| Title | : | Beyond Birkie Fever |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1936850028 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781936850020 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 225 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2010 |
Beyond Birkie Fever Reviews
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There are so many reasons to love this book. I always look to learn something, and the history and lore of the Birkebeiner were fascinating. Any Wisconsinite, like I am, will feel a sense of pride, a team member by virtue of living in the state that created it. But the Birkie is an American institution and one every citizen can be proud of.
Rhein takes us along on his love affair with skiing, and it becomes clear what a life passion has given him. By devoting himself to a sport, he develops lofty goals, and then finds satisfaction in accomplishing small steps along the way. He learns constantly, not only about skiing, but about himself. He discovers the benefit of team and how it changes a person. How belonging is powerful. He allows himself to be inspired, rather than discouraged, by those who are faster.
There is a lot to admire in Rhein’s journey, not the least being his bravery in unfamiliar situations and in attacking new challenges.
Goals, hard work and discovering yourself are serious undertakings, but Rhein tells his story with a good dose of humor and a self-deprecating wink. A delight to read. -
Incorporated in this memoir of the author's lifetime relationship with cross-country skiing and other challenges is the origin story for the AMERICAN BIRKENBEINER, considered by most to the the foremost annual race in the USA. Author Rhein writes with wry, sometimes ironic, often tongue-in-cheek humor. He relates the ways in which his involvement with the race, its participants, and his own nature interacted to shape his life.
Apparently Birkie Fever is incurable, and even for someone without an interest in the sport (I do not), it is an accessible and entertaining read. I believe it will appeal to fans of contemporary memoir, especially sports-related subjects. As a Wisconsinite I enjoyed the various references to local culture as well, but Rhein's pursuit of cross-country racing and culture has taken him far beyond his home state and country. His theme seems to be to live life with open arms to new experiences, and reading the book may inspire you to dip into your bucket list or deferred dreams. -
Having read Walter Rhein’s fantasy novel The Bone Sword, I was more than willing to give his non-fiction book a go. I have to admit that I know very little about cross-country skiing, but Beyond Birkie Fever gave me a wonderful insight into what these athletes have to go through to prepare for such an exacting race. I enjoyed the way the author took me right back to his earliest experiences with skiing, as this set the tone very nicely for what clearly became an obsession. His easy, witty prose and highly amusing anecdotes had me laughing and gasping in turns as I learned what tolls the ‘Birkie’ takes on the novice (and even the professional!) skier. I am full of admiration for Walter Rhein and indeed anyone who has the determination and dedication to achieve the levels of fitness necessary to be competitive in events such as the Birkie. It is testament to Rhein’s talent as a writer that a non-skier like myself was able to experience something of the ‘Fever’ that the Birkie instils in those who come back year after year, trying to improve their times and move into the ‘elite wave’.
Both skiers and non-skiers alike will gain something from this fascinating book, which I can highly recommend. -
Gotta start out by saying that Walter sent me this one after I reviewed another of his wonderful books, The Reader of Acheron. He in no way, shape or form solicited me for a review. There, nasty disclaimer out of the way.
I had the pleasure to meet Walter in person the summer of 2014 in Washington DC when he introduced Janet and Chris Morris at a Library of Congress event. I came out of that one small meeting with (1) another author to stalk (2) signature of said author (3) and a voice. A very distinctive voice that is able to convey the depths of the horror of the hazards of actually driving in DC. That voice stuck with me and as I read this book, I could hear it. I am not sure if that actually led to my enjoyment of the book or if it was the style of writing but this book struck a chord in me.
I am by no means a skier of any kind and I admit to putting off reading it because it dealt with something that I have no interest in. Now, if you would have put dragons, or starships, or knights pulling off a desperate rescue, I would have read it in an instant. I am kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. You really don't have to even like skiing to understand what Walter writes about so eloquently. He has packed so many gems of wisdom in this short book that I need a copy to highlight the many passages that spoke to me on an level that few non fiction books do.
