Deluge in a Drought

Terry was telling me about a major event taking place on the Potomac this past weekend -- the Olympic qualifying USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom National Championships, the country's premier white-water paddling event.

That must be a real trick, said I.  As well known as the Potomac is for its thrilling falls around the Pencil Sharpener, Pummel and the downright scary Mather Gorge, this hasn't exactly been the year for whitewater.  Or any other kind of water for that matter.  The drought this summer has reduced many rapids to sputtering streams.

Not so in Dickerson, said Terry.  Mother Nature gets all sorts of help from energy giant PEPCO, who provide a steady flow of thermal treated waves as part of their turbine system.

You might wonder how on earth a security conscious public utility and whitewater competitors looking for a challenging course could devise such a splendid facility.  The answer is -- the Barcelona Olympics.

Although the Potomac had always been a regular stop on the circuit because of the aforementioned features, the problem was consistency (as we've seen this year)  Weather conditions produced unpredicatable experiences and top level athletes needed a course with a reliable flow.  And there, right along the Potomac and C&O Canal, was the answer.  A byproduct of energy production, just waiting for adaptive reuse.

Since 1959, the 900 foot long channel has returned cooling water from the Dickerson Generating Station to the Potomac River, 41 miles upstream from Washington. Water is pumped from the river to cool the power plant's three coal-fired generators, and then emptied into the channel for gravity flow back to the river

This is what the 40-foot-wide concrete channel that returned warm-water discharge from the generators back to the Potomac looked like in 1991.  That's right -- warm water.  The first artificial whitewater slalom in the country is actually a linear Jacuzzi that can be used all year round.

In 1991, an aspiring Olympian sold his idea of converting the chute to two of the power plant managers, and, in support of the 1992 Olympics team, and PEPCO approved the insertion of approximately 75 artificial concrete boulders and two wing dams into the channel.

Today, the course has four 200 foot sections, connected in a straight line, end-to-end, with a 2-foot drop at the end of each section. A final 100-foot section ends in the river, with or without a drop, depending on the river level. Overall slope adds another seven feet of drop, for a total course drop of 15 feet plus zero to four feet into the river at the end.

It is, by any standards, a splendid course.  You can see the results of the competition at Bethesda Center of Excellence, who operate the USA Canoe/Kayak National Training Center.

Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi, a native of Bethesda, trained on the Potomac as a youngster and was one of those who rode the artificial course to the top of the Olympic podium in 1992.   Jacobi now heads USA Canoe/Kayak, the governing body for U.S. racing.

So it is a pretty good guess that the Olympians you'll be seeing in London in 2012 were splashing around the Potomac this weekend.  It's worth noting that Maryland also has another of only three artificial whitewater courses in the country.  Farther (a lot farther) up the Potomac in Garrett County you'll find Adventure Sports Center on a mountaintop near Deep Creek Lake.  This whitewater facility opened in 2007 and is open to the general public as well as the venue for national and international competitions.

Once again, Mother Nature, with a little help from her friends, has provided Maryland with some top quality venues prove we're Here To Play -- on every level.

Purple Friday

We have a seasonal ritual here in Baltimore.  It's called "Purple Friday" and it is ardently observed in the Warehouse.

As a faithful communicant of Purple Friday, I was decked out in my Flacco jersey (with amethyst accessories) when hoofing to work this morning.  It gave me a new perspective on how committed this town is to their team, and how supportive they are of their young quarterback.

I was startled when I got the first thumbs up from the garbageman on Cathedral.  But when I got the "way to go, Joe" from the newsboy, I realized the sentiments were not for me, but my jersey.

I was in front of the Basillica when someone emerging from morning mass gave me a shoulder punch and said "you'll get it on this weekend."  And there were numerous "Go Ravens" shouts from the commuters at the red lights.  (One even cawwed.)

I guess this is what it must be like to be an avatar.  Last Sunday night I stopped by a watering hole in my neighborhood to watch the Manning Bowl.  I was still wearing my game day jersey and was surprised to see other versions (one black, one white) of #5 in the sports bar.  Had never met either guy, but suddenly we were kindrid spirits.  "Needs to get out of the pocket faster," said one.   "Has to do something about those feet," said the other.  "Did you see how he had those feet placed?  That's the problem."

