Its been a while.. the last I posted on this, I was heated.. and some situations annoyed me for a while, so I quit.. but I again feel that getting some of my thoughs on paper is good.. so.. here goes.. happy 2011!
This was my first trip to Seattle, and was for the 2011 Battle in Seattle. Mike Pattison and crew/family did a great job with the event, as I have heard a number of great things about the race in the past. First impressions were a very nice, big, clean rink, great staff, and an impressive amount of awards and pictures of National Champions on the walls! First look toward the floor, once in the building was that Mike keeps the big 90’ rotunda floor at Pattions west very smooth, fast and clean! Once I got on the floor for the event practice, it met my expectations of how it looked, very fast and tight. Practice was great, A few of us were testing the new Hyper wheels to see what was going to be the best combination, then it was time for them to start the NSC.
Before I write this, remember, this is my opinion, some feel the same, some don’t, so don’t take it to heart.
NSC 3(i think) for 2011 was great racing, missing some of the top guys, but none the less, great racing. There were falls, pushes, bumps, grabs, and upsets, all for what makes great spectator viewing. One of the guys that impressed me, as he always does, was Harry Vogel. He just came off the Ice, no real training/ skating on inlines, and he came out with a mission. He broke (killed) the NSC flying 100m time (he was later barley nudged out by Will Bowen for the win) and had some great finishes in all the races he skated too! Another impressive one was Jake Powers. After being on the ice all winter, he skated very good and as his nickname states, he snaked some points for some great finishes and the overall grand Champion. Overall, I think the Thursday night event was fun and had good racing, much like most invationals were before the NSC came about. That being said, I think that the fact that a lot of the NSC skaters don’t skate invitationals any more is bogus. I have heard (again my opinion) that they are asked not to skate the races, so that the NSC has the best and most exciting racing in the US. I think the NSC concept, much like its predecessor the NSL/US Cup that was done in the early 2000’s could be great for the sport, if done with the best interest of inline speed skating in mind (we all LOVE to do and watch it right?)
Now onto the main reason for the trip to Seattle, the Battle! Great racing was done this past weekend in the north-west, tons of talent is in this area, with no less than 8-10 teams within a very close area, and competition was great. A few races were very close, with some others having 1-2 skaters that were having a great event out in the front with a gap. Chyanna Moses impressed me in her races, so did Carol Pattison, she looked very strong. A few of the guys that stood out were Nathan Jackson and Brandon Hall that def showed up to race. Halfway through Division, I was asked to do a classic pick-a partner with a newer skater, named Bryan Lovelace. In talking to him, I learned he’s been skating about a year, and was a bodybuilder before taking up skating (knew little me was going to get a good push!!) In standing on the line, Bryan informed me he was kinda new at the relay thing, and he really had never done one in competition. I can’t lie, my first thoughts, ok… this is NOT going to be good! (lol) The first relay was a little hairy, but he caught on really quickly and we ended up finishing in 3rd, and personally, I think the race was a blast! Bryan is a super nice guy and glad I got the chance to race with him. Overall I ended up on the silver placement stand in senior men, but I think I got lucky (2nd in senior, me? I’m too old for that!!) In the open I got caught up in some traffic while the front guys were doing fliers, and it took its toll on my legs for the end, much the same in the Champions Race. I guess I need to get some longer outdoor training in huh?
I really enjoyed the Battle for my first time to the north-west, and hope to get back to the area soon. I met some new Skaters, made some friends, and saw a lot of people that I only see a few times a year. Thank you Mike for hosting, and the skaters for providing a great atmosphere!
God bless you all, and I for one am glad it’s getting warmer everywhere for some outdoor racing/training!
Jimmy Blair II
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
West Palm Track & Road Racing
Its always nice to get to some warmer weather in the middle of winter isn't it? South Fl. was a little warmer, but still cloudy so we didn't see much sun for the time we were there. Our group pulled in Friday night about 8, checked in, then went to grab some pizza for dinner. Got to sleep in a bit on sat. (compared to other races) as the registration and track did not open until 11AM, so that felt good.
