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THE SEAGULL HAS LANDED!! (cont'd) by: Irene Malinowski
For those of you aren't aware, the Sea Gull Century is a 63 or 100 mile bike only event, which has been hosted by Salisbury University for the past 17 years. On a personal level, I have always wanted to skate the Century. I started talking about it, in 2001, when Rollerquest was formed. Each time one of our local bikers would talk about it, I'd say, " I want to skate that; I'm going to do it one day." And anyone who knows me, knows, when I say I'm going to do something, it's a done deal.
We had heard that a local skater or two participated in the event over the years, but no skate group had formally been invited to attend. We heard Local Team in Training skaters had worked out a deal to skate the Century this year. This was a bit bittersweet for me. I wanted in and although it's a great cause, Team in Training is not an option for me. I haven't had a personal experience with the disease and I find the fund raising requirements too steep. I have my own ideas about training, and as I indicated above, I can be a bit like a freight train when I start moving.
I penned a letter to the University asking if they would open the event to all skate groups. I mentioned the potential for much skater interest throughout the US. I knew with the recent skate event slump, skaters from everywhere would love the distance and those who were intimidated by the relentless beating hills and traffic at A2A would love the smooth, flat, uninhabited pavement of the Eastern shore. I waited and waited, but heard nothing from the University. I planned to call, I planned to fax. Completely at random, I checked my mail one day to find 40 or 50 registration packets. There was no letter or correspondence, so I was still skeptical. I called the University the next day. I spoke to everyone from public relations to the cashier before I got Amy Waters, the Sea Gull Committee's chair. After many probing questions, Amy said: "I presented your letter to the committee and they approved it..." I couldn't believe we were in and it was that simple.
I wasn't sure the committee understood the skater participation potential. Amy and I agreed to keep the numbers relatively small, this year, and limited inline skate registration exclusively to Rollerquest. I only put the word out to local groups. The immediate response from Capital Racing was impressive.
This began a relentless, thrilling and frenzied process of trying to organize an event. I had no idea what we were doing and we now had obligations to other people. I attended many events: A2A, The NorthShore Inline Marathon, Disney and The New York Marathon to name a few. I knew they were getting cancelled all over the place and I was sure there was a reason. Rollerquest is completely non profit; we don't even charge for membership. All funding had to be personal or by outside donation. I had no experience with events, but had a general idea of what skaters expect. The Sea Gull Century skate event possessed multiple elements. The event is for bikers--not just one or two bikers but several thousand: we were not entitled to spoil it. The University was welcoming and receptive: skaters were not entitled to spoil that. We had a responsibility to the skaters who signed up, from our own club and from outside of our club. Our reputations were on the line and I was determined to successfully accomplish a skate/bike event, if it was the last thing I did.
This was such an opportunity, with very little time, and I knew I wasn't worthy.
It sparked new fire in me. I couldn't sleep at night thinking about it. I wasn't prepared to skate. Somehow, I thought getting in would be much more difficult. I had only been skating 11 miles each week and had only three months to prepare. I also bought new speed skates this year. I wasn't ready for any distance. I immediately went into overdrive. I kicked up my training by 11 miles every week, consistently. I got up to 55 miles, in the hills around BWI airport loop and I stayed there throughout the season. I talked to anyone who would listen, about the event non-stop. I contacted sponsors, artists, possible donors, local clubs. I asked for donations. I worked on a shirt for our skaters. I tried to find a hotel for skaters. I asked Bob O'Brien and his wife to run support for our group. As always, Bob and Regina dove in with both skates rolling....
With such little time to organize an event, we chose to support only the 63 mile course. Larry and I met with the organizational committee at Salisbury. We scrutinized skaters. We thought, with what we looked at as a probationary event, only seasoned skaters, with the right attitude should represent Rollerquest. Capital Racing immediately started to shine. They are one incredible group of people and fantastic skaters to boot. Everyone on board agreed to be a good will ambassador for the entire skate community. We had no idea what kind adversity we might face and we agreed the overall purpose was greater than personal satisfaction.
The final days that led up to the event were incredible. There were hurricanes and ultimately the remnants of a tropical storm hit Salisbury on the day of the Sea Gull Century. As quoted by Weather.com, Salisbury received 4.61 inches of precipitation, constant wind gusts, ranging from 14 to 23 miles an hour, and 94 to 100% humidity while our skaters were on the course. The average person would have hesitated to brave a trip to the grocery store.
