Arriving at Oslo’s Gardermoen International Airport, I was taken aback when out of the plan’s window I saw patches of green grass, old grass and odd shaded patches of snow Quite unusual for the middle of March. Arriving at my friend’s in Kykkinn, some25 km west of Oslo, I was assured that there was good skiiing on set trails nearby. After a ski on some variable snow-covered trails near Holmenkollen and back into Nordmarka (2200 km set trails), it was decided to ski the next day on another large ski area in West Marlsa. Here there was a seemingly endless choice of set trails. The trails are 90% double tracked on 20 ft. wide trail. It is awesome to see trails directions too cabins, areas, hotels and pensions. Half of these tracks are set by paid personnel, volunteers set the rest. Norwegians expect ski trails! A phone call to a "Ski Veteran", as the Masters call themselves, told me that there was good snow in Valdres, along with an invitation to come and share his home.

Taking a bus, I arrived in Ryfoss. It was well covered with snow. It was a drive up a mountain of about 15 minutes to a 5 km lit trail. It is no problem to ski 30 km in open upper country on prepared trails. Small hotels and cabins are available almost everywhere, local knowledge! One day we drove to another "area" which afforded less open exposure to wind. It is enjoyable to see families, groups of young adults, youngsters with teachers, and old people enjoying their national activity.

The first race I entered in prep for the 58^th Biekebeiner was on a 37 km track that took you from the valley floor up to the base of a peak then across a plateau (quite flat) and then down a farmer’s logging road for 4 to 5 km. Then up and finally down to the village Sports Center some 15 km from the village where the race started.

The next week was spent skiing and touring. Having met my friend John Toonen who had just arrived from Canada. We toured in the area of Oslo and took in the world Cup events at Holmenkollen (Oslo). The 30 km for women gave us a glimpse of, and a chance to cheer, as Becky Scott and Amanda Fortier skied by. After the women, we watched (and skied) the 50 km racecourse. Over 25,000 people camped out Friday night along the 50 km trail, they skied in and out with their usual packsacks. It was interesting to accidentally meet Hans and Joan Skinstad and several Old Norwegian ski buddies that I used to compete with.

The Sunday ski jumping event was a full day of excitement. Over 70,000 swarmed to stadium area to watch the best at the World Cup. A new hill record of 132.5 meters was set. After Holmenkollen, we ventured up into the mountains of Valdres for some "fine tuning" for the Birkebeiner. This year we were fortunate to arrive early. Staying at a relative’s, good food and rest was appreciated.

The big day. Over 10,000 were entered. Several groups in my age category, over 2,700 in all started at 08:00 AM. The start is gradual uphill…oh, oh, there is a fellow down on his face – skis up – there goes another and possibly more, as I keep narrow and sneak by, "don’t look back" I tell myself. Narrowing down to 8 tracks, and then 6 at 10 km, all is quiet, the "song of the ski’s" takes over.

The crunch of the poles provides company. All of a sudden several young speedsters from a later wave sail by and soon disappear. The winding line of skiers is visible several kilometers ahead as it slowly, snake like winds up and over the mountain side. Wind on the open "vidda" or plateau, can be a problem with snow blowing and chilling the body.

The Swix people have ski pole stations, and luckily for one fellow, whose pole happened to "snap" as it was "accidentally" placed between my legs as I passed between two skiers.

On the long downhills – 6 km, it’s full speed ahead. All of a sudden as I pass a fellow, he decided to do a few flying cartwheels! The last 5 kms are in the forest, nicely rolling. The track near the end is usually iced up as the warmer temperatures make for icy tracks. Finally the Olympic stadium is reached and the group is large. At the finish a clear "beep"" is heard for the third time as the ankle chip on my right ankle registers my finish time. Irvin finished under the required special time.