From: adchen@umaxc.weeg.uiowa.edu (Tony Chen)
Subject: REC.SKATE FAQ - part 4/5
Followup-To: rec.skate
Reply-To: adchen@umaxc.weeg.uiowa.edu
Organization: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 16:47:36 GMT
Expires: Sun, 1 Nov 1992 00:00:00 GMT

Archive-name: rec-skate-faq/part4
Last-modified: 9/10/92

REC.SKATE FAQ - PART 4:  WHERE TO SKATE (Outdoors and indoors) (draft)
 
 
                    Compilation of Outdoor Skating Locations
                    ----------------------------------------
                          (last changed Sept 10, 1992)
 
Table of Contents
-----------------
  West Coast
    - Colorado
    - California
    - Phoenix
  East Coast
    - Boston
    - Cambridge
    - New Jersey
    - Washington D.C.
    - Atlanta
  Midwest
    - Chicago
    - Minneapolis
  Overseas
    - Australia
    - Hawaii
                                    WEST COAST
 
Colorado
--------
 
From: Phil Earnhardt, pae@netwise.com
 
Avoid the Seven-Eleven velodrome in Colorado Springs.  There is a banked 200M
Speed Roller Skating track inside the Cycling track (uneducated cyclists think
it's a warm-up track). Currently, only traditional (i.e. quad) roller skates are
permitted on this track, but that should change in the next year or so.
 
There's another 200M Speed Roller Skating track in Michigan. This one has the
added advantage of having no cycling track outside it. There are no cars,
trucks, dogs, squirrels, thorns, glass, potholes, gravel, sand, etc, but the big
advantage is that there are no cyclists! ;-)
 
 
From: aites@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jim Aites)
Subject: Nomination for 'blade-capital'
 
I would like to take this time to submit my nomiation for "blade-capital" 
of the the world.  (what do ya' mean you didn't know we were voting?)
 
The city is Boulder, Colorado.
 
Last week-end I drove 50 miles (each way) to visit this famed area.  It is
as good as the rumors have indicated.  Every major road around town has a 
'greenway' containing a 6 foot wide contrete bikepath on BOTH sides of the 
road, and even the roads without 'greenways' still have the wide walkways.
 
The prettiest/best run in town is the Boulder Creek Bikepath.  This path 
starts (at the top) about 2 hundred yards up the mouth of the Boulder Creek 
Canyon, and windes for about 7 miles along the creek to the far east side of 
town.  It's all contrete, mostly shaded by trees, about 5 bridges over the 
creek allowing travel on both sides of the creek, and has at least 4 parks 
along the way.
 
I didn't take the time to check out all the intersecting paths which lead 
off to other parts of town. (next time!) I saw a blades hockey game in 
progress, about 5 beginers (practicing in near by parking lots), almost as 
many Bladers as bicyclists on the path itself, and even found some other 
folks who had commuted (from Denver) to check out the turf as I was doing. 
 
If any of you are ever in this part of the country, be SURE to bring your 
blades! 
 
 
California
----------
 
From: Jawara@AppleLink.Apple.COM (Ron Drake)
Re: Where to blade in South Bay Area?
Date: Tue Sep 22 16:40 PM EDT 1992
 
>
The trail goes under the San Mateo Bridge all the way to the end of
Edgewater Boulevard in Foster City. As a matter of fact, the best part of the
trail is after the bridge. Makes eight miles, total. Traffic's not too bad 
except for the occasional knot of cud-chewers and those kids who bike out ahead 
of their parents and think nothing about turning right in front of you to see if
mom and dad are still visible. If you start and finish at Edgewater, you
can replenish your precious bodily fluids at Chevy's with a couple of cold
margaritas. From 101, take Hillsdale Blvd. or H'way 92 to Edgewater. Turn
right and follow Edgewater to its end. Park. The trail begins at the end
of the street to the right.
 
The best street skating I've found so far is through western Menlo Park
near the Stanford campus to downtown. There are a number of streets there
that have bike lanes and not much vehicular traffic. The streets are well-
kept so that debris and surprise bumps are at a minimum. The pavement
varies in quality from excellent to garbage. The area is bounded by
Sand Hill Road, Valparaiso Road, El Camino and Alameda de las Pulgas.
 
Those who go to Shoreline should be aware of the concert schedule. It's
always better to go when it's quiet. For those who want to get a real
workout, here's the prescription for doing 'laps' at Shoreline. At the
end of the stretch that parallels Moffett Field, there's that series of
double gates. Skate down the incline (WHOA!), out through the cul-de-sac
and make a right on Shoreline Boulevard.
 
-----
 
From: bryguy@apple.com (bRYgUY K. Carter)
Subject: Re: Skating locations in the SF Bay Area?
 
Try the Los Gatos Creek Trail from Vassona Park all the way into
San Jose.
 
-----
 
From: hirsch@northstar.asd.sgi.com (Diana Hirsch)
Subject: Bay Area Trails
 
I have two suggestions for skating trails in the Bay Area:
 
1. Sawyer Camp Trail - off 280 in San Mateo near 92.  Blader heaven on Sunday's,
lessons every other Sunday. The trail is about 6 miles one-way. The last mile is
very steep but fun coming down. However, they have radar out there and they will
give you a ticket for speeding, especially in the posted 5mph zones.
 
2. Campbell Par Course Trail - off Campbell Ave. near 17 and the Pruneyard. The
trail can be accessed in several places between Hamilton and Campbell Aves. This
trail is fun because it goes all the way through Vasona Park into Los Gatos. The
only caution is that there are several wood bridges to cross. (Stay on your back
wheels and use short horizontal strokes, it's good for the adrenalin.)
 
Have fun exploring and happy skating.
 
 
From: betsy@alf.sybase.com (Betsy Burton)
Subject: Re: Where's A Good Place to skate in the East Bay???
 
The park is a great social scene. It's a good place to meet up with other
skaters and play. However, there are some great places in the east bay for a
real work out. In addition to the places I can tell you about, there is a book
out from Karim Cycley that talks about some other places.
 
1) My personal favorite for a nice long run, is the back streets to Richmond.
There are a number of streets starting near Gilman and Albany. These streets go
through Albany and El Cerrito. In addition, Richmond Street goes out past the El
Norte Bart Station. This route has good small hills and allows for a good 
workout. 
 
2) The Nimitz trail takes off at the top of inspiration point and goes out about
4 miles. At the end of this path is a rather large hill, which after struggling
to the top, is great to fly down.
 
3) Tunnel road takes a bit of experience and some good breaking skills. I just
heard that someone biked up tunnel road the other day..so it  may be open after
the fire.
 
4) Berkeley Marina is good for a quickie. A full lap is 2.5 miles. The only
draw-back is that the view gets a little boring after a few laps.  My last and
most favorite is Bancroft Hill, next to the University. Late at night it is a
nice fast down hill.
 
Hope this gives you some ideas.
 
-----
 
From: walden@ready.eng.ready.com (Eugene Walden)
Subject: Re: Long blading adventures in the S.F. Bay Area...
 
Another good place to go is Sawyer Camp Trail. It's only 6 miles long, so I
guess it doesn't qualify as really long, but there and back, you get a good
quiet 12 miles. 
 
Take I-280 to Black Mtn Rd (just north of 92) and head west. Turn left at the
intersection and go another mile or so. It's on the right.
 
Follow the posted speed limits-- park rangers have radar and will give 
citations for violators.
 
-----
 
From: jimy@hkn.Berkeley.EDU (Jim Young)
Subject: Re: Long blading adventures in the S.F. Bay Area...
 
