American Birkebeiner in Cable & Hayward, WisconsinWritten by Sandy Sayler - WisconsinGuide Magazine
The silence of northwoods awakens as American Birkebeiner, also known as Birkie, comes to area. This is largest cross-country ski marathon in North America. Participating skiers come from all across United States and from more than 20 foreign countries. The 51-kilometer race starts near active town of Cable and trails through woods of northwestern Wisconsin to finish on Main Street of Hayward. This prestigious event is only one cross-country ski race out of fourteen to be recognized by Word Loppet organization. The Word Loppet only acknowledges best race and no more than one cross-country ski race per country. Other countries include Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, France, Estonia, Germany, Austria, Finland, Italy, Canada and Czech Republic.The American Birkebeiner was started 31 years ago, but legend goes back to 1206 – almost 800 years ago! Civil War was raging in Norway. An infant prince and heir to throne, Haakon Haakonsson, was in danger and in hiding. Two brave Birkebeiner warriors rescued prince and skied 55 kilometers to safety. The prince was later crowned King of Norway and Civil War ended. The early meaning of Birkebeiner was birch legging, which described warrior’s footwear. Today Birkebeiner has come to translate into a person of strong diversity and never intimidated by trial and hardship. Training starts way before falling of first snowflake. Strength and speed is needed to compete in this athletic challenge. Off-season biking and running help ease into transition. Understanding strategy of drafting is also effective. This buddy system works as two or three skiers’ ski in single file. As they work together, switching places, this lets each other rest slightly, reduces wind resistance and also speeds your skis. Because as skier in front skis over snow, snow heats up a little and a small layer of water is generated which will reduce friction of skis. Good techniques are important so that precious energy is not wasted on unnecessary movement.
| | Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park, Wisconsin DellsWritten by Michael Meister - WisconsinGuide Magazine
For years Wisconsin Dells has been known to travelers as a summer getaway for fun in sun while enjoying some of nations best water rides. Now excitement doesn't have to end when Labor Day comes around.The Wisconsin Dells now hosts a variety of Indoor Water parks that are a great alternative for winter vacations. One such resort is new Great Wolf Lodge. For a while I've watched it being built on my travels up north on I90/94 and this past Christmas got to experience it first hand with our family. My wife and I arrived on Saturday where we were warmly greeted by front desk clerks. The lobby featured a giant cuckoo clock which would give a performance at set times during day. We met up with our family on one of floors where little ones were busy decorating Christmas cookies as part of many activities sponsored by Great Wolf. Some of our family was found down at Youkon Jack's, Great Wolf's own game room. We could test our skill on over 70 different games to win tickets which could be cashed in for a any number of prizes. The big prize in our group was an Angelica doll from Rug Rats that little Brooke's dad won for her. There was also a 3-D theater show featuring Biko Bear next to arcade. One of biggest parts of our stay was huge indoor water park. You could climb around in "Tree House" There were tube rides where guests could go solo or ride double as they splashed there way down and around curves, through water falls, and into dark tunnels that would open up into a gaping pool of water. We had a great time as we carried our inflatable tubes to tops and anxiously awaited our turn down slide. There were body slides for those brave enough to go with out a tube where all you have to do is lay on your back and head feet first through a series of twists and turns that are sure to get your heart racing. I had to remember to plug my nose at end of slide or else I would get a snort of water. The lodge also boasts a giant 50 gallon bucket that sits high on top of rides and fills up every 5 minutes. A bell sounds, warning that bucket is about to empty its contents and all who are in range are sure to get drenched. I expected everyone to run away when ringing started, but instead they all fled toward center to experience bucket's full dousing force.For those of us not up for thrills and spills, water park also offers "Spirit Island", a more relaxing part of water park which features smaller tube rides and a lazy river where one can kick back and relax in water as current carries you around in a circle. There are also a couple kiddie pools with mini water slides for those to young to enjoy bigger rides.
|