Once we got to the track, I started setting up the booth, even before we had anything out, Hyper wheels were flying off the table! Finally got the boots set up after a little time, then went to go warm up. WOW, the wind was intense! I think there were gusts up to 40mph, but it was a 15-20mph wind all afternoon! I love the track in fl, I always feel good on it, but with the wind on sat, i never got comfortable, plus i had a brand new boot on, so that didn't help I'm sure. The tack racing that afternoon and evening was good, good competition, Son from china did really well in the shorter races, Jonathan Blair and Will Bowen(who is expecting his first child in the next 2 weeks) along with Bryan Talley did great in the sprints too. On the girls side, Erin Jackson was the one to beat, but some of the girls from stardust were right there giving her all she could handle! one girl that impressed me was Melanie Bradley who took last year off and is back now, but she looked strong for just coming back to skating. JM won the long race that evening, but what was bad was the racing didn't get over until after 11PM!!! The road was open at 7AM on sun, so it less sleep than anyone wanted.
Road started off cloudy and sure enough, right after the 200m TT, the sky opened up and poured for 3-4 hours. Once it stopped raining, the long races were put before the middle distance since the ground was still wet. There were a few falls in both the men's and women's races due to the fact the pavement was still a little slick. Women's race pretty much stayed together the whole time, with not much excitement. The men's race on the other hand.. WOW.. ALOT of pushing, shoving, hip grabbing, and taunting was going on in the 12.5K elim race. Julian Riveria, Jarrett Paul, and a teammate of Julian's got out front and never looked back. That left everyone else in the pack, just simply racing for bragging rights, since the 3 top placements were gone. Joey tried to catch the breakaway a few times, but was unsuccessful, so he came back to the pack to taunt and pick on some of the skaters(for what reason is a mystery). I saw him doing alot of pushing and hip grabbing for what he eventually got DQ'd for. Once he got DQ'd instead of moving to the right and leaving the track, he moved to the left right in front of 2 skaters(myself being one of them), blocking on an elimination lap. The mark of a champion? or a sore loser? I dont know. I pushed him out of the way (he is a stout guy, since I'm only like 155 he was hard to move), and the other skater shoved him out of his path also, what resulted in him falling and laying there for a few laps. The 2nd skater was dq'd for "knocking joey down" and eventually got revoked from the event for injuring the great JM. (who was fine the next race). I was the closest to the action so I saw everything, I just wish there were more ref's to see stuff, and skaters to stand up for what is correct.
Overall, IMO, this was the worst ran PBC that I have ever been to, not because of the rain because we cant help that. The races ran late, it was unorganised, and there were only 2 referees on the road! There are supposed to be a min. of 5 on a track that big!
Well, thats my review, only my opinion of course, the next event is Hickory, Squiggy, then the St. Pattys Speed Weekend in Georgia, March 19-21 with the MAIN EVENT happening on Fri night! You WONT want to miss that one!!!
Look out for the announcement of the full Pinnacle/CCN factory team, skating on the #1 wheel, Hyper, and the best frame on the market, ION frames.
God bless everyone, get out to do some skating, training, help someone else with something they are struggling with, and remember.. keep it clean!
Once we got to the track, I started setting up the booth, even before we had anything out, Hyper wheels were flying off the table! Finally got the boots set up after a little time, then went to go warm up. WOW, the wind was intense! I think there were gusts up to 40mph, but it was a 15-20mph wind all afternoon! I love the track in fl, I always feel good on it, but with the wind on sat, i never got comfortable, plus i had a brand new boot on, so that didn't help I'm sure. The tack racing that afternoon and evening was good, good competition, Son from china did really well in the shorter races, Jonathan Blair and Will Bowen(who is expecting his first child in the next 2 weeks) along with Bryan Talley did great in the sprints too. On the girls side, Erin Jackson was the one to beat, but some of the girls from stardust were right there giving her all she could handle! one girl that impressed me was Melanie Bradley who took last year off and is back now, but she looked strong for just coming back to skating. JM won the long race that evening, but what was bad was the racing didn't get over until after 11PM!!! The road was open at 7AM on sun, so it less sleep than anyone wanted.
