2008-2009 Short Track Season!

[bubblebuttsbabe]

Sept 17, 2008 3:12:53 GMT -5 Lori said:

THANK YOU, BBB!

Does this refer to Friday's tickets??? (For which we've had no info?)

The link (http://www.vancouver.ca/parks) doesn't work for me - is it working for anyone else?

YW, LORI! Oh and YES, this is for FRIDAY!

The reason that link doesn't work is because of the period (.) at the end. Take it off and it works - info is in the middle of the webpage, click that and it takes you to a new page where you need to click one of two (or both if you are going to both) links on the bottom right for the heats.

Hoped that helped! ;]

[bubblebuttsbabe]

LINKS (so no one gets confused, lol):

For the info page (you would still have to click on the ticket button):
www.vancouver.ca/parks/rec/skatetickets.htm

For Morning Heats*:
pbregister.vancouver.ca/safari_activitydetail.htm?activity_id=157286

For Afternoon Heats*:
pbregister.vancouver.ca/safari_activitydetail.htm?activity_id=157287

*copy and paste the link, you can't click it.

- - - - - -

Hope this helps you guys! :]

[mtnme]

Sept 17, 2008 0:31:09 GMT -5 Lori said:

Sept 14, 2008 16:58:27 GMT -5 musicalmom said:

I just found out that the Canadian Team is likely staying at the Hampton Inn down town because they didn't like the Sandman Inn which had originally been chosen.
Haven't been able to see where the U.S. team is staying. Does Apolo usually stay with the team? I bet they'll choose one of the botique hotels in downtown Vancouver.

MM, you did some good sleuth work, and you were apparently right on the money! I mentioned waaaaay upthread that I was in contact with a woman from a hotel that I thought was going to be the host hotel. I haven't heard from her in weeks and weeks, but she called me today. Hers is not the host hotel, but bless her heart, she had done some detective work and confirmed everything you posted.

The Sandman Hotel says that they ARE the host hotel, but the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown is apparently hosting the Canadian Team. I contacted the Sandman Hotel, and their group sales manager sent me an e-mail saying that they do have special rates for fans:

Hello Lori,

It was a pleasure to speak with you briefly today, and thank you for inquiring at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre.

We do have a rate in place for the Speed Skating Short Track Fans

Group Confirmation #440061

Rate: $ 149.00 for our 2 bedded rooms
$ 129.00 for our one queen bedded rooms

To make reservations each guest can either call 1800-SANDMAN or the hotel at 604-681-2211 and quote Group # 440 061.

I have attached an information sheet of the hotel for your perusal.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly anytime,

Best Regards,

Diana A. Klejne | Corporate Sales Manager
SANDMAN HOTEL VANCOUVER CITY CENTRE
180 West Georgia Street Vancouver BC
Phone [phone] | Fax [phone]
[e-mail] | www.sandmanhotels.com

I don't know how to attach the aforementioned information sheet to this post (a PDF file), but the website for the Sandman is www.sandmanhotels.com/en/hotel/bc/vancouver_citycentre

The Sandman's rates do not include breakfast, but they do have a restaurant. The only caveat that I can think of is that they are only listed as a 2-star accommodation in my AAA book. The Hampton Inn is a '3'. (Do the Canadian team's advance team know something we don't know???)

The Hampton Inn's rates are $159 for 2 Queen beds, and they do include breakfast. AAA rates are $151.

The hotel that helped me out so much, the Hilton Vancouver Airport, has offered us a rate of $115, not including breakfast. They are further away from the venue, but do have an airport shuttle.

Sandman: [phone]
Hampton Inn: [phone]
Hilton Vancouver Airport: [phone] (if you don't get that rate, ask for Cecilia at -6337 and tell her that you're coming for the ST event)

During the SLC World Cup, the entire US team did stay at the host hotel, (even though they had homes in the area) - I'm guessing here, but I'd assume that this WC would be no different.

According to the guidebook, here's the scoop on the Sandman hotel. (and realize, guidebooks often DO lie like the weatherman, so take it all with a grain of salt....)