The conditions and the skaters were in direct contrast to one another. The weather was nasty, cold and hateful. The skaters were pumped, jazzed and could hardly be contained. They were anxious to be the premier participants of Rollerquest's first local long distance skate event. As decisions were pondered at the starting line, umbrellas blew inside out and people took shelter in their cars, discussing possibilities over the cell phones. I am told only forty percent of the six thousand registered cyclists began the event. Larry and I decided not to skate, but to relieve Bob and Regina of skater support responsibilities in the pouring rain. Eventually, Jeff Eassa, Don Oswald, Lisa Harrison, Michael Carlos and Joe Weber chose to represent our skate community in Salisbury. I have asked each of them to write recaps. I have also asked for a synopsis' from the TNT crew on the 100 mile course. You will see each of them added below as they become available.
Everyone involved knows that we faced several ups and downs on the road to the Sea Gull Century 05. I am proud to say that even with the weather, Rollerquest's skate went off without a hitch. On a deeper scale, the Sea Gull Century, and ultimately Salisbury University, created a renewed desire in all of us. Our local groups are stronger. Rollerquest had some of the best participation, this year, since 2001. Michelle Brown, team leader for Capital Racing, stated, "Training motivated some of our people back into the fold, after some absence, so we were happy to have them back training hard with us!!"
I have been so impressed by the local unity among skaters. If we want to be a representative group, we need to examine our behavior and continue it. Our interaction does not weaken individual groups, it strengthens the inline skate community. This is exactly what the slumping skate community needs for revival. We owe the University a huge thanks. I hope they allow us to make this a seasonal tradition, rather than the learning experience of a lifetime!
BY Jeff Eassa
Wouldn't trade the 2005 Seagull run for anything. This event was an
experience of a lifetime. What made this so rewarding is the fact that after
all the training, the season was highlighted with an organized event of so
very few bladers and a lot of cyclists. There's a special feeling about
pinning numbers on and there is a tremendous amount of camaraderie within our
sports community.
There are so many awesome feelings leading up to and finishing the Seagull
Century. I am grateful to Larry and Irene for persevering on behalf of all us
and paving the way for the honor of our being able to step up to the starting
line. You are the core of Rollerquest and represent the spirit of pushing
through personal limits and standing offer of support and knowledge to all
skaters and friends who have crossed your path.
This was a good summer to train. Although hot and humid at times, there was
little rain. So little that it never really entered my mind about how to
handle the 64 miles in rain, let alone a walled typhoon. It became a sinking
knot in my gut as game day approached to realize how bad the weather was going
to be. We all flipped from a convicted "We are definitely going to do this"
to "We're not even going to be able to drive to this thing!" I almost
launched my car three times due to hydroplaning on the way to Salisbury.
Larry and Irene, Ski Bob and Regina, Don Oswald and myself got to our
 meeting
place Saturday morning close to 8:00 A.M. Lisa Harrison and Michael Carlos
had landed but at a different parking spot. After reviewing the weather
conditions, Larry and Irene decided not to trash their skates in this
terrible weather. Immediate panic set in - I had never done an event alone
and did not think I was mentally prepared to skate solo. The plan was for
Larry, Irene, Don and I to skate in a pack. Don and I booted up to feel out
the slip factor and decided to do it.
The two mile skate to the starting line proved to be treacherous with narrow
sidewalks, uneven sections and puddled areas. Once we got to the starting
line, we were soaked but not cold. Met Joe Weber there and this unlikely trio
set out on this unknown adventure. We started at 8:52 A.M through the
tunnel. Down hill, great, back up the hill we nearly had to grab the bar to
pull us to the top. After that we settled into our pace.
Joe quickly darted out and within minutes you couldn't even see
him. The remaining duo (Don and myself) did well until a left turn at 10
miles. Could not see the loose gravel and uneven surface until on top of it.
My arms were flailing like a windmill and giving Don a danger signal as I
tried to get through the mess. Too late, Don went down hard with a full
frontal layout. He hit so hard, you could hear his breath violently leaving
him. One advantage, in dry conditions, we would have been picking out pea
size gravel from his knees and chin. With wet conditions, he sort of slid.
Lisa Harrison and Michael Carlos met up with us and we spent a little time
together.
Rain on and off until we arrived at the 18 mile rest stop. Met up with Don's
wife Lisa and their two beautiful children. This stop was a lifesaver for
me. Those close to me know I eat a lot and can literally shut down without
food at often intervals. I was getting hungry and the spread was excellent.
Bagels with cream cheese, snack bars, orange slices, water, Gatorade. Lisa
Harrison and Michael Carlos waited for us at this stop and meeting and
talking for the first time was like we had been friends for many years. I am
so looking forward to our two clubs skating together. Don and I booted up and
started our second leg around 10:52 A.M. So we were happy we had averaged 9
miles per hour in horrible conditions.
