Birkebeiner Nation: skier stories

Talleiv "Tolly" Vollen, 72,

St. Cloud

Birkies: 28

2015: Wave 3, classic

Jon Vollen, 45, St. Cloud

Birkies: five

2015: Wave 3, classic

Birkies: 13

2015: Wave 2, classic

Nordic skiing always has been the family sport among the Vollens of St. Cloud. Talleiv Vollen, or Tolly, has left a trail of skiing and ski instruction in the community, from organizing morning races for children to opening a seasonal ski store in the 1980s. Son Eric Vollen recalls his older brother, Jon, working at the shop, and both of them prospering in other ways. Their gear, for one, was always top-shelf.

As the years went on, their life stories played out in different ways and in different directions. And all the while, their skiing roots remained deep. Eric recalled returning to the sport after college through Finn Sisu training. Then in the late 1990s he started skiing with his father. Jon, too, had a long hiatus from the sport, lived for years in Alaska, and has now returned to St. Cloud.

"Every year it's kind of a battle of the three. Who is going to be in what place on the medal podium for the three of us," Eric said in jest. "Every year my dad vows to get me next year. The last few years I've been on top with my dad and brother following. … It's more about love of the sport and love of doing it with family."

Tolly fell a few weeks ago on a ski outing with Jon in Hyland Lake Park. He might sit out this year's Birkie with two cracked ribs and a sore shoulder. The memories of the Birkie with his family, however, might speed the healing. "It's a special feeling to line up with hundreds of others and your two sons," he said.

"The Vegas oddsmakers have it 50-50 whether Talleiv is going to start or not," Jon said.

" I hope we continue it for a few years," Tolly said. "I'd like to think I can be skiing into my early 80s." Having skied several world loppets — from Norway to points beyond — the outlook appears good.

Said Eric: "There are not many sports that someone can be doing in their 70s and 80s. … For us, it's a lifelong sport, like it is for many."

Jon agreed. "It's just a great tradition, and I hope I am doing it into my 70s like my dad."