"Maybe it's just that time of the month," I offered.  (Admittedly, the guys don't think of things like that.)  "He'll get past it and be just fine."

The point is, Joe needs to know he has a lot of fans between Chase and Camden.  I'd be willing to bet that although folks all over town are concerned about his well-being, they still believe in Joe Cool.  And they definitely love their Ravens.

Just look around you on Purple Friday.

The Season for Spinning

Yes, the election is only six weeks away, and spin doctors are pedaling in overdrive about their candidates.  But a different kind of spinning gets our adrendline pumping in Maryland every fall.

I always look forward to this edition of Spokes Magazine because it features so many major cycling competitions, fund-raising rides and fun tours that take place throughout Maryland.  This issue was chock full of news about the first successful Tour de Frederick, certain to be come an annual event in the historic piedmont region.

However, the feature article was about the upcoming Seagull Century which originated 21 years ago as a function of the Salisbury State Bicycle Club.  From the first outing with 68 riders, the Century has grown to the largest bicycle event in the Mid-Atlantic region.  It is on track to exceed the 8,300 registered riders who participated last year.

As a three day event, the Century has significant economic impact in addition to being a rally for cycling enthusiasts.  As a "ride" and not necessarily a race (although there is determined competition among some teams who participate) the Century attracts cyclists of all skill levels to Maryland's Eastern Shore.  It also fills hotel rooms all the way to Ocean City.

Because of the growth of the race, an additional route is being added this year to prevent overcrowding and to give riders another slice of Eastern Shore hospitality.

The St. Mary's Century takes place next weekend, starting and finishing in Leonardstown at the College of Southern Maryland.  Formerly known as the Amish 100, this 21st annual ride sponsored by Patuxent Velo offers the traditional century (100 miles) plus a 62 mile or 35 mile course. 

The routes take riders through the scenic peninsula along the river and bay and farmland of Southern Maryland.

Like the Seagull, the St. Mary's event is considered a tourist boon because of all the overnight visitors it brings to enjoy Maryland hospitality.

Leafing through the pages of Spokes, I was very encouraged to see how many Maryland counties had display ads touting their cycling appeal.  Talbot County, which dedicated six heritage bicycle trails last year, portrayed the beauty of the trails and countryside in a colorful collage.  Dorchester County, the "Heart of the Chesapeake" showed cyclists enjoying a trail ride along a tidal basin.  Caroline County offered their free cycling guide with 11 bike routes through picturesque small towns, while Worcester promoted their View Trail 100, encouraging visitors to explore the beach and countryside.

Fall is definitely the time to pedal around Maryland, whether you enjoy the challenging grades of the mountains, or the gentle roll of the seaside trails.  The competitions are fun and exhilarating, but the everyday outings with family and friends remind you how much our state has to offer in outdoor recreation facilities.

Check out these sites to plan your next adventure, get some exercise, or simply explore Maryland.

AND SPEAKING OF CYCLING,  Terry is still working on that proposed "Tour de Maryland" at a future date.  There should be more to report in a few months.

Where the Wild Things Are

It's a beautiful day at Camden Yards.  Crisp, sunny, and not too hot.  Perfect day for planting the crape myrtle that has been rooming with me in Bin 400 of the Warehouse for the past two weeks.

The Muskogee will someday bloom a lovely shade of purple at the southern gateway to M&T Bank Stadium.  Along with the one planted a few weeks ago along the Ostend Street bridge, it will also edge the rain garden that helps to control stormwater runoff from the stadium lots.

(Note:  no government time or dollars have been expended in this landscaping enhancement.  Strictly volunteer.)

So armed with my trusty shovel, I headed to the edge of the ornamental grasses.  Although installed just a year ago, they've done a splendid job of stemming erosion and filtering ground water.  They also make a much more welcoming approach to the stadium complex.

I had just finished digging the hole when one of the security guards came by.  He asked if I'd seen the visitor who ambled through just a few minutes before.

No, I responded.  It was pretty quiet here in the rain garden.  Just me, the crapes and a couple of butterflies. No misplaced Yankee fans.

Well, you have company, said he.  And he pulled out his trust BlackBerry to show me who strolled into the grassy swale shortly before I arrived.