We started off a bit slow as we both needed to warm up in our stride. In
the middle of this leg, a pace seemed to be locked in and we were good for
miles. The bikers who passed us ranged from curious amazement to positive
appreciation. It was such a high to hear ALL positive comments from their
discipline. Encouragement came from many cyclists who seemed to enjoy the
fact we were there. It was a string of riders passing giving us energy with
smiles and compliments.
As we continued, the constant wind was becoming a factor of wearing us out.
We would go through spells of rain, then harder rain, then horizontal rain
which just pelted us. A few times I thought our faces were going through a
sandblaster. We made it to the now famous self made Rollerquest rest stop
close to the 42 mile rest stop but right off the road and no gyrating
gatorbacks to get through. The covering from the rain, a dry chair, the food
was such a welcomed comfort. To take us out of the rain and wind for just a
precious few moments recharged my resolve. However, I was to lose my partner
at this point. I think the fall had taken more out of him than we realized.
Knowing I could take nearly my full stride in all rain intensities, there was
no question about continuing. Larry, Irene and I quickly discussed it and I
went on alone. There were several concerns - starting out too quickly after
eating big, no partner, were the roads marked adequately and could I finish
this thing?
Started out at 1:40 P.M and got into the grind. One biker slowed to chat
briefly and then went on. I thought, even if I see anyone, they are going to
just blow by me. It ended up that the wind was at my back virtually the whole
time. What a benefit after hitting the constant wind walls for 42 miles.
After coming out of the woods from an unscheduled rest stop, I found myself
trying to catch these two bikers. I finally did, found it was hard to keep up
with them, had a great conversation, then felt compelled to take the lead to
do my part. They had pulled me for a couple of miles. Once I did, there was
an inner realization that I was gaining strength and confidence and pulled
away.
CLICK THE PICTURE AT THE RIGHT TO SEE THE VIDEO >>
I passed several small bike packs on this last leg and heard comments like
"remarkable, wow and schaweet!" The cyclists looked at the small minority of
skaters with an interesting wonder how these tiny wheels on the bottom of our
feet made us roll. Getting toward the stretch before the last turn, now many
bikers are standing up and passing me. A gentlemen in full attack mode yelled
out, "C'mon - only a half a mile to go!" This was music to my ears, I buckled
down and starting cranking this ride.
Last turn and unbelievable there's the tunnel where we started! Smoked the
downhill with a tuck that hadn't happened all day and up and out to daylight.
What was on the other side was so much more than a finish line. Complete
strangers were cheering for me and there were my friends leading the chant.
What a sight, what a sound, it was overwhelming. I was bursting with a sense
of accomplishment and the ability to do this along with the mind to want to
and counting my blessings of what a fortunate soul I am to be surrounded
by the best of friends.
Larry and Irene, thank you for the club, the training platform, the attitude,
the support of this Seagull Century Event and your friendship. All of which I
will always treasure.
Jeff Eassa
By Don Oswald Well, while it's fresh, let me give you everything. I originally had great plans. I intended to take off Friday, head out early and catch the 10 mile optional "ride" the day before, check in a cabin in a campground I had visited a lot long ago, have a big pasta dinner, get a good night's sleep, and head out early to get to the start. Then reality hit. In the on-again off-again shuffle, I lost my reservations at that cabin, and ended up finding one at campground at the 40 mile stop. Also, with the efforts we kicked up to get back in, I wasn't going to let a little tropical storm remnant keep me off the course. So much for taking my kids to the campground I had frequented when I was their age. Since it was raining on Friday, I gave up on the optional skate, and thus had no real reason to pull the kids from school early. That's ok, I thought, we get them into a fully-loaded car at 3:00pm, there by 6... Well, last second shopping for stuff we never took out of the package lost us an hour. That put us into the height of Boat Show and Navy Football traffic heading through Annapolis. We were pulling into Salisbury at about 8:00pm. So much for the big pasta dinner. We stopped at a Ledo's, which seemed to have the world's slowest service. When we finally reached the cabin it was 10:00 pm, and the campground office was abandoned (gutted actually) and the cabin locked with a combo lock. After calling 3 different phone numbers on a payphone, two of which lead to the same unhelpful machine, we woke up some old guy who had moved on but remembered the algorithm for generating combinations. We ran the algorithm, generated the combo, and it worked. By the time we got in, got the beds set up, and got the kids to stop kicking the walls and go to sleep, it was about midnight. So much for the good night's sleep. We woke up at 6am to the alarm and heavy rain. After laughing a little, we woke the kids, handed out pop-tarts and piled in the car. At the meeting point, I found the minimum needed to actually get going: One other person who was going to start. So, after a little discussion, I got my gear on, circled the lot a few times to figure out exactly how slippery it was. (The local rink has a more slippery floor at speed) After