Four Birchleggings Strietzel Brothers Skied the 2026 American Birkebeiner on Wood Skis!

Tom, Joe, Mike, & Mark

Four Strietzel brothers skied the 2026 Birkie on woodies to celebrate all four now having skied 20+ American Birkebeiners. During several of the 20+ Birkies the brothers and several friends and family have worn U.S. Navy Foul Weather Hats in honor of their father, a WWII Navy veteran, and as a way to easily find each other during and after the race. Dozens of fellow racers recognize the hats, say hi and visit before, during, and after the race each year.

 

The brothers started, skied the course, and finished the 2026 Birkie together. Before the race, there was concern that someone would break a more than 40 years old wooden ski. A repair kit with duct tape, plastic, and metal splice material was carried the entire way. Fortunately, the only mishap was early in the race when the tip on one of Tom’s bamboo poles broke. Since none of the aid stations had bamboo poles, he decided to ski almost the entire race with the damaged bamboo pole. There had also been concern that the lingering effects of Lyme disease would affect Mike’s ability to finish the race, but he set a comfortable pace and finished feeling well. Mark talked to dozens of fellow skiers as he leisurely cruised down the trail. Joe enjoyed and appreciated the beautiful Birkie trail surroundings in a way not possible when pushing hard towards Hayward. At one point an owl flew over all four, directly up the trail with a mouth full of twigs, something they probably would not have noticed when intensely skiing. A safe, fun ski and wonderful way to celebrate 20+ Birkies for all four.

Birchleggings Club 2026 Annual Awards Breakfast

 

Join Your Fellow Birchleggers (New & Veteran) at the Annual Breakfast Enjoy a celebration of dedicated skiers during Birkie 52 at the annual Birchleggings Club Awards Breakfast! RSVP up via RunSignup using the link below. All skiers and their families are invited. Pre-registration is encouraged so we can plan on the number of attendees.       Sunday, February 22, 2026      Doors open at 8:30 am, breakfast served at 9:00 am      Hayward Steakhouse & Lodge      Highway 27 South, in Hayward New 20-year Birchleggers, new 20-year Kortelopet Tuje Skiløpers, and new 20-year Birkie+Korte “Combi” race finishers will receive a free breakfast. Cost for others is $20.00 plus tax and the RunSignup processing fee. Children 5–10 years old are $10.00 plus tax and fees, and children under 5 are free. You may also attend and pay at the door, but preregistration is preferred. Register Here for the Breakfast At the breakfast we will: - Present 20-30-and 40-year Birchleggers their awards - Present the Tony Wise Birkie Spirit Award for 2026 - Hear race summaries from Ben Popp and others - Get updates on Birkie and Birchleggings Club events and developments - Provide opportunities to help support the Birkie, the Birkie Trail, youth skiing, healthy lifestyles, and winter climate health.   Come to the breakfast and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Birchleggers and skiers. Get involved with club projects to promote and improve the Birkie and its events.

Birchleggings Club 2026 Activities Announced!

 

 

Download the Flyer