|
|
HYPERASHEL
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 18 Nov 2003
Posts: 15397
Location: The South's Sauna, Atlanta
|
| Back to top
|
|
 Posted: 09/17/04 - 22:42 Post subject: hey, look, it's me in print. NOW with Article.
http://www.accessatlanta.com/events/content/events/fallguide/sports.html;COXnetJSessionID=BLfT1TNQcsqL2f6GTdhuTsvRkkjFn7J1rqX24Vr5SvBqySEVpuC2!-91388134?urac=`LcQaM[KYYVX]VURYX^WYY`XTU_YYWVXVXVW]XbXTW]WaY[X]YXYcY_YZU^YYYZYbSbT`TbTZSWSTSYSZTVVVXaVUSXV\VVSXXaY`V_SYXaYZV`WYXXRWV`YcWcYTY]RcWUWWYZXaY&urvf=10954750919400.9434882990661958
Wheel fun
Athens to Atlanta skate race is one moving mass of humanity
By JON WATERHOUSE
Published on: 09/01/04
SPEEDSKATER CHUCK OPPERMAN recalls a question rumbling through his mind during the Athens to Atlanta Road Skate, an annual 87-mile excursion: "Why am I doing this?"
For him and hundreds more, it's partly because Athens to Atlanta, a point-to-point inline skating event in its 23rd year, poses a stiff challenge. The other reason is it helps raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
RACE AND RECREATION: Skaters, on either four or five wheels, can choose the entire 87 miles, a 52-mile route or a 38-mile course. Some do it for the competition, while others do it for the love of skating. "It's a nice day of skating," says two-year vet Stephanie Reeves, a volunteer for the event's sponsorship committee. "I take my time. I'm not a speedskater," she says, because the rolling hills and country roads offer some appeal, as does meeting fellow skaters along the way.
WORLDWIDE APPEAL: Skaters from various U.S. cities, like the Empire Skaters from New York, journey to Athens each year for the event. At last year's starting line, Reeves even recalls a group from Japan wrapped in kimonos ready to roll.
On the evening of Oct. 22, the event kicks off with a leisurely skate through downtown Atlanta. Athens to Atlanta participants are invited to meet at the Skate Escape skate shop at Piedmont Park at 7 for a loop that goes to Centennial Olympic Park and back. Some skaters have worn togas or wildly decorated helmets while gliding through downtown.
ON YOUR MARK: On Oct. 23, skaters head to Athens for preliminary activities. By 7:30 a.m. Oct. 24, it's time for the big event, which will start at the Classic Center. Reeves says the best spot for spectators to watch folks like Opperman is at the finish line at Piedmont Park. They'll start rolling in about 11:30 a.m.
"It's a mix of everything," Opperman says. "It's exhilarating, fun, unnerving. And at times you question your own sanity."
• THE 411: Registration: $80-$100, depending on distance and sign-up time. Deadline Oct. 20. Races: 87- and 38-mile races start 7:30 a.m. Oct. 24; 52-mile race begins 10 a.m. 404-806-7251, www.a2a.net.
there no more need to register, sorry
Last edited by HYPERASHEL on 09/17/04 - 23:10; edited 3 times in total
|
