Oh My Mudder!

On this typical stormy spring day in Maryland, OSM took a trip to Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area in Cecil County for a site visit.  The folks at Tough Mudder have been looking for potential sites in our area to host one of their events in early 2012.  Tough Mudder is thought of as one of the toughest endurance competitions on the planet.  Its 10-12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. After communicating with them for a few weeks, we were able to narrow down the search and set-up some visits.

Today's adventure was to the explore the possibilities of Fair Hill.  Fair Hill is known for its equestrian events, such as steeplechase, timber course and flat races, and extensive, unspoiled grounds.  Tough Mudder asked us to recommend sites that had over 400 acres in our area, and with Fair Hill’s 5,000+ acreage, we knew it would be a good fit, never mind swallow the event whole.

Guests Bearing Gifts

In selling the benefits of tournaments and other outside events to county and municipal recreation officials, Terry reminds them that making community-based facilities available to outside entities frequently pays handsome dividends.  From rental fees to facility upgrades, hosting activities and events is a smart way to stretch the limited resources local governments and clubs need to maintain their quality of life amenities.

We offer a very good example which presented itself just this week.

Horses, Courses, and Natural Resources -- It's Springtime in Maryland

As we wait for the Birds to fly north and Boog to fire up the grill, other rites of spring are well underway. Anchored by major events such as the Preakness and US Open, Maryland attracts many visitors who enjoy additional aspects of those sports and other outdoor activities. 

For many fans and weekend athletes, this season is defined by horses, courses, and natural resources.  Maryland has them in abundance.

Since steeplechase season is well underway, we'll start there.  It is a proud part of our history and heritage, and a recognized tourist attraction.

Move Over Jersey Shore, Dew Tour Comes to Ocean City

As we previously reported earlier in the week, the Dew Tour confirmed today that it will be making Ocean City the first stop on its 2011 schedule. The event will take place over the course of four days beginning on July 21. Ocean City will be the only East Coast stop on a tour that includes visits to Portland, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. OC is the first beach venue in the Dew Tour’s history.

This unique beach setting led to the creation of some new components. Besides the familiar BMX and skateboard events, a new skateboard bowl contest and a surfing competition have been added to this leg of the tour. The surfing competition is sure to be a highlight for the Ocean City stop. In addition to the featured events, there will be a live concert on the beach and the Dew Tour Festival Village.

This announcement is an important victory for Ocean City and the state. It helps in setting Ocean City apart from similar locales like Wildwood and Virginia Beach and making it a more desirable vacation spot. This is a huge step in bringing in more tourism dollars for the town of Ocean City.

Ocean Bowl Skate Park

The Dew Tour is returning to Maryland after a two year absence. The Camden Yards complex in Baltimore hosted the event in 2007 and 2008. Around 54,000 spectators came out to Camden Yards in 2007 and 52,000 in 2008. The city figured the economic impact to be around $10 million.

To be determined: whether or not the Flying Tomato will be soaring in the skies of Ocean City come July.


Keep it here for more Ocean City Dew Tour updates!

Dew Done Deal !!!

Don't blame us, but the news about the Dew Action Sports Tour kicking off their summer season in Ocean City leaked out today.  Seems Maryland Daily Record got a member of the Ocean City Council to confess that, indeed, they received the eagerly anticipated proposal from Alli Sports on Monday.

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, and of course Terry will be there.  (Terry was heavily involved in selling Ocean City to the Dew Dudes.  His association with them goes back to when the tour first formed in 2005 and Louisville was one of the sites.)  That's when we'll learn all the particulars about the event.

This we do know, however -- the Dew Tour is a major media event that will be broadcast live on NBC for two hours over the course of the competition.  It will also be carried on USA network and many of the action sports websites.  As an advertising vehicle for the host cities, Dew is priceless in showcasing the attractions and appeal of the destination.

(Much as we love Rodney, not even HE gets that much exposure.  Maybe we can coax him on to a skateboard to open the show.)

Ocean City, which prides itself on being a family vacation spot, is going to love hosting this high energy production this summer.  We understand the dates are July 21-24, with the network coverage on the weekend.

Stay tuned and hang loose.  This is a major coup for Ocean City.

A Cecil Celebration – Perch and Panfishing

Lunch at the Turn Ten featured a club sandwich with layers of softshell crab and rockfish. Reminded us how lucky we are to live in Maryland, where such delicacies are part of our culinary heritage and bountiful natural resources.

