2009 Peach Classic - All Adult Competition

rlichtefeld · #1 04-03-2009, 12:03 PM

I think we finally have the rink and the Sectional Vice Chair for Competitions in agreement. (Both, had to agree to the date.)

The date for this year's Peach Classic All Adult Figure Skating Competition will be August 29-30, 2009.

It will be held the same place as the past few years, at the Atlanta IceForum, in Duluth, GA.

I have a bare-bones website up, that we will update when the announcement and sanction are approved. This will most likely be after Governing Council, so that we can incorporate any changes to the Adult rules.

The website is:
http://www.gafsc.org/peachclassic

I hope we can see you again this year.

Rob

RachelSk8er · #2 05-27-2009, 08:23 AM

Rob--do you have an announcement/entry forms yet?

I've been keeping an eye on flights and they just went down $44 so I'd like to book soon, but was waiting on the official paperwork...

Also, time do things typically wrap up on Sunday, and how long would it take me to get from the rink to the airport? Trying to get an idea of the best times for return flights if I had to skate on Sunday and since I'm probably sharing a rental car with skaters in other levels. (There are a few flights between 4pm-8pm, just trying to avoid either a rush to the airport to catch a flight, getting home late on Sunday, or both.)

rlichtefeld · #3 05-27-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachelSk8er

Rob--do you have an announcement/entry forms yet?

I've been keeping an eye on flights and they just went down $44 so I'd like to book soon, but was waiting on the official paperwork...

Also, time do things typically wrap up on Sunday, and how long would it take me to get from the rink to the airport? Trying to get an idea of the best times for return flights if I had to skate on Sunday and since I'm probably sharing a rental car with skaters in other levels. (There are a few flights between 4pm-8pm, just trying to avoid either a rush to the airport to catch a flight, getting home late on Sunday, or both.)

We should have the announcement out in the next day or two. The Sanction Chair had a few corrections that I needed to make, and I sent the corrected announcement back to him this morning.

You can check the schedules from the last few years at: http://www.gafsc.org/peachclassic
Just click on the year on the left, and then click on Schedule.

I usually plan on it taking an hour to get from my house (which is near the rink) to the airport. This takes into account small accidents that may pop up, etc. However, it usually only takes about 40-45 minutes. But, I'd rather sit at the gate a few minutes early that rush to catch a flight. Also, depending on the time of day, it can take a while to get through security. Since the Atlanta airport is the world's busiest, I usually plan on getting to the airport an hour before my flight. But, I don't have to turn in a rental car.

I would think a flight after 4:00 would give you plenty of time to get from the rink to the airport. But, until the final schedule is put out by the referee, I can't guarantee anything.

Rob

RachelSk8er · #4 05-27-2009, 02:04 PM

Thanks! I was mostly looking at 5 and 7 pm flights, so that should work. There is also an 8pm but it's not direct and won't get me in until midnight (yuck).

I'm planning to do this trip without having to check anything. I had better have room in the skate bag for my SNUGGIE!!!

Stormy · #5 05-27-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachelSk8er

Thanks! I was mostly looking at 5 and 7 pm flights, so that should work. There is also an 8pm but it's not direct and won't get me in until midnight (yuck).

I'm planning to do this trip without having to check anything. I had better have room in the skate bag for my SNUGGIE!!!

I am bringing my Snuggie! A 5-7 PM flight is what I am looking at as well. We're always out in time for a later afternoon flight.

rlichtefeld · #6 05-28-2009, 11:06 AM

I'm excited to announce that we got the sanction approved and the announcement for 2009 Peach Classic All Adult Figure Skating Competition is now online:
http://www.gafsc.org/peachclassic

Also, I have a skater who already has contacted me and wants to be on a Gold Team. If you are interested, let me know and I'll forward her email to you.

Rob

RachelSk8er · #7 05-28-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormy

I am bringing my Snuggie! A 5-7 PM flight is what I am looking at as well. We're always out in time for a later afternoon flight.

WOOOO WOOOOOO fun times for all!

Petlover · #8 05-29-2009, 03:26 PM

I'm sending in my entry next week! This is my favorite competition, and well worth the 8 hour drive from Florida. I rarely fly, my asthma acts up too badly.

Coach said my loop is good enough to put in my program this year, I can't wait!

looplover · #9 05-29-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petlover

I'm sending in my entry next week! This is my favorite competition, and well worth the 8 hour drive from Florida. I rarely fly, my asthma acts up too badly.

Coach said my loop is good enough to put in my program this year, I can't wait!

Woo hoo! You will do great!!!

I wish I were going to this! Not in the budget this year as it turns out...(nor is skating at all right now) - next year!

RachelSk8er · #10 06-02-2009, 02:25 PM

I booked my flight today! Yippee!

Skate@Delaware · #11 06-02-2009, 07:37 PM

I would really love to be able to go now that I'm fairly healed up and back to my old skating self, but I'm in school and that's the first week back....daggone it!

RachelSk8er · #12 06-03-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skate@Delaware

I would really love to be able to go now that I'm fairly healed up and back to my old skating self, but I'm in school and that's the first week back....daggone it!

Yeah that's the weekend after my first week of classes too (but I don't care)...my most wonderful #1 competition sidekick/roomie and my other friends are all understanding of my need to hide/study. For fall semester, I usually get books and start reading as soon as they come out anyway, so by the first week of classes I've already got a few weeks of reading done.