One of my (too many to list) favorite things he wrote-
"My adventures are always influenced by the fact that I don't like to plan in advance. I find that you can turn a totally mundane undertaking into a desperate struggle for survival simply by approaching it unprepared and overconfident. Needless to say, this philosophy has got a few holes in it." This totally sums up my outlook on travel and is probably half of why I married my husband, extreme planner that he is. I found little snippets of humor throughout the book, and could not stop reading it. He made me laugh out loud as I did laundry at the laundromat,(I shared the book title and a few of the guys said they would try to find it). That is the benefit of a paperback. People see you reading it, laughing at the passages and usually ask about the book.
Walter presents his experiences with the Birkie and how he set his goals, sometimes attaining them (moving up the ranks of starting group for the Birkie) and sometimes failing spectacularly (roller skiing, well, at least for poor Dean!) I felt like I was sitting at the kitchen table on a cold Wisconsin winter day, listening to him ramble and finding myself drawn into this strange world of winter outdoor recreation, much to my delight. I am NOT saying that I am going out and getting skis, wax, boots and spandex suit, but I might just find myself one of the spectators, lining the path, holding out a beer like those frat boys did.
This book is worth every minute that I spent reading it and when life gets me down, and I don't think I can take one more step without crumpling in a helpless heap, I will pull this out and read a chapter or two. I know for a fact that this book can pick me up and inspire me to take that one extra step. Bravo Walter on a job WELL done! See you at the finish line one of these years with that beer. -
Title/Author:
“Beyond Birkie Fever” by Walter Rhein
Tags:
Nordic skiing, autobiography
Published:
November 20, 2013
Length:
248 pages
Rating:
4 of 5 stars (very good)
Review:
This story of a cross-country skier’s experienced with the famous Birkebeiner race is a fascinating account of not only the history and trails on the course, but also of his trials and tribulations as an athlete. More than the sports aspect of the book, the human spirit aspects of the story are what make this book worth the time to read it.
Rhein takes the reader through his own youth and how he got the inspiration to take up the sport early in the book. His mother was one of the participants in the first “Birkie” (be sure to read the introduction for more great stories on this first races from other participants) and from there he gets the bug. The story doesn’t read like the typical autobiography, nor is it one where unexpected wins or fantastic finishes are documented. Rhein’s story reads much like other amateur participants of events like the Birkebeiner, marathons, or other endurance sports. It is an accomplishment just to finish, let alone win.
Some of the stories are quite humorous. My favorite one was of the time Rhein and his friend Doug decided to train during the summer by using roller skies. Between the hilarious description of the equipment itself and the misadventures while using the equipment, it was a great read. So was Rhein’s account of one particular marathon he was running when he was getting hungry and saw a partially opened energy bar package lying on the road. I won’t give any more away about that story, but it is one that the reader won’t soon forget.
Overall, this is a very good memoir about an amateur cross country skier and his trials and tribulations while training for and competing in one of the biggest events in the sport. Even if a reader knows nothing about the sport, it is still worth the time to read this entertaining book.
Did I skim?
No.
Pace of the book:
Excellent.
Do I recommend?
Yes. While the book is mostly stories about skiing, people who are looking for training ideas might also find the book useful as his stories about his marathons and other runs are helpful as well as entertaining.
Book Format Read:
e-book (Kindle)
Buying Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Birkie-F... -
Beyond Birkie Fever by Walter Rhein is his personal experiences in marathon cross country skiing. He has written at least five novels in the fantasy genre, something people my age would call D&D type books, which I will need to look at. He was born and currently owns a bike and ski shop in Wisconsin. Rhein stumbled across my blog and asked if I was willing to review the book. I didn't make the connection immediately until he said he owned a bike shop and that one of the legends of the Birkies was recently killed by a car while riding his bicycle. That knocked it up on my to read list.