Look at the critter at the base of the tree.  He's about 20 inches long with a broad tale (not visible behind the tree)  He wasn't in any hurry, just meandering along into the marshy lowland.

The guard thought it was a beaver, but Bucky wasn't smiling so he didn't get a good look at choppers.  The idea of an urban beaver is not so far-fetched when you consider our remote stormwater pond just below the swale.  There's a veritable wild kingdom down there. Enough rodents and reptiles to keep even Eagle fans at bay.

It could possibly be a groundhog, though.  We displaced a coterie when we planted the butterfly garden below the pedestrian bridge.  But this fellow looks a little big (and slow) to be a groundhog.  And his tail certainly didn't fit the species.

Whatever he is, he seemed friendly to the guard.  And as long as he doesn't sharpen those incisors on my crapes, he's welcome to hang around.  Never too many stormwater engineers in a fragile watershed like ours.

Appreciating Assets

When touting Maryland as a sports mecca we first tick off the most obvious assets -- our central location, transportation and hospitality infrastructure, and top quality facilities and programs that make us an ideal destination.  All are important factors in making us a desirable choice for hosting major events and tournaments that attract spectators, families and friends.

Yet many of our most valuable venues, also responsible for attracting visitors, group activities, and even events, are the ones we were blessed with through geography, climate, and concern for quality of life.

It is our natural resources -- the parks, the rivers, the bay and the ocean, that give Maryland tremendous character and appeal for all lovers of the outdoors.  Field and stream sports and the rugged individual challenges that take place year round are being given an additional boost -- and promotion -- through a partnership with Maryland's Department of Natural Resources and North Face, a retailer specializing in adventurous outdoor wear.

Credit First Lady Michelle Obama with drawing attention to the problem of childhood obsesity and the importance of outdoor exercise for health and fitness.

This, in turn, inspired North Face to initiate the "Explore Your Parks" program, a partnership with the Maryland and Virginia State Parks, American Hiking Society and The National Park Trust, to encourage families to get outdoors and enjoy state parks in the Washington, DC, area this fall.

Maryland State Parks have been recognized as having some of the top trails in the United States for viewing fall foliage, and in 2009 alone, they had more than 10.1 million visits on their 780 miles of trails, which includes paved surfaces like the Allegheny Highlands, to the crushed stone of the Torrey Brown to the rugged footpaths in the Appalachians. 

When it comes to trails, Maryland does have it all, including water routes for canoes and kayaks.  But this partnership with North Face, and the energy of Superintendant of State Parks Nita Sentina, is prompting a greater emphasis on these assets as a Maryland attraction.

Now there is an online site, and an iPhone App that highlight 10 trails—five in Maryland and five in Virginia--within easy driving distance of Washington.

On Saturday, the "Explore Your Parks" program will kick off in Gaithersburg at the Seneca Creek State Park from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. with family friendly activities and guided hikes. 

Ms Sentina is also planning a Trail Summit in October to initiate a non-profit trails coalition similar to ones in Virginia and Pennsylvania.  This comes after a series of regional meetings to determine what trails already exist, which new ones are on the horizon, how they are used, and how they can be connected into a statewide plan and regional attraction.  Guest speaker will be the legendary Dr. Torrey Brown, former secretary of DNR whose vision was responsible for the popular rail trail in Baltimore County that now bears his name.

Trail advocates and outdoor explorers are heartened by the interest being shown by a top state official in these hidden gems.  There is a direct correlation between the natural assets in Maryland parks and the visitor industry and we are pleased it is getting more notice. 

The good folks in the "trail towns" (another clever promotional idea we borrowed from our friends in Pennsylvania) along the C&O and the Great Allegheny Passage will tell you of the economic rewards they reap from catering to the thousands of trail explorers who pass through.

Good business, better health, exhilarating entertainment -- all good reasons why Maryland is Here to Play.

Competitive Tailgating

Everyone in the state knew the Maryland-Navy game was going to be hard-fought and thrilling with a stadium full of vocal partisans.  Yes, it was that -- and more.

What I didn't know is that another equally intense, nationally-ranked competition took place hours before, just outside M&T.