You might want to try skating around the Berkeley hills.  I usually go
up Euclid or Spruce, skate across Grizzly Peak, and then down Tunnel road.
If you go early in the morning, you might see Eddy Matzger and Sandy 
Snakenberg there.
 
Also, I know many people from SF who skate across the Golden Gate into
Marin County.  They skate something called the "Paradise Loop."
 
On the peninsula, there are some nice, smooth trails at Crystal
Springs.  I know some guys who skate from Mountain View to SF, so I think
some of the roads that parallel 280 are fairly nice.
 
Finally, in the south bay, I have a friend who skates on the Los Gatos
bike trail (it runs parallel to highway 17).  It's sort of crowded with
joggers and runners, but it's better than skating in south bay traffic.
 
-----
 
From: HQPYR1:kimon@orac.holonet.net (Kimon Papahadjopoulos)
Subject: Re: Bay area inline skating areas and paths?
Reply-To: HQPYR1:kimon@orac.holonet.net
 
EXPERTS ONLY!  NASTY HILL CLIMB, NASTY DESCENT.
 
Path or area location:  TUNNEL ROAD on the Berkeley/Oakland Border
Directions:
 
From Berkeley:  Take Ashby out of Berkeley, past the Clairmont Hotel and 
towards highway 13 and 24.  Turn left at the stoplight (As if going towards
highway 24, not 13).  When you get to the top of the hill, make a left
and Park.  
 
Orida side of 24:
I believe you take the Tunnel Road Exit.
 
                 ^
                 |
TheRoute...__  To 24
             \   |
Tunnel Rd --> |  |  
              |__|
              |  |
              |  |
   Hiller --> |  |
             /   |
            /    |
                 |
                 |
                 |
                 |
>From Berkeley ---S---- To 13 ->
 
>Parking information: On the the start of Tunnel itself
>Path length: ~6mi (I don't really know- cound be 7-8)
>Loop or non-loop: Loop: Up and Down.
>Average path width: Two lane street
>Minimum path width: Two lane street
>Average surface: Pretty good asphalt, some rough spots
>Worst surface: One very pitted rough spot for about 10 feet.
>Number of hills:  Up hill all the way
>Severity of steepest hill:  8 on a scale of 1-10
>Average steepness: 7 on a scale of 1-10
>Obstacles: One very pitted spot near the bottom, cars, occasional trucks
>Weekend pedestrian and bicycle traffic: Yes
>Weekday pedestrian and bicycle traffic: Yes
>Number of roads which cross the path: It is a road. It crosses several roads,
	but no stop signs or lights.
>Number of stairways on the path: None
>Distance markings: No
>Any other pertinent information:
 
FOR EXPERTS ONLY!  IF YOU CANNOT BRAKE WELL AT HIGH SPEEDS, DON'T TRY THIS
COURSE.  IF YOU ARE UNSURE, DRIVE IT FIRST .
 
The climb up is a great workout, and not too severe.  There are also great
views of San Francisco and Oakland.  Tunnel Road turns into Skyline about
half way up.
 
Watch for problems in the road going up so that you will be aware of them
when you come down.  Take it easy coming down the first time.  There are
several areas that require care!
 
There is a water fountain a little past the top (if you continue along
Skyline Blvd about 200 meters) at a ranger station.
 
This is in the burned area of Oakland, so there is construction going on
in places, some trucks coming up.
 
It takes between 15-30 min to get to the top, depending on ability.
 
There are other places you can explore when you get to the top, but Tunnel
is generally the most tame, and the safest bet to go back down.  Be careful
and have fun!
 
-----
 
From apurmal@us.oracle.com (Tony Purmal)
Subject: Foster City Biking/Jogging/Skating path
 
* Path or area location
 
  Foster City, CA
 
* Directions
 
  Get to Foster City by crossing 101 on Hillsdale Blvd or Highway 92.
  The path circles the city next to the following streets: Beach Park
  Blvd between Compass and the San Mateo Bridge, East Third and J. Hart
  Clinton Drive from the bridge to and beyond Mariner's Island Blvd.
  It follows Belmont Slough and Marina Lagoon between Compass and
  Fashion Island Drive passing Townhouse, Condo and Apartment complexes
  bordering those waterways.
 
* Parking information
 
  Park along the streets mentioned above, or park at a park along the path.
 
* Path length
 
  About 10 miles
 
* Loop or non-loop
 
  Can be done as a loop if you go between the path endpoints.  This can
  be done by taking Mariner's Island Blvd and Fashion Island Blvd between
  East Third Ave and Marina slough.  One can also go along the wooden
  walkway (past Fashion Island Blvd) to Shoal Drive and through Mariner's
  Island Park to get to Mariner's Island Blvd to complete the loop.
 
* Average path width
 
  8 feet
 
* Minimum path width
 
  4 feet
 
* Average surface
 
  semi-smooth asphalt
 
* Worst surfaces
 
  Lots of raised cracks (linear and horizontal) along bay on south side
  of bridge.
  Pitted rough surface on north side of bridge where the path is close
  to the bay.
  Uneven pavement in places along Belmont Slough.
  Wooden walkway between Fashion Island and Shoal Drive (optional).
 
* Number of hills
 
  Five or so very small hills.
 
* Severity of steepest hill
 
  Very slight.
 
* Average steepness
 
  Very slight.
 
* Obstacles
 
  A wooden bridge along Marina Slough (very easy to handle)
 
* Weekend pedestrian and bicycle traffic
 
  Unknown
 
* Weekday pedestrian and bicycle traffic
 
  Light and well behaved.
 
* Number of roads which cross the path
 
  Between Fashion Island Blvd and Mariner's Island Blvd, none.  To
  complete the loop along Mariner's Island Blvd and Fashion Island
  Blvd there are four intersections and up to five side streets
  depending on which side of the street you're on.
 
* Number of stairways on the path
 
  None along the path, two if you take the optional connection along
  the wooden walkway and other roads to get to Mariner's Island Blvd
  to complete the loop.
 
* Distance markings
 
  Beginning 1/4 mile south of the San Mateo Bridge on the inside of the
  path there are markings every 1/4 mile in faded yellow/orange paint
  through until Highway 92.
 
* Any other pertinent information
 
  The path borders Belmont Slough where one can see various wetland
  wildlife.  There are also good views of the east bay along Beach
  Park Blvd, and of San Francisco north of the bridge.
 
  The wind gets pretty strong at times, especially in the afternoons,
  so be prepared.  I prefer to skate into the wind on the way out and
  with the wind on the way back.
 
-----
 
From apurmal@us.oracle.com
 
* Path or area location
 
  Redwood Shores, CA (across 101 from Belmont, CA)
 
* Directions
 
  Take Ralston Ave. east across 101, turns into Marine World Parkway.
  Turn left onto Oracle Parkway at first light after 101 overpass.
 
* Parking information
 
  Park at the parking lot at the first left after getting onto Oracle
  Parkway, or continue around and park in the area across from the
  Oracle Fitness Center.
 
* Path length
 
  1 mile
 
* Loop or non-loop
 
  Loop
 
* Average path width
 
  7 feet
 
* Minimum path width
 
  4 feet
 
* Average surface
 
  Smooth asphalt and sidewalk
 
* Worst surface
 
 
* Number of hills
 
  Three short inclines.
 
* Severity of steepest hill
 
  Small angle
 
* Average steepness
 
  Slight
 
* Obstacles
 
  Occasional hoses when the maintanence people are working.
 