Field and stream sports are not only a source of recreation and food.   In Eastern and Western Maryland, hunting and fishing are industries that support a number of small businesses and attract tourists from all over.  From off shore bill fishing in Ocean City to Bay charters to casting in rivers and creeks, Maryland outfitters offer the excitement of game fishing and the timeless beauty of our outdoors as attractions.

It’s too early for those activities, but for if you're anxious to cast a line and enjoy a Maryland tradition, the advent of panfishing season is here.

Panfishing, you say? How does one bait a pan?

The pan in question is not used for catching the fish, merely for frying it. So a number of species, small enough to fit in a pan, but large enough to be considered game, qualify. Here in Maryland, they are such tasty specimens as perch, crappie, blue gill and croaker. They spawn in the fresh waters of rivers, reservoirs, and lakes and start their migration right about now.

A particular favorite is the yellow perch, and the Coastal Conservation Association of the upper Bay is having their second annual “Yellow Perch Appreciation Day” this Saturday, March 5th in North East, honoring the first fish of the Chesapeake season. As many youngsters learn to fish in pursuit of the yellow perch, this is a family oriented event.

For CCA, a sportsmen’s advocacy group, the event celebrates the resurgence of the yellow perch, which has rebounded due in large part to tighter restrictions on commercial nets in tributaries.
 
(A shout-out to the DNR who worked hard to create the balance between commercial harvesting and recreational fishing which made this possible.  DNR has also encouraged local retail markets to carry the commercial product.)

A fishing tournament of thanksgiving and celebration for this savory delight takes place at North East Park. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Anglers can fish from a boat or on the park pier, competing for top prize of $250 for the single heaviest ned. Runner-up earns $200, third place $150, fourth place $100, and fifth place $50. A CCA Calcutta gives fishermen a chance to double winnings.

Other activities include angling contests for children, food and drinks. Plus, 'Yellow Neddy' is scheduled to make an appearance. Find more information here:

The ever-helpful DNR has compiled a roster of some of the best fishing spots in the state as well Cecil County. Be sure to visit this site here:
 
And of course, you'll want to eat what you catch, so check for some traditional recipes in the Maryland Seafood Cookbook

Dew It Again !!!!!

Kudos to the sharp-eyed reporter
who picked up the blind item in our blog and determined the “nationally televised event” possibly coming to Maryland is the Dew Tour -- in Ocean City -- this July.  After a successful pitch to the Ocean City Council this afternoon, it looks like the Dew Crew will be coming back.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Terry confirmed he has been in contact with them on a regular basis since arriving here two years ago. His association actually predates their events at Camden Yards. When the Dew Tour debuted in 2006, their first stop was Louisville, so he worked very closely with them there. (He also worked the task force that designed Louisville Extreme Park next to Slugger Field downtown, an experience that he is sharing with our local skate park community group.)

Ocean City is a fabulous setting for a tournament viewed by millions on a number of media platforms. As we’ve often said, many of Maryland’s finest sporting venues are supported by our natural resources. In this case, the Atlantic Ocean provides a striking setting for the activities taking place where the boardwalk begins. As we learned in Baltimore, the Dew Dudes and Dew-dettes incorporate their host city into every aspect of their presentation, showcasing some gorgeous beauty shots and also providing a stage for local entertainment with a national headliner.

As a multi-season resort, this last factor is particularly appealing to Ocean City. While it may not host the Snooki set, Ocean City is a favorite summer destination for families, many of whom (like ours) have been going there regularly for generations.

This youth-oriented demographic is particularly appealing to Dew (now part of Alli Action Sports,) as it the popularity of action sports throughout the state continues to grow.  There are always dynamic activities for youngsters in the Action Village.

Even when Dew did not have events at Camden Yards, Baltimore continued to be a part of their universe. Charm City Skate Park  hosts the annual amateur component known as the Gatorade Free Flow Tour, which gives aspiring skaters the opportunity to compete with the professionals in the Dew Tour. So Dew has never been very far from our hearts here in Maryland.

We have to give a shoutout to Dundalk native Bucky Lasek, above, seen at his winning performance at Camden Yards three years ago. Bucky is a great booster of action sports in his home state, and has been lobbying the Dew Crew to find a way to bring it back.

While Camden Yards was a great choice because of its central location and easy access, it conflicted with the other uses of the stadium complex. Ocean City has many of the same mid-Atlantic geographic benefits with a lot more flexibility.

So stoke up for surf, sand, and skateboarding this summer in Ocean City. It’s gonna be rad, dude.

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.

Flacco Pulls Through for. . . . Shorebirds?

That's right.  The word from the Shore is that first baseman Mike Flacco (younger brother of You Know Who) went three for three last night against the Lakewood Blue Claws and drove in the winning run.