While strolling among the revelers many hours before the game, I encountered this fortress in Lot J.  It consisted of a van, large trailer, several tents and matching golf cart.  From at least a block away I could see Jay Bush and Duke the talking dog beaming from the side panels, and a team of color coordinated cuties running around with scorepads.

Yes, the Gurus of Grillin' Beans were judging tailgates.  I'm not sure what criteria they used to measure school spirit and culinary prowess, but they seemed to be having a wonderful time at this off-site, intrastate rivalry.  Just as the teams were pulling out all the stops, so were the party heartiers.

Right next to the bastion of beans was yet another competition, involving busloads of students, a long table covered in cups filled with an unknown liquid, and ping pong balls.   This spectator seemed to be one of the officials.

The Terp tribe also had some kind of frisbee fling and a spirited game of cornhole taking place at the same time.  An interesting type of triathlon, but I didn't see any grills set up, so I'm not sure if they qualified by Bush standards. (They were using generic beans in their bags, so that must have disqualified them.)

They certainly seemed to be having a good time, though.

On the other side of Camden Yards, a mega tailgate was taking place, involving 4,000 Midshipmen, a country western band, and real food (but no ping pong balls.)  The entire Brigade, plus a few friends and family, enjoyed a barbeque buffet on Eutaw Street before mustering for the march to the stadium.  Entertainment was provided by Montgomery Gentry and everyone seemed to have a good time. 

(Too bad Babe couldn't enjoy some of that pulled pork and cole slaw like the Mids clustered around him.)

Most of the alumni ordered their tickets and parking well in advance, so their tailgates were assembled in the lots between the stadiums.  As you can guess, no one looking for the USNA Class of '89 had trouble finding where their shipmates were gathered. 

This picture was taken a full five hours before kickoff, and you can see how many cars were already in Lot B.

On the east side of the complex, this Terp Tent entertained a multi generational family of Maryland fans.

Although the tailgating festivities alone could have made the day a complete success (at least for the professional partiers in the bean truck) there were other rituals transpiring before kickoff. 

Lined up on the south side of Oriole Park with a brigade of their own was the University of Maryland Marching Band.  To give you an idea of just how much brass they brazened, this is the saxophone section alone. 

The Maryland band marched up the promenade and into the stadium before the Brigade of Midshipmen.  Interestingly, there were just as many Maryland fans who came to watch the parade as there were Navy parents and friends.  

It's always an impressive sight.  While we've hosted the Brigade for other football games (Army, Notre Dame) it is usally when they're in their winter blues.  The crisp white uniforms they wore on this late summer provided an even greater contrast to the sea of red on the opposite side of the stadium.

I learned much later that the winner of the tailgate competition is a resident of Takoma Park (I'm guessing a Maryland alumna) and the Terps prevailed on the field.

But ultimately the biggest winner was the State of Maryland and the many people who attended and enjoyed this amazing day of activities.  I watched part of the broadcast on ESPN and was proud of how beautifully Camden Yards, Baltimore, and the intensity of the competition was conveyed to millions of viewers.

It is something we look forward to experiencing again in the near future.

Another Opening, Another Show

That's the Brigade of Midshipmen, mustered in T-Court behind the Navy Band.  In just a few moments, the drum major will lift his mace and they will begin their march to the stadium to the familiar refrain of "Anchors Aweigh."

The annual pagaent that is Navy football in Annapolis has begun.

The opponent on this beautiful but somber Saturday, September 11th, is Georgia Southern.  The game is informally referred to as the "Paul Johnson Bowl" because the former Navy coach  was instrumental in scheduling the meeting between the two schools where he taught the triple option offense.

Tecumsah was decked in patriotic flair.  I've seen him whimsically painted as Elvis and even Bart Simpon, but on this anniversary date, his flag motif seems just right.

Although there's nothing like the experience in the stands at Navy Marine Corps stadium (or the revelry of the tailgates before.) I left before kickoff so I could watch the game at my favorite City Dock spot -- corner stool at corner establishment one block from the Academy.

This has nothing to do with comfort or convenience, mind you.  Truth is, even after seven years of the triple option offense, I can't figure out where the ball is or where it came from without having a commentator explain.  Replays and drawings also help.  With both Navy and Georgia Souther running the triple, I would really be lost without an interpreter.  So my premier spot in front of the flatscreen provided me with all the color and excitement to go along with a birds-eye view of the elusive football.