* Weekend pedestrian and bicycle traffic
 
  Light
 
* Weekday pedestrian and bicycle traffic
 
  Light
 
* Number of roads which cross the path
 
  The path crosses Oracle Parkway twice where it meets Marine World
  Parkway.  Cross from the path on Oracle Parkway to the sidewalk on
  Marine World Parkway.
 
* Number of stairways on the path
 
  None
 
* Distance markings
 
  None
 
* Any other pertinent information
 
  It gets very windy in Redwood Shores, especially in the afternoons.
  
  You can go from this path to the Foster City Bike and Walkway by taking
  a right onto Island Parkway at the end of the path closest to 101.
  Then follow the road over the bridge until it dead ends at Concourse
  Drive and take a right.  At the end of Concourse there is a path
  leading to the Foster City path.
 
  From the Oracle Fitness Center to the San Mateo Bridge on the Foster
  City Path is five miles.  (Take a right when you get to the Foster City
  path)
 
  From the Oracle Fitness Center to Hillsdale Blvd on the Foster City
  Path is three miles.  (Take a left when you get to the Foster City
  path)
 
-----
 
From: mpeters@wtcp.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Michael Peters)
 
An earlier post was asking for places to skate in the San Diego area.
Last November I enjoyed skating at Mission Bay on the walk along the beach
and at Lake Mirimar (sp?).  The lake has a loop going around the lake with
lots of turns (nice for crossovers) and its about 5mi. around.  Lots of
bikes and skaters.  Not many cars drive on this road because automobile
traffic is not allowed to travel the entire loop.  I believe there are signs
on I-15 just north og San Diego.  It is located right next to the city
of Scripps Ranch.  The lake is a good place for a workout, but Mission Bay
is nice for a leisurely skate.
 
From: kiwong@zeus.calpoly.edu (Kinsley Wong)
 
Where to Skate in San Luis Obispo (Central Coast California)
-Outdoor:  Santa Rosa Parks, Perfumo Canyon Road, Palm Street Parking Structure
-Indoor:  Flippo Harbor Skating Rink.
Local Club:  BladeRunners.
Contact Kinsley Wong : Kiwong@iris.calpoly.edu for more information.
 
 
Phoenix, AZ
-----------
 
From: kcreta@sedona.intel.com (Kenneth Creta)
Subject: Re: trail guides and the IISA clinic
Date: 23 Jun 92 23:16:09 GMT
 
Here in the Phoenix area, my favorite is Indian Bend Park in Scottsdale.  This
area is VERY popular with all levels of expertise around.  I hear that the 
paths around the Phoenix zoo is also good (I'll see this weekend).
 
Ken
 
 
MIDWEST
 
Chicago
-------
 
From: jkaplenk@lucpul.it.luc.edu (Joe Kaplenk)
 
>2)  I go to Northwestern in Evanston, and they must have passed that 
>right-of-way ordinance after I left.  A friend of mine and I went to a
>meeting of the Evanston Human Services Committee and was told that there
>have been no police accident reports involving in-line skaters and there
>was probably no cause for alarm or restrictive legislation.  One alderman
>was bound and determined to get something, though, and I guess he did after
>all.  The ordinance applies specifically to the downtown business area
>where there is a lot of traffic, pedestrian, bicycle and in-line in nature.
 
Glad to hear that it wasn't worse. Some people get upset just by seeing 
something that the think might cause a problem, even if no problem exists. Glad 
to hear also that there have been no incidents. A little more fuel to add 
to our arguments against restrictions.
 
>3)  Are there any groups/individuals in the Chicago area who are looking to
>congregate to skate?  I'm a middle-skilled skater (i.e. can stop well, do
>some backwards skating and am proficient in a forwards direction) and would
>like to progress to that next level.  Joe posted something about the Odeum
>offering lessons, but I'm wondering if there's any kind of team action or
>group that gets together.
 
There is a club that has been listed in the Windy City Sports magazine. (I'm not 
sure of the name). Rainbo carries it, it's free. It would be neat to form an 
inline competition club in Chicago. USAC is getting more and more open to 
inlines, inlines are fully accepted there for speed(in separate events) and 
roller  hockey  though not yet in the artistic area because of some technical 
issues on inline design.  I'm not sure what IISA is doing about clubs.
 
I'm especially interested in artistic inlines. Rainbo rink doesn't have a USAC 
club yet, so maybe they could be approached. I don't have time to help form one 
because  of my committments to adult ice skating currently, but I would 
certainly join and support an inline club of this nature.   Rainbo rink is 
small, and the floor  is a little warped in spots, but it is very convenient and 
has the best seating of any roller rink in the Chicago area.
 
The director at the Odeum is going to give me a call soon when he has his class 
schedule figured out, so I can have more information shortly. They might also be 
approached about a club. Though he was not very interested in anything involved 
in USAC. I guess because he has so much else going on in getting started and 
with the WHA tryouts coming up.
 
There is also just outdoors  skating, but I think it would be really good to 
have a year round club and to have  a rink to back a club up in terms of getting 
members.
 
 
Minneapolis
-----------
If you want a REALLY great place to rollerblade, Minneapolis opens up the 
Metrodome to rollerbladers ONLY (I'm not sure about during the summer, but they 
do this all winter).  It's about a half-mile (I think) circle of the smoothest 
concrete you've ever been on. There are two separate levels, one for serious 
rollerbladers and one for "the family."  A "must-blade" if you're ever in the 
area.
 
 
EAST COAST
 
Boston
------
 
The trails on the Charles (at least when I left in 1989) could not meet this
policy. There are plenty of places where it would be physically impossible for
one bicycle to pass another unless there was no opposing traffic. Portions of
the trail up near the Allston exit of the Mass Pike immediately come to mind.
 
I lived in Boston for 10 years. Fortunately, I was able to schedule my work to
avoid the crunch time on the trails--in to work after 10AM, leave work after
6PM. The most fun was skating at night along the Charles (yes, O'Leary, with
light and helmet). This may have been dangerous, but I rarely, if ever, saw any
sinister types along the park at that hour.
 
There are some pretty decent places to skate in Boston other than the Charles.
The linear park along the new Orange Line wasn't bad. I did a lot of my
practicing on the linear park from Davis to Alewife on the Red Line. At that
time, the nearly-empty Alewife parking lot, with its gentle ramps and not-so-
gentle spirals, was an excellent place to learn hills. 
 
 
Cambridge
---------
 
By the Charles River, just get to harvard.
Allston/cambridge exit off Mass Pike.
 
Memorial drive: nice road... 8 hours open ...  11am to 7pm..
skated on sunday... only open on sundays ...
open for "recreational vehicles" only...
pretty neat... had two sets of cones set up...
plus about 2 or 3 miles or 4 lane road to skate...
(bikes, skates, foot, unicycles, skatebvoards..)
asphalt...few cracks..no real hills ... just by the cones.. mostly flat .. by 
river ... nice....straight away...no loop....not really crowded... too long to 
be crowded...short wait for slalom ..  one rental van ...
 
 
New Jersey
----------
 
From: smo9130@tesla.njit.edu
 
My husband and I recently started skating outdoors.  We are looking for good
places to skate.  Any suggestions??  The best place we have found so far is
Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ.  Please let me know of any other good places. 
Thanks.
 