Team Terry just visited the Shore and paid a visit to Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, and were very impressed by the attractive multi-use stadium in Salisbury.

Minor league ball is a big draw in Maryland.  Not only do we have nice community stadiums that offer families the opportunity to see the Orioles of Tomorrow in an affordable setting, but the teams themselves have interesting promotions that make them even more fun to attend.

This week, the Frederick Keys are continuing their  local celebrity bobblehead series as Bryan Voltaggio, chef of Volt in downtown Frederick, will be featured with the first 1,000 fans receiving the bobblehead giveaway tomorrow.  Voltaggio gained national recognition as a finalist on the Top Chef reality series, a competition which his brother eventually won.

Volt will also run a concession stand that will raise money for the charity Share Our Strength that night.

So whether it's in Frederick, Hagerstown, Waldorf, Bowie, or Aberdeen, the minors of Maryland have major impact on quality of life and tourism.  And they are great facilities for a multitude of events that bring economic dollars to Maryland.

Team Terry on Tour -- Explore the Shore

Next week tout le Team Terry will be crossing the bridge to check out the natural resources and facilities that comprise the Eastern Shore sports scene.

Our primary destination is Somerset County, home of the Somer's Cove Marina in Crisfield -- largest state-owned marina in Maryland.  It is also a popular venue for public events and maritime activities like fishing tournaments and boat docking competitions.

(Boat docking contests among the watermen is somewhat like rodeos are to cowboys.  It's the opportunity to establish supremacy working the tools of the trade, and it's something to behold.  Virtually all maritime festivals and celebrations feature boat docking contests and they are real crowd pleasers.)

But I digress.  This trip will give Team Terry the opportunity to see some real gems in our state park system, like Janes Island, which has some of the best water trails in Maryland.  Tweety and Blogue are planning a little kayaking adventure there.

Hopefully, we'll have time to follow the Old Indian Trail (one of Maryland's Scenic Byways) to Assateague Island in Worcester, where the flat terrain, beautiful wetlands and ubiquitous wild ponies make it a favorite for recreational cyclists.

We know there's a lot of sports and recreation facilities to see on Maryland's southern Eastern Shore and our itinerary is still up in the air.  But look for it on the blog next week.

Touting de Tours

This is the week Terry and representatives from Medalist Sports will meet in Annapolis to determine the level of support for staging a week-long, statewide Tour de Maryland in 2012.  Terry invited tourism representatives from every jurisdiction, because an event of this magnitude brings visitors from all over.  It cannot happen without support from local governments to assist with logistics, either.

And yes, while corporate support is the lifeblood of any professional event, the place where the gears shift and the tread hits the trail is with the fans and cycling community.  This is where the outreach occurs and the volunteer base germinates.  Fortunately, Maryland has a thriving network of clubs, activities and events that will only be enhanced by the presence of a high profile, multi tiered event like Tour de Maryland.

The cycling community has many components, from the folks who use it as basic transportation to the daredevils who push the envelope with tricks and obstacle courses to the environmentalists who enjoy the experience of the many natural resources Maryland has to offer, to the fitness buffs who compete in triathlons and other challenges.

A large scale professional race like a Tour de Maryland taps into all these enthusiasts.  It gives them a platform to advocate cyling issues and draw attention to local businesses and resources that support bicycling.  It also includes them in the festivities and attractions in a festival atmosphere.

A good regional example of this model is the recent BikeJam in Baltimore.  I went last year and saw the professionals as they whizzed through Patterson Park in a day-glo colored blur.   Reminded me of a psychedelic poster I had in my dorm room.  But the races were only one of the attractions.  There were recreational rides, seminars on health and safety, and demonstrations of trick riding.

There are other bicycle events in the coming months that focus more on recreation, health, and fitness.  Tour Dem Parks, Hon in Baltimore began eight years ago as a way to showcase the newly opened Gwynns Falls Trail.  It has expanded over the years to include four different routes.  The 14 mile family ride (that's the one I did,) a 25 mile that adds Druid Hill Park, a 35 mile which includes even more of Baltimore, and a metric century (64 miles) that extends to Patapsco State Park.

You can tell who's there for the long haul.  They show up in matching spandex and sunglass ensembles.  They are either part of a racing team or a triathlon training program.  And they carry more water than a camel.

The event has grown every year.  In 2009, more than 1,000 participated.  Even more are expected this June 13.

