| NSC and The Battle in Seattle |
'NSC and The Battle in Seattle' by Michael Cheek
If you were a speed skating fan, Federal Way, Washington was the place to be the first weekend of March! The Pattison’s West skating rink hosted two great events that if you weren’t there you really missed out. As always; the floor was super fast. There were skaters from all over the country, and the competition was great in every age group.
The first event was Thursday night: NSC Tribulation 2, sponsored by Luigino Racing. I missed the first two NSC events, so I was anxious to get out there and race with everyone. After a fall in the 1600m, I was able to come back and win the 1000m and 800m race, becoming the Grand Champion. However, this event was bigger than who won and who lost. This race was about the show and growing the sport. If you have never gotten a chance to see the NSC races you really are missing out. The races were some of the most amazing races I’ve ever seen, and I hope everyone will support this opportunity to help grow our sport.
After the NSC races, the Battle in Seattle began. As always Mike Pattison put on a classy event with great racing. With all 3 Division races, Opens, 300meter Top Gun race, and relays everyone got to race a lot. I skated on some of the prototype iQ Wheels during the open, and they didn’t disappoint. The grip and roll was amazing, and I was able to win the open. We’re still in the testing stage, but these wheels will be available soon and they will not disappoint. Unfortunately for me I didn’t get to finish the meet because of a nagging knee injury. I don’t think it’s anything major, just sometimes it’s better safe than sorry. I think everyone there skated so well. If you get the chance, make sure you don’t miss out on this event next year.
Next stop for me is in Georgia, March 19-21st. I hope to see everyone there. Train hard and I will talk to you soon!
Sincerely, your friend in speed skating,
Michael Cheek
Click here to read Michael's last installment in this series.