Apologies for the last email. Dates were incorrect. Junior Victorian Champs are this weekend – 20th-21st July 2019
Registration is essential — Email <nick@birkebeiner.org.au>
Registration is essential — Email <secretary@birkebeiner.org.au>
Falls Creek XC Trail Grooming Report. To view each day click [HERE]
Track My Ride App — To receive up to date live grooming and an email in the evening to know what the groomer is planning for the evening or the following morning. Download the Track My Ride Apple iOS or Android App, come into the YMCA Falls Creek XC Ski Hire at Windy Corner to pay $10.00 for the season OR pay over the telephone (03 5758 3408) and a password will be issued to activate the App.
Falls Creek User Guide (XC Skiing information). Click [HERE]
Ben Derrick the Kangaroo Hoppet Race Director is seeking a local person to billet the Swiss lady that will be the Technical Delegate (TD) for Hoppet #29. After that, she will be travelling to New Zealand to be the TD for the Worldloppet race there called the Merino Muster. Her stay is from Sunday 18th to Sunday 25th August 2019.
Her name is Seraina Mischol. She was an elite Swiss skier – achieved 15th place at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Italy and an occasional top 10 world cup skier. She is 37 years old and is from Davos, Switzerland.
If you wish to billet Seraina please contact Ben Derrick on mobile: 0400 110 046 or email <BenDerrick@fallscreek.com.au>
The race committee last night made the tough decision that due to the poor weather forecast and current snow conditions the Birkebeiner Classic scheduled for Sunday 7th July 2019 has been cancelled.
Falls Creek XC facebook page. To join click [HERE].
for July 2019 is now available for viewing as a pdf file.
To view the latest Birkie Bulletin, all you need to do is click the link in this email message and the pdf file will open in your web browser. Hint: To enlarge the text on the web page, use the following keyboard shortcuts: Windows: hold down Control then type +, Apple: hold down Command then type +
Alternatively, if you wish to save the newsletter to your computer, there are two options: 1. Save it from your Browser (File > Save) or 2. Go to the club’s website <Newsletters> and download the Birkie Bulletin pdf file. Hint: Right-click the link and select ‘Save Link As…. or ‘Download Linked File As…’ depending on the browser you use. Past issues can also be accessed on the site.
Membership was due by 30th June 2019. Click [HERE] to renew.
If you no longer wish to be a member as a courtesy could you please contact the membership secretary Nick Wright on email <membership@birkebeiner.org.au> to indicate this.
Join the club facebook page called Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. Click [HERE] to join.
The Mini-Series race this Saturday 6th July is definitely on.
Please enter online. Click [HERE]
Mini-Series Race
Saturday 6th July ’19 Falls Creek Nordic Bowl – 1:00 pm (freestyle)
Ski de Femme Registrations are open. Click [HERE]
Birkebeiner has always supported athletes that make National Cross Country Ski Teams. For season 2018/19 Nic Blackwell, Aimee Watson, Casey Wright and Katerina Paul were provided with a club grant to assist them with their trip costs. A requirement for receiving a grant is that the athlete has to submit a report to club members on their experience.
Mid-Season Dinner at Roi’s Restaurant — Thursday 25th July. More information in the July Birkie Bulletin.
2019/20 Membership is now due.
Please click [HERE] to join.
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| You have gotta love this little guy! | Birkie Juniors love camp life. |
Junior co-ordinator Michelle Forrer has published the dates for Junior Joey & Gliders on-snow coaching sessions. Click [HERE] for details.
Junior Birkie on-snow program. Click [HERE] for details.
Again junior races will be held throughout the season called the 2019 ‘Snow, Trek & Travel Mini-Series’ at Falls Creek starting in the Nordic Bowl. These comprise low key races over distances of 0.5, 1.5 & 2.5km using both the classical (C) and skating (F) styles. These are ideal introductory races for Junior Joeys and Junior Birkies. The Junior Coaching Program links above list the four scheduled races for this season. The Telemark Nordic Ski Club does a fantastic job conducting this program of races each winter. Click [HERE] for more information.
2019/20 Membership is now due.
Please click [HERE] to join.
The annual pre-season get-together was held at ‘Arby’s Place’ Tawonga on Saturday night. There was a good turn-out of members (45). The food was supplied by the members and the eating area organised by Michelle Forrer (social secretary & vice president) and Johanna Pihkanen. Following the meal, Ash Forrer and Tommi Silvester gave a talk, accompanied by slides on their recent 675 km four-week walk along the Australian Alps Walking Track. An impressive achievement for these two 15-year-olds.
From Left: Ewan Silvester, Johanna Pihkanen, Tommi Silvester, Ash Forrer, Michelle Forrer & Conrad Forrer
Ian Ryan Club Award — This award is in its 20th year. It was named in honour of club member Ian Ryan who tragically died at the end of the 1999 Kangaroo Hoppet. Click [HERE] to read the history of the award. This year the award was presented to Blair Hume, past vice president, committee-man, racer, volunteer and working bee co-ordinator. Ian Ryan’s wife Julie again presented the award. Note — It is the families wish that this year would be the last time the award would be presented. The club wishes to thank Julie, Sean and Leah for supporting this award for the 20 years. The club will continue with a new club award … watch this space.
From Left: Ann Bellingham (2018 winner), Julie Ryan, Ewan Silvester (president) & 2019 winner Blair Hume
Click [HERE] to read their citations.
Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) is pleased to announce the reappointment of key Cross Country personnel ahead of the 2019 Australian season. Finn Marsland and Valerio Leccardi will continue in cross country skiing program leadership roles, both with expanding responsibilities. Click [HERE] for details.
Left photo – Finn Marsland: combined XC program director and the new national coach education coordinator position. Right photo – Valerio Leccardi: has a two-year contract extension to remain as national head coach. Both are Birkebeiner Ski Club members.
Coach Technique Workshops
2019 National Race Calendar — Click [HERE] to view and download.