Because almost all the courses take riders through the Camden Yards complex, this is a good way to learn how bicycle-friendly and easily accessible the stadiums are.  This year, a large map of the Gwynns Falls Trail and Baltimore will be in place at the corner of Warner and Ostend.  This will remind all our visitors just how convenient we are to downtown and the public/alternative transportation routes.

The inaugural Tour de Frederick is a little more ambitious, lasting the weekend of August 13-15 and giving participants the opportunity to take in the piedmont experience with trips to the ballpark and museums. (Can you see the tourism factor now?)

In October, the Sea Gull Century is planning its 22nd annual event, beginning and ending at Salisbury University and taking in many of the sights of Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Last year, more than 6,000 participated.

So you can already see how well the bicycle community is organized in three major regions of Maryland with entirely different demographics.  Just imagine an event that would showcase the entire state's bicycle community and enhance the many resources and activities we already have.

We'll find out a lot more of what is possible and what needs to be done to make this happen in Maryland.

If you are part of the cycling or tourism communities and want to learn more about this informational meeting, blip Tweety at info@marylandsports.us.

Wow of a Weekend!

We have an abundance of riches here in Chesapeake Country.  There are sports events celebrating our natural resources as well as our cultural history and heritage.  From the boxing ring in Salisbury to the ice rink in Laurel, there are spectator sports and recreational tournaments.  Let's take a look at what's happening in Maryland this weekend.

OPENING DAY OF TROPHY ROCKFISH SEASON, April 17.

If you think you were gnashing your teeth during all those blizzards, you have no idea what it was like for all those outdoorsmen (and women) just waiting to board the boats and cast their lines.  Tomorrow is Opening Day of Rockfish season, and the head boats will be out at dawn. 

With all our emphasis on spectator sports and games, we tend to overlook the economic importance of the field and stream community that support the hunting and fishing industry in Maryland.  This includes marinas and lodges and all the equipment shops that service and supply them. 

Bay fishing will really take off now.  You can follow the events and learn more about the sport at Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishing Association.

On another front, Salisbury fighter Fernando Guerrero heads into the ring at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday when he defends his North American Boxing Organization interim middleweight title against Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker.

Guerrero is a hometown favorite, and undefeated in the middleweight ranks.  His continued success takes him out of his adopted state, so the opportunities to see him here are becoming fewer.

This is a televised event (Showtime) which we always like to see here in Maryland.  The excitement, though, is seeing it live.  Tickets are still available to get in on the action in Salisbury tonight.

An entirely different challenge will take place on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, where the annual St. John's-Naval Academy croquet match will take place Saturday.

For the 28th year, the Imperial Wickets of the two colleges will rally their teams on the battlefield of the third oldest college in the country.  Though separated by only a wall, the two institutions are about 180 degrees apart in philosophy and decorum. This one Saturday in April, however, they come together  for a day of croquet, dancing, and great merriment in the Historic District of Annapolis.  (And yes, there is tailgating for this event.  As I have said previously, people in Annapolis tailgate before meetings of the City Council and rallies at the State House.  It's a part of the culture.)

The croquet match is a genuine tourist attraction, and St. John's College invites all to visit.  If you go, be sure to visit the many other attractions within walking distance.  The State House, City Dock, and US Naval Academy are only a few blocks away.

Back to healthy recreational activities.  This is the weekend of the St. Charles Half-Marathon, which begins in Waldorf and incorporates the 13 mile Indian Head Rail Trail in its course.  The half-marathon is more than one event on one day.  It showcases the county's tourist attractions, which also includes Regency Furniture Stadium.

Events Saturday and Sunday will include a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run and a runners expo.

The half marathon is part of a 15-city nationwide series sponsored by the U.S. Runners Association, and is expected to raise at least $5,000 for the United Way of Charles County. 

This is the first of what will hopefully be an annual event and attraction for those eventers who try to do at least one race in every state every year.

(The thought of such fitness is mind-boggling, but I their commitment is admirable and financially beneficial, so let's hear it for them.)

Of course, tomorrow is also the Smart-Link "Day of Rivals" here at M&T Bank Stadium. We're expecting over 20,000 (with a few noisy guests zooming overhead.)  I was just surveying the stadium and the ESPNU guys have their festival area well underway.  I sincerely hope the weather is as beautiful tomorrow as it is right now, but no matter the elements -- we know these four teams will be down and dirty in their respective grudge matches.

In addition to the pagentry and tradition that accompanies every Army-Navy encounter, you can anticipate a hard-fought struggle between two "home" teams (Maryland and Johns Hopkins) who are both nationally ranked, and who both expect to be back in on Memorial Day.