Also, the host hotel is in fact further north than the one listed in the guidebook, which is closer to the city center and all the fun stuff to do. So a decision has to be made. Do you want to be at the same hotel as the skaters? (and it's not a guarantee they'll all be there) Or closer to the 'action' downtown - ya know, great restaurants, Stanley Park, etc etc.

But here's the description of the Sandman Hotel on Davie Street.

" Recent extensive renovations make this west end high rise a find. One bedroom suites offer kitchens, washer/dryers, balconies, and sofa beds in the living room. The views of English Bay from many of the rooms are a plus. Underground paid parking available. 1160 Davie Street. 604-681-7263

I wonder if the Canadian team chose the Hampton Inn as it's downtown and would be closer to some nicer amenities???

[lilyover76]

(Mtnme wrote:)
"Also, the host hotel is in fact further north than the one listed in the guidebook, which is closer to the city center and all the fun stuff to do. So a decision has to be made. Do you want to be at the same hotel as the skaters? (and it's not a guarantee they'll all be there) Or closer to the 'action' downtown - ya know, great restaurants, Stanley Park, etc etc."

---

Regarding the locales of the hotels:

The Sandman - City Centre (downtown) is in the best location for sight-seeing, IMHO. Yes, the Sandman - West End - Davie St. is very close to Stanley Park. But most of the sight-seeing portions of Stanley Park, such as the Aquarium, are several blocks away, up at the north-east side of the park. We've stayed across the street from Sandman - West End. This location is on the bus line, but you'll have to use transfers to get to most places. This West End location is the furthest from the 'action-areas'... and I'm a little surprised that this location was chosen for the Host Hotel, being out-of-the-way.

Too bad the Sandman- City Centre (downtown) is not the host hotel, if I understood Mtnme's post correctly. It is on the same block as the Hampton Inn and Suites and is the closest location to the harbor area/ cruise ship terminal and Gas Town, where most of the action is, for tourists. But this block is also on the 'fringe' of the heart of downtown.

Regarding the Sandman - City Centre (downtown): Is this location definitely NOT the HOST HOTEL location? I see Lori's contact person's address is at this location... so I'm confused on this matter. I'd like to have this question clarified.

One sight-seeing trip I recommend (if you have the time) is to go to Granville Island. Here, the Public Market is a *must-see*, as well as the many small shops and eateries. It is on the 'bus-line' from downtown.

ETA:
The phone # listed for reservations in Lori's post is for the Sandman - Vancouver City Centre on Georgie St., not the location at the West End, Davie St.

This would be a great location... for sight-seeing conveniences!

[Lori]

I got an e-mail today about advance sales for the AmCup tickets. I've asked for clarification about the usual question:

Will it be assigned seating (meaning we have to purchase as a block) or will it be (hopefully) 'open' seating withing a specific area?

I should hear something today and I'll let you know what I find out - but in the meantime, here's what I have:

Advance VIP tickets are available - prime seating & more - $30 per day for all ages

Email [e-mail] for info & to place VIP ticket orders

General admission tickets available at the door - $5 per day for children, students & seniors, $10 per day for adults (18-plus)

One request - if you have info specifically related to trip planning, can I ask everyone to continue to post it here rather than on the AmCup thread? Right now, when I'm thinking 'where did I see that?' I'm going through the ST thread, the Yahoo Group, my PM's and at least two different e-mail mailboxes, so it helps to have one less place to look for info. Thanks!

As for the Sandman Hotel - I spoke again to Diana, and it seems that Lily's info jives with what she said. The City Centre location (the one I posted info on) is in the center of town in a very nice area, near the arts venues, within walking distance of the 'hip' (her words) downtown shopping area, and it is the one closest to the Hampton Inn. She said that the other one is a bit closer to Stanley Park, however, but that both of them are quite close. I'm not sure if this helps with the confusion, or adds to it...

[lilyover76]

The Sandman - City Centre and the Hampton Inn are only a block apart.

The Sandman Suites - West End... you wouldn't want to walk from there to the downtown "hip" area. It's slightly uphill to the downtown area and over 20 blocks to the cruise-ship terminal/Gastown area. But it sounds like the Sandman - City Centre is the Host hotel anyway, much closer.

