Portland Inline Article

A FEW NOTES ABOUT OUR WEEKEND SKATES

These are informal get-togethers meant for fun, friendship and fitness. We vary in skating ability, from advanced-beginners to full-fledged speedskating racers. Usually we start out together and then split up into like-minded skating speeds. There are spots along the route that the faster skaters will wait for the slower groups to catch up, but this doesn't happen every time. Sometimes the slower skaters encourage the faster ones to just keep going so that the faster skaters can get a good workout and the slower skaters don't feel as if they're holding anybody up. There are portions of these routes where we are skating on the road, which can be unnerving if the traffic is heavy. The route is decided by general consensus, and it can include challenging hills and tricky traffic conditions. We like to stop for coffee if the desire strikes us. An option some skaters choose when they feel insecure about being able to skate the route is to show up with their bicycles, thus being able to keep up with the fastest skaters and also being able to negotiate hills and traffic more comfortably.

You can always opt for turning around before the skating gets too challenging for you.

We usually take off 15 to 20 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. Because these are informally scheduled skates, it's possible that you could find yourself as the only one showing up to skate, especially since the weather can have its effect on participation. Don't forget to bring water, an energy snack and the other items on the checklist. You might find it helpful to print the Road Skate Checklist and save a copy of it in your skate bag.