Team Rainbo is one of the oldest, most successful speed clubs. What makes it different is how it measures success: by participation not performance. Member value is measured by how many races they attend, not if they win. Team focus is on the average working person who enjoys speed skating. Anybody can become a member. All that’s required is a desire to race. Virtually all new members start with 4-wheel rec/fitness skates. Since the club is so active and the talent so wide, there’s always someone to skate with. Team old timers take pride in helping new skaters – another measure of success, how helpful you are, what can you do for the team, not what the team can do for you. We enjoy more than our share of winners at any race we attend. Our members are very competitive. Yet, the spirit of cooperation is deeply woven into that spirit.

Our sponsor is Rainbo Sports Shop, in Chicago, (www.rainbosportsshop.com) is one of the oldest inline dealers. Annual dues of $100 entitles our 40 fully sponsored members to a Voler skinsuit/jersey, ZeroDrag bearings (courtesy of Brills Enterprise), a current Fitness and Speed Skating Times, and multiple sets of Explorer Wheels. All members enjoy substantial discounts from Rainbo Sports Shop and participation in many corporate offers. This year M-Skates provided 20 free Echelon frames plus more frames at cost. Our method: the 20 free frames are averaged in with the discounted 1. The net result is that all members share the value of the 20 free, regardless of ability. The 40 fully sponsored members are typically the most active. Activity being determined by the number of races members compete in annually. We are located in Chicago yet have members from Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, and California. Some members who have moved out of the area even continue their affiliation.

Team Rainbo hosts The Midwest Inline Challenge in Hoffman Estates. Sam Weaver of Team Road Rash recently posted this on their web site; “This is one of the best events in the country. Nice course with a few rolling hills. P.A. with announcers on every lap. Lots of different races for different abilities. More prizes than any other race I’ve ever been too. Cale Carvell (owner of Rainbo Skate Shop) virtually gives away the store on this one.”

If you’re looking to get started in speed skating or looking for challenging training partners, remember Team Rainbo is the team with something for everybody. For more information see our web site, www.teamrainbo.com.