The 007 Report
St. Louis’ Skills on Wheels (SOWs) Skate Jam
April 25-26, 2003

St. Louis is not only the gateway to the West, but it is the home of Nelly, Cedric the Entertainer, O. Smith and his flips, and beer.  Now you can add another credit to the city’s resume: it is home to some of the nation’s best skaters.

I am not aware of many other cities that have an adult session on Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to Noon - roller skating is serious in St. Louis.   I am sure that at your local skate scene you have people in attendance who are there to be seen and not to roll, but that is not the case in St. Louis.  Friday morning, April 25,  was nice and there were even guest appearances from Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati and Atlanta skaters.  Thumbs up to the management and staff of Skate King and to the skaters of St. Louis for their hospitality.

007 was in the house Friday night as the host hotel became Party Central.  All the men were dressed to impress with alligator, ostrich, and snake on their feet and the women were dolled up also.  The atmosphere was nice as we danced and partied all night long until it was time to go skating.  Back to Skate King we went.

St. Louis has the most intriguing style of skating, it's smooth, sexy, hip and is also contagious.  By the night’s end I was flowing just like I was a citizen of Nellyville, (at least I thought I was doing something). Even more national skaters were at the skate set that night,  Arkansas checked in and Louisville, Kentucky was also in the house.  The energy and adrenaline set the tone for the Main Event.

Saturday night, April 26,  the long line at Saints Roller Skating Rink formed an hour before doors opened, however, when you entered the building you forgot about the chilly wait in line.  Upon entering the rink, your senses were thrown into a skater’s paradise.  The vendors provided all the skate gear and accessories you could ask for, there was plenty of delicious food on hand and the music was better than last year.

The rink made some hidden improvements this year by adding fans on the floor to keep the concrete from sweating and skaters from falling and even though there was a party jumping at the same time on the East Coast, there were plenty of skaters in the house.  Milwaukee showed up deep as Barry White's voice,  Arkansas was 100 deep (is Bill Clinton the only white guy from Arkansas?), and the skate love lasted all night long and into the Sunday morning adult session.

The entire weekend was strong enough for anyone but made for a skater.  I will return to St. Louis next year for sure. SOWs proved that they have Skills beyond the Wheels.  Thanks!

See you on the floor!
007