Susan
 
-----
 
From: jogulin@camelot.fia.dmg.ml.com (Joseph Ogulin)
Subject: Directions/description for Saddle River County Park
 
By popular request, here we go:
 
To the Fair Lawn area of Saddle River County Park (SRCP)... this is where the 
slalom course is:
 
	GSP North to exit 160.  Turn left at the light at the end of the  ramp.
Follow this road over Route 4.  It becomes Paramus Rd. here.  Follow Paramus Rd.
to the first light, turn left.  Pass the signs that say things like "Welcome to
Fair Lawn" and "Say No to Drugs."  On your right, after passing these signs, you
will find a small road which has signs (small ones) that say "Bike Route" and
"Parking for Bike Path and Tennis Courts."  Turn right here, and park in the
lot.
 
To the Dunkerhook (Paramus) area of SRCP:
 
	Follow the above directions, except go straight at the first light.  Pass
the cemetery on your right.  You'll see a sign on your left that says
"Dunkerhook Area, Saddle River County Park."  Turn left there and follow any
other signs.
 
To the Ridgewood area of SRCP:
 
	GSP North to exit 163.  Follow Route 17 North to the Ridgewood Ave. exit.
Head toward Ridgewood (you'll loop back over the highway). After you pass
Paramus Rd., look on your right.  When you see the duck pond (and signs
mentioning that it's the Ridgewood Wild Duck Pond of SRCP), turn right into the
area.
 
I can't recall how to get to the Glen Rock area.  Sorry.
 
To Fair Lawn and Dunkerhook from the north:
 
	If you're coming from the north on GSP South, use exit 163 (Route 17).
Exit at Century Rd. and head toward Paramus/Fair Lawn/Glen Rock (or whatever it
says).  You will not cross over Route 17.  Follow Century Rd. to Paramus Rd.
There will be a cemetery on your right (this is the intersection mentioned in
the Fair Lawn and Dunkerhook).  To get to Fair Lawn, go straight.  To get to
Dunkerhook, turn right.  Follow the above directions.
 
To Ridgewood from the north:
 
	Exit the GSP at the Ridgewood/Oradell exit (I may be wrong, but I believe
it is 165) and head toward Ridgewood.  You are now on Ridgewood Ave.  Just
follow Ridgewood Ave. as above after you cross Route 17.
 
 
Trail descriptions:
 
	There are approximately 6-7 miles of trails there.  Most of them are 
quite
smooth, with a few rough spots along the way.  They're about 5' wide, and
traffic is mostly walkers, joggers, bladers, and cyclists of various ages from
child to senior citizen.  Adult cyclists and bladers will generally follow
courtesies and warn people in front of them when they are coming up behind you.  
The whole series of trails winds along side of a brook.  Bugs are rampant along
parts of the trails during summer months in the evenings.  There are a few
hills, but most of them are short, or not too steep.  There are a few parking
lots along the way where many newbie bladers can be seen tripping, stumbling, or
moving forward when they have their balance.  There are no street lights along
the trails, as they all pass through wooded areas.  The slalom course, for those
interested, is in the Fair Lawn area by the tennis courts.  If there is nobody
there and you have your own cones (we tend to use cups because they're cheaper),
you'll find red dots painted on the ground.  The dots are 5' apart (measured
MANY times).  If someone is there, you won't be discouraged from trying.  In
fact if you just stand there and watch, you're very likely to be asked to try
the cones.  Just watch out for the geese and ducks in any of the parking lots
around duck ponds (Ridgewood and Glen Rock), unless you like cleaning your
bearings and wheels.
 
Hope to see some of you out there!
 
--Joe
 
-----
 
From commpost!opus!camelot!jogulin@uu3.psi.com
 
Well, I know of 2 parks in my area where you can go skating...
	Saddle River County Park in Fair Lawn/Paramus/Glen Rock/Ridgewood
	Brookdale Park           in Bloomfield
 
I much prefer Saddle River County Park because it has a 5+ mile trail (one way!)
which is great if you're looking for long skating runs.  Most of the people
there are friendly and follow general courtesies when passing, especially when
there's a large group (this is cyclists, skaters, and runners alike!).  There is
also an area where we do slaloming through cones.  People in the group I usually
meet there have painted dots on the ground for the cones.  They're 5' apart
(yeah, we know that competitions use 6' as the distance).  Any time anyone has
cones set up, people are welcome to "try their luck."  We'll never tell anyone
that they can't try it.  In fact, if you stand there and watch for a long time
and you're wearing rollerblades, someone's going to ask you to try it.
 
Brookdale Park is ok, but I've found that many of the cyclists there are a bunch
of assholes (mostly it's the cycling club members).  They might give you 3
inches clearance when they pass you while you're avoiding debris on the side of
the road.  Next time I go there, I'm going to bring a hockey stick with me (even
though I don't play hockey) and swing it back and forth as I go.  If the
cyclists bother me, *WHACK*... >:-)  Other than that, it's got a 1 mile loop
with a rather nasty hill.  The paths going through the park other than the main
road (which has a car speed limit of 30 MPH, which of course nobody follows) are
not that great and could use some repaving.
 
How to get to the parks:
SRCP:
	The Fair Lawn area is accessed from Century Rd.  Use Route 17 and exit at
Century Rd.  Head toward Glen Rock/Fair Lawn.  The access road (Dunkerhook Rd)
is a small road between Paramus Rd. and Saddle River Rd.
	The Dunkerhook area (Paramus) is accessed from Paramus Rd.  The access
road (Dunkerhook Rd.) has a sign by it and is north of Century Rd.
	The Ridgewood area is on Ridgewood Ave.  Use Route 17 and exit at
Ridgewood Ave.  Head toward Ridgewood.
	I can't exactly remember how to get to the Glen Rock area, but Saddle
River Rd. comes to mind.
 
BP:
	There are entries on Grove St., Watchung Ave., and Bellvue Ave., all in
Bloomfield.  Take Route 3 to Broad St., head toward Bloomfield.
 
Other things:
	In SRCP, if it is nice, there are always some skaters there after 1pm on
weekends, and a varied subset of them on weeknights.
 
Contact me if you want to come up and skate with us on a weekend.
 
(h) 201-473-7606
(w) 212-449-1398 (direct to me)
 
If you call me at home, my father and I have the same first name.
 
--Joe
 
-----
 
From: kamran@pizzabox.dialogic.com (Kamran Vaziri)
 
There's a great place to skate up around the Madison, NJ area.  It's the closed
(unfinished portion) of route 24.  It's paved and very smooooooooth.  Plenty of
room too.  I'm not sure how to get to give you directions cause I don't know all
the street names around there but I'll get a friend of mine to post directions
to the place.
 
-----
 
From: HQPYR1:walden@ready.eng.ready.com
 
Path or area location: 
 
   Sawyer Camp Trail
 
Directions
 
Take I-280 to the Black Mtn / Hayne Rd exit-- near Half Moon Bay. Head  west
after you exit, until you reach the first stop sign. There is a sign that points
left to Sawyer Camp Trail. Turn left. It is about 1-2 miles down after you turn.
 
Parking information
 
   Park on the side of the road about 1-2 miles down. You'll see the entrance.
 
Path length
 
   6 miles in one direction.
 
Loop or non-loop
 
   Non-loop. 
 
Average path width
 
   Two lanes; each about sidewalk width.
 
Minimum path width
 
   Same throughout course.
 
Average surface
 
   Fairly smooth; no potholes; some cracks filled with black goop.
 
Worst surface
 
Some areas are cracked with the goop filling. The goop can be kind of slippery, 
even when dry, so skate very gingerly on this stuff.
 
When there has been rain, only attempt the first half of the trail; the second 
half is shady, so it dries slower. The pavement is very hard to skate on when 
wet. 
 
