The Power of Support

My initial draw to the Birkie 17 years ago had has much to do with the enthusiasm of the event as it did with trying to ski an incredibly long distance. The throngs of people along the course, the cow bells, and the packed sidewalks of Hayward were all part of the magic.

So today's reflection is not so much about the severity of the Penokee-Genobic divided but is instead about the sporadically placed spectators and volunteers along the course. Their enthusiasm and encouragement are to be applauded.

• At the 4km mark, towards the end of the power line, waits a massive drum line. I'm guessing there were probably 15-20 folks pounding drums, stroking washer boards, shaking cowbells, and chanting rhythmical support.

• The food stations are lined with not only those who offer energy drink, water, bananas, and oranges, but also includes the motivators. Those who laugh with you, push you, and encourage you to get to the next food stop. There are eight food stops total...so having these as strategically placed keeps a skier motivated to get to the next one. Each food stop has their own theme...Bob Marley music, or Jimmy Buffet music, or pulled pork sandwiches (I did not have one)...anything to keep the skiers' minds on something other than pain and fatigue.

• At about the 20km mark is snowmobile corner. Here awaits the drunks and the loudmouths. These folks wait halfway down the most dangerous S-turn on the course. After climbing "Tourette's Hill" the skiers are faced with a fast and icy downhill. The snowmobilers wait to either cheer you or boo you, depending upon your fate. I made it through the curve without falling, so of course I got booed.

• A couple of km's past Hwy OO, the halfway point of the race, sits "Whippoorwill Hill." Several hearty folks hike back into the top of steep hill "whoop"their support. Fun stuff. Veteran Birkie skiers will whoop their own greeting.

• My favorite group of supporters is the 39k zone. Starting at about the 38.5 mark we begin to see signs along the trail announcing that we are entering the 39k zone. As we begin yet another difficult climb we can hear rock 'n roll music in the background. The closer we get it is clear that the Jimmy Hendrix Experience will support us through the zone. They have a campfire. Energy drinks. Protein bars. Even alcohol. Of course, I don't consider that at all appealing.

• Lake Hayward is filled with supporters. They drive their trucks, bring barbecues, crank their own music, shake cow bells, and will us along in our last bit of misery.

• And of course we finish on Main Street. Amazing their nearly seven hours after the Elite Skiers left Telemark Lodge the street is still filled with enthusiastic supporters. No one knew me, yet as I neared the finish they cheered loudly as my name and age were announced. It probably helped that at age 51 I was finishing my first Birkie.

The support all these people offered along the way truly helped the experience. The smiles, the nods, and the high-fives I gave were all as important as the energy I consumed along the way.