shivering a few times, Jeff and I rolled out to the start line. Once I was moving I was warm enough. I think that we dealt with the slipperiest conditions and the deepest, unavoidable puddles on the way to the start. Did you know water doesn't leak out the bottom of CF boots? It gets forced over the top in a foamy mess with each stride. We got there, meet Joey, took our picture by the "no rollerblading" sign, and headed through the tunnel with a big yee-haa. Now cyclists were passing us a lot, and they were all nice and supportive. Kind of amazed that anyone would try this. After about 2 miles, Joey found some cyclist who was more his speed, and took off in her draft/rooster tail. After about 5 miles, things settled down into a steady slog, and the roads became rural enough that traffic was a non-issue. If it hadn't been for a steady rain, this would have been a really fun ride. Dr Mike and Lisa caught us, and we hung for a short distance, before they went on. At 10 miles, we were just cruising, with Jeff in the lead, when I stopped the sign for a turn. There was a puddle, and a pickup truck. Well, I steered for the puddle instead of the truck. The water was hiding gravel. Let's just say I wish I could fly like Superman. I think I scared Jeff. After that I was really untrusting of balance, and road conditions, etc. Anyway I think that was strike two. (Strike one being no sleep) At the 20 mile rest stop, I was met by my wife and kids. A quick raid of the food spread, swap out of used Crank packs and water bottles, and we were off again. My ankles were getting a little wobbly, so I re-did the top lace. Although I was starting to hurt a bit I didn't think to snag a Motrin. (Strike three) Getting started again was hard, even after only a 15 minute pause. It seem to
take about 5 miles to get warm again and back into stride. It's amazing the
things you notice when you need to notice something. It seemed that a lot
of bikes end up on the side of the road. Every 3-4 miles or so we seem to be
passing someone fixing their bike. After about 35 miles or so, my ankles were a
mess, the rain was back with a vengeance, my back p I gave up at the 40 mile rest stop. I just didn't have those last 20 miles in me. Plenty of if-onlys but no mileage. Well, maybe next year. Don By Lisa Harrison Ok, so I know this is a long recap, but trust me, it will take less time to read than it took us to skate 100k in the rain!
Saturday morning, Mike, Joey and I set off to meet the Rollerquest skaters in
Salisbury and attempt the Seagull metric century. Rain makes everything more
confusing, and we weren't able to meet up with Rollerquest as planned, but we
d
 id
manage to follow some cyclists and get near the start. Joey Weber was ready
to go, and we knew he would rock the course, so we said "go for it" and "good
luck" and "maybe we'll start out too." Off he went, and we knew he would
speed away and we wouldn't see him till after it was all completed!
It took a few minutes for mike to convince me that attempting to skate a 100k
in the rain and wind was a reasonable endeavor, but he succeeded eventually
and we finally managed to put our skates on and start out. We sheepishly
picked our way past the cops looking at us as if we were crazeee
and the cyclists asking, 'How far are you going???" I could not believe
I was going to skate 100k, for the first time, in these conditions.
A few miles in, we remembered that we couldn't just follow any random cyclist
-- what if we were behind one doing the 100 mile route instead of the 100k and
found ourselves headed toward Assateague and the Atlantic Ocean? Fortunately,
we started paying attention just before the routes split. Soon after, we
saw Don and Jeff ahead of us and skated with them a bit. Our next goal was
the 18 mile rest stop, and to get there with as little effort as possible.
Cyclists were very cheery, but none offered to let us draft behind them, so we
started asking politely and getting a break from the wind. Rider no. 118 had
a nice even pace, so I followed her to the rest stop. We met up with Don and
Jeff again, and then Mike and I rolled out, just as no. 118 was pulling out
too. We let her go though, and picked up with some others. Drafting behind
these cyclists was a messy endeavor -- in the rain, they had a nice stream of
water and road gunk coming off their back tires and onto our glasses. Still,
it was worth it to get a break from the wind and to have someone setting the
pace.
Occasionally, we'd see cyclists with flats on the side of the road but no one we were drafting behind had any problems.
Eventually, we came upon a group of 3 cyclists going at a nice clip and I
decided to go for it and follow them. They were taking short leads at the
front and sometimes 2 would be hanging in back providing even more of a wind
block. So it was great, but every mile they seemed to pick up the pace a bit,
and finally I had to drop back when we were going through a forest with tree
debris all over the road. Soon after, I came out of the woods and onto a
lonely plain with massive gusts of winds and not a cyclist in sight. So I just
plowed thru and slowly reached some cyclists who were disgusted that
they could only go 7mph in the wind. It was a little discouraging not knowing
how long this would last, but happily, there was a turn coming up and a change
in wind direction! Then, cyclist no. 118 rolled up out of nowhere -- she had
stopped earlier, seen me pass, and said she'd been trying to catch up with me
for 11 miles. It was great skating behind her again, but soon I was at the
mile 40 rest stop manned by Larry and Irene of Rollerquest. I knew I had
to recharge, so I said goodbye again to no. 118.
