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.