I've just returned from Atlanta where I did the half distance (38 miles) Athens to Atlanta skate (the 13th) all in the rain. Three friends of mine were also there and they completed the half distance in 2:45, 3:04 and 3:04. I managed 3:56 which I think was in the middle to the back of my age group (40-49).

I neither saw nor heard of anyone getting hurt in this year's race. The worst I heard of was several fellows giving up at the 60 mile point of the full 85 mile race because as they approched Atlanta they found the car traffic heavier than they were comfortable with.

It was a very intense skate. Coming from Texas I have had very little experience with hills, esp. the downhill part. Also, since I had a choice in the past, I had only a total of five minutes experience skating on water (not just wet, but with a downpour most of the way). I was ready to bow out when It started to rain only five minutes before the start at 7:15 am, but nobody else seemed to worry, so off I went. On the first long downhill I had two firsts on skates, leaving a wake and exceeding 30 mph. Obviously my uphills were much slower as my average was just 10 mph.

That evening the organizers had a pasta dinner and handed out awards to the top finishers. Also, everybody got a T shirt and a coffee mug with the Athens to Atlanta logo on it.

I'd like to hear from others that skated it to hear their experiences. Also would like to hear from people that had skated any of the previous Athens to Atlanta races.

Kent Hartfield

Next message...
Back to Reviews page