2009 Great EsSkate in Florida - Photos and Reports

[Birgit]

Ok the headline is a bit ahead of its time, but...

Early registration before 4 November. Price goes up $10 after that date!

Got this email from Gene aka Great EsSkate organizer the other day.




----------- email from Gene Cook start --------------
Less than two weeks before deadline

It's less than two weeks before the US Presidential election takes place. Now there is a major focus on the economy and related issues by both major candidates, so pay attention.

It's also important to pay attention to another date. You have less than two weeks to save some money by registering early for the 9th Annual Great EsSkate weekend in Miami Beach.

Don't let today's economic news hype stall your plans for the mid-winter escape you'll need when outside temperatures drop to ball bearing freezing levels. Go to our new web site www.thegreatesskate.com (http://www.thegreatesskate.com/) and register now.

Thanks,
Gene
----------------------- email from Gene Cook end----------------




Could not find it mentioned here in the forum, so I'll post it here.

I know quite a few of the APRR skaters (Atlanta, GA) are coming and a solid amount of the Sundaybladers (rec. skate group in Pinellas/Hillsborough counties FL), I know a few from TX will come, but what about the rest of the board?

It is the best and most well run group skate event that I ever have participated in.

My pictures from last year can be found here (http://www.birgitholme.dk/photogallery/main.php?g2_itemId=426)

Hope to see a lot there in 2009:smile:

/Birgit

[gopherfan]

I'll be there. It was a great skate getaway last year. There will be a sizable group from DC again this year.

[Birgit]

I got this email this past week, have you not signed up yet, well this for sounds like a good deal!

/Birgit

----------- email from Miami Great EsSkate ---------------------
Two's company, but three's a bargain when it comes to registering for the Great EsSkate. For a limited time, if three people register together, the third person registers for half price.
This is how it works: From November 24 until December 9, you and a friend can register by mail at the regular price and a third friend can register at half price. Only registrations postmarked during this period will be honored, and all three registrations must be in the same envelope.
Registration awards must be in groups of three. However, since this is the ninth annual Great EsSkate, if nine people register together in the same envelope, the third and the sixth person would be half price and the ninth person would pay only $9. Ninth GES, every cat has nine lives--of course the ninth person in the envelope registers for $9!
Remember, the offer is good until December 9th for mail entries only, and all registrations must be in the same envelope.
So break into groups of three (or nine) and go to TheGreatEsSkate.com for a registration form. If you already have a friend who wants to join you at the Great EsSkate for 2009, approach a stranger and make it a threesome. Who knows where that could lead you? If you were planning on registering singly, make some friends! It's a win-win-win situation!
And while you're saving money hand over fist, check out the airline page on the website. Not only are our partner airlines offering Great EsSkate deals to Miami, but as a Great EsSkate attendee you may be eligible for a free ticket . So what are you waiting for? Go make it happen! Escape from reality never felt so good.

Gene Cook, Director

[sk8crazy]

There's a dozen or so Toronto skaters heading that way. I'm still trying to talk Joel into going. So far, it ain't working.:( Last time we went we had a great time. And it's the weekend of his 50th bday. I may have to stage a kidnapping to get him on a flight to Miami. " Happy Birthday Darlin' ". :biggrin:

hmmm, something to think about.

[Birgit]

There's a dozen or so Toronto skaters heading that way. I'm still trying to talk Joel into going. So far, it ain't working.:( Last time we went we had a great time. And it's the weekend of his 50th bday. I may have to stage a kidnapping to get him on a flight to Miami. " Happy Birthday Darlin' ". :biggrin:

hmmm, something to think about.

Wauww that would be a way cool B-Day present!! I think you should do that!!:smile:

[sk8crazy]

I will think about it for sure. There are so many of our friends that at doing the Great EsSkate in 2009, I know we'd have an amazing time. Gonna look over the travel budget ... right now we've got 5 races definitely planned (Montreal in May, Cambridge Ontario & Chicago in July, Duluth in Sept & Montreal again in October). And we're thinking possibly another fly away event. Gonna have to crunch the $ numbers, but Miami would be sweet to do right in the middle of winter. Get out of the snow for a couple days.

[Birgit]

My photos can be found here http://www.birgitholme.dk/photogallery/main.php?g2_itemId=1823

It was a great EsSkate, just like announced!

[GustavoAMH]

Here is the link of the video I created of the Friday opening skate. I dedicated it to Dr. Cohen. I am comforted in knowing that he's in a better place and passed on doing something he loved!
The version in Facebook lasts 12 minutes, but the version in Youtube lasts 9.56. I had to cut it because YouTube only accepts videos < 10 minutes.
I have a lot of footage of the Saturday and Sunday skates, but I just have to find the time to do the videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnKd7joAiVw&feature=channel_page

Cheers/Gustavo

[gem]

Gus, awesome vid, thanx 4 sharing!

[ONOU]

Photo links

http://www.thegreatesskate.com/photos.php5