The Birkie, the 41st annual Birkebeiner for 2014, is a marathon cross-country skiing race through rolling hills of Wisconsin. The race began in 1973, inspired from the Birkebeiner skiers who took the the king's son to safety in the Norwegian civil war in 1206. Norway revived the tradition as a race in 1932, burdening the participants with a carrying a non-food item weight to symbolize the the prince. Apparently bonking and the temptation to eat the "prince" may have been too strong for many. Tony Wise started the tradition in the United States in 1973 with thirty five participants the event has grown to 13,000 participants, including the author.
Rhein's story starts early in his life with a growing attachment to skiing and equipment and training. Skiing, I have learned, is much like cycling. There is the whole right equipment thing: right clothing, ski wax (tires), roller skiing (trainer or rollers), cross-training, and getting ready for “the season.” He captures the obsession with a clear, but you can feel the excitement, writing style. I was a bit skeptical when I first picked up the book. Skiing? It is 111 degrees in Dallas as I write this. The writing style is catchy and keeps the reader interested. Obsession is obsession and easy to relate to. From being flying to Australia, only to get sick, and race sick; to “hey why not run a marathon”. Misery sometimes makes the best memories.
Beyond Birkie Fever is definitely a fun read no matter what your opinion of skiing. There is a common ground for athletes of all sports and all levels and it can be found in this book. Highly recommended for all who ski, bike, run, swim, hike, climb mountains, or those who want to look into the the mind of those with a healthy obsession. -
Beyond Birkie Fever is an adventurous journey of author, Walter Rhein in America's greatest cross-country ski race called American Birkebeiner. He shares with his readers how his journey as a skier changed since a kid of 7 years till date with details explaining his experiences beyond anything that one would ever hope to imagine!
When you start with the book, you find founder David Landgraf's account of the first Birkie. I would say it's a good idea to start a book like this. It's like giving a cricket lover, a book written on Cricket starting with the interview of Sachin Tendulkar. A straight six by the author on the first ball itself! Those who have been involved with ski races will surely appreciate it.
I found language used at the start of the book a little tough. Maybe, I felt so as being an Indian, I don't use words used by the author here in my daily talks. But, as you move with the flow, you find it to go smooth. Incidence one after another of the author's life keeps you moving with the flow of the book. Narration by the author is brilliant and would make you imagine yourself drown in the story. I belong to a country where there is not much snow. Still, I could imagine the plot very well. The part where author mentioned about his grandfather is really humorous. I didn't expect such a good end from the author after few setbacks with his health. Though, he fully convinced me with the end of the book.
There are two drawbacks I found with this book. First, editing part could be taken better care of. Second, if the author wants to trap markets like India, he must reduce the price of the book.
At the end, I must say, it was a refreshing read for me as I have been continuously reading Indian plots. The author was tremendous in taking me to a different world.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Walter Rhein for choosing me to read this book. His next book, 'The Reader of Acheron' is soon going to hit the market. I wish the author, all the best for his next book and other future endeavors. :) -
Beyond Birkie Fever by Walter Rhein Review
Everything that you would want to know about cross-country skiing.
Cross-country skiers are hearty folk. The compulsion to race marathon-length distances in subfreezing conditions requires an eternally optimistic and fiercely independent spirit. The fear of blinding snow or paralyzing cold does not deter them, and it has been said that skiers do not merely laugh at adversity; they are completely oblivious to its existence. America's greatest cross-country ski race is the American Birkebeiner or "Birkie" for short. Every year, thousands of people journey from all over the globe to Hayward, Wisconsin, for a world-class celebration of life, winter, and the competitive spirit. Prior to the race, local participants find themselves in the throes of a unique and natural euphoria. They thrill at the prospect of participating shoulder to shoulder with elite international competitors in a wild race through the great Northwoods wilderness. Beyond Birkie Fever is the story of how America's magnificent cross-country ski marathon can expand your horizons and be the gateway to experiences beyond anything you'd ever hoped to imagine!
What did I like? I have never skied in any fashion and this was a very interesting read. I learned more about the subject and the inside scoop on the people that do this.
