Jerry Summers
The frequent programs on the sports channels that feature courage and danger involved by the dare devil downward skiers on the slopes of Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, etc. may present a future tourist attraction opportunity for the Scenic City in a non-snow environment with several potential sporting venues:
1) Roundabout: Bachman Tunnels- a natural downward decline into the high-priced locale of East Lake on a westward plunge has produced two past traffic deaths for motorists failing to slow down after coming through the slot from East Ridge.
2) S Curves: Hixson Pike- The opportunity to transverse this potential slope in either direction by candidates for the United States Olympic Ski Team has a natural downward practice area that could start any male, female, etc. gold medal aspirant on the path to Wide World of Sports glory.
Unfortunately, both sites lack only one necessary ingredient needed for success—snow.
The only potential practice area with snow is the Cloudmont Ski Club outside beautiful Mentone, Alabama, which for the first ski season in approximately five years was able to produce enough white powder jointly by Mother Nature and an artificial snow gun to permit skiers to participate in practice runs in furtherance of the goal of representing the USA at the Winter Olympics.
However, Gig City has the unique distinction of providing a practice forum unsurpassed in America if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) can be persuaded to add the sport of “Rollerskate Slalom” to the 45 disciplines being completed in at the World Games.
In the 2001 Municipal Election it was publicized that the former Dynamo of Dixie had 80,000 potholes and the winning candidate for mayor stated in a well-received political television ad featuring a beach bucket and shovel making a campaign promise to eliminate the long existing plague and neglect by prior administrations.
Despite a hard fought and narrow victory in 2025, (17,356 to 2,750 votes) there allegedly remains approximately 10,000 unfilled potholes and an uncounted number of sunken sewer/water caps.
What does this have to do with “Scenic City Slalom?” (The answer should be apparent but please read on!)
Gig City already has a world class ladies Roller Derby league that regularly demonstrates its skill and expertise as one of 413 Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) member alliances on 6 continents with its home base being in the metropolitan area east of Missionary Ridge at Camp Jordan Arena.
If the IOC can be convinced to add the above sport on a downhill concrete (or asphalt) slalom course Chattanooga with it experienced squad could be in the forefront for the initial summer games scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles, California.
(The talent required to successfully maneuvers through the snowy gates at Aspen, Colorado is minor compared to the dexterity needed to successfully transverse the travel routes in Choo Choo City.)
PS: For up to date information on the local league 2025 Home Season Goggle “Chattanooga Roller Derby”.
Jerry Summers