Skate@Delaware · #13 06-04-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachelSk8er

Yeah that's the weekend after my first week of classes too (but I don't care)...my most wonderful #1 competition sidekick/roomie and my other friends are all understanding of my need to hide/study. For fall semester, I usually get books and start reading as soon as they come out anyway, so by the first week of classes I've already got a few weeks of reading done.

The reading part I can handle, it's the labs I cannot afford to miss out on (my college has a low tolerance of you missing them for any reason). I don't know when my classes will be since I'm on a waiting list-my luck would be I'd sign up for Peach and have a Friday/Saturday class!

RachelSk8er · #14 08-06-2009, 08:26 AM

Bump! Just about 20 days left! Who is going (other than Cheryl, Jocelyn, Rochelle, Erin and I)?

Mel On Ice · #15 08-06-2009, 09:39 AM

I wish I were going just to see you guys. I'm just getting a program together - I have the first 3 seconds done - and am supporting the Buckeye/Cincinnati adult skaters again this year.

Maybe a roadtrip to Peach one year would be entertaining.

RachelSk8er · #16 08-06-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel On Ice

I wish I were going just to see you guys. I'm just getting a program together - I have the first 3 seconds done - and am supporting the Buckeye/Cincinnati adult skaters again this year.

Maybe a roadtrip to Peach one year would be entertaining.

Yesssssssssss I can't wait til Buckeye then!

Petlover · #17 08-06-2009, 02:20 PM

I'm going - will be in pre-bronze IV. I've already got my petsitter lined up and can't wait!

SkateTaiRandy · #18 08-06-2009, 10:55 PM

Nevermind, sorry

skaternum · #19 08-07-2009, 10:15 AM

Rob, how do the numbers look this year? I'm curious as to what effect the economy, etc. is having on adult comp attendance.

rlichtefeld · #20 08-07-2009, 02:27 PM

The numbers are a bit low. But, not horrible.

They are about what they were the last 2 years.

However, the big drop occurred in 2006. We went from 96 skaters in 2005 to 51 skaters in 2006. But, we've come back up a bit since then.

2006 was the first year for the Halloween Classic. Coincidence? Think not.

In 2005 there was really only the Peach, New Years, Deborah Burgoyne, and AN. Now with Buckeye, Halloween Classic, etc. I think we are diluting each others' numbers. Adult skaters can only do so many comps each year, and you tend to do the nearest ones - less travel expenses. And, Buckeye and Halloween are after school starts and are after when most rinks go back to a fall schedule.

Rob

NoVa Sk8r · #21 08-07-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlichtefeld

2006 was the first year for the Halloween Classic. Coincidence? Think not.

Just FYI: The Halloween Classic began in 2004.

flo · #22 08-08-2009, 01:03 AM

And both the Peach and the Halloween classic are both exceptionally well run events. It's a pleasure to be a part of either.

jskater49 · #23 08-08-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlichtefeld

The numbers are a bit low. But, not horrible.

They are about what they were the last 2 years.

However, the big drop occurred in 2006. We went from 96 skaters in 2005 to 51 skaters in 2006. But, we've come back up a bit since then.

2006 was the first year for the Halloween Classic. Coincidence? Think not.

In 2005 there was really only the Peach, New Years, Deborah Burgoyne, and AN. Now with Buckeye, Halloween Classic, etc. I think we are diluting each others' numbers. Adult skaters can only do so many comps each year, and you tend to do the nearest ones - less travel expenses. And, Buckeye and Halloween are after school starts and are after when most rinks go back to a fall schedule.

Rob

I disagree. There a a lot of skaters (like me) who are not going to fly somewhere to compete. I think the more adult competitions, the more adult skaters.

BTW - still waiting for the sanction for Cyclone Championships in Ames which is the same weekend as the Buckeye and we will have adult events too!

j

rlichtefeld · #24 08-10-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jskater49

I disagree. There a a lot of skaters (like me) who are not going to fly somewhere to compete. I think the more adult competitions, the more adult skaters.

BTW - still waiting for the sanction for Cyclone Championships in Ames which is the same weekend as the Buckeye and we will have adult events too!

j

It appears you are agreeing with me.

You said "There a a lot of skaters (like me) who are not going to fly somewhere to compete."

I said "Adult skaters can only do so many comps each year, and you tend to do the nearest ones - less travel expenses."

With a lot of all-adult competitions, you will probably have more total skaters competing at ALL events. However, that does make for fewer skaters at EACH event. Not complaining, just explaining.

I've been the chair or co-chair at the Peach for 8 of the 13 years it's been around. I keep doing it because of the adult skaters out there. And, will probably keep doing it in the future as long as there are skaters that will come.

However, I do see at some point, the numbers will be low enough that it won't make sense for our club to continue to put it on - at least near Labor Day. It seems that many adult skaters don't want to compete then, when they have other all-adult comps coming up just a month or two later - after their kids are back in school and that their own schedule has settled down after the summer.

Rob

RachelSk8er · #25 08-11-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlichtefeld

However, I do see at some point, the numbers will be low enough that it won't make sense for our club to continue to put it on - at least near Labor Day. It seems that many adult skaters don't want to compete then, when they have other all-adult comps coming up just a month or two later - after their kids are back in school and that their own schedule has settled down after the summer.

Rob

My gripe about the timing (and I'm just realizing this) is that it's in that awkward transition time between summer ice ending and fall ice not quite starting up yet. It will be quite a scramble for me to find ice the week leading up to Peach. Not your fault though, and I'll make it work.

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