Another sight-seeing place to include if you have the time (and money to burn), go up to the top of the *Harbour Centre* building and have lunch there. The top restaurant revolves 360 degrees per each 1-hour... fantastic views unless it's cloudy. In the lower level, there is a large food court. This building is near the cruise-ship terminal and Gastown.

[apolosgal]

Ok I've been gone for a long time and I'm completely out of the loop so I'm going to be annoying and ask questions that have probably already been answered.

Is there any big news that I missed. Is the schedule posted? Are people going to go to any of the meets? I want to know cuz I might be able to make it to some. I'm sorry about being so uninformed. I've been busy lately. And I don't have time to read the threads right now to find the answers. Anyways hope to talk to you all soon. bye =)

[mtnme]

Sept 17, 2008 18:25:13 GMT -5 apolosgal said:

Ok I've been gone for a long time and I'm completely out of the loop so I'm going to be annoying and ask questions that have probably already been answered.

Is there any big news that I missed. Is the schedule posted? Are people going to go to any of the meets? I want to know cuz I might be able to make it to some. I'm sorry about being so uninformed. I've been busy lately. And I don't have time to read the threads right now to find the answers. Anyways hope to talk to you all soon. bye =)

A few for Am Cup 1

LOTS for World Cup 1 in SLC

AND

WC2 in Vancouver.

We haven't gotten to Nationals yet, but yeah, it's a safe bet we'll be there too.

[mtnme]

So adding to what Lily started for fun things to do in:

VANCOUVER

1) Stanley Park
A mere 10 minute bus ride from downtown. Forest walks, beachside strolls, and a vibrant rose garden are among it's natural attractions. Included in the Park is the Vancouver Aguarium, Totem Park, Prospect Point, English Bay, Beaver Lake, Lost Lagoon, Brockton Point, Seawall among other 'fun stuff'

www.seestanleypark.com/


2) Capilano Suspension Bridge
Not for those who hate heights! LOL The bridge is a swaying span above the Capilano River far below. This is the Worlds longest and highest suspension footbridge and leads to the West Coast rainforest.





3) Granville Island
The main attraction: The public market. An irrisistable emporium of green grocers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, importers, ethnic foodsellers, craft vendors, sweet stands, florists and casual eateries. Also includes the Railspur Alley, a cosy artisan enclave, the Net loft, which a collection of boutiques and the Granville Island Museums (model ships, model trains and sport fishing museum)


4) Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
This gem of a park in Chinatown reflects the serenity of the Ming Dynasty garden.


5) Whistler
Fun Village atmosphere, no cars allowed, ya gotta hoof it. (Think Vale) Abounds in shopping, dining- plus for the nature girls, hiking, biking, lakes and all around outdoor life. Alta Lake and Rainbow Park. Pray the ski season doesn't get an early start when we're there!


6) Grouse Mountain
If you're anywhere in the vacinity of Lori, she's gonna make you do the Grouse's Grind.

Be Afraid - Be VERY afraid.

Quite the reward at the top of the hill if ya make it to the top without needing medical intervention, with a lovely view, wildlife and eatery...if you live. (For those in the wuss category, I heard rumor you can take the tram) And when you read this following post from the GG website, you may very well decide to do just that...

Upside: My introduction to hiking in Vancouver! (It's always a little disconcerting to see paramedics at a trailhead.) Make sure your pacemaker is fully charged for this one and I really don't recommend doing it two weeks after a half marathon. On the plus side, my son offered to carry the pack when he noticed how purple my face was getting. Lovely, lovely views of the city from the top. Very steep, but a manicured trail.

Downside: Lots of company on this one, very crowded, but all like minded people. Boy, am I in bad shape... next time I'll bring a defibrillator.


...are you SURE about this Lori???

www.trailpeak.com/index.jsp?cat=hike&con=trail&val=10


Restaurants

Don Francesco
Step into Tuscany and choose from a large selection of game, seafood, beef, fowl and pasta (Something for everyone!) $$$$


Le Crocodile
Now we're in France! Elegant- are we dressed nicely enough? $$$

La Vieille France
Crepes are the specialty. Now we're dressed just fine... $
...I don't think we're losing any weight on this trip...