What will you like? This is a relatively short read but the history and behind the scenes information on the sport and the intriguing people that participate is amazing. The strength and all-consuming dedication that you need in preparation, in the beginning, is overwhelming. I had no idea that the sport entailed so much and the unfathomable commitment that is required in continuing is astounding. The inner joy and accomplishments are staggering. What a read, I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in the sport but to even those that just enjoy learning. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation. -
Even though I’m a sports fan, I enjoyed reading Beyond Birkie Fever, a non-fictional story focused on the author’s history with one of North America’s biggest skiing competitions named the American Birkebeiner. Affectionately called Birkie by skiers from all over the world, Walter Rhein chronologies the birth of Birkie—a humorous competition between two friends—to its expanse through the Wisconsin wilderness as a premiere cross-country ski race.
Though Rhein talks about the harshness of skiing, he delivers a documental story filled with humor and quirkiness. It’s an easy ride through Beyond Birkie Fever, even through the trials and tribulations. Readers will appreciate the drama of mundane moments in Rhein’s life, from buying a pair of discounted skis to tackling the icy slopes of competing in the Birkie several times. Rhein’s regular life outside of skiing proves to be interesting and comedic, breaking readers away from a purely ski-friendly audience.
While the book is still a ski book, Beyond Birkie Fever offers many definitions and explanations to skiing and skiing equipment that most novices would get boggled by. I didn’t know the first thing between cross-country skiing and freestyle skiing. To me, it’s all skiing, but to the author, there are different styles and techniques in skiing, just like in other sports. Rhein spelled out each style in a clear, easy-to-imagine manner. This book is positively the best ski book for the non-skiing audience.
One of the best features of Beyond Birkie Fever is its story-telling. The narrator provides a fun energy to each vivid scene while maintaining a firm grasp of reality. It’s almost like the author is telling a friend how Birkie came to be. Some of the expressions that Rhein uses are funny enough to pull out chuckles from readers.
I can see why Beyond Birkie Fever has risen above the sporting books crowd, looking down at the rest of them from the ski lift. -
Prepare yourself for the brisk bite of the cold winter air, the dizzying rush of frigid wind through your hair and the searing joy of straining muscles as you whiz along with Walter Rhein through America’s greatest cross-country skiing competition, the Birkiebiener.
Beyond Birkie Fever is two stories for the price of one. It’s a close-up look at the lively world of competitive cross-country skiing, with most of the attention paid to America’s foremost cross-country race, The Birkiebiener, held every year in rustic Cable-Hayward, Wisconsin. It’s also the story of how a young man loses, and then finds himself by immersing himself in the world of cross-country competition.
The book begins with the author’s interview with Dave Langraf ……the founder of the Birkiebiener. It’s an interesting story, and by telling it, the author places you right at the beginning of this world famous event.
It’s not just a historical document. Rhein makes the story much richer by sharing his own experiences. He’s got some funny stories here (His Grandpa teaching some visiting skiers how to best drive on “black” ice) and some that are a bit harrowing (He experienced some serious issues with a back hoe) and some will resonate with the competitor in everyone. (He did what he had to that time he badly needed a protein bar during a training marathon.)
To sum up, this book delivers the history of an exciting sporting event, an intriguing look at the little known sub-culture of the competitive cross-country skier, and a few insights into human nature that Rhein gained from his years of competitive skiing.
The book is written with a light touch. The humor is usually warm and laid back, although there are occasional bursts of literary exhilaration.
I did receive the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’d gladly purchase it though, as it’s a book I know I’ll read again and again. -
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to competitive cross country skiing. For those uninitiated, it is simply another way to pass the time in the long winter months of Wisconsin. But to Walter Rhein and many like him, it is a wonderfully addictive lifestyle.
Beyond Birkie Fever tells the story of the famous Birkebeiner cross country ski race that takes place every year in Hayward, WI. This is a grueling event through challenging terrain, made even more difficult by the harsh winter weather of Wisconsin. Yet this book is much more than a documentary style recap of the history of the race. Rhein takes the reader through his own experiences as a skier, from the first time he strapped on skis and tried to keep up with his mother (who happens to be a veteran of multiple Birkies) through his own first race and all those that followed. You get a first hand look at the dedication and training it takes to undergo a race of this magnitude.