Number of hills
 
   Several small hills, one huge hill on the last mile of the course. 
 
Severity of steepest hill
 
If you are not *very* good at speed control, *do not skate the last mile*. If 
you are good at speed control, make sure to keep your speed down. The hill is 
windy, so you risk running into peds and/or bikes if you fly too fast.
 
Average steepness
 
   Don't know what the grade is, but the big hill is pretty darn steep.
 
Obstacles
 
   Pedestrians, bikes, skaters. 
 
Weekend pedestrian and bicycle traffic
 
Saturday and Sunday afternoons see pretty heavy traffic. Most of the traffic, 
though, keeps to the first mile or two of the trail. So, after you get past 
that, the number of other path users drops significantly.
 
Weekday pedestrian and bicycle traffic
 
   Never gone during the week-- don't know. 
 
Number of roads which cross the path
 
   None. 
 
Number of stairways on the path
 
   None. 
 
Distance markings
 
   Every half mile. 
 
Any other pertinent information
 
There are usually two park rangers who patrol the path. Thus, it is  fairly 
safe. They also have radar. The first and last half mile half posted speed 
limits of 5 MPH. The rest has a speed limit of 15 MPH. They do ticket violators, 
so you're wise to obey the speed limit.
 
   Park is open dawn to dusk. 
 
   - Eugene Walden (walden@gate.ready.com)
 
 
Washington D.C.
---------------
From: georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
 
In article <1992Jul02.203944.13805@eng.umd.edu> naru@eng.umd.edu (Naruhisa Takas
hima) writes:
>
>Yes                            NO!
>Bike paths (contrete)          chunky old asphalt paths (maybe ;')
>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>I know this sounds like a good place, but I'm not so sure.
>For those in the D.C. area, I have skated on Rock Creek Park which is real
>nice path for joggers and slow bicyclist, but I'm not so sure if it's suited fo
r
>Bladers.  The path is narrow, damp in many places, and ocassionally very steep
>which makes it very difficult for speed control, which in turn leads to bail ou
t or
>wipe out.
>
 
Most parts of Rock Creek Park's bike path are OK to skate, except for
one real steep place that even bike riders have trouble with.
 
Since the path goes through the woods, keep in mind that wet leaves on
the pavement are very slippery to skate over.
 
It's also fun to leave the bike path, and skate about the nice
neighbor streets adjacent to it.
 
 
Atlanta
-------
 
From: gn@terminus.gatech.edu (toM o. genesE)
Subject: Re: Pipes/parks
 
Well, I'm not quite sure what your looking for in a place to skate,
but if you are ever in Atlanta (well, it is on the East coast after
all) be sure to go to Piedmont Park.  The park itself is home to quite
a few skaters, and no one minds their presence.  Directly across the
street from the park is Skate Escape, the rec/speed skate shop
mentioned in the rec.skate FAQ.
 
Every Monday evening, there is an introductory skate through the
midtown area, starting at a shopping center near the park.  Even
though the trip is labeled as introductory, when the skaters (80+)
gather in the parking lot, you can meet advanced skaters and pick up
some tips, see some tricks, etc.  If you are into speedskating, Skate
Escape has a distance skate every Wednesday night.
 
There is also a local skate club, the Atlanta Peachtree Road Rollers.
These are the people who put on the Monday night skate, as well as
provide introductory skate lessons.
 
I can get more info on the club and these events if there is some
interest.
 
 
ABROAD
 
Australia
---------
 
From: klaus@captain-crunch.ai.mit.edu (Klaus B. Biggers)
Subject: Mountain Roads (was: Law Enforcement and Skating...)
 
My favorite skate is Royal Street in Park City, UT. It's a road that goes about 
half to two-thirds of the way up Deer Valley Ski Resort.  Lots of turns and 
*LOTS* of new pavement. Its probably about 500 meters (~1600 ft.) vertical and 
an absolute blast. There is little traffic and the police are very mellow about 
the whole thing (the town does depend on tourism you know). You can either bomb 
down it risking the tarmac(sp?) tickle or get thousands of turns (literally). 
Its really great in the summer since the temperature is rarely over 78 degrees F 
or so. Also, in the winter, a bus runs up to the top on a regular schedule and 
doesn't cost a dime. I kind of like the grunt up. It is kind of strange though 
watching a blader skate by a "Watch for Ice" hazard sign..
 
-----
 
From: msp@posmac.UUCP (Mark Purcell)
Subject: Canberra ACT AUSTRALIA
 
HI I just thought I would share with all what I think is the best location in 
Australia for blading.
 
Yes I am refering to Canberra Australia.  The network of bike paths is quite 
extensive, one can go from one end of the city to the other on bike paths.  The 
paths are all >1.5m and made from hot mix, which makes them fast and ideal for 
pole work training for X-C.  As Canberra is only two hours from the snow fields 
a large population of bladers has grown up, all out there with their poles.
 
Canberra has two man made lakes which also have bike paths around them, all 
paths in Canberra are interconnecting so it makes commuting easy. The main lake 
is a 20km loop and the minor lake has a 6km loop, all in all I would estimate 
that there would be about 300-400km of trails in Canberra.  IDEAL!!!
 
There is nothing like blading around the lake just as the sun is coming up over 
the mountains, with the smallest amout of mist over the lake, and only one or 
two joggers/cyclists to worry about.
 
There are some problems though, before most road crossings there is a section of 
about 1.5 - 2 m of concrete bumps, which play like hell on the legs. It is 
possible to jump these but not the easiest.
 
So if anyone is thinking of going to Canberra make sure you pack in your blades 
or you will be sorry when you get here.  See you out there.
 
 
 
Hawaii
-------
 
From: grr@cbmvax.commodore.com (George Robbins)
Subject: Re: skating in Hawaii?
 
In the Honolulu area, the terrain in town is pretty flat, but you can get into 
some serious hill-climbing instantly if you want to head inland.  Great view 
though, if you work your way up the hill right behind Honolulu.
 
The roads in town are good, but it is a pretty dense urban area, more like 
western business districts than NYC though.  Expect to deal with traffic and try 
to avoid getting stuck playing tag with the frequent city buses - it's hard work 
to get past and stay ahead, miserable to stay behind or play leapfrog.
 
In the outlying areas, you have a bit of a problem.  The roads are generally 
good, but there is usually only one road between any two points, so traffic can 
get heavy.
 
Also, since the general geography is a volcanic mountain, with kind of flat 
shoreline skirt, you will find that everytime you circumferentially cross one of 
the many radial river/streambed valleys, you go down a steep slope, over a 
bridge and back up. This is especially true on the smaller roads, major ones may
have a bit more invested in grading and bridges.
 
Also, be prepared for hot and sunny weather.  When skating you may spend more 
time in the sun than the usually carefully rationed time on the beach vs. indoor 
shopping and clubs.  It is very easy to get dehydrated or severly sunburned.  
Make sure you have light clothing that gives full body, arm and leg coverage and 
a wind-proof hat/sunshade of some sort.
 
On a more serious note, a parter isn't a bad idea, especially if you intend to 
travel independently outside the major tourist traps. Hawaii isn't exactly 
paradise when it comes to crime and delinquency. This has come up a number of 
times on rec.bicycling with respect to bicycle touring, and it's not clear if 
there is a real problem or just a few overworked tales.
 
