Rollerskiing Chicago

By Brian Gregg

Skiing the pineapple powder in Hawaii is pretty unique.  I have skied in some pretty awesome places, Norway, Methow, Italy, Hayward, Alaska. Watt and a few others I know have roller skied Vegas, and that is still on my list.  Rollerskiing 15km on a sunny fall afternoon along the 26 miles of public lake shore in downtown Chicago… pretty cool.

 

Not your everyday ski trail

 

Karl and I flew into Chicago after Climb to the Castle for a weekend ski clinic.  After a big block of training we were looking forward to a change of pace and the opportunity to connect with some of the most dedicated skiers in the country.  Did you know there is cross country skiing in Chicago? The weekend was really going to start off with a bang as Tom was able to get his hands on Bulls/Wizards tickets but unfortunately our plane out of Albany was delayed.  Maybe next time I can see my first live NBA game.

 

Karl and Tom on an 85 degree October Day

 

 

Navy Pier. This is home to the huge Ferris Wheel you always see in movies.

 

One of the must do’s of Chicago is to experience Portillos which I believe is the most efficient restaurant I have ever been to.  We went twice and both times there was a huge line and I thought we would be there forever.  We were in and out in about three minutes. These guys must do a lot of volume.  Not to mention their beef and cheese croissant is fantastic.

It is nice to have a little change in pace after a solid training camp.  In 17 days at the US OTC in lake placid I trained 45 hours.  After a busy but fun weekend in the big city I am back in Hayward and ready to get back to work.