Road started off cloudy and sure enough, right after the 200m TT, the sky opened up and poured for 3-4 hours. Once it stopped raining, the long races were put before the middle distance since the ground was still wet. There were a few falls in both the men's and women's races due to the fact the pavement was still a little slick. Women's race pretty much stayed together the whole time, with not much excitement. The men's race on the other hand.. WOW.. ALOT of pushing, shoving, hip grabbing, and taunting was going on in the 12.5K elim race. Julian Riveria, Jarrett Paul, and a teammate of Julian's got out front and never looked back. That left everyone else in the pack, just simply racing for bragging rights, since the 3 top placements were gone. Joey tried to catch the breakaway a few times, but was unsuccessful, so he came back to the pack to taunt and pick on some of the skaters(for what reason is a mystery). I saw him doing alot of pushing and hip grabbing for what he eventually got DQ'd for. Once he got DQ'd instead of moving to the right and leaving the track, he moved to the left right in front of 2 skaters(myself being one of them), blocking on an elimination lap. The mark of a champion? or a sore loser? I dont know. I pushed him out of the way (he is a stout guy, since I'm only like 155 he was hard to move), and the other skater shoved him out of his path also, what resulted in him falling and laying there for a few laps. The 2nd skater was dq'd for "knocking joey down" and eventually got revoked from the event for injuring the great JM. (who was fine the next race). I was the closest to the action so I saw everything, I just wish there were more ref's to see stuff, and skaters to stand up for what is correct.
Overall, IMO, this was the worst ran PBC that I have ever been to, not because of the rain because we cant help that. The races ran late, it was unorganised, and there were only 2 referees on the road! There are supposed to be a min. of 5 on a track that big!
Well, thats my review, only my opinion of course, the next event is Hickory, Squiggy, then the St. Pattys Speed Weekend in Georgia, March 19-21 with the MAIN EVENT happening on Fri night! You WONT want to miss that one!!!
Look out for the announcement of the full Pinnacle/CCN factory team, skating on the #1 wheel, Hyper, and the best frame on the market, ION frames.
God bless everyone, get out to do some skating, training, help someone else with something they are struggling with, and remember.. keep it clean!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6th, 2006..
A day that I will never forget. I was leaving Atlanta to head to a clinic in NJ.. I walk into my parents house that morning for a ride to the airport, and I will never forget the look on my dads face when he walked around the corner... He was crying, and put his arms out to hug me, and i didn't know why, but i extended my arms also for a reason that was unknown. As soon as we embraced, I cant ever forget the words he told me, "Jeff was in an accident this morning and was killed"... I dropped what i had in my hands, (shocks to my suburban) and lost it. He was my mentor. He was one of my best friends. He taught me what i do. Next to my Father, he was one of the best men that i will ever know. I went to NJ and made it about halfway through the clinic and practice. After that, i was like a lost little puppy, I didn't know what to do. Finally, I caught a earlier flight back to Atlanta, and had one of the longest weeks of my life.
He lit the room up when he walked in, He was always smiling, and very, very rarely did he ever show his anger. He worked from not knowing anything about prosthetics, to basically running SPS. He could build orthopedics, prosthetics, and learned how, with me by his side, to build speedskating boots. I could write all day about what he could do, what he was, and just plain how cool he was. Jeff is the reason why Pinnacle is even alive today. Without him, who knows what I would be doing, where I would be. I don't think there is anything he wouldn't try to do..
I have so much more, but really.. I cant write any more...
Jeff Green, I thank you for everything. I thank you for teaching me, for the laughs, for the ability to have a carrier that I love. I miss you.. RIP man... Ill see ya again someday....
God Bless, hug a loved one.. please..
