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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJgA65phP3s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb2gnoihFzY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8TTz4ZCgUw
When our downhill racers first started asking me to look into doing slalom races, I was a little hesitant. First of all I don't even skate. Second, I am from the downhill (luge) world and know zilch about slalom. Did I really want to take on something I know nothing about? Third, and most importantly what if anything could GSI provide people in the sport that they are not already getting. Seems there are plenty of slalom races going on. But the requests kept coming. So last year I decided I at least needed to learn more about this form of skateboard racing before making any decisions. And learn I did. So last year the family and I with another GSI official ventured down to Antrim NH to check out the scene. What we found was a race that was not only fun to watch, it was family oriented, and spectator friendly. But the important thing for me was like all other events of this nature; it was full of people having fun. And if there is one thing I love to be around it is people who are doing what they love and having a good time. After all isn't that what life is for? Additionally this type of event looked like a cakewalk compared to pulling off a downhill race. Ramps, timing system, cones and a location and your in business. So my decision was made. With that I began talking to event organizers and people in the sport to learn more. I decided I would try to pull off 2 events our first season. I still had a lot to learn and wanted to cut my teeth on events that I figured would not be to largely attended since they would be our first events. And since most of the requests for us to hold slalom events were coming from our Canadian friends, I figured I wanted to try and keep it close to them. I had been wanting to do a downhill race in my new hometown of Berlin since moving here. Plenty of hills. But the winters are very hard on payment, so that was not looking like it was going to happen. However the timing was perfect to try and host our first slalom race. I decided to take the Antrim approach and talked to the local Chamber to see if they would be interested in sponsoring us. I sold them on the idea and they in turn helped me break the ice with Mayor and Council. Not only was the city happy to oblige to shut down Main Street, they offered to pay for the Police for the day. Something other established city events don't even get! The pressure was on.
We scheduled our first event for May 20. Although it was the same day as my wedding anniversary, it seemed the only date not yet taken and I figured it would be a good kick off to the GSI season. Soon after getting permission from the city for that date I discovered another event was also planned for that weekend in the Boston area. But since I had already got permission from the city, and I didn't see another date open so I decided to forge ahead. Well long story short (yeah right) it was a total rain out. I would have to wait for our second date to get in our first event.
The second date I picked was also a date that the city had chosen for their annual River Fire. So with a name change, a new date and hopes for better weather we waited for that date to arrive.
This past weekend GSI held our inaugural slalom race and began what we hope is only the start of our endeavor into hosting many years of slalom races.
The weather for weeks leading up to the event had been atypical for fall weather up here in NH. Warm and sunny weeks prior to the event seemed the norm. But anxious to get out first event in, I began watching the long range forecast weeks out. As the date approached it looked like we were in for a sunny but cool day. The night preceding the race it was pouring rain. All over the River Fire event. I was told Sunday morning that they got the fires lit and the hardy people of the community dawned their rain gear and enjoyed the day despite the foul weather. I was nervous. But they were predicting sunny and cool so I was banking on the weatherman being accurate. (is that a oxymoron?) When I walked out the door Sunday morning at 5:00 am it was overcast and drizzling. But I remained optimistic. (What choice did I have?) I went about the morning gathering what I needed for the day and headed down to the course. Not really knowing how many racers to expect, and not really sure about little things like, how to set a course, how to work the timing system, no established rules, (you know the little details) we went about setting up things like we knew what we were doing. As the racers began to show up I immediately solicited them to help us get things set up. As I expected they gave of themselves freely to help us get things in place. The course was set, the timing system was figured out, and the racers were ready. What else was there to do but start practice? By now the clouds were breaking away, the sun was coming up, the air was warming, more racers were arriving and I knew it was going to be a great day.
We ended up with 11 racers. From as far as Rhode Island, Montreal, Massachusetts and Vermont. (I apologize if I missed others, but thank you no matter where you came from)
We also had 1 local 17 year old who had been at our May event and pestered me since then to help him make the fall race. How could I refuse?
The racers decided they would set a hybrid course first. They practiced for an hour or so then we went into qualifying. We broke for lunch then went into racing.
There is nothing like watching a skilled slalom racer work the course. They make it look so inviting (to me) with their easy yet powerful and fluid motion. It quickly became evident who the top competitors were going to be. But even among those who may have been a bit slower it was obvious they were still going to have their work cut out for them. As the day progressed the racers got faster. I was told that the course, while fun, could be faster. I didn't have the speed trap set up so I don't know how fast they were going. I estimate around 15-20 mph.
The racing was very close and with the exception of Rookie taking a hard crash, there were no serious injuries. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. I have to say as much as I enjoy watching the top talents, I also enjoyed watching the mother daughter competition. Great job both of you!
We reset the course to straight cones and since we had the system down we got that race in, in under a couple hours. The racing and racers continued getting faster as the afternoon wore on.
Glenn Chapman held a clinic for the kids who had been hanging around all day waiting to see if they could get on the course.
Thanks Glenn.
There were quite a few locals who spent time watching the entertainment. And through out the day I heard many "thank-you's" for making this happen. Believe me the pleasure was all mine.
Now for my "thank You's.
The City of Berlin NH for allowing us the opportunity to use their Main Street and helping with logistics and Police coverage.
The Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce for backing us. Thank You for taking a chance on us.
Individuals who answered my numerous questions and shared their knowledge;
Joe Iacovelli
Glenn Chapman
Neil Orta
And all the racers who showed up and helped us set things up.
Our sponsors
Kebbek (as always, wow)
Sk8 Kings Thanks Maria!
Gary Fluitt ASSA for insurance
Dan at Seismic
Red Bull for coming up with product.
The GSI crew who as always are in my eyes the most invaluable and dedicated group of people who I am fortunate to be able to work with. IOU!
And as always my biggest support system, my family.
Look for GSI to bring you more slalom events for next season. As always we want to hear from you the racers. We are here for you. Share with us your ideas, suggestions and input so that we can bring you the best events we can possibly put on.
Thank You,
Till next time. Keep the urethane side down.
Tim Cayer
Gravity Sports International
Down Hill and Around the Cones!
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