Ottawa, Canada Workshop 2002

Ottawa, Canada, Access to Speed Workshop, June 21-23, 2002

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Like hardy tulip petals clinging to the stalks in summer weather, Canadian, American, and Bermudan skaters effloresced for two straight days at the piping-hot Salomon Access to Speed Workshop in Ottawa, Canada, June 21-23, 2002.

Ottawa is easily one of the world's most beautiful capital cities, memorable for its endless parks, flowers, waterfronts, and now newly known for its incredible skating pavement! The "Gavinik" skating terrain, some of the smoothest black asphalt around, served as the perfect place for drill heaven and allowed 30 flower skaters the chance to bust out of their bulbs.

Chalk was a mainstay, not just for laying down templates for budding talent to trace with their skates' wheels, but also for Jaspar, the workshop mascot. She preferred pink but happily chewed any of Eddy's Crayola sidewalk chalk nubbins down to bits

Breaking down to bits was the fundamental thing. Always time for reassembly after dissection! Techniques and bodies were broken down! Unbelievably effervescent spirit and lots of adrenaline helped keep the buds and buddettes burgeoning despite the fast pace and summer sun.

There were tremendous transformations and reformations all weekend long from flowers of every color. These miracles were the kind that caused the transformees and reformees to whoop it up with calls of epiphany from every corner of the Gavinik. Hallowed be thy Gavinik !!!

The energy of the young bucks and buckettes kept the seasoned wildlife young and sprightly, willing to be daring to live youthfully alongside. How impressionable to witness the collective growth of a great group of skates, like a multi-varied flower bed bursting into eye song! Gratititude was dispersed like pollen by hummingbirds. Here's a small sampling of some of the feedback came floating on the wind:

"Great guy, think you're Canadian! Thanks for the great time and inspirations."

"Thank you for the coaching. I'll be sure to enjoy skating more now."

"Thanks you so much for your cheerful willingness to share your years of expertise. Your clear explanations, phenomenal drills, and everpresent smile made every moment a wonderful experience! Look forward to practicing your suggestions and then doing another workshop next year! :)"

More added color was provided by workshop partners Salomon, TWINCAM, Explore, Transpack , Wigwam, Raymond Verdaguer, Bobward Flynn, and Barrie Hartman.

Hip diving	Gavinik group	Focused students
Git the bottle!	Resistance skating	Off the line
Glamour	Whipping	Star power
Curve help	Ushering	Honkin'
Starts!	Mike likes	Hungry!

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