He lit the room up when he walked in, He was always smiling, and very, very rarely did he ever show his anger. He worked from not knowing anything about prosthetics, to basically running SPS. He could build orthopedics, prosthetics, and learned how, with me by his side, to build speedskating boots. I could write all day about what he could do, what he was, and just plain how cool he was. Jeff is the reason why Pinnacle is even alive today. Without him, who knows what I would be doing, where I would be. I don't think there is anything he wouldn't try to do..
I have so much more, but really.. I cant write any more...
Jeff Green, I thank you for everything. I thank you for teaching me, for the laughs, for the ability to have a carrier that I love. I miss you.. RIP man... Ill see ya again someday....
God Bless, hug a loved one.. please..
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009...
5 more hours and its history... Wow, what a year!!! It FLEW by in my eyes. Overall it was a good year though, Buisness is doing well, upgraded all my products, and the family is doing well..
There really is nothing I can complain about.
I hope and pray that 2010 is a good year, God willing it will be. Happy New Year, and be safe!
Talk again next year.
God Bless
There really is nothing I can complain about.
I hope and pray that 2010 is a good year, God willing it will be. Happy New Year, and be safe!
Talk again next year.
God Bless
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Little quick hint..
Its wintertime,.. I love the holidays, family, Christmas, giving, all that stuff.. What I don't like about this time, is the cold! Most skaters 1) don't skate in the winter, or 2) just skate inside as the weather is to cold for outside skating. Most rinks have floors that are less than grippy in the winter also. Skaters struggle to skate on a slick floor and to really get a great technical workout because they are fighting to floor to only stand up. Some skate on outdoor wheels but you usually get a "floating" feeling if on outdoor wheels because they are soft and NOT indoor wheels.
I have a solution! For the past few weeks while at practice, I have(along with some others) been testing and skating on Hyper composite 86A outdoor wheels. Yes, they are outdoor wheels. No they don't skate like an outdoor wheel, indoor. The secret is the hub that is in the wheels, they are stiffer and don't compress under the pressures of indoor skating(99% of other hubs do). So the end result is a wheel that feels like you are skating on a very soft indoor wheel, and don't get the floating feeling. If you are on a floor that is slick this winter, I would encourage you to try the wheels to get some grip and feel better during practice.
Another reason to try them, is that they are all on sale right now! all of the current 2009 wheels are on sale for 2 for 1! If you buy one set, you get another for FREE! This past weekend, I along with Jonathan, Corey Gahan, and Alex Harris were all on them to make sure that they will help you out from the headaches of a slick floor.
If you have any questions go ahead and ask me.
God bless, great skating, and have a great family filled December!
Jimmy
I have a solution! For the past few weeks while at practice, I have(along with some others) been testing and skating on Hyper composite 86A outdoor wheels. Yes, they are outdoor wheels. No they don't skate like an outdoor wheel, indoor. The secret is the hub that is in the wheels, they are stiffer and don't compress under the pressures of indoor skating(99% of other hubs do). So the end result is a wheel that feels like you are skating on a very soft indoor wheel, and don't get the floating feeling. If you are on a floor that is slick this winter, I would encourage you to try the wheels to get some grip and feel better during practice.
Another reason to try them, is that they are all on sale right now! all of the current 2009 wheels are on sale for 2 for 1! If you buy one set, you get another for FREE! This past weekend, I along with Jonathan, Corey Gahan, and Alex Harris were all on them to make sure that they will help you out from the headaches of a slick floor.
If you have any questions go ahead and ask me.
God bless, great skating, and have a great family filled December!
Jimmy
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Water under the bridge..
Yep, down here in the South we have gotten ALOT of it! God gave us 2-3 years of extreme dry years, then about starting 9-10 months ago, gave us all 3 years worth back!! We got about 5-6 inches in the past 36 hrs..
So,... yea, about that title.. Its been awhile.. I hope everyone is doing great, we have had a ton of events happen in very recent past. Nira Nationals, US10K, Worlds, NY100K, Duluth, A2A, and the most recent, NSC.
