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AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER SKI FOUNDATION NAMES NEW DIRECTOR
Hayward, Wisconsin Ned Zuelsdorff of Madison, Wisconsin, has been named executive director of the
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), effective May 16.
Zuelsdorff, an avid skier, biker and outdoor adventurer, will leave his position as director of the Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to lead North America's largest cross-country ski event that annually attracts 9,000 skiers and contributes an estimated $4 million to the Wisconsin
economy in a period of five days.
Zuelsdorff brings to ABSF his experience overseeing 50 employees and a $9.2 million annual budget for the state agency, which he has directed for the past 14 years.
Zuelsdorff also brings a passion for the sport of cross-country skiing, a desire to increase participation in
Birkie races and events for all ages and abilities, and a commitment to develop and increase events such as the Birkie Trail Run held every September and the Women's Ski Clinic held every October.
"The Birkie has been a factor in my life since the first time I skied the trail in 1976," Zuelsdorff said. "My
philosophy will be to do whatever we can do to foster participation in the overall event. I want more people on the snow and enjoying the weekend."
Fostering participation is not idle talk for Zuelsdorff, race director for the Madison Nordic Ski Club for the past six years. He's completed 14 American Birkebeiners, three Kortelopets and every Cheqtel
Communications 10K event since its inception. During Birkie 2005, he completed a trifecta by skiing the Johnson Bank Kortelopet 23K, the Cheqtel Communications 10K and the Prince Haakon 12K events.
"I like the family orientation of the Cheqtel and wanted to experience the Prince Haakon 12K firsthand," he said. "It was great to talk with first-time racers on the trail."
Zuelsdorff has also skied 10 marathons in the United States, 20 pre-Birkies and the 450K Border to Border Tour across Finland. Add to that a dozen Firehouse 50 bike races, 17 Chequamegon Fat Tire
off-road bike races and off-road orienteering events. It's clear that the new Birkie director brings an active lifestyle, philosophy and overall management skills to his new position.
Zuelsdorff grew up in Wausau, earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He
has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for the past 27 years.
He said he and his wife, Kathy, have spent a lot of time in northern Wisconsin during the past 30 years, have developed many friendships and already feel part of the community. Kathy is also a skier and cyclist.
"This position is a good fit, and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
Bill Pierce, president of the ABSF board of directors, agreed that Zuelsdorff's background is a perfect fit
for the position of executive director.
"The board is very excited to have Ned on board," Pierce said. "His management experience and attention
to detail will help the ABSF further itself in the leadership role of the Nordic ski community. We look forward to an exciting and stronger future."
Birkie 2006 is slated for February 23-25, 2006. In addition to the 51K Subaru American Birkebeiner and 23K Johnson Bank Kortelopet ski races, Birkie weekend will feature shorter races, events and festivities
for those who want to experience the ultimate cross-country ski challenge.
For more information or to register, call 715/634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com or log on to www.birkie.com.
Leslie M. Hamp is media coordinator for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
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GUSEV NEW CXC SKIING DIRECTOR
Central Cross Country (CXC) Skiing recently selected Yuriy Gusev as its program director for the 2005-06 season.
CXC, headquartered in Hayward, Wisconsin, is the designated body for the development of cross-country skiers in the 10-state central region of the United States. CXC Skiing is the Midwest pipeline to the U.S.
Ski Team.
Gusev brings to the directorship an extensive background in education, racing, coaching and organization. In
his native Russia, Gusev was a first rank athlete of the Russian Sports Classification and received the equivalency of a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a major in physical education.
For the past three years he has served as program director and head coach of the Russian Style Ski School in Madison, Wisconsin. Among the athletes he has coached are Wisconsin state champion Bill Bowler and
Junior National Sprint champion Ben Cline.
This past winter Gusev organized and directed the Capitol Square Sprints, which in its first year was part of
the FIS Continental Cup Super Tour and a U.S. Olympic Team Qualifier.
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MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH
May 2005 marks the 49th annual National Bike Month designated by the League of American Bicyclists. Bike to Work Week is May 16-20 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 20.
Last year, the League partnered with Shimano American Corp. and Rodale Publishing (Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines) in an effort to expand the program and motivate more Americans to commute by
bike. This partnership continues in 2005 and will see even further growth by adding Rodale's BikeTown program to its menu of promotions regarding the two-wheeled commute.
This spring 20 communities throughout the United States will feel the positive effects of the BikeTown experience. In those communities, selected recipients of 50 free bicycles will be sought as a way of
encouraging and enabling them to ride a bike more regularly.
In 15 of those 20 communities, the target audience for recipients of the bikes will be people who will use
them primarily for commuting hence the connection to Bike to Work Week/Day events. In the other five communities, the focus will be on any and/or all reasons for riding, not only riding to work.
In those 15 communities focused on commuting, the League will support existing Bike-to-Work Week or Day events, or help establish new ones if they don't exist.
