This weekend is a real challenge for Team Terry in our efforts to be everywhere on top of everything. Today our eponymous leader was in Cabin John today for the opening of the 2010 South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships, which is an early Olympic qualifier. It's a big deal in the world of competitive skating. Tomorrow's darlings of the ice will be skating in tournaments like this today.
On the other end of the spectrum are the bass fishermen, who will be in Smallwood State Park for their own regional championship. No, it isn't exactly a spectator sport (unless you count the festivities at the weigh in) but fishing -- whether it be deep sea off Ocean City, wading in the Savage Creek, or on a boat in the bay -- is a big business in Maryland.
Of course, tomorrow is the Baltimore Marathon (now known as the Running Festival) which will pretty much dominate the town as 20,000 runners, friends, and family descend upon the town. The event continues to grow in the number of participants, sponsors, and media recognition every year.
Ordinarily, that would be enough to send me scurrying to Annapolis to avoid congestion, but there is an even greater iconic event taking place there -- the first of the Annapolis Boat Shows. While not a sporting competition, it is a can't miss activity for all those who participate in any aspect of sailing. And yes, they come in from all over the world. I know. I've competed for parking against them (and those Aussies are cutthroats.)
The presence of the boat shows pretty much rules out watching the Navy game at my favorite watering hole. Even with my son running interference, I wouldn't get close. So it seems like a good idea to cross the bridge and look at another popular event that attracts participants from all over -- the Sea Gull Century bicycle race, in Salisbury.
Blessed with flat terrain and spectacular scenery, the Sea Gull did not take long to develop from a 68 cycle enthusiast challenge to what is recognized as the most attractive "century" (100 mile or 100 k) race in the Mid-Atlantic area. The University-sponsored event is now in its 21st year, with a pre-registered field of 7,800 participants and a weekend of activities for family and friends. This is an all-inclusive event. The oldest participant is 87, the youngest is 5. Sounds like my kind of crowd (especially the dude on the unicycle.)
As if Salisbury won't be hopping enough, there is also a Fight Night at Perdue Stadium Saturday night, with the featured bout being a rematch between Alexis Guerrero and Rodrika Ray.
Other options for the weekend include the cyclocross in Hyattsville, tennis match in Cross Keys, and the Discovery Cup (an elite soccer tournament) at the SoccerPlex in Boyds.
Maryland is definitely the place to be. Whatever you're interested in, it's here. Whoever you have to drag along with you will also find something to do. (It's so thoughtful of those Century folks to have a wine tasting, concert, and kayak tours to entertain tagalongs.)
So much to do, so little time. I hope I can talk Tweety into driving.
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