Trip #1 to the Track

Our second day here in Korea's been nice. We got to see the track, and it is amazing. The most important thing that I have to say about these championships is that even though we're 4 days away from the first races, the organizers have their act put together. What I've heard is that they are wishing to apply for the 2011 world championships with the promise of having the facility completely indoors.

We missed our practice today because of the rain. We spent most of the evening playing cards and just chatting. We'll try to skate the track tomorrow.


Driving to the track, the streets were covered with posters, flags, and banners promoting the world championships. The bus ride from the hotel to the track is about 20 minutes. For about 15 of those minutes, we were constantly passing all the flags and posters. It was quite impressive to see a 5 storey poster of Jessica Smith.


The beautiful track- it is an amazing facility. The world championships organizers have their act T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R. Everything is ready. With the city converted into a skating mania place, vendors settling in, skate shops with a stock of wheels and clothing, the lawn in the middle of the track a beautiful green- we're ready to be part of the greatest show on earth.


MPC wheels are said to be red-hot here in Korea. Our first practice tonight was cancelled due to the rain, so instead we had the chance to visit Seoul thanks to Kevin Noh.


While we were walking around, we found a 400-meter track with skaters training. It was funny and strange for us to see a dozen skaters on the track...just skating around. They've got TONS of skaters here.