anyone from South Jersey going to SkateAmerica?

[mindy74]

I'm thinking about getting an all-event ticket and going for all 4 days, but I'm a little nervous about driving up by myself. Does anyone know if it's a fairly easy drive or can it get dicey? I know it's about an hour and a half from where I live, but I've never driven that far into PA before. Unfortunately nobody in my personal life is as fanatical about skating as I am and wouldn't want to spend 4 days at a competition so I'm considering doing this solo. Is anyone else in the same boat??

I was thinking of just getting a single event ticket, but the idea of going for the entire competition and seeing practices sounds very cool to me. I've never been to a competition before and this is probably the best shot I'll get for awhile.

[snowbird]

Hi Mindy. If you decide to come, we will help you any way we can. I don't think the drive is bad, but I guess that's a matter of perspective. The easiest way is to come through Philly on the Schuylkill Expressway and either take Route 422 or the turnpike to Reading. Once you get to Reading it's a piece of cake. Count on 1 1/2 hours from Philly to Reading.

I highly recommend the all event ticket. Even without Michelle it is so much fun to get up close and personal at the practices. These tickets are much more affordable than Nationals and Worlds so it's really a good opportunity.

As you can see from the other related threads, there is a group from the Forum attending. Two of us are locals so we hope to plan some shopping excursions and a dinner. It's going to be alot of fun (even without Michelle - sniff sniff).

There may even be someone travelling from your area but may not commit until closer to the event. You never know.

Susan B and I would also be happy to suggest lodgings to you if you're interested and will give you more specific directions. Let us know.

[mindy74]

Snowbird, thanks for your advice! I already bought an all-event ticket (premier level, I hope I get a decent seat) and made hotel reservations at the Inn at Reading. Are you familiar with this place? It looked really nice on the website, but the main reason I picked it is because they have a center with Internet access (i don't have a laptop). I hope it's not too hard to get from there to the Sovereign Center! Maybe I could grab a shuttle or bus.
I figure the drive to Reading shouldn't be too bad as I'm planning on leaving mid-morning to avoid rush hour traffic. I'm undecided on whether to take 422 or the Turnpike. I'm not too familiar with the PA Turnpike but it can't be worse than the NJ Turnpike!!

I'm really looking forward to this. I can't wait! My first competiton and it will be fun seeing all the practices and the skaters how don't get on TV.

[snowbird]

Great Mindy - glad you got your ticket. Yes, I am familiar with the Inn at Reading and it is a nice motel. It is situate "over the river" from downtown Reading, but that's okay. There was a recent article in the local newspaper about how downtown Reading will handle the parking problem during the event. That remains undecided, but it they're smart they will run shuttle buses. Parking shouldn't be a problem on the weekends but it will be a problem during the week when everyone is at work downtown.

In any event, not to worry. Reading is not that big and not that difficult to maneuver. Will have more information closer to October. I will be staying with my mom during that week and will have to come right by the Inn at Reading to get downtown so carpooling is definitely an option.

My suggestion to you is to take the turnpike at King of Prussia and get off at Morgantown. Then take 176 north to 422 west and you're there!

[GardenKitty]

I"m not driving from South Jersey, but I am planning to attend. As Snowbird mentioned, a group of us are planning to go. A lot of us are by ourselves, but you're never alone when the MKF is around. I went to Worlds, my first competition, by myself but I got to meet and visit with so many wonderful MKF people that I never felt alone. In fact, I bet you'll feel like you're finally at home to watch a competition with other big skating fans.

Glad you are planning to come and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[belladella]

Transportation to Reading is a bit of a problem for me also. I'm coming in from Westchester, New York and I haven't been doing any distance driving for the past few years. I'm not sure whether I should drive to Reading or not. Either Snowbird or Susan ba posted that there is a direct bus from Port Authority. So that is an option for me. But on the down side I have to make the hike from the 'burbs into the city to reach Port Authority.

But once I get to Reading, I'll meet up with the 20 or so MKF group and it's going to be great.

[mindy74]

I'm glad there are others coming by themselves, too, so I don't feel so alone! I have met a few local MFKers at COI in Philly in April so it will be great to meet others from different areas.
Snowbird, I did see on the map that that the hotel is a bit away from downtown Reading. Like you said, I hope they are running shuttles or it would be great if we could arrange carpooling. I know that this place runs a shuttle to the outlets, maybe I could pay them to shuttle me to the center!

[mindy74]

BellaDella, good luck with your transportation! I was thinking of public transportation too but I think I'd rather have my own car while I'm there. Hope everything works out for you, too.

I have everything settled except what car I'll be driving. I'm not taking mine (still runs ok, but don't trust it for long distances, has 194,000+miles on it!!). So either I spend more money on a rental or get my mom's car. Hopefully she won't mind me borrowing it. My mom's friend is going to come and take care of my cats so that's one less worry, too.