The "Gathering" 2004

Anthony Flis · Post by **Anthony Flis** » Mon May 03, 2004 12:49 am

Me and danny screwed up this morning...never make desicions when youre tired sore and its wet outside....well see you all at the next race...

Brittany Concepcion · Post by **Brittany Concepcion** » Mon May 03, 2004 12:48 am

Hey yall hope your having a blast!!!. David my words exactly i tried to tell my dad that i would go watch and meet people but he said no.

i was gonna skate anywayz pain is only temperary. Wish I was there with you guys. Live it up and ill catch yall at the next race.

David Riordon · Post by **David Riordon** » Sun May 02, 2004 3:14 pm

*** Weather Channel says it will dry up and then start raining again this evening. The street I live on is almost dry enough to set up cones.

*** Brian Parsons is at the Park. His Cell is 703 901-5167

*** If need be, I still have a spot to skate that is covered and would be good for dual racing.

*** It is not over yet.

Andy Bittner · Post by **Andy Bittner** » Sun May 02, 2004 2:19 pm

Anthony, et al.,

As of 8 a.m., we are still 99% wet pavement. There is no more rain anywhere in the area, per the Weather.com radar loop. It is quite breezy and I am watching the pavement just starting to dry in my parking lot (I live 1 mile from The Gathering Site).

This makes for the third wet Sunday morning out of four Gatherings, and in every case, Sunday has ended up being the more amped of the two days. For those of you who are attending your first Gathering, it'll be worth the wait, because today we are skating at the original Gathering Site, which has really been the star of the show all along.

The Cardinal Picnic Area at Seneca Creek State Park, "The Gathering Site", was the site of a Sunday picnic for my 20-year high school reunion. From the instant I walked onto the site, the whole reunion-thing became completely irrelevant. This was the summer of 2000 and the whole slalom-rebirth thing was just beginning to build up on Ncdsa.com. I had boards in the trunk of my car, and skated for most of the rest of the picnic. There are two hills, with two distinctly different characters, jumping off from the same point at the top of the site. They are both bigger and steeper hills than anything at the Pheasant Run Picnic Area.

I now see that there is a considerable breeze blowing, and am seeing the first glimmers of some hazy sunlight. The pavement's still 99% wet, but I suspect that'll start changing soon. There'll be plenty of riding today, for them that are there.

Anthony Flis · Post by **Anthony Flis** » Sun May 02, 2004 1:32 pm

So whats happening with today? is it all wet over there too?

Dave Gale · Post by **Dave Gale** » Sun May 02, 2004 12:46 am

Ohmster...........
Nice jobe!

Andy Bittner · Post by **Andy Bittner** » Sat May 01, 2004 1:33 am

Leo... It absolutely will not be the same without you there, and it's more of a shame, because I plan on not being as busy this year. We might've actually skated together.

Everyone Else... The Pheasant Run Area at Seneca Creek State Park will take some sweeping before it is skateable in the morning.

Locals... Please bring brooms and/or leaf blowers. Thanks.

Leonardo Ojeda · Post by **Leonardo Ojeda** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:31 pm

it seems already that this year gathering its going to be really great, Vlad pls take as many pictures u can!.
Andy, Jeff Boziman,Eddy, Claude, Brian P, WesE, John Dillon, the woodcamp girrrrrls, UR13, Anthony Smalwood, KGM and Yvonne, LNK, anyway all of you guys who made my 2 past years a incredible skate weekend, i hop u have a lot of fun!!!!
take care and cya next year i hope!

Leo

David Riordon · Post by **David Riordon** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:27 pm

Don't be a Gilmour (he missed 1st TG bkz of chance of rain)!!!!!!!

David Riordon · Post by **David Riordon** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:26 pm

COME ONE, COME ALL

No worries on the weather!!!!

IF it is going to rain and NO, it will not...........I've got a new secret undisclosed back up spot that is covered. Not even a hurricane could mess up this spot.

