Cycling Season

I picked up the latest edition of Spokes Magazine last week.  This periodical, based in Frederick, covers bicycling interests throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  I find it interesting because every issue has articles or commentary which relate to bicycling as a transportation option, recreational pastime and competitive sport.

This is becoming more relevant to Maryland as we develop trails and incorporate them into commuting options along with their amenities as parks and open spaces.  The most recent issue has a calendar of recreational excursions, advocacy events (remember the "Wear What You Dare" to Capitol Hill last year?) training exercises and professional competitions.

It's amazing how many cycle centric activities there are in Maryland.  And how many opportunities this time of year to combine fitness with heritage tourism via the historic trails (think:  C&O Canal, Allegheny Highlands, Capitol Crescent.)

I have to give a shoutout here to Nate Evans, the bicycle and pedestrian planner with the City of Baltimore, who is working with us to make Camden Yards more bicycle friendly for the fans and commuters who pass through our transit center.  You'll be reading more about that this spring, along with a potential major statewide event Team Terry is working on.

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, more people are thinking about cyling events.  Pick up a copy of Spokes, or read the online edition to catch up on some activities of interest here in Maryland.

Up In The Air, Take 2

Thank heavens the weather today looks more like this.  Last Saturday, the monsoon that couldn't dampen Ridley's opening did manage to ground Baltimore Racing Development's  surveillance helicopter.  So the process will take place this Saturday instead.

I did manage to learn more about the process to better explain what the chopper will be doing.  Since we're so close to University of Maryland Medical Center, I'll try explaining in those terms.

Thiink of this aerial mapping as sort of an MRI of the proposed race course.  Prior to filming, the race professionals will be placing photo sensitive monitors inside the curbs.  This will allow them to calculate an exact measurement of road width at every point along the course in their imaging.

This is particularly crucial at the hairpin turns, which have strict requirements for the amount of asphalt needed.  An aerial map can determine if the site meets the standards, or how it has to be modified to work.  One such turn will be on Russell Street between the two stadiums.

The map will indicate the best places for viewing stands, like parking and turning lanes that are part of the road but not necessary for the course.

Most interesting, though, is that the sensors can detect anamolies in the surface that will have to be accommodated.  Everything from potholes to utility caps will show up on on this CT scan.  It will give race organizers (and their partners) a clear idea of what kind of work has to be done to make city streets race ready.

Here's the best part for the many of you out there who ask how the plans are progressing --- the analysis of this imaging is almost instantaneous.  Terry says the information will be available and submitted to the City by next week.  From the data gathered, the team will be able to determine infrastructure costs as well as what needs to be done to fine tune the course layout to maximize the viewer experience.

So stay tuned.  More news will be coming our way in the near future.

ESPN National High School Invitational Comes to Coppin

The beautiful new arena at Coppin State is less than six months old, and it is getting its first nationally televised event over the Easter weekend.

The ESPN boys and girls high school basketball tournament RISE (aka "mini March Madness") is in its second year and already garnering attention as a showcase for the finest scholastic athletes, even before they get to college.  The tournament is broadcast over three days (April 1-3) and includes teams from all over the country.

The event was supposed to be at Georgetown Prep, but the conflict with Easter proved a problem.  Coppin was happy to step in.

We don't know the economic impact of this event, but the coverage is certainly a nice bonus.  It will give a national audience a good look at the future of the sport in a beautiful new facility.

(Disclaimer:  MSA built the Coppin Physical Education Complex, so a certain amount of crowing is personal pride.)

Congratulations to all those who swooped in for the rebound and scored at the buzzer to land this one.

Rescheduling Recon

Helicopters aren't quite as hardy as Greyhound fans.  While the rain didn't quell the crowd at Ridley, it did ground the recon crew scheduled to fly over the course proposed for the Indy Car race in downtown Baltimore.

Yes, the eagerly anticipated Indy Car initiative is zooming ahead.  Although the weather waved the caution flag Saturday, plans are progressing nicely.

(For those who may not be following this closely, the flyover is necessary to examine road widths, turn angles, surface conditions, etc.  This is all part of the traffic survey factored into the study.)

Like the soccer match, we don't have all the answers yet.  However, we anticipate something coming out of Baltimore Racing Development and the City before the end of April.

Now that the sun is out, the helicopter survey can be rescheduled.  Be sure to wave when you see it over Camden Yards.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why

Team Terry can't go anywhere without tout le monde asking about the international soccer match planned this summer at M&T Bank Stadium.  Yes, we thought we'd know something definite by now, but there are reasons why we don't.  So to answer as many of your questions as possible, we're giving you it to you in Journalism 101 format.

WHO:  We aren't sure whice teams are coming, but they will be major league (Premier, etc.) and European.

WHAT:  An exhibition or "friendly" match.  Unlike last year, this won't be a part of an International Football Challenge or round robin tournament.

WHY:  Remember, 2010 is a World Cup year.  That creates conflicts with league schedules since many players leave their professional team in order to participate in their nation's quest for the World Cup.  World Cup rounds take place in South Africa between June 11 and July 11.  (England is scheduled to play the US  June 12.)  World Cup obligations have made a US tour for European sides a tad trickier than last year.

WHEN:  Another variable.  The data has vacillated between July 25 and July 31, but that doesn't mean another date between those might not be selected.

WHERE:  That part we know-- M&T Bank Stadium.

Believe us, as soon as we have the answers to "when" and "who"  (as well as "how much") we'll let you know.  But we can guarantee that interest in soccer will be intensified by the focus on World Cup competition.  You'll be seeing and hearing about it all summer.  We already know of three large venues in Maryland planning "watch" parties.  By the time our match rolls around in late July, the country will be primed for the top flight soccer action we'll be bringing to Baltimore.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Even though the rain refused to cease, the Loyola faithful were not deterred and came out in droves to the grand opening of Ridley Athletic Complex. A sellout crowd of 6,000+ showed their support as they trudged through the rain to watch Loyola take on Duke Saturday. And even though the Greyhounds lost 8-5, they racked up a number of firsts: First Goal- Loyola (Finnerty); First Faceoff Win- Loyola (Schiavone) and First Sold-out Home Game at Ridley Athletic Complex- and sure not to be the last for decades to come.

Pictures of the day from Greyhounds' website

Raves for Ridley

Loyola University celebrated the grand opening of the new $62 million Ridley Athletic Complex Saturday.  Team Terry planned to be there for the ribbon-cutting and lacrosse match against Duke, but two thirds of the delegation were sidelined by a flooded basement and leaking roof.  It was left to Tweety to carry the standard for the Merry Marketeers.  She joined another 6,000 soaked souls for the festivities at the top of Television Hill.

We've only heard reports and seen pictures of the impressive complex, so we are eager to get Tweety's first person account.  As soon as she dries out, she's going to recount the activities of the day and the enthusiasm expressed by the University and community for this new facility.

We want to give a special shout out to Loyola and their athletic department for all the support given OSM when the World Cup bid first emerged.  Loyola was among the first to step up with the offer to participate as a host venue, even though their complex was not yet finished.  Their steadfast support was certainly a significant factor in our winning the bid.

Although the outcome of the game against Duke was disappointing and the weather was ghastly, nothing could dampen the spirit of the day.


This complex has been about 15 years (and countless community meetings) in planning and development, so we can understand the tremendous pride the school feels in bringing it to fruition.  It is not just a credit to the University, but also an iconic venue that will be part of Maryland's sports heritage for many years to come.