================================================================================
List of contributors:
 
aites@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jim Aites)
betsy@alf.sybase.com (Betsy Burton)
bryguy@apple.com (bRYgUY K. Carter)
georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
gn@terminus.gatech.edu (toM o. genesE)
grr@cbmvax.commodore.com (George Robbins)
hirsch@northstar.asd.sgi.com (Diana Hirsch)
HQPYR1:kimon@orac.holonet.net (Kimon Papahadjopoulos)
HQPYR1:walden@ready.eng.ready.com
jimy@hkn.Berkeley.EDU (Jim Young)
jkaplenk@lucpul.it.luc.edu (Joe Kaplenk)
jogulin@camelot.fia.dmg.ml.com (Joseph Ogulin)
kamran@pizzabox.dialogic.com (Kamran Vaziri)
kcreta@sedona.intel.com (Kenneth Creta)
klaus@captain-crunch.ai.mit.edu (Klaus B. Biggers)
mpeters@wtcp.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Michael Peters)
msp@posmac.UUCP (Mark Purcell)
Phil Earnhardt, pae@netwise.com
smo9130@tesla.njit.edu
walden@ready.eng.ready.com (Eugene Walden)
 
================================================================================
 
 
                         LISTING OF INDOOR SKATING RINKS
                         -------------------------------
                         (collected by Albert Boulanger)
 
 
 
From: Robert John Butera <rbutera@rice.edu>
Subject: Re: Good rinks in Texas
 
In Houston:   Trade Winds Roller Rink
 
              5006 W. 34th.  Just East of highway 290 just north of
                                                             I-610.
 
Adult night is Thursdays, 7:30-10.  Not as much dance music as I'd
like, though there is some every night.  A lot of the crowd seems
to favor classic rock, but everything is played.
 
-----
 
From: "Rebecca Y. Shen" <rebecca@cco.caltech.edu>
Subject: Re: Any good rink roller skaing in greater (Northern) LA?
 
I live in Pasadena, but I haven't ventured around the Greater LA basin, so I can   
only comment on three nearby rinks: Glendale, San Gabriel, and West Covina.   
Personally, I figure/freestyle skated (and am now on ice), so after the first  
couple months I stopped going to the crowded adult sessions.
 
Stats:
Floor Size: 
   West Covina -- Big
   Glendale    -- Medium
   San Gabriel -- Small
 
Floor type:
   West Covina -- Synthetic/Plastic ?? 
   Glendale    -- Wood (good condition)
   San Gabriel -- Wood (OK condition)
 
In-lines
   West Covina -- Yes/Rent
   Glendale    -- NO
   San Gabriel -- Yes
 
 
Time-distance (from central Pasadena -- say Lake and Colorado):
   West Covina -- 20 minutes / 30+ minutes (rush hour)
   Glendale    -- 10 minutes
   San Gabriel -- 10 minutes 
 
-----
 
 
From: rebecca@cco.caltech.edu      Mark L. Fussell
 
My favorite is Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale: it is close, has a large enough   
rink, and has nice skaters/management. 
 
Approximate hours (I am removing the half hours, so 8 may actually be 7:30):
   Wed,Fri: 3-5        --  This is a "kid" session, but is not at all crowded,
                           so ideal for "fancy skating". 
 
   Sat,Sun: ?1-3,3-5   --  Crowded "kid" sessions
 
   Fri,Sat: 8-10,10-12 --  Crowded Adult/Teenage sessions, Modern music
   Thu:     8-10       --  ?? A less crowded Adult/Teenage session, 
                           possibly more Adults 
 
   Wed:     8-10       --  Dance session, Organ Music (open to everyone, 
                           but has a lot of dance-pairs, and about 
                           20 minutes of organised dances). 
 
   Tue:     8-10       --  Never been: think it is adult with ?? jitterbug,
                           disco, modern music ??
 
   Sun:     8-10       --  Gay night, open to anyone (who doesn't mind the  
couples, and a couple dances you might not want to join). I've never been, but  
I know straight people who do go. 
 
--
West Covina's hours should be similar to Glendale, although I know the rinks in 
6 
the area rotate some of the special adult sessions with each other. West Covina  
has more people, and a big center area for spot Rexxing. 
--
San Gabriel may also be similar to Glendale, but I wouldn't recommend it 
because6  
of the small floor, and no one that I have met ever suggested it. 
--
 
I'll send you the exact addresses/phone numbers later. 
 
Friends from skating have recommended North Hollywood, Reseda, and several other   
places, but I don't know anything beyond that. If you go to one of the adult  
sessions at Glendale there will be several people to ask.
 
-----
 
From: Erica Nowicki <k080116@hobbes.kzoo.edu>
 
        I was a speedskater on the circut in michigan for a few years, and am
an avid rink-hopper, and worked at 1 for 4 years.  Here is a record of some of
my findings :
 
*note these are all PERSONAL opinions given as truthfully as possible.
@= rink that hold meets.
 
Skateland of Woodhaven, Woodhaven, MI (homebase):  Usually a friendly crowd,
        but the floor needs to be redone in my opinion the speeds tend to be
        kept at a reasonable pace for sessions and the crowd under control.
 
        Music.
 
Dixie Skateland, Monroe MI: They need a better floor and sound system and
        their regular crowd is obnoxious.
 
@Skatin' Station, Canton, MI:  This is the place that State Meets are usually
        held along with a thanksgiving invitational that usually has a pretty
        good representation from a good number of states.  Their floor is
        excellent along with their sound system, but I tend to find that their
        sessions lacking.
 
Riverside Arena, Livonia, MI:  This rink I recommend highly, they have an
        excellent floor, and their sessions are awsome.  I attend these
        sessions quite frequently even though it is almost an hour from my
        home.
 
All Skate, Jackson, MI: They have a decent floor, and their crowd is one of
        the friendliest that I have seen in a long time, they also have a
        decent sound system, they do have very strict rules though which may
        turn alot of the better skaters off.
 
Rollerworld, Kalamazoo, MI:  Well, this rink is in a shopping mall, they do
        need a new floor, they have strict rules,  and need a new sound system
        but their crowd is nice for the most part.
 
I have gone to other rinks, but have only been once mainly for competition and
cannot give an accurate impression though that only.....
        Have a nice day...
        
-----
 
From: carl@udwarf.tymnet.com (Carl Baltrunas & Cherie Marinelli 1.5)
Subject: Re: Any good rink roller skaing in greater (Northern) LA?
 
In article <ABOULANG.92Jan31210737@pilsner.bbn.com>, aboulang@bbn.com (Albert Bo 
ulanger) writes:
 
> I have been thinking that it may be a good idea to build a
> network-wide resource of good roller skating rinks around the world.
                          ^^^^^^
> (Any good rinks in U.K. or Australia?) I have checked out rinks in
> Denver, Silicon Valley, San Diego, LA, Ft. Lauderdale area, Daytona,
> Orlando, NYC, Boston, the Twin Cities MN, Chicago, Toronto, and
> Washington DC. I will take the time out to compile a list if people
> supply me information.
> 
> Have to travel -- will skate, Albert Boulanger aboulanger@bbn.com
 
I've not had to travel as much as I would like, but I've skated in the
Washington DC metro area (includes MD & VA), Baltimore MD, St. Louis,
Portland OR, Silicon Valley [live here] and LA with reasonable success.
 
I used to get "Skate" Magazine (guess I ought to renew it) and I would
look through the previous year or two to find the names of rinks that had
figure/dance/free-style tests results to find the names of rinks to look
up in the phone books when I got to a city I was visiting for more than a
couple of days.
 
This, of course, does NOT include all the available rinks... just ones that
have artistic/speed skating clubs... but in any given area, that's where
I'd prefer to skate anyway.
 
