Breaking Birkie News from the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation!

Provided to Silent Sports by Nancy Knutson

I’ve gathered a few tidbits for you to show what happened this AM [October 28, 2020].  Attached please find a few photos from this morning’s bridge installation and a link to the video (actual movement starts after 11:00 minutes in).  I’ve posted this on Facebook if you’d like to share on your page. Photo & Video credit: Courtesy of American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation

Highlights

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Photos & Video credit: Courtesy of American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation

YouTube downloadable video link with more information below:

       • Becker Law Link pedestrian bridge placed over WI State Highway 77 (about 2.5 east of Hayward – just past Hatchery Creek Road)

• Connects the American Birkebeiner Trail (Birkie Trail) on the north and south sides of the bridge

• Will provide safe passage for skiers, bikers, runners, hikers and all who recreate on the over 100-kilometer Birkie Trail on event days, and all days

• This is the final component in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s capital campaign

• The bridge is:

  • 136’ Long

  • 12’6” wide

  • 19’ tall

  • 67,000 pounds

  • Made with corten steel

  • Constructed in Spooner, WI

• Over 150,000 visitors use the Birkie Trail system each year (estimated)

• Don & Heidi Becker, Madison, WI, provided the lead gift while helped to make this bridge a reality.  They were joined by many generous donors who brought the project to life!

• This is the third bridge created by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation through their capital campaigns (supported by thousands of adventurous spirits & friends of the Birkie)

  • American Birkebeiner International Bridge

    • 4 Lane, temporary, wooden bridge that is placed over Highway 63 and Main Street in Hayward, WI, during Birkie Week each February

    • Provides safe transport over the highway for 13,500 skiers during the Birkie week races

    • This bridge was the centerpiece for Super Bowl Live in Minneapolis as part of the Bold North celebration

    • The American Birkebeiner is North America’s largest and most prestigious cross-country ski race held each year in Hayward, WI

  • Key Log Crossing

    • Permanent, corten steel pedestrian bridge over Highway OO, east of Cable, WI, used to allow safe passage over the highway for all recreating on the 100K Birkie Trail

      • Becker Law Link

      • Newest addition to the family of Birkie bridges!

        Thank you Nancy Knutson and all the Birkie Workers & Volunteers!