Paul Joseph Greisen, 86, of Waunakee (formerly of Spring Green) passed away Saturday May 4th, 2024, surrounded by the four special girls in his life that treasured him more than
Since 1960, the small town of Hayward, Wisconsin, has hosted what has been called the "Olympics of the forest," featuring competitive events for lumberjacks (and lumberjills).
In late February of each year, more than 10,000 skiers and thousands more fans head to Hayward, Wis., for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, the largest cross country ski race in North America.
Fat tire bike racers also get a chance to enjoy the trail system in Hayward, Wis. Photo courtesy of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
The two main events are a 50 kilometer freestyle race and a 55 kilometer classic race, but many shorter events are held over a span of five days of racing. Skiers from many countries of the world show up and they represent all abilities from Olympians to recreational skiers. There are also fat tire bicycle races on the same trails.