Raincity Grill
Pacific waters and sunsets on the English Bay. Focus is on Regional, seasonal and organic food. $$$$


Pacific Center Food Fair
Japanese and Chinese made to order dishes- plus pizza, tacos and frozen yogurt. I think this one covers ALL the bases! $

Culinaria
Indulge in a three course gourmet meal, whipped up by students of the Dubrulle Culinary and easy on the wallet $

There!!! That outta be enough to get ya all started! ;D

[gasp]

Here's page 2

Ryan Bedford 8/28/2008 2:24:15 PM
Alyson Dudek 8/28/2008 8:49:34 PM
Jessica Smith 8/29/2008 10:41:40 AM
Carly Wilson 8/29/2008 1:54:03 PM
Sarah Lehman 8/30/2008 11:00:57 AM
Levi Kirkpatrick 8/31/2008 7:24:03 PM
Maddie Watton 9/1/2008 1:19:06 PM
Buddy Gurr 9/1/2008 9:31:16 PM
Kristen Biondo 9/2/2008 8:04:57 AM
Mary Grace 9/2/2008 9:32:08 AM
Sadie Grace 9/2/2008 9:33:34 AM
Robert Lawrence 9/2/2008 1:21:04 PM
Chris Creveling 9/2/2008 1:53:05 PM
Jonathan Garcia 9/2/2008 1:55:51 PM
Nicholas Frank 9/2/2008 4:29:32 PM
Michael Burdekin 9/2/2008 6:02:10 PM
Rachel Skrocki 9/2/2008 8:38:22 PM
Kelsey Schiel 9/3/2008 10:04:00 AM
Julian Wood 9/4/2008 11:27:32 AM
Chloe Chepigin 9/4/2008 2:52:39 PM
Casey Mullarkey 9/4/2008 4:32:20 PM
Jeffrey Simon 9/5/2008 9:37:15 AM
Charles Ryan Leveille 9/5/2008 11:25:30 AM
Jonathan Sermeno 9/7/2008 1:56:21 PM
Colby Davis 9/7/2008 4:30:13 PM
Shani Davis 9/8/2008 2:47:23 PM
Andrea Dehnke 9/8/2008 3:04:53 PM
Vicky Labourdette 9/8/2008 3:29:50 PM
Anthony Lobello, Jr. 9/8/2008 7:52:23 PM
JP Kepka 9/9/2008 9:44:48 AM
Patrick Choi 9/9/2008 1:36:35 PM
Kimberly Derrick 9/9/2008 3:29:00 PM
Morgan Izykowski 9/9/2008 6:20:58 PM
Erica Lanser 9/10/2008 2:37:28 PM
Bizz Burns 9/10/2008 4:30:34 PM
Kirsten Todd 9/10/2008 8:46:13 PM
Joey Lindsey 9/11/2008 12:16:34 AM
Alexander Hopp 9/11/2008 10:58:32 AM
Lauren Ziegelmayer 9/12/2008 11:09:57 AM
J. Anthony Barthell 9/12/2008 6:55:18 PM
Chris (Kyle) Carr 9/12/2008 10:51:11 PM
Lezleigh Jaworski 9/14/2008 3:28:38 PM
Brian Boudreau

[gasp]

darn missed page 1 got page 2 twice brb LOL

[gasp]

