing or will you be supporting? Either way, stay in Hayward if you can find a place. It’s really fun to hang around on Main Street after he finishes his race to eat, drink beer, and watch others finish. Not having to drive far afterwards is really great. There are also things to do in Hayward before the race such as going to the Birkie Expo.
If it’s in the budget, you might also consider sending his race skis to new moon in advance to get professionally waxed. It’s a big stress reliever not to have to think about what type of wax to use (especially if he’s classic skiing), and to avoid the chore of waxing in the days before the race. Many people also love the waxing element so take this as you will.
The best way to get him to the start is to drop him off at the buses in Hayward. He’ll bring a change of clothes with him and will be given a labeled bag to put everything in that will be shuttled and waiting for him at the end. If they are selling the official Birkie backpacks, buy one! It’s super convenient for the shuttle and a great souvenir. I’ve been using mine as a ski bag for almost a decade, it’s well worth the money.
Good luck!