The Rollerquest rest stop was the best! After seeing Joey breeze by an hour
earlier, Larry and
Irene were excited to see another skater come through. They had set up a tent
and comfy camping chairs, and it was great sitting there while they brought drinks
and food. A few minutes later, Mike rolled in too. We filled up our
camelbaks and set off again in pretty good spirits, though we were thoroughly
soaked, dirty and getting a little cold too.
A little ways in, the rain started to come down harder, and my skates sounded
exactly like a pair of windshield wipers. We just wanted to get there in one
piece. There were lots of cyclists around, but none that seemed to be going
at the right pace, and finally I just went off and plowed ahead. The end was
a little anti-climatic -- there was no way to know how much further to go and
there were more cars on the road near the end, and a few treacherous
intersections with huge puddles. But it was great to reach the finish in one
piece!
Thanks again to Rollerquest for convincing the Sea Gull organizers to let us
skate, and to my teammates on Capital Racing for training with me all summer.
I'm sure we'll have more people and sun out there next year!
By Michael Carlos
I suppose the f  irst
decision to be made was on the evening before. The traffic on the beltway was
miserable and the Metro was delayed due to the torrential rain. Four of us had
already opted out, given no let-up in the forecast. Rodney, in particular,
called in while enjoying a hot bath, a glass of wine and 80's music. I figured
we might as well drive up -- too hard to give up this easily on miles and hours
of training. So we stowed our already soggy equipment in the trunk and crawled
our way through sometimes stop-and-go traffic on 50E to Maryland's Eastern
Shore. The rain hadn't changed much upon our arrival. It was coming down pretty
steadily. Six of us met up at an Italian-Greek spot to load up on overly-sauced
pasta and talk things over. We decided to stay overnight and if the rain was
down to a drizzle the next morning we might still go. At 6:00 AM the next
morning, the first phone call was "Did you look outside your window yet?" Sheets
of rain were fanning out across the parking lot. I don't think this could
plausibly pass for a drizzle. Many of us were certainly on the verge of quitting
at that point. Nevertheless, we decided to trek out to the starting areas
anyway, just to see if any other nuts were willing to head out in these
conditions. Jacques, Pierre, and Dennis called and said they were going to opt
for IHOP and call it a day. Directed by policemen in yellow rain jackets, we
made our way to a designated parking area. Seeing many of the bikers readying
their gear, shaking their heads and egging each other on provided much needed
inspiration. Comments that we were going to do this on skates returned looks of
disbelief. Joey then decided. "I might as well. I came all the way out here."
And with that, he was off! Lisa and I needed further coaxing. Piece by piece we
inched our way to the start. Let's put our gear on... let's put our skates on...
let's skate to the start area... let's start skating... we figured we could
always cut it short at the 25 mile mark where the route intersected itself.Early on a wide-eyed policeman blinked a few times and wished us good luck. The rain itself was fairly manageable -- the wind gusts were something else. The incredulous looks and comments continued with the bikers. "You guys are doing great!", "I could never...", "Rollerbladers? This is embarrassing", "That girl is so fast!", "She left you again?", were a sampling of their comments. We were able to draft some of the bikers moving at a good pace. Other than that nasty spray of water off their rear wheel they were very accomodating. The roads were smooth and would be great on a clear day, but that day they were full of wet leaves and sticks and sometimes huge puddles. The grip on the pavement required lots of attention to the outside edge. On a nicer day, the scenery would surely have been noteworthy with a rural mix of open fields, tall woods, and quiet streets. In retrospect, the skate broke down into three parts separated loosely by the rest stops at miles 18 and 42. Initially, the rain was moderate, followed by a relatively quiet period for about two hours. Finally, the last 15 miles or so the rain was coming down steadily. Most of the time I was just trying to keep up with Lisa's pace while trying to keep the back pain tolerable. Thanks to her for waiting up for me and resisting the urge to chase every passing bike group down. The last stretch seemed a little more serious. Fatigue set in more and it took more effort and concentration to push to the finish. Like A2A, the sights of the town excitedly signaled that the end of the skate was near. I rolled into the muddied finish area feeling pretty good, with all pieces and parts intact, after about 5 hours and 20 minutes of skating sixty-three miles in the rain and claimed yet another T-shirt and many memories. A big thank-you goes to Larry and Irene who persisted in getting skaters permission to go. Many would have given up long before they did. They also had whatever you could need at the 42 mile rest stop and stood there all day in the rain waiting for everyone to come through. I think we were certainly well-behaved and there were no problems at all with bikers on the course. I would think we would be invited back next year. With better weather, this would be a great course. Now, about that 100 mile thing... Mike Top of Article By Larry Williamson
First and foremost, "I love to skate" anytime, anywhere and, I thought, under any conditions: however, this year's Sea Gull Century was a different story.