Page 1

Simon Cho 8/14/2008 3:27:12 PM
J.R. Celski 8/14/2008 5:24:53 PM
M. Tina Koenig 9/15/2008 9:44:15 AM
Maria Garcia 9/15/2008 10:05:27 AM
Cody Young 9/15/2008 10:26:13 AM
Travis Jayner 9/15/2008 11:21:41 AM
Kyle Haun 9/15/2008 3:04:04 PM
Luke Tweddale 9/15/2008 3:44:24 PM
Cole Krueger 9/15/2008 3:44:27 PM
Tamara Frederick 9/15/2008 3:46:10 PM
Gregory Bliss 9/15/2008 3:48:55 PM
John-Henry Krueger 9/15/2008 3:51:10 PM
Sophia Milan 9/15/2008 3:59:49 PM
Joshua Burton 9/15/2008 4:01:20 PM
James Rodowsky 9/15/2008 4:02:39 PM
Landon Hatfield 9/15/2008 4:05:36 PM
Elizabeth Looby 9/15/2008 8:58:25 PM
Matthew Lai 9/15/2008 10:18:02 PM
Shelby Comeau 9/15/2008 10:20:24 PM
Kevin Geminder 9/16/2008 9:56:43 AM
Rachel Stewart 9/16/2008 11:06:17 AM
Katherine Reutter 9/16/2008 11:22:37 AM
Nicholas Ah Kun 9/16/2008 11:45:34 AM
Zachary Fuller 9/16/2008 2:59:55 PM
Jonathan Valdivia 9/16/2008 4:00:18 PM
Jonathan Valdivia 9/16/2008 4:00:18 PM
Matthew Ferguson 9/16/2008 9:04:21 PM
Jin Sook Chea 9/17/2008 8:25:05 AM
Eun Ji Jeong 9/17/2008 9:20:56 AM
Adam Callister 9/17/2008 10:27:39 AM
Levi Sinak 9/17/2008 12:42:11 PM
Chris McLaughlin 9/17/2008 1:42:53 PM
Thomas Anderson 9/17/2008 7:02:06 PM
Sarah Elliott 9/17/2008 8:26:09 PM
Allison Baver 8/14/2008 7:53:23 PM
Kyle Uyehara 8/15/2008 11:03:58 AM
Katie Welsh 8/16/2008 9:25:55 AM
Barry Winslow 8/17/2008 8:19:46 PM
Eduardo Alvarez 8/18/2008 6:59:42 PM
Erin Bartlett 8/19/2008 6:50:09 PM
Cherise Wilkins 8/20/2008 4:36:10 AM
Alaina Fiorenza 8/20/2008 7:42:44 AM
Walter Rusk 8/21/2008 3:04:06 PM
Eleanor Poore 8/22/2008 12:11:58 PM
Sarah Burg 8/23/2008 3:09:23 PM
Ansis Robs 8/24/2008 3:10:51 PM
Lana Gehring 8/27/2008 7:52:45 AM
Derek Gray 8/27/2008 8:07:02 AM
Kathleen Russell 8/27/2008 8:17:30 PM
Daniel Fiorenza 8/28/2008 11:18:56 AM

[Lori]

We have an impressive lineup for AmCup1! - missing only Jordan and Apolo, but 'looks like everyone else will be at the 'dance'!

An update on AmCup advance purchase tickets:

It will be an open seating area for VIP to move around as you like. There will also be a VIP area over looking the rink that will be set up and heated to warm up and still see the race and then you will be able to go back to you seat in the area at will.

That heated area sounds grrrrreat!

SO - the bottom line is that you should each individually e-mail [e-mail] and let Greg know that you'll be purchasing the VIP tickets, and he'll let you know how to make payment when they get things set up.

[mtnme]

Thanks Lori for going 'Above and Beyond' to get us this information.

We'll get those tickets on order ASAP.
Also, don't forget Izzy...although his being on the injured list was a given...but still...he'll be missed.

Now about that heated VIP area. Something tells me we'll be needing our 'Nanook of the North' suits....

[Lori]

Apolosgal, check your PM's - I sent you some AmCup info...

Number1Fan reported on the AmCup thread that Greg Oly (he's the [e-mail] that we're ordering our tickets from) said that Apolo's not skating in that event. As World Champion, he's automatically 'in' for the first World Cups. That's good news for those who are attending SLC and Vancouver!

We were beginning to suspect this after Lily dug up the USS rules last month. Even though we were hoping he would compete (and I'm sure the event organizers were hoping even more than us...), it makes sense that he wouldn't want to risk injury by competing when he doesn't have to, and I think it's a good call on his part.

We're a tiny group, and (I think) we'd all be going anyway, with or without Apolo. I know that I'm looking forward to seeing who joins Apolo on the World Cup circuit!

OMG, Mtnme - yes, I was certainly remiss in not mentioning the absence of Izy! Let's hope he can get healthy before Nationals...

EDIT: I'm almost finished with summaries for SLC and Vancouver, but I'm gonna 'chill' a bit and post them after I get back from AmCup...