Tuesday Night Skate Route

Weather and daylight permitting, there is a casually organized skate every Tuesday night starting at Salmon Street Springs, at the corner of Salmon and Front Streets.

This skate is suitable for all skill levels with a minimum capability to handle mild hills and brake effectively. It runs about 6-7 miles for the full loop. Everyone generally gets moving at about 5 or 10 minutes after 7pm and takes off South under the Hawthorne bridge. There are generally self-appointed "sweepers" who will make sure any newer skaters lagging behind the group are kept track of and helped as needed.

The surface in this direction is far superior to the sidewalk along waterfront park. The route follows the sidewalk and passes along the street in front of the River Place Hotel, turning left at the stop sign at the corner.

Skaters go down one block to the corner across the street from the Pilsner room and often wait for everyone to catch up before proceeding.

There's a very nice, small, newer park across the street that is an excellent place to skate when you're out on your own if you like skating in a more compact area.

Then it's off towards the Old Spaghetti Factory, down Moody Ave. near the river.

At the corner of Moody and Bancroft, the smooth asphalt of the Willamette Greenway Trail (WGT) begins. There's a narrow, uphill left at the next corner, leading to one of the two mild hills on the route. You'll want to use your break if you're not good at fast, sharp corners.

The rest of the route to Willamette River Park follows the WGT. Most of the WGT is nice, smooth asphalt, but here are a few rough patches, so it's good to stay alert. The next break is often taken at some park benches under the watchful eye of the resident bronze beaver. This gives the more leisurely skaters a chance to catch up with those that have something to prove.

The WGT continues along the river in a beautiful setting all the way to Willamette River Park.

Just before you reach the park you'll go uphill on the other moderate hill of the route. Again, you'll want to use your break on the way back if you're not fond of fast sharp turns with potential oncoming bike traffic.

The end point of the skate is at the drinking fountain, bathrooms and phone - all the comforts of home! Everyone will generally assemble the full group once more, take a lap or two around the fields and get some refreshment and gab around the fountain before heading back.

Please check the calendar for any schedule changes as the days get shorter. Otherwise, we'll see you at the Salmon Street Springs fountain at 7:00pm!

Bryn