This year's in-line skating season started like many others: new equipment, new people, new paths, but there was one thing missing: a new goal.
Then we heard: Team in Training (TNT) skaters were doing the "The Sea Gull Century", a 100 mile or 63 mile bicycle ride with a 17 year tradition. We have skated and trained with TNT many times, over the past five years, and developed a camaraderie with them. We (Irene and I) immediately contacted Salisbury University and were given special permission to skate in this "biker's event". We also entertained the idea that it could be an annual event, open to all skaters and it could put Maryland on the frontline as the host of the longest skate event in the USA. The Sea Gull Century committee was very receptive and supportive of the idea and "the goal was born".
Our enthusiasm went through the roof. We started training: we started planning. We contacted local groups to see if their skaters were interested. We lived and breathed "The Sea Gull Century". We organized "the skater registration process" to ensure quality skaters and limited registration. We wanted our first impression of skaters in the biking event to be positive, and wanted the committee to be impressed, and convinced, that we could handle larger numbers of skaters next year. This year's registration was up to 11 seasoned skaters signed through Rollerquest and seven skaters signed through TNT. We were getting calls from skaters from other states, who, in the wake of the Athens to Atlanta (A2A) cancellation were looking for a place to skate distance. Everything was falling into place and then....the bubble was burst.
We were notified by the Sea Gull Century Committee that skaters would not be allowed in this years ride due to a glitch in the road use permit--it would allow only cyclists to participate. We were devastated and did not know what to do or how to respond. We began the embarrassing task of notifying all the registered skaters that the event was off and that they could expect a refund. To many, this was the second event in a row that was cancelled, and the toll of what was happening to the in-line skating sport was clearly evident. We felt obligated to fight for these skaters and began a month long battle with the officials to get the permit amended. Through perseverance, many negotiations and with a resolve to not "throw in the towel", we succeeded in re-opening the 05 event to the already registered skaters. We now look forward to working with the Sea Gull Century committee towards a 2006 event, that Salisbury University and the state of Maryland can be proud of.
By the time "skate day" arrived, I was physically well trained and ready to "skate away" all the preliminary emotional ups and downs of organizing an event, but I was not prepared for the horrendous deluge of rain and wind present the morning of the skate. My mind went back and forth a million times: Should I skate or should I help with the support of those who had already made their decision to brave the elements and go for it?
I chose to spare my $1000 skates and run the 42 mile rest stop support with Irene instead.
My hat is off to those who skated, because I know that skating long distances is a challenge even under excellent conditions. Their determination and iron will to complete, what started many months ago, on that first day of training, is to be commended. The TNT 100 MILE CREW consisted of: Bruce Cleland, Mike Harris (captain), Joel Shalowitz, and Dan Fischer. By Bruce Cleland
THE SEAGULL HAS LANDED!!
Five, of the 11, registered skaters braved yesterday's typhoon for a 63 mile "swim/skate" on the Eastern Shore at Salisbury University's Sea Gull Century!!
We experienced some incredible heat this summer, but very little rain. We had a spectacular week of mild temperatures and sunshine prior to the event. October 8th was far from this summer's norm... As quoted by Weather.com, Salisbury received 4.61 inches of precipitation, constant wind gusts, ranging from 14 to 23 miles an hour, and 94 to 100% humidity while our skaters were on the course. The average person would have hesitated to brave a trip to the grocery store.
The conditions and the skaters were in direct contrast to one another. The weather was nasty, cold and hateful. The skaters were pumped, jazzed and could hardly be contained. They were anxious to be the premier participants of Rollerquest's first local long distance skate event.
As decisions were pondered at the starting line, umbrellas blew inside out and people took shelter in their cars, discussing possibilities over the cell phones. I am told only forty percent of the six thousand registered cyclists began the event. Eventually, five people chose to finish what was started in Salisbury several months ago, regardless of what nature threw in front of them.
Check back for their story...
SEAGULL CENTURY SKATE '05 RE-OPENED TO REGISTERED ROLLERQUEST SKATERS !I am proud to announce, that the Salisbury University and the SeaGull Century Committee have reconsidered their decision to withdraw support from Rollerquest skaters in the 2005 Sea Gull Century.
