FALL TRAINING CAMPS

For masters skaters not fortunate to live close to the Calgary Olympic Oval or the Richmond Olympic Oval, here's two opportunities to get some long track training this Fall -

The Centre d’entraînement de patinage de vitesse de la région de Québec (CEPVRQ) is running a training camp at the Gaetan Boucher oval in Québec City on November 13 to 15. This venue will also be the site of the 3rd Masters Canadian International Open scheduled for January 23 to 24, 2010.
There are also open speed skating and weekend time trials available to masters skaters at the Petitt National Ice Centre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There is a small contingent of masters skaters from southwestern Ontario planning a trip there arriving 4:30 pm Thursday November 12 and departing Sunday November 15.

CHRONICLE OF THE TRAVELLING SKATES

Another interesting post, with thanks, from the the intrepid Travelling Skates -

I am not travelling much these days - but if you decide to travel to Québec City in January for the Master’s International Open, I hope that you will have time to visit the city and see this interesting architectural feature. Not long ago, I read an article in the Québec newspaper Le Soleil that caught my attention as a speed skater. It described interesting railings that could be seen on balconies in some areas in Québec City. To my surprise, this type of railing was also on my own balcony! These decorative bands are in fact iron leftovers from a business that use to make skating blades in the 1940’s and 1950’s and were re-used by a tinsmith to make railings.

S.Kates

3RD MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN

If you’re over 20 and love to speed skate, here’s your chance to participate in the premier masters event of the 2009-10 speed skating season at the Gaetan Boucher Oval in Québec City. Scheduled for January 23 to 24, 2010; the meet is open to masters and senior skaters of all abilities, interest and experience – long track, short track, marathon, competitive and recreational.

Don’t have clap skates? There’s nothing wrong with fixed blade skates and short track blades also work just fine. Or you could try borrowing or buying clap blades to fit on your short track boots. You might also be able to rent clap blades from some organizations such as Zt Sports.

There will be plenty of opportunity, in the week before the competition, to enjoy the outdoor oval and test your legs in this fun and exciting sport. Skaters will come for lots of reasons – to get some exercise, achieve a personal best time (guaranteed for all newcomers) and have some fun with the friendliest folks you’ll find on ice anywhere.

Canadian Masters – Québec City 2006

The actual racing will be a short all-round Olympic-style competition (4 events, 2 skaters per race) with the potential for additional unofficial fun events such as team pursuits. But the real fun is what happens between and during the races – warm-ups, skating the inner lane (always open) and hanging out with old and new friends in the warm dressing rooms and meeting room overlooking the ice. As the competition is an international event, you may even meet some other masters from the USA, Europe and Asia.

Canadian Masters – Québec City 2006

Although not confirmed, there is the possibility (given sufficient interest) for a social get-together for all skaters on the Saturday evening between the 2 days of racing.

The Gaetan Boucher Oval is one of Canada’s premier speed skating ovals and eastern home to the National Team – so chances are good, you’ll be able to watch some of the best up-and-coming skaters in the world in between your own adventures on the ice. How’s that for inspiration? The Oval was also the site of the International Masters Allround Speed Skating Games in both 1996 and 2001.

And a trip to Québec City offers so much more than speed skating. There will be plenty of opportunity to experience one of Canada’s oldest cities which just celebrated 400 years of history, steeped in French Canadian cultural charm and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Meet information and entry form are now available. We hope to see you there!