Learning the local calendar of skating events by heart is a rite of passage for many new skaters. One day I was clueless that people actually race on inline skates. Next day, I was able to rattle off all the major races in North America in chronological order. One race that stands out from the rest is 24h Roller Montreal. In most races, inline speed skating is an individual sport. The dynamics of a race may be dictated by skaters of the same team cooperating or working against other teams. Ultimately, the result is determined by the finishing order of individuals. 24h Roller Montreal is unique because it offers an opportunity to race as a team. The format follows that of the famed 24h Rollers Le Mans. Teams of up to 10 skaters relay as many laps as they can over the Gilles-Villeneuve Formula-1 racetrack for 24 hours. The team that finishes with the most number of laps wins. While only one skater from each team is on the race course at any given time, other members of the team get to hang out and watch the race. It is one giant outdoor skaters’ party. Every skater I met only had great things to say about it.
Since I completed my first race in Ottawa, I could not get enough of racing. I was keenly aware how painfully slow I was but that did not stop me from trying to get on a team. Naturally, I started my search close to home. The fastest skaters at the club were all committed to teams vying for the podium. In the mean time, a group of fitness skaters formed a team with the goal to get in plenty of mileage during the weekend. Alas, my request to join was promptly denied. Mike told me that the team would rather cap the number of team members at seven so everyone would get more chance to skate. My disappointment was obvious. Mike thought for a bit and told me a group of skaters west of town could possibly be looking for additional teammates. That was how I met Christine.
If you think this sounds similar to the old playground experience of which the fat kid never gets picked for any teams, you’re not alone. Why would anyone want a turtle? I absolutely could not imagine why Christine agreed to have me on her team. I was incredibly grateful when she took me under her wings to make sure I was well prepared.
I did not have to worry about a single thing. I carpooled to Montreal with her and her husband Joel. I stayed at the same hotel as everyone else from the Toronto skating community. She sent me a comprehensive list of supplies I would need to pack for the race. She kindly introduced me to a whole new group of skaters I never met before. Joel gave me my first lesson on skating in the rain and how to take care of my bearings. I could not thank them enough for giving me such a positive experience at my first 24h relay race.
The unique experience of racing the 24h relay went beyond skating. Of course it was a joy to roll along the pristine asphalt of a F1 race track. The anxious moments as I waited for a relay exchange; the dazzling flashes of light decorating every skater after nightfall; the dread and threat of heavy downpour; the sense of responsibility to the performance of my team; the excitement of countdown as the clock ticked near the 24h deadline; those were all memories I cherished as much as any other parts of the weekend. When it was not my turn to skate, I had a chance to get to know my new friends.
Christine promised me the number one objective on her team was to have fun. That I had more than enough to spare. What really made a lasting impression was watching the intense competition happening among the elite teams and the solo skaters. We sat on pins and needles as we watched coach Eric skated lap after lap in his quest to win the solo category. I could not fathom the physical pain one had to endure. He won with a total of 428km. That would be about the driving distance from Toronto to Ottawa! I was filled with envy when I saw a team of all women skaters being just as competitive as any other elite teams. And they looked fabulous in their matching pink and black skin suits! I wondered if one day I would be fast enough to experience the race in a much more competitive manner.
That was my first 24h relay and I could not imagine a better way to spend a weekend in July.
Wow! That was my first ever skating event ever and, incidentally, where we met.
As I prepare for this year's Mtl 24, it's really nice to remember... Thanks!
Posted by: Georg | September 01, 2012 at 08:48