Rollerquest has been invited to skate in the Sea Gull Century 2005, for the second time! After countless negotiations, all Salisbury University parties decided it would be appropriate to allow registered inline skate registrants to skate in the 05 event. The registered skaters include: TNT Maryland (seven skaters) and Rollerquest (ten skaters).
The Sea Gull Committee still holds a position that skaters are a safety issue and feels that the issue will need to be revisited next year prior to open registration for all skaters; however, being a reasonable organization, and seeing the unfairness of a renig, they have decided to allow those skaters already involved in the event, the opportunity to participate.
The Sea Gull Century Skate '05 registration is currently closed; only those skaters already enrolled in event will be allowed to participate. Please see the links below for information:
SeaGull Century 05 Required Reading SeaGull Century 05 Frequently Asked Questions SeaGull Century 05 Current Happenings
Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 12 Noon
Do you want to learn how to skate? Want to learn how to use your brake, without fear? Have you fallen and stopped skating because you feel you just don't have the ability? Are you a proficient skater, but feel the desire to improve and be more efficient? Or do you just plain want to hang out with a great group of people? If you can answer yes, to any of these questions, this clinic is for you. Join us for an informal Skate Clinic led by Bob. O'Brien. Bob is a veteran ski instructor, and has great chemistry with all skaters. He's a born teacher and has completed two Eddy Matzger Workshops. Bob worked with skaters who wanted instruction at our "Welcome to Rollerquest Skate". He has skated in our group for over five years. He often volunteers better and safer skate methods to skaters. Beginners and veterans will benefit from this session: it is appropriate for all levels.
The clinic will cover the basics of the classic stroke. Sunday's
weather should be great. We'll meet at the
Ranger Station on the B&A and head
to Kinder Farm Park. Bob will break the classic stroke down into five parts, then put
back together for a skate on the B&A. Mileage is not the goal, prefect form is
what we're striving for, at least on Sunday...
Sea Gull Century Skate '05 CANCELLED FOR ROLLERQUEST
The SeaGull
Century is not an organization that cares about people: the SeaGull Century
cares about monies.
I have attached a
letter to everyone from Amy Waters - chair of the SeaGull Century Committee.
I wrote it; Amy Waters signed it and faxed it back to me. The Century
Committee didn't even make that much effort.
Over time, and with numerous telephone calls, I have found the problem stems not from the State Highway as was indicated by Amy Waters, or the State Police as was indicated by Amy Waters after the State Highway issue was resolved by me, but from the campus police. I have tried and tried, and spent countless hours negotiating the issue, which gets worse....
Initially we
received word, from TNT, that TNT had an exclusive invitation to skate in the
Century at $1800 per person. I penned a letter the Century committee asking
that they open the skate up to all skaters. I indicated that I was
sure skaters would be willing to donate a more reasonable amount to an
approved charity. My letter references 1000's of skaters. They responded by
sending me 40-50 registration packets, no letter, no nothing. I wanted
clarity before talking to skaters about the event, so I called. After much
insistence, I spoke to Amy Waters, who said, "I presented your letter to the
committee and they approved it." She didn't limit the event at all. I
suggested that she really should look at what she approved. I told her we
didn't want to overtake their event and talked to her. I spent hours putting
this together. I met with the board. I drove the course. As you know, I
talked to each individual skater on Salisbury's behalf. Amy referred all
skaters that called her, directly to me.
After the board
meeting, the campus police said they didn't want any skaters to skate. (This
is our punishment for being considerate and organized.) TNT, not wanting to
refund the $1800 to their skaters threw their weight around. The University,
not wanting to loose TNT bikers, decided TNT can skate the event, but we
cannot.
Every time I ask,
I get
different answers about the real issue that is taking place. First the State
Highway was the problem and the problem was strictly "a safety issue". I
called SHA. They said State Highway Administration would approve
the permit immediately. Amy then said it was the State Police - Lieutenant Dan Nelson,
who would not sign, but they didn't want me to speak to him because he might
cancel the entire event. I called Katie Ramierez because I wanted to see what
how TNT was going to respond to being thrown out. She said they weren't
allowing it. I called Amy, who said TNT had arranged a conference call,
supposedly with the police, and university officials, to discuss safety. I
was shocked because I hadn't heard about it. Katie Ramierez of TNT doesn't
even skate, and couldn't possibly be discussing safety, at least not with any
knowledge base. Finally, Rosemary Thomas, Amy's boss, responded to me,
she claimed she doesn't even
know Dan Nelson, there were no police in the conference call, but the real
problem is now the new chief of campus police--Ed Lashley. Current campus
police want no skaters. She claims they were able to amend the permit for TNT
ONLY because Jim Phillips, retired chief of university police, promised TNT
they could skate, so the University can grandfather only TNT skaters in on the
permit.