NSC 1 was, well.. different.. The concept of it seems awesome. A little of PRO Division, US Cup, and Roller Derby all wrapped up in something that could be marketed to the masses, something we need in my opinion.
If this comes off as dogging the NSC, that's not what I want to do.. I would love to see it prosper. *Ladies.. They are needed for fill time, there was alot of down time. I mean, Joey is cool to look at, but looking at him in a red/white/blue silioute is only good for so long LOL.
*Commentary.. More than one person talking, while the raffles are going on, something for the net to look at other than that.
*Time.. 130 AM hurt the next day for most of us on the Right coast!
There are a bunch of other things, and I might mention to the promoters if they will listen..
Worlds 09, The USA got 4th overall.. not bad at all, but we could have done better with changing a few things.. Joey did alot with his 7 Gold medals, and so did Justin Mannon and Erin Jackson. I think if the US came together a little more we could accomplish being back in the top 3. Coaches need to be a little more involved in the skaters lives, training, and how each skater is different, both mentally and physically. I have said a few things about the coaching, wont say it online, but I do believe that the coaching this year was not one of the best years for the US. Nothing against Buggy and Chris personally at all though..
NIRA/US10K.. Was a huge success! numbers were up across the board. Live feed was great and I think alot of people enjoyed it. Next year we look to have more skaters make there way to Atlanta for these events.. It is an AWESOME weekend, and if you missed it, you REALLY missed it!
Gotta get back to workin, God Bless, type soon..
So,... yea, about that title.. Its been awhile.. I hope everyone is doing great, we have had a ton of events happen in very recent past. Nira Nationals, US10K, Worlds, NY100K, Duluth, A2A, and the most recent, NSC.
NSC 1 was, well.. different.. The concept of it seems awesome. A little of PRO Division, US Cup, and Roller Derby all wrapped up in something that could be marketed to the masses, something we need in my opinion.
If this comes off as dogging the NSC, that's not what I want to do.. I would love to see it prosper. *Ladies.. They are needed for fill time, there was alot of down time. I mean, Joey is cool to look at, but looking at him in a red/white/blue silioute is only good for so long LOL.
*Commentary.. More than one person talking, while the raffles are going on, something for the net to look at other than that.
*Time.. 130 AM hurt the next day for most of us on the Right coast!
There are a bunch of other things, and I might mention to the promoters if they will listen..
Worlds 09, The USA got 4th overall.. not bad at all, but we could have done better with changing a few things.. Joey did alot with his 7 Gold medals, and so did Justin Mannon and Erin Jackson. I think if the US came together a little more we could accomplish being back in the top 3. Coaches need to be a little more involved in the skaters lives, training, and how each skater is different, both mentally and physically. I have said a few things about the coaching, wont say it online, but I do believe that the coaching this year was not one of the best years for the US. Nothing against Buggy and Chris personally at all though..
NIRA/US10K.. Was a huge success! numbers were up across the board. Live feed was great and I think alot of people enjoyed it. Next year we look to have more skaters make there way to Atlanta for these events.. It is an AWESOME weekend, and if you missed it, you REALLY missed it!
Gotta get back to workin, God Bless, type soon..
Thursday, August 20, 2009
you just gotta stop and smell the roses sometimes..
Hey everyone, I hope things are going well for everyone. I have been nonstop since getting back from indoor nationals, now that my arm is letting me work again, that's all i feel like i have been doing! I'm heading to a clinic this weekend, I hope it goes well, and the "students" learn alot from me.
I got this in an e-mail from my Mom, but it wasn't one of those annoying chain e-mails, it was just something that made me smile and think a little. Read each one, and if you want to, read each one twice.. you will smile.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18.. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26.. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28.. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
God bless yall, see ya in a few weeks at NIRA and the US10K!
I got this in an e-mail from my Mom, but it wasn't one of those annoying chain e-mails, it was just something that made me smile and think a little. Read each one, and if you want to, read each one twice.. you will smile.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18.. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26.. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28.. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
God bless yall, see ya in a few weeks at NIRA and the US10K!
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