The 2005 BTWW and/or BikeTown Communities include the midwestern cities of Madison, Wisconsin; Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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ORIENTEERING WORKSHOP OFFERED AT SANDHILL
Babcock, Wisconsin People who lack confidence hiking through the woods on their own can learn the skill necessary to navigate with a map and compass by signing up for an orienteering course at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center.
The course "Orienteering: Fun with compass and map" is being offered the weekend of May 7-8. Participants will learn how to use orienteering compasses, read topographic maps and enjoy several
practice runs on the compass courses. On the second day, participants will test their new skills on a cross-country trek of several miles they design themselves.
Participants should bring their own lunches and refreshments. Orienteering compasses will be supplied.
Registration is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by mailing in a registration
fee of $25 per person by April 27. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own lodging, but
people may stay overnight in the center's dorm either prior to, during or following the event for a donation of $15 per person per night.
Checks should be made out to DNR-Skills Center. Include the name of each participant and the address and daytime phone number of one person in each party. Send your registration fee to the Sandhill Outdoor
Skills Center, P.O. Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413.
More information on the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center can be found on the DNR Web site. Information and applicant requests may be sent via e-mail to Richard.Thiel@dnr.state.wi.us.
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Trunk X, one
mile north of State Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin, on the 9,000-acre Sandhill Wildlife Area.
For more information, call the Sandhill Skills Center at 715/884-6333 or 715/884-2437.
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CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY, JUNE 4
Plymouth, Minnesota Join in the nationwide celebration of America's hiking and biking trails during the Three Rivers Park District's National Trails Day Celebration 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at French Regional Park in Plymouth, Minnesota.
This family-friendly event will feature a 10K bike ride around Medicine Lake starting at 9 a.m., a 5K hike at
10 a.m., a live bird program at 11 a.m., and one free climb on a 25-foot tower, ice cream and music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch and stay for the day. Concessions will be available in the French
Visitor Center.
National Trails Day is an annual nationwide event coordinated by the American Hiking Society. For more information, call 763/559-9000 or see www.ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org.
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BIKER/AUTHORS VIE FOR 50 FAT TIRE FEST ENTRY SPOTS
With a lottery-selected registration limit of 2,500 riders, some think the toughest challenge in the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival is simply getting in. Over 800 individuals whose entries are not selected will get their entries and checks back with a "better luck next time" letter.
Several years ago, to provide a few of the unchosen a second chance, the "50 Ways to Ride the Chequamegon" essay contest was created. This unique competition awarded 50 reserved registrations to
the authors of the best essays explaining why they wish to participate.
In spite of the contest title, essays don't have to list 50 individual reasons for wanting to ride. In fact,
submissions have come in the form of songs, poems, drawings, parodies and even notes from children. In making their selections the judges consider originality, creativity, humor, sincerity, effort and a variety of
other factors.
Essays must be legible, 500 words or less and postmarked to the Chequamegon office no later than July 1.
All those who entered the contest will be notified of the outcome by July 15. The decision of the judges is final. All essays become property of the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, will not be returned and may be
reproduced at some future date without notification.
To be included in this year's "50 Ways to Ride the Chequamegon' essay contest, postmark your essay to
Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, P.O. Box 267, Cable, WI 54821 by July 1.
For more information about this year's event, go to www.cheqfattire.com or e-mail the race headquarters at
cheqfat@cheqnet.net.
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CHEQ TRAIL CLEANUP CREW SECURE SPOTS TOO
To ensure that the Chequamegon Fat Tire Fest routes are left in great shape after the September event, the Clif Bar Clean Up Crew will once again ensure that whatever is not packed out is picked up and disposed of properly.
Crew member selections are made via a short essay contest. To be considered for the crew, complete the statement, "I want to be on the Chequamegon/Clif Bar clean-up crew because "
Written statements should be postmarked by July 1 to the Chequamegon race office. All applicants will be notified by July 15 of the crew selections. Later on, those selected will receive further instructions about
their specific race day assignment.
An assortment of Clif Bar apparel, including a Clif Bar cycling jersey and a selection of Clif Bar and Clif
Shot products, will be a part of the crew's recognition. In addition, guaranteed reserved registrations for the 2006 Chequamegon event will be presented to each crew member for their advocacy efforts.
Send your essays by July 1 to Chequamegon/Clif Bar cleanup crew, P.O. Box 267, Cable, WI 54821 or e-mail your submission to cheqfat@cheqnet.net.
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INLAND SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM GOES HAWAIIAN
The 10th annual Inland Sea Kayak Symposium is going Hawaiian in the Apostle Islands. The weekend-long event will be held June 16-19 along the shore of Lake Superior at Thompson's West End in Washburn.
This fund-raising event for the Inland Sea Society will include on-water kayaking instruction, Apostle Islands paddle tours, dry-land seminars and entertainment, a Saturday night pig roast luau and hula dance contest.