This book is a really entertaining read as it is filled with great personal stories, many of which are very funny. Without giving too much away, here are a few stories that made me laugh: there is an episode with some foreign visitors, a mischievous grandfather, and some indoor gunplay, another involving the first attempts at roller-ski training, as well as a race in which beer became a new form of racing fuel.
While Beyond Birkie Fever starts out as a book about a cross country ski race, by the end you realize that it is really the story of the author’s journey; the fantastic adventures he had and the lifelong friendships he developed along the way.
Grab a copy today and catch the fever! -
I was asked to read this book and a give an honest review. It’s not a book I’d usually pick up, I must say. I think this is due to the fact I’d never heard of the winter sporting event “The Birkie.” After receiving the book I gave it a chance and I’m very glad I did. The book is very well written and has flow. The book is a memoir / Autobiography style of a sports minded man who’s very open to travelling the world. I think by chapter 6 the story took hold of me but the chapters are short and it doesn’t take long to arrive at this chapter. I think if you were into skying you’d be very into this story. I’ve never really been a big skier so I’m not sure I was part of the target market but I completed story. There are some graphic moments, which are well articulated, throughout the book where the writer shows excellent energy and pulls you into the story. It’s an international read for the sport lovers, travellers and outdoor go getters.
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As an aspiring Birkie skier and native Wisconsite, I enjoyed Walter Rhein's entertaining account of the American Birkiebeiner and Worldloppet Circuit. The American Birkebeiner is the largest cross-country ski race in North America traveling 50 kilometers through the rolling hills of Wisconsin. The event began in 1973 with only 35 participants and has grown tremendously with a devoted following and has since capped at 10,000 participants each year.
Beyond Birkie Fever is the author's account of his journey into cross-country skiing and marathon distance running. The writing was overly witty and exaggerated at times, but I did find it humorous when I was in the mood for it.
Even if you are not a skier or endurance athlete, you might find yourself committing to your first marathon after reading this book. -
Although having never literally skied in real life this book gives me an insight of what skiing is like and how people from all over the world come to Wisconsin and celebrate the wonders of winter. However this book is more than just about skiing its also about learning lessons and how you can benefit from them. This book is a great motivation for skiers that want to pursue their dreams. The narration is great and one should pick it up whether your a skier or not.
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**********THIS WAS A GOODREADS.COM FIRST READ CONTEST WIN!!!**********
This was a very interesting book. I thought this book would just be about cross-country skiing, but I was wrongs. It was a very interesting read with humor that got me to laughing. This book was well written.
**********THIS WAS A GOODREADS.COM FIRST READ CONTEST WIN!!!********** -
A fun look at a venture and lifestyle I'd rather read about than undertake.
Originally reviewed (full review) by request from the author at
http://elucidatepublishing.blogspot.c... -
This book reminds me of my dad, who taught me how to cross-country ski. It's a fun recounting of the lengths we push ourselves to just to see if we can.
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i loved this book! It was one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. It was also very helpful for my Academic Fair project because it supported my topic with a lot of info.
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Excellent read. It got me super pumped for my first birkie! Entertaining and funny the whole way through. -
This was a very interesting book, especially since we had just spent two weeks vacationing in Hayward, Wisconsin. It's main appeal I believe would be to cross-country skiers.
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Enjoyed thoroughly.
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Fun read. Rhein is a good story teller and the book is entertaining. But it's a bit simple.
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Perfectly stated!
As a Wisconsin native and a lifetime skier, this book had me nodding and chuckling at every page turn. Beautiful glimpse into the endurance racing culture, the unique northwestern atmosphere surrounding the Birkie, and just growing up as a skier in Wisconsin. Loved it, and I'm definitely gifting it to my fellow family Birkie finishers!