(NOTE:  This year, the coverage is even better, thanks to the new tower and media platform erected during the off-season.)

And yes, I get to be a part of the home team rooting section because there is always a posse from this "Class of" or that "USS" crew clustered around me.  As I've said many times before -- Navy football is a huge boon to the hospitality community in Annapolis every weekend they play at home.

Yesterday was not an easy win for Navy.  Their triple option trained counterparts were not as easy to baffle as some other opponents, and it ended up with the defense being the heroes of the day.  But by the time I left, the fans were trickling back to town, ready to continue their celebration.  The flag in Memorial Circle was still flying at half staff, as was the flag at Bancroft Hall (above)  The cost of freedom, and the price paid by many graduates of the Naval Academy, was never far from anyone's mind, even on this joyous and beautiful September day in Annapolis.

Terry and a Tale of Two Cities

Happy Labor Day!  Terry and at least one of the Merry Marketeers will celebrate by working, because this Labor Day is a big one for sports in Maryland.

First Terry.  Today is his ultra important face to face with the decision makers of FIFA (arguably a more powerful governing body than most countries in the UN.)  Terry and other representatives from Maryland will be part of the pitch to select the US for the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.  Each of the 18 cities that comprise the US bid will be there for a reception and meeting.

Maryland has two venues in the bid -- M&T Bank Stadium and FedEx Field.  Which brings us to the other things keeping the Merry Marketeers busy on this day of alleged rest.

Our two NFL venues will be filled today, with non-NFL activities.   The Hokies of Virginia Tech will be playing the blue fielders of Boise State, on prime time at FedEx Field.   Because the game is in a high profile location between two preseason favorites for national honors, it is being televised nationally, giving FedEx a day in the sun (actually under the lights) at the same time their merits are being pitched for FIFA.

But that's not all.  Earlier in the day, just a few miles up I-95, M&T Bank Stadium will be rocking with the Maryland-Navy Crab Bowl Classic.  This grudge match between the two D1 programs in the state will take place at 4:00 PM, immediately before the VT-BS, game and will also be nationally televised on ESPN.

So both professional stadiums in Maryland will get a chance to shine on this beautiful September day.  I'll be around Camden Yards to take pictures of all the pagaentry (and tailgating) that goes with the event that both schools consider a home game. 

No matter who emerges victorious in these contests, the true winner is the State of Maryland.

Keep your fingers crossed for Terry as he works the high octane crowd.  Remember, we'll get the decision from FIFA the first week of December.  We're in the final stretch of what has been a long and intense bidding process.  Maryland distinguished itself well in the race to reach 1,000,000 signatures for the petition to bring the games to the US.  We have top-quality facilities and a dynamic demographic that makes our state a desirable location for any event.  Thanks to the efforts of all those who participated in the bid, our assets are well documented, as is our enthusiasm for the sport and the World Cup games.

Now all we can do is wait . . . (and cheer for Terry.)

The Crab Bowl Trophy

It took some snooping, but I found this tiny picture of the Crab Bowl Classic trophy, soon to be awarded to the winner of the Maryland-Navy game at M&T on Labor Day. 

As promised, the weather following a hurricane is glorious, and we can expect clear skies and cool temperatures at game time.  True football weather (but I could have used a little rain in the garden, Earl.)

Terry says the game is nearing a sell-out as it is down to the last few thousand seats.  With good weather, convenient access to both schools, avid alumni all over the region and the best football experience going, we are looking for a full house Monday.

(Would someone remind Bill the Goat not to nibble the turf this year?  It's brand new, and it doesn't grow back)

Remember, this is an all day spectacle.  The Brigade will be rolling in before noon for their pep rally/cookout on Eutaw Street.  Tailgating will no doubt begin even before.  And I understand from both Sports Legends and my favorite watering hole beyond center field that Maryland alumni groups have sewn up their party rooms pregame.

So if you're a Marylander of any stripe, or if you just want to enjoy a good game in a great city, plan to spend Labor Day afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium. 

To purchase online, visit TicketMaster or call TicketMaster Phone Charge at (800) 551-7328/(410) 547-7328.