This is complete
and total garbage. The University negotiated with us, accepted our monies,
accepted a clearly labeled "inline skate registration", took our time, issued
rider numbers and is CLEARLY discriminating based on $$$. It is ridiculous
to say that TNT can skate because the retired campus police
promised they could, because the University promised we
could. Seems to me that campus and university usually mean the same
thing.......
I feel like we
should fight back, although I don't know what we're fighting back for other
than fair treatment. I have attached Amy's telephone number and email
address. I have also attached the email address and telephone numbers of
Rosemary Thomas (Amy's boss). Please email and call them. Please comment.
Let me know what you do. If you have any suggestions, please forward them to
me. I do think we should complain to the University. I paid four years of
tuition there for my son. I am sure there are people there outside of the
Century organization who would agree that we've been slighted a bit.
On a positive
note, I want to say that I have been so impressed by the local unity among
skaters. If we want to be a representative group, we need to examine our
behavior and continue it. Rollerquest is not training for the Century any
more. We would like to come to attend some Capital Races. If not to
participate, to put faces with the names. Rollerquest would like to attend
WAR's St. Michael's Skate. Maybe we could
coordinate an alternate distance skate on the Maryland Rail Trail in Hancock
Maryland (60+miles). Our interaction does not weaken
individual groups, it strengthens the inline skate community in our local
area.
Please accept
my thanks for your cooperation, great attitude and professionalism in
dealing with this scattered event. I know that in the wake of A2A and the
New York 100K, it is very difficult to absorb another blow of this
magnitude. We have to unite in our ambassadorship of in-line skating. I
can imagine no better, or stronger, group of people.
Amy Waters:
ahwaters@salisbury.edu
410-677-5416
Rosemary Thomas
rmthomas@salisbury.edu
Office: 410-546-6939 Fax: 410-546-6007 Cell:
410-422-6095
ROLLERQUEST INVITED TO SKATE IN THE SEAGULL CENTURY!!
Rollerquest has been given a confirmed special invitation to skate in the Seagull Century this year. The entry fee for the event is: $55.00 prior to 8/15 and $75.00 after 8/15. No other fees are required. We suggested to the Seagull Committee, that all event skaters would be happy to make a reasonable donation to an approved charity. We would like to promote our presence at the bike event as polite, appreciative, quality skaters: we want the Century organizers to be happy they invited us. As a measure of good faith, our club recommends that skaters make a reasonable donation, at their discretion, to the charity that the event promotes, Habitat for Humanity, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (AKA TNT).
For those of you
who don't know, the Seagull Century has been a bi-cycling event in Salisbury
Maryland,
www.seagullcentury.org,
sponsored by Salisbury University for 17 years. The distances you can
register for are a UMES "Metric Century" (63 miles) or the "Assateague
Century" (100 miles). The event takes place 10/08/05. So you better start
training now.....
Further, we are
discussing a larger official skate/bike event concurrent with next year's
Century. WE REALLY WANT THE CENTURY ORGANIZERS TO BE HAPPY THEY
INVITED US!! Please help us to put forth a single-minded,
organized presence. If you have a desire to participate, please click
the CENTURY PAGE link below for all of the details.
Jeff had been skating on four wheels and old bearings for years. You could hear his bearings howl from 20 feet away. His wheels were doughnuts! I think he literally logged over 3000 miles on them. Jeff skated on garbage, time after time, and not only kept up with everyone, but also, led the way, most of the time. One afternoon, Jeff, Bob and I set out to skate, at the BWI Airport Loop. Jeff skates were unusually loud. About a quarter of the way into the skate, ONE WHEEL COMPLETELY SHREDDED OFF THE HUB! Not one to complain, Jeff continued to skate on screaming bearings with seven wheels. Shortly thereafter, ANOTHER WHEEL SHREDDED! We repositioned his wheels, so there were three on each foot. Determined to finish, we set out again. After a brief interlude, HE LOST ANOTHER ONE!!! It was unbelievable. Luckily every shredding took place on flat ground, at a slow pace and Jeff was unhurt. With two on one foot and three on the other, he finally had to stop. I picked him up in my truck. We had to commemorate the experience! It was hysterical and unbelievable and needs to be remembered. A couple weeks later, unbeknownst to Jeff, we posted a "memorial" on the loop, at the point of Jeff's last shred....We skated up on it. He nearly fell over laughing. Jeff is the proud owner of: 10 new wheels 80M Hyper Performance plus G wheels, 20 ILQ-9 bearings, a Mustang five wheel frame and the world's only Old Rollerblade Wheel Wreath!!!
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retty much constant pain, and
a really felt that I was not able to hold a pace. I told Jeff to just go, since
I didn't want to keep him from finishing too. 