With a little work, I should be able to remember the places I've skated if
you/anyone is interested, with some critique of the place.
 
As for the LA area, there are at least half a dozen good rinks and probably
more with a little driving.  They usually have a good showing at the SW
Regional meets and I know a few teachers from that area.  SkateWay in in
the Pasadena (I think) area was ok, but I think they were a pretty small
rink. It was 6 years ago I was there.
 
Randall mentioned restrictions about backwards skating, et al in a lot of
rinks.  That's one reason to look for a rink with a club.  They are a lot
more tolerant of things like that if you show that you are a competant
skater.  Having a past or current amateur card is helpful too...  Also if
you get a chance to talk to the owner/mgmt and let them know you are from
out-of-state and not just a regular, they may be more apt to let you do
things they harrass other skaters about.
 
My wife and I were in Baltimore and went to a "practice" session and talked
to the pro there about some floor time and she hemmed and hawed a bit then
said she'd have to talk to the management.  While we all walked toward the
office, we mentioned that our coach as Wayne Melton (a reasonably known SW
and US champion skater/teacher).  She immediately stopped and told us to
put on our skates without even bothering to go to the office.  If the rink
is truly interested in skaters and skating in general, they will try to
accomodate out-of-town skaters if you are open and honest with them about
what you want to do.
 
-----
 
From: bill@franklin.com (bill)
Subject: Roller skating rinks (was: Any good rink roller skaing in greater (Nort 
hern) LA?)
Summary: what I like near south/central NJ
 
In article <ABOULANG.92Jan31210737@pilsner.bbn.com> aboulanger@bbn.com writes:
: (Any good rinks in U.K. or Australia?) I have checked out rinks in
: Denver, Silicon Valley, San Diego, LA, Ft. Lauderdale area,
 
There are still good rinks in Ft. Lauderdale? That's my home turf
and the rink I started at, Gold Coast, has, I'm told, been
converted to a Salvation Army store or somesuch. Sad; it used to
be the oldest rink in the state. When I left about two years ago,
there wasn't much else in the area.
 
:  I will take the time out to compile a list if people
: supply me information.
 
I'm primarily a dance skater, so my evaluations are from that
standpoint. Here are the rinks I've visited since I moved up here.
 
In Burlington county, New Jersey, there is the Holiday Skating
rink in Delanco, just off 130. It has a very large floor, in
pretty good shape, though not as well maintained as it used to
be. They have a competent, if uninspired, live organist on
Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. Tuesday is a crowded
session; the other two are fairly peaceful. I hear the organist
also does a late night session Friday (Saturday?) of just R&Rish
music but I've never been to that session.
 
Down in Gloucester county, there are two rinks. Skater's Choice,
in Hurffville (I think), on 47 near 55, has a decent Wednesday
night organ session. Dave Paden (sp?) plays and he's good. The
rink floor is average size and fairly well maintained. The rink
has a reasonable crowd but one can skate through it.
 
Speaking of Dave Paden, he also plays at the Cornwells rink. This
is just a bit east of Philadelphia on 13. This is on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. These sessions are not awfully crowded and the folk
are a bit older than in the other sessions I've mentioned. The
floor is average size but not quite as good as the one at
Skater's Choice. (This info is about a year old.)
 
Back to Gloucester county is the rink I skate out of, the
Deptford rink, just off 47 near 295. Besides having some good
pros, its main claim to fame is NO SMOKING, none at all in the
building. Since most of the other rinks tend to be smokeholes and
I'm allergic to it, I really like that. Unfortunately, it has a
small floor that has definitely seen better days. And the one
organ session they have, on Thursdays, is tapes and very poorly
attended. The tapes aren't very good, either. Sigh. (This is
likely to change; the management is letting some of the club
skaters run the session. With any luck, they'll do better. But if
you are interested in this session, you really should call the
rink instead of just going.)
 
Finally, there is the Rollerama rink in Levittown, Pennsylvania,
on 413 between 95 and 1. This had, a year ago anyway, a Sunday
evening session. This rink is also fairly small and the floor
could be in better shape, though it is better than Deptford's.
That session is also just tapes.
 
-----
 
Subject: Any good rink roller skaing in greater (Northern) LA?
 
Thanks for your input. Here is the info I had for LA (that is not on
your list -- spelling questionable):
 
Reseda: Sherman Square Roller Rink.
18430 Sherman Way. 818 345-6902
(Thursday 8:30-1:30)
 
Grand Terrace: Calif Skate
22080 Indust(?)  824-8114
 
San Bernadino: Stardust RR
2167 N Lugo      883-1103
 
Torrance: Shamrock
1851 Mullin Ave  328-7150
 
Riverside: Calif Skate
12710 Magnolia Ave   354-7060
 
Montclair: Holiday RR
9191 Central Ave     626-0501/982-9150
 
Saugus: Skate in Place
21616 Golden Triangle Rd  255-8453
 
Bakersfield:
 
  Rollerama
  1004 34th  (805) 327-7859
 
  Skateland
  415 Ming Av 831-5537
 
  Starlight
  30 Kentucky 322-5661
 
  Rollertown
  2200 Wibble Rd 833-2525
 
-----
 
From: "Rebecca Y. Shen" <rebecca@cco.caltech.edu>
Subject: Re: Any good rink roller skaing in greater (Northern) LA?
 
The following are the addresses:
   Glendale    -- Moonlight Rollerway, 5110 San Fernando Rd.
                  818.241-3630
   San Gabriel -- Fiesta Roller Rink, 136 S. San Gabriel Bl.  
 
                  818.287-6669
   West Covina -- Skate Junction, 901 W. Service Ave.
                  818.960-4402
 
also names from the White Pages (so possibly not rinks):
   Cerritos    -- Skate Depot, 11113 E-183rd
                  310.924-0911
   Whittier    -- Skateland, 12520 E. Whittier Blvd.
                  310.693-9618
   
 
Also, I saw in an ad the Moonlight claims both Tuesday and  
Wednesday are Organ Music, so I may have been wrong about Tuesday  
nights, or the ad may be out of date.
 
-----
 
From: geo@shilah.Eng.Sun.COM (george atkins)
Subject: Re: Any good rink roller skaing in greater (Northern) LA?
 
In the Bay Area (San Francisco, not Hudson) there are a handful of skating 
rinks, though not as many as one would think, probably because the weather is 
mild year-round.
 
The closest rink to San Fracisco is the Rolladium in San Mateo, about a twenty
minute drive south from the City.  Right off of Hwy 101 and real convenient to
the airport (in case you can't wait and want to skate right off the plane.)
It has a wood floor and a very nice sound system.  Friendly regulars, but not
very crowded for some reason.  They've played funky music the times I've been 
there, but I've only been on Tuesday nights. (415) 342-2711
 
In Milpitas there is Cal Skate at I-680 and Hwy 237.  I've never been there but 
I hear Wednesday and Sunday nights are wild.  I hear they play a lot of hip hop, 
have a polyurethane floor and a host of excellent skating regulars to pick 
things up from (big dance scene in the middle.)  Milpitas is about 35 miles 
south of  Oakland in the East Bay, but very convenient to San Jose. (510) 946-
1366
 
Next up there is Golden Skate in San Ramon.  I was there for adult night.  The
floor is nice and they played some nice music, but too much heavy metal for
my tastes (makes everybody skate real fast and fall down a lot.)  It's a good
45 minute drive from the City. Way out in the 'burbs.  (510) 820-2525
 
I've heard nice things about the Aloha Roller Palace in San Jose at 397 Blossom
Hill Rd. off of Hwy 101.  I've never been there but I've heard that it's a real
skate scene, especially on Friday nights.  The place is said to be large.  Not
sure what the floor is made of, but if you're going to San Jose give them a
call and you can tell me! (408) 226-1156 (message line) or 226-1155
 
But the ultimate skating experience in the Bay Area in my opinion is Golden
Gate Park on Sundays.  the park is closed to traffic on that day (certain agents 
are trying to close it on Saturdays, too.)  The weather is great (actually 
better in the winter than the summer it seems)  And there are *tons* of skaters 
cruising up and down the roads, in-line and quad, as well as skate boards, 
bicycles, horses (well, okay, only the police.)  There's a wild dance scene at 
6th Ave from noonish until dark. (Bay Area skaters - am I right?)  There are two 
places I know of that rent skates that are walking distance to the park; Skates 
on Haight and Magic Skate at Fulton and 6th.  Be there or be square!
 