Gary Saenz - old · Post by **Gary Saenz - old** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 8:01 pm

According to weather.com it looks like 60% chance of rain on Sunday and some chance on Saturday morning. Time to say some prayers.

Jeff Bozi · Post by **Jeff Bozi** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 5:05 am

This just in............Avalons & Avilas in new colors & duro, you gearheads all need these

KMG, I didnt send your as Id said I would, after I opened the new shipment of wheels, & saw the newer duros, I thought you may like to pick different. Ill have a few sets fri night.

Brian, how early are you getting there sat morning to set up?

Yeff

Jack Quarantillo · Post by **Jack Quarantillo** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 4:51 am

Anthony,
check this link:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/ ... camap.html

Saturday: Pheasant Run Area
Sunday: Cardinal Area

Q

Anthony Flis · Post by **Anthony Flis** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:43 am

could someone post directions? I know how to get to the park but when you get in the park how do you know how to get to the picnic area where the gathering is? I wouldnt want to go to some like family reunion or something by accident instead of the gathering...

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:07 am

Brian, I already offered Mike your timer for $50. See you on Friday.

John Dillon · Post by **John Dillon** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:05 am

Hey Andy, is Simon Levene(sp) the answer to your trivia question?
Looking forward to seeing you all at G4!

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 4:48 pm

Thanks Andy,

OK no skating at Seneca creek until Saturday morning.

There will be a volunteer at the site saturday morning to direct everyone where to park. Please do not park on any grass, anywhere.

Jeff thanks for all of your effort and support of this event.

Vlad, Slappy...Mike might need my timer on Friday night.

Jack Quarantillo · Post by **Jack Quarantillo** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 4:32 pm

Also, Alisa and Katti may need a ride to their hotel from the Shady Grove metro stop around 2pm tomorrow. Is there anyone up that way that could give them a ride?

BP,
If no one is available to shuttle, I could probably "disappear" from work for a little bit and take them up to their hotel (Summerfield, I presume?). My office is about 5 minutes from the metro.

It would be $20+ by cab!!!

Call my cell 301-793-9412

Q

Andy Bittner · Post by **Andy Bittner** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 4:24 pm

Attempting to skate at Seneca Creek on Friday would involve skating in unrented, private picnic areas, which WILL be a problem with the park. Last year, I rented The Gathering Site on Friday for a workday, setting up for the coming event, pre-setting courses, etc. I made the mistake of publicizing that fact, and during a run to get supplies, a whole bunch of people showed up with a certain sense that they were somehow entitled to be there skating and the whole thing turned into a day of sessioning. Anyone who was there knows it was not a good day for me, as I watched my plans for the event and the money I'd spent for them go right down the drain, while somehow I was being made out as the bad-guy. There was no way I was going to spend my money to do that again.

The Cardinal Picnic area at Seneca Creek State Park (aka The Gathering Site) is still available for rent on Friday, April 30. Anyone wishing to rent it should contact Maryland State Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-432-2267. Otherwise, as an interested and affected local, I'd ask that people not come in and mess up what has been a pretty good relationship between slalom skateboarding and the park.

Brian, We have not used releases for The Gatherings in the past. Two years ago, I did use a registration form, but that was just because I was beginning to build a list for the USSSF. My position has always been that skateboarding is permitted in Seneca Creek State Park, so any people who choose to do so, do so at their own risk.

Parking. People may certainly park at the picnic areas where the Gathering will be held, but people MUST park in parking spaces. There is NO parking off the side of the roads on the grass. This was the most major issue with the park last year. The year before, we were very pleasantly requested to use the parking spaces provided and avoid parking on grass. Last year, somehow, being asked to park in particular places became another bone of contention between several attendees and myself, as if, somehow, I was telling them where to park just to push them around or something. In the end, the park didn't even make any further comment on the one unruly ejection we had during the event, what they did want to talk to me about was our continued "refusal" to use the parking spaces provided before parking "all over the grass".

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 3:19 pm

Hey guys. It s getting closer. For those getting into town on Friday.

Some have asked if there is any skate spots that can be used prior to the Outlaw race Friday night. The Park and Ride is usually filled with cars until around 8pm. I know last year there was riding and course setting at Seneca creek on Friday....

Andy do you think this is a good move. I dont want to piss off a ranger on Friday and jeopardise Saturdays event.

I am not going to be able to get to Gaithersburg on Friday until the afternoon.

Keith H. got your message and if Andy does not see a problem with going to Seneca on Friday and you guys want to go there and skate and set some courses that would be cool. But Andy has more experience dealing with the park folks there.

Also, Alisa and Katti may need a ride to their hotel from the Shady Grove metro stop around 2pm tomorrow. Is there anyone up that way that could give them a ride?

Call me if there are any issues or questions. 703-901-5167

Jeff Bozi · Post by **Jeff Bozi** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:28 am

Brittany, Last year I had a leg cast , still had a blast. If youre able come hang & meet & watch.

Brian & Andy, thank you for going with the flow & getting the longboard slalom on, it always happens anyways. Westly, Ill loan you a longboard

Bozi Boards will setup camp as before, & have wheels for those in need, as well as wedges, lots of hardware, longer kinpins,Bushings, etc for those needing to make tweeks. Also look for DC/DC (DC Downhill Club) tee shirts on sale from Anthony at my tent/table/thingi.

Also will have new Concrete Wave , It will have a piece in it with my Daughters picture in the shop (Ill give anyone a dollar who asks her to sign it, I like torturing her

Ill see you guys this weekend, Ill have a special board for someone, If theres any ER trips the first day for anyone like last year, they prempt, & will get prize..........Elisa was tough as nails last year, came rite back to skate. Please no girl crashes this year, boy crashes only.

Have fun, bring coffee, Jeff

David Riordon · Post by **David Riordon** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 5:42 am

Sorry to hear about Brittany getting hurt and not able to show up at the Gathering. She would have had a blast skating with the likes of Elisa and Katii.

*******************

Brittany, get your parents to rent a wheelchair for you and I'll set a course with cones spaced far enough apart for you to race. Seriously, you might want to take a trip on out to the Gathering anyway just to hang out and watch some of the racing and take a look at the equipment. Last year I was injured due to a bad fall prior to the Gathering and couldn't skate but I hung out anyway. The vibe at this event is dakine.

Brittany Concepcion · Post by **Brittany Concepcion** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 2:25 am

Hey yall
I will be missing the Gathering festivities... so sad. I hurt my knee at lacrosse so I will not be able to go. Have a blast!!!!! See yall at the next Outlaw race.

Elisa Campbell · Post by **Elisa Campbell** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:22 pm

This will be the one year anniversery of Woodcamp on Slalom boards! We're all getting excited! As for Katii and I, we have a grudge that must be put to rest: sister v. sister, seismic v. radikal. Sorry Mark, but I'm gonna beat her.

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:40 pm

Oh, one more thing....I will be bringing hotdogs and burgers on Saturday for everyone.

The park is equiped with grills and tables. If you want something different then just bring it along.

Also please remember to bring water, gatoraid, etc....It is not really convienant to go out of the park to get lunch.

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:35 pm

Woh...BP looks rough....beleive it or not I was not even drinking.

The Gathering is about having fun and making everyone better slalom racers.

I like seeing results, even though there is nothing on the line in any of the races I will be posting the results so people can compare their performance to there buddies. Timer...cones....skateboards... if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck......you know the rest.

Andy....smokestack?

Andy...if you have a chance give me a call today at 703-488-6131..I need to get a soft copy of the waivers you used last year.

Andy Bittner · Post by **Andy Bittner** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 1:47 pm

Seth, I'm not entirely certain what you're asking. I think you're asking whether the whole weekend ties together in an "overall" competition? It never really has in the past, but I'm not sure what Brian is planning for this year.

From my perspective, when I held The (1st) Gathering: Spring Super Session, back in 2001, The Gatherings were very deliberately low-key, low-competitive-energy events. My purpose, from the very beginning was for there to be at least one event, near the beginning of each season, where we members of the worldwide slalom community could meet, face-to-face and learn more about each other and our sport; and in an environment where everyone didn't have to be wearing their "game face". In my opinion, this concept continues to be important, while the worldwide slalom community is still pretty widely dispersed, and centered in the internet environment, where identity and personality can be easily misinterpreted.

The Gatherings are for the people who attend, and each successive event has been somewhat different from the past. Results of the races are rarely, "officially" posted, and the only Champions declared have been for the Ncdsa.com Cyber Slalom Cup, which has moved to Colorado this year.

Even with no "Gathering" champions, it is often clear who the dominant skater of the weekend is.

Gathering Trivia: What 1980's-era slalom great dominated the action at the first Gathering?

Seth Levy · Post by **Seth Levy** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:12 am

will the races be continous saturday and sunday? what i mean is, will the times and stuff carry over from saturday to sunday? really into the vintage and ts but there is a large possibility i wont be able to make it after 2 on saturday.

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:54 am

<center>WHOOZ BRINGIN BEER DIS TIME?</center>

<center>

<center>

I mean orange juice and milk.

Gary Saenz - old · Post by **Gary Saenz - old** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:29 am

One question about the location. Is food and drink nearby or do we need to bring along stuff?

Hunter Singleton · Post by **Hunter Singleton** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:29 am

i can't come d*$# it!
got some Bs boy scout camping trip which is a must

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:04 am

One other thing. For anyone who is NEW to the Gathering, try and remember that IT IS NOT FREE TO ENTER SENECA CREEK STATE PARK.

Quite honestly, I can't remember the costs. Brian would know as he was just there Saturday. I think I paid $2.00, but I'm not sure if that's $2.00 per car or per person. Since I'm the only one in the car, it's one in the same.

Anyway, when you get to the park remember to have some change for the booth at the gate.

Gary Saenz - old · Post by **Gary Saenz - old** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 2:54 am

Jack, the only problem with that is that I'm a snorer so I wouldn't want to subject anyone to that.

Jack Quarantillo · Post by **Jack Quarantillo** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 2:31 am

Gary,
Check some of the other threads, you could probably share a room with someone.

I'd offer you space at chez Q, but we're all booked up with relatives for First Holy Communion. (Which also means we'll be missing a big chunk of Saturday...)

Q

Gary Saenz - old · Post by **Gary Saenz - old** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 1:58 am

After seeing the schedule for both days I might have to drive up Saturday and Sunday. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Danny Crawford · Post by **Danny Crawford** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:05 am

100 cones sounds fun. Person behind me will probably get pissed when all the cones are knocked over...

Anthony Flis · Post by **Anthony Flis** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:02 am

id love to do a 100 cone course....im not sure if id have legs for sunday if we did it saturday but i mean itd be just like when i pump up my street and back i geuss....for the barbeque is it bring your own food or what?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:34 pm

I want to do 100 cones....I'll even set the course if you like.

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:19 pm

Yes, We can park where we skate. Wes and I checked everything out this past weekend and the location for Saturday is great.

We only have one really decent hill at the Phesant Run area so most of the longboard racing will be reserved for Sunday. But the Hybrid/Tight slalom on Saturday will be killer. Also, I think we can do a 100 cone course on Saturday.

I have no idea why anyone would want to skate a 100 cone course but if any freaks want to try it we can set it up.

Noah Heinle · Post by **Noah Heinle** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:04 pm

Brian, thanks for stepping up and making this happen.

I heard a while ago that the Saturday location would require us to park elsewhere and take a shuttle van to the picnic area. Is that still the case or can we park where we skate?

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:51 pm

Schedule for Saturday at the 4th Gathering – Pheasant Run Area

8:00-9:00 - Setup
9:00-11:00 - Juniors racing and instruction.
11:00-12:00 - Practice
12:00-1:00 - Barbeque
1:00-4:00 - Tight/Hybrid Slalom Race (dual bracket racing)
4:00-Sundown - Tight/Hybrid/100 cone/Vintage

Schedule for Sunday at the 4th Gathering – Cardinal Area

8:00-9:00 - Setup
9:00-11:00 - Juniors racing and instruction.
- Longboard Racing
11:00-12:00 - Practice
12:00-1:00 - Barbeque
1:00-4:00 - Tight/Hybrid Slalom Race (dual bracket racing)
4:00-Sundown - Tight/Hybrid/Longboard/Vintage

As most of you that have been to previous Gatherings know we try to get as much riding/racing in as possible. The areas for both Saturday and Sunday allow for multiple events to be going on at the same time. There will be a couple of full on bracket elimination races on both days. This is a tentative schedule. GBJ and myself will be setting the majority of the courses. If anyone wants to step up and take the initiative to set a course, go ahead, its all about having fun.

Lenny Poage · Post by **Lenny Poage** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:35 pm

What's the schedule look like for Sunday? Will most of the races be Saturday (hopefully)?

Claude Regnier · Post by **Claude Regnier** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 6:57 am

Okay Andy.

E-mail me your telephone number at sk8park@bellnet.ca or try to call me at 613-798-7275.

Looking forward to seeing you all real soon.

PS-Jeff I will have your sunglasses.

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 8:10 pm

Yea, Andy and KMG. Saturday morning will be all about the juniors.

I will post a schedule of events today to give everyone an idea about what will be happening when on Saturday and Sunday.

By the way. WesE and I went and checked out the spots yesterday to get some course setting ideas. Everything is is order. And the courses on Saturday are going to be awesome.

The Phesant Run area we are using on Saturday can support a good hybrid/tight dual and hopefully a 100 cone course. Wes and I tried to determine if there is enough room for a 100 cone challenge course. And I think we decided that there is...Should be fun.

Email me if you have any issues or concerns.

I may need someone to do a metro run in the Gaithersburg area on Friday afternoon. Any volunteers.

Andy Bittner · Post by **Andy Bittner** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 2:40 pm

Kevin, I need to talk to Brian tonight, to be certain what is happening. I believe that Saturday morning will still be set aside for Juniors, and to be clear... at least from where I stand, when I said Juniors, I meant juniors, not necessarily beginners, particularly if they are adult beginners. I'd like there to be a time when the younger set OWNS the scene, with the help from some instructors or coaches.

Claude Regnier, if you read this, please contact me.

Jeff Boswell · Post by **Jeff Boswell** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:37 am

A vintage event would be cool.

Anthony Flis · Post by **Anthony Flis** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:15 am

If there was a pre 1980 vintage race thatd be awsome since i already asked my friend kevin if i can borrow his dads 70s pool rider banana board....Actually he took it to vans one time and some of you guys where there and were checking it out and someone pumped around the pool on it and all this was before i knew any of you guys....crazy world we live in

Kevin M. Gamble · Post by **Kevin M. Gamble** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:50 am

Andy and Brian,
I was wondering if the beginner/junior events are still going to occur on Saturday morning?

Also, is there a possibilty of a Pre-1980 vintage event? This would affect what equipment some slalomers would bring.

I'd be interested to hear about any plans for the coming weekend.

Thanks,
kmg

Brittany Concepcion · Post by **Brittany Concepcion** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:58 am

If any women want to share a room then e-mai me at skatinchick29@comcast.net o socergirl17@aol.com

Andy Bittner · Post by **Andy Bittner** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:54 am

The junior program is for ages 15 and under. Only juniors may participate in the junior programs. The rest of the activities will be for anyone who wants to be involved, including juniors.

As for the number attending, based on previous years, I'd expect between 50 and 70 people, not all of whom will be skating.

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The "Gathering" 2004

Sunday Weather

Them That Was and The One That Will Be

Don't be a Gilmour (he missed 1st TG bkz of chance of rain)

Trivia Answer...

Seneca on Friday

Points...

Contact

Juniors

T4G events