For a full program contact Inland Sea Society at www.inlandsea.org or call 715/682-8188.
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PADDLING ONTARIO OFFERS VACATIONS FOR WOMEN
Ontario, Canada, is blessed with 20 percent of the world's freshwater lakes and rivers, which were the highways to the interior for early explorers and fur traders. Today these waterways form the perfect paths for women to explore wellness in the wilderness.
Take a little yoga and mix it with paddling, pilates and painting, and you've got the ideal recipe to nurture body, mind and spirit. Packages offered by the members of Paddling Ontario make it easy, even for the
inexperienced.
"We're adding a fourth day to our yoga, paddling, pilates and painting packages this year, so participants
can meditate in the ancient forest," said Caryn Colman of Smoothwater Outfitters and Ecolodge.
The company's base is a five-guest room Ecolodge in the Temagami Wilderness region of northeastern
Ontario, an area known for the world's last large stands of old growth white and red pine trees.
Smoothwater, which prides itself on its regional, organic cuisine, has arranged a Women's Quest by Canoe
and the Arts package, also in the Temagami wilderness. This eight-day trip departing August 8 helps women hone their canoeing and camping skills and indulge in watercolor painting, writing, hiking and hugging those
350-year-old trees.
Storytelling, hiking, beading, singing and stargazing are all elements of Smoothwater's Supermom and
Daughter Canoe Trip, offered August 28 to September 2 (children ages 6 to 12 years) for about $420 U.S. for the moms and $375 U.S. for their daughters.
Women's wilderness and wellness paddling experiences range from Ontario's far north including opportunities to see bears, birds and belugas to kayak trips to Hudson Bay ($2,625 U.S.) August 15-22
with Canoe Frontier Expeditions.
White Squall, based just two and a half hours north of Toronto in Parry Sound, is offering a Women, Water
and Islands trip from July 11-14. This is an opportunity to camp out and kayak, while exploring Georgian Bay with its 30,000 islands and sparkling fresh water.
This summer Grand River Experiences offers Women of the Grand a weekend of learning paddling skills. It's an overnight camping experience that sets off from the pretty town of Paris, famous for quaint shops and
riverside cafes. Or stretch out your stay with Stress Survival Weekend, a relaxing two days of yoga, canoe adventures, guided hikes and guided meditations. One night is spent in the 150-year-old Arlington Hotel in
Paris and one night of camping.
Paddling Ontario is an alliance of 24 Ontario tourism operators which offers accommodation, outfitting services and unique canoe and kayaking packages.
For details on these and other women's paddling vacations this summer, log onto www.paddlingontario.com, call 705/745-9343 or e-mail admin@paddlingontario.com.
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10-RACE TRI MINNESOTA SERIES GETS NEW SPONSOR
Bloomington, Minnesota
Erik's Bike Shop is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the Tri Minnesota Series, a 10-race triathlon series.
The Tri Minnesota Series has seen amazing growth since its inception in 2003. The series has grown from four races in 2003 to ten races in 2005.
"The Tri Minnesota Series is extremely happy to have Erik's Bike Shop as a sponsor for the Series in
2005," Brad Pickle, series director forTri Minnesota Series, said. "Erik's sponsorship will be a huge benefit
to the series participants by not only providing great incentives at each race, but also insuring bike mechanical support will be present at all series races."
The races in this growing series bring hundreds of new triathletes to the sport each year. All of the races in
the series will meet the standards athletes expect in a quality race. This includes an adequate number of helpful volunteers, a well-marked course, three accurate split results provided by Pickle Events, timely and
accurate final results, overall and age group awards and free refreshments for participants.
"Through our sponsorship of the Tri Minnesota Series, we are able to share in the passion and excitement of
triathlons," Erik Saltvold, President and Founder of Erik's BikeShop said. "We are extremely excited to support a series dedicated to ensuring exceptional and exciting triathlon races."
The 2005 Tri Minnesota Series:
May 7: Chain of Lakes Triathlon
July 10: Graniteman Triathlon
May 22: Land Between the LakesTriathlon
July 31: Hoot Lake Triathlon
June 5: Buffalo Triathlon
Aug. 13: Northwoods Triathlon
June 11: Liberty Triathlon
Aug. 20: Castaways Club Triathlon
June 18: Lake Minnetonka Triathlon
Aug. 28: Lakes Country Triathlon
For additional information on the Tri Minnesota Series, visit www.pickleevents.com/trimn. Additional series sponsors include: Cannondale and Specialized Bikes.
Erik's Bike Shop is a leading bike and snowboard retailer and employs over 130 people with 10 locations in Minnesota (Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Oakdale, Shoreview, St. Louis Park,
Maple Grove, Dinkytown) and in Madison, Wisconsin. For additional information on Erik's Bike Shop's products and events, visit www.eriksbikeshop.com.
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