 
From: aboulang@bbn.com (Albert Boulanger)
Subject: Re: Speed (Now Denver area rinks)
Date: 20 Apr 92 10:52:44
 
In article <1992Apr19.142227.27310@mnemosyne.cs.du.edu> pearnhar@isis.cs.du.edu
(Philip A. Earnhardt) writes:
 
   You should hook up with a speed program. There are speed roller skating
   programs at the rink in Longmont, CO, and a couple of rinks in Colorado
   Springs. I'd guess there's at least one in Denver; ask around.
 
Can you post the names of the rinks you know of in the area? (For
potential roller skating visitors to the front range?)
There is a rink off of Coal Mine Rd in South Denver that I have
visited. It is called Starport as I recall. Other names that I have
for the Denver area:
 
Skate City  -- Aurora    344-3321
               Arapahoe  770-2223
               Littleton 795-6109
               Meadowood 690-1444
Rollerama                288-0502
Starport       S Denver  972-4433
US on Wheels             ???
Roller City              ???
 
 
Travel, will skate,
Albert Boulanger
aboulanger@bbn.com
 
 
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 92 13:12:52 -0400
From: Susan Harbour <harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com>
 
   I just read your rink-request in rec.skate. I have been to Austin Tx. 
a couple of times this year and I have been to two roller rinks there. I 
believe there are three in the city, but I was only able to locate two
of them (two of them are called Skateworld, I was only able to locate one of 
the Skateworlds. I *think* the other is either a practice rink or an ice rink, 
but I only ever got to hear their answering machine, so I don't know for sure.)
The third rink (Playland) is probably not one that you want to go to (I know
I never want to go back.) It's a pink epoxy coated concrete floor, which *can*
be a real nice skating surface, but this one is used for Bingo about five 
nites a week, and has these pot holes in the epoxy that go right into the 
concrete....I was afraid I'd ruin my (then new) dance wheels. It's really 
pretty seedy, and it's also ridiculously hard to find.
        Skateworld (the one I found) sounds like what you are looking for. 
The times I've been there they've played top 40 music, but I believe they have
*adult* nites and Christian nites. The floor is wood, (a little small I think)
but set up very much like the Skate 3 rink in Tyngsboro, (though the floor is a
natural wood color and a whole lot smoother than Tyngsboro.) The crowd is 
generally not very big, and most of the times I've been there the floor has 
also been reasonably clean (so you're not picking up a quarter inch of goop 
on your wheels, making it feel like you're skating on a washboard.) Though
at least once that I was there I left after 40 minutes because it was so 
cruddy. I've seen them have a "race" now and again between songs during
certain sessions, but I guess speed skating is more popular in Texas than
dance skating.
        Anyway...directions....
        Take I-35 north (north of the Airport which is north
of the 'downtown' area) take the Rundberg exit and go west on Rundberg
to Lamar Blvd. Take a right on Lamar (you should see an HG supermarket)
and go just past the HG parking lot, and take a left on Rutland Dr. 
The rink will be on  your right. (You can see it from the HG parking lot).
        I can't find my list of sesssion times, so you'll have
to call them when you get there. 
        I didn't go scouting outside of the city much since my stays in 
Austin are generally only two or three days, and I never get a whole lot
of exploration time. But, I thought I'd tell you what I know!
 
-----
 
From: sastls@mvs.sas.com, ASTLS@mvs.sas.com
Subject: Re: Roller Skating vacation: Miami FL, Austin TX, Sante Fe NM
 
The biggest (best) rink in Austin is Playland.  They are installing a brand new 
floor AS WE SPEAK (write).  They will be letting everyone skate on it this 
Friday night for the 1st time.  I tried to call and found out all I can get is a 
recording until Friday when they reopen.  I was going to ask when the adult 
session is for you -- I'll let you know on Monday if you won't be on your 
vacation yet. ???  There are only about 3 rinks in Austin and that's the best 
one.  It is about a block from 183 and Burnet Rd.
 
-----
 
From:  Randal L. Schwartz, <merlyn@iwarp.intel.com >
 
Someone asked about rinks... My fav was Aloha Skate Palace in South
San Jose (or something like that) on a Monday night.  Great songs,
good crowd.  Cal Skate in Milpitas was also good, and they had a wood
floor (not the silly blue stuff that is so prevalent now).
 
The rinks within 30 minutes of Portland have gone from 7 to 3 in the
last few years.  Has this happened elsewhere?  None of them were
because of lack of business... most were because the landlords decided
that putting in yet another discount clothes store or strip mall was a
better deal.  Just what we needed.  Sigh.
 
-----
 
Ok, since this seems to include all types of skating (at least with
wheels!) I will make myself know as a rollerskater. My regular indoor
rink is Christiana here in Newark Delaware. Several champion figure
skaters have come from here. I never really paid attention to that fact
until I was skating at a rink in Ohio. A woman asked me where I was
from. After I told here that I usually skate at a rink in Delaware, she
said, "Oh yeah. I have heard of Christiana. [name I don't remember] came
from there."
 
During the summer I perform outside at a park near the waterfront in
Philadelphia (Penn's Landing). There is a group that gets together from
around the Philly area to Jam on Sunday afternoons, and many of the
Holidays. If you are ever in Philly on a sunday come on down and see us.
The "stage" is between Society Hill towers and the waterfront. Next to
the Vietnam Memorial.
 
-----
 
From: Russell Turpin <turpin%cs.utexas.edu.uucp@BBN.COM>
Subject: Re: On using both feet (was: sorting it out)
 
I like PlayLand, which is on 183, just east of MoPac and just west
of Burnet Rd.  (Coming north on MoPac, take 183 South (really east)
and then bear right on the access road.  Turn right at the stop
sign and PlayLand is about a block down behind a car dealership.)
 
They have adult nights on Tuesdays and Sundays.  Two of my coworkers
-- one of whom is pretty good -- and I skate there pretty regularly.
There is a good group of regulars.
 
 
-----
 
From: "Tamara Shaffer, x3222" <SASTLS@mvs.sas.com>
Subject: Re: Rinks in Austin
 
> I thought you all would like to know about each others opoinion's
> about Austin's rinks:
 
> ****************************************************************
> Date: Wed, 22 Apr 92 13:12:52 -0400
> From: Susan Harbour <harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com>
> To: aboulanger@BBN.COM
>
> Hi Albert,
>       I just read your rink-request in rec.skate. I have been to Austin Tx.
> a couple of times this year and I have been to two roller rinks there. I
> believe there are three in the city, but I was only able to locate two
> of them (two of them are called Skateworld, I was only able to locate one of
> