The World (of XC Skiers) is Small

June 2, 2008

Story from the January 2008 Dolomitenlauf contributed by David Spencer.

My wife and I had just finished racing the 25 and 50 k skate races in Obertilliach on Sunday and were sitting on the bus headed back into Lienz so we could begin the 8 hour drive back to Budapest where we live.   An older couple were in the seat directly behind us.  After a few minutes the woman spoke and asked in Norwegian accented English very politely:

   -Where are you from?  

   -The United States, we answered.

   -Oh yes, where in America?

   -Well, from Minnesota.

   -Yes Minnesota, where in Minnesota?  

At this point I should have known; Minnesota, Norwegians, its all one big connected family. We tell her: Duluth.

   -Oh then, you must know Korrki.  

At first I do not understand her as her accent pronounces the name with rolling R's.  

   -Excuse me ?, thinking she was talking about a person she knew.

   - Korrki, the ski trail, you must know Korrki.  

I laughed with delight: Korrki is the best classic ski trail in Minnesota, a beautiful, challenging 10k loop through the trees in Northern Minnesota, and known by the most committed skiers.  

   -Yes, I know Korrki , I was just skiing there two weeks ago when home for Christmas.  

   -Oh then, you know Mark and Liz?  

I laugh again; Mark Helmer is the guy who lives on the trail, takes care of it and manages what is ski club and local icon.  He is also a good friend.  

   -Yes, I was just skiing and then drinking whiskey with Mark two weeks ago, and his wife    Liz and their two daughters were there as well.  

The woman smiles and says;

   -Well, my name is Maj-Lis, and I am Mark's daughter's God-mother. We used to ski together back in Norway, they are our dearest friends. 

Once we finished the bus trip in Lienz, before we began our trip back to Budapest, there were hugs all around.  When I wrote Mark, my friend back in America, his response was typical:       

 -Not surprised, skiers find each other everywhere, they just know how to connect.
And so it is. It is good to be part of the global community of ski racers, people who love to be alive out on ski trails are good people.  They know how to connect.

David Spencer
Budapest, Hungary
(also; Duluth, Minnesota)

This page was last revised on August 21, 2008