Marylanders have a lot of action to enjoy this weekend, and quite a few visitors to welcome.  And speaking of welcome -- Terry comes back from Columbus tonight and will have all sorts of tales from the hustings to share with us over the weekend.

We'll be reporting throughout.  Tweety is heading for Waldorf; Blogue will be floating between Baltimore and Annapolis.  Stay tuned for the latest and greatest.

Wow of a Weekend

We all know Maryland is a four season state.  There is never a weekend (or day for that matter) when there isn't a happening in the world of sports.  But something about fall -- when the beach is still beckoning, the mountains splendorous, the air crisp and the temperature moderate -- brings people of all ages from all over the country to experience Maryland.

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.

Vroom, Vroom

Hydroplaning is what you don't want your tires doing on a rainy night. But it's pretty exciting in a specially designed craft on the open water. That's what Ashley and I plan to watch tomorrow at the Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta . Ashley is the Tweeter on Team Terry, so stay tuned Saturday for thrills and chills on the Choptank.

The Powerboat Regatta features flat-bottom boats as well as hydroplanes. Here's the difference:

A hydroplane literally flies on a split bow comprised of two sponsons. At a certain speed, it lifts right off the surface. A single fin helps turn the boat because when it is operating at that velocity, only a tiny bit of the propeller is in the water.

A flat-bottom is a runabout with a(you guessed it)flat bottom. They skim across the surface at breakneck speed too, but unlike the aerodynamic hydros, skiffs bounce wildly from side to side. Race rules now require roll bars to protect the daredevils on these buckaroos.

And speaking of wild rides, I can see soccer partisans already milling around the Camden Yards complex in anticipation of the match tonight. They're lurking near Babe, mostly dressed in blue. I'm guessing they're Chelsea fans in search of Pickles, one of the official hangouts for the Chelsea contingent. (Milan has nailed down Little Italy. They will probably run into a number of the aforementioned firemen who staked their claim to LI last night.)

The energy is palpable. Baltimore is going to have its own wild ride tonight. Be sure to tune in to ESPN at 8:00

Tankagas State -- where the action is

There’s another reason – a very big one – why Maryland rules for hosting youth or college tournaments.

While an international airport and Amtrak’s Northeast corridor make Maryland venues easily accessible for major events, it is the interstate highway system and central location in the Mid-Atlantic population center that drive (literally) the friends and family network who comprise the fan base for youth and collegiate sports.

Call us Tankagas State. Not a campus, but a geographic reality -- with Maryland as the epicenter.

NCAA Lacrosse provides an excellent example. Baltimore, where both the men’s and women’s championship tournaments will be held next year, is only a tank of gas away from colleges in Long Island to Tobacco Road. Half the schools in the men’s Division I level are located within that radius, as are the families of many athletes. For a weekend event, Maryland is a rollicking road trip for a car and a cooler.

In the case of lacrosse, it goes beyond convenience for those involved in the tournament. Maryland also furnishes the talent for many of the teams, and other homegrown fans involved in many of the rec lacrosse programs, camps, tournaments and media outlets that comprise the outreach network. From a marketing standpoint, Maryland is lacrosse nirvana. The sport is nurtured here, and the locals will come regardless of who is in the tournament.

For tankagas road warriors, Maryland is a destination of choice for other reasons. Lots of lacrosse-centric activities and attractions are here. Ditto accommodations downtown or on light rail/water taxi lines.

We're counting down to NCAA Men's and Women's Lacrosse Championships, to be held in Baltimore Memorial Day Weekend, 2010. But until then, let's look at some of the other lacrosse tournaments that bring youngsters from all over the East Coast to Tankagas State.

Lax Splash, Timonium, June 6-7

Part of the Aloha tournament network, the Lax Splash tourney celebrates its 10th year in 2009. 160 teams participated in 1999. Since then, the tournament has grown steadily, now hosting more than 7,000 participants watched by nearly 20,000 attendees. The event, now considered the largest youth lacrosse tournament in the nation, is divided across 47 fields in 13 different locations, with the major hub of activity at the Timonium Fairgrounds.

Beach Lax Festival, Ocean City, June 6-7, 13-14

More than 200 lacrosse teams participated in the annual Beach Lax Festival over two weekends in and around Ocean City. 2009 is the 11th year for the girls (98 teams, June 6-7) tournament and fourth year for the boys (122 teams, June 13-14)

The purpose of the tournaments recognizes the end of the rec league season, the end of the school year, and the beginning of summer. But ultimately they celebrate family commitment to youth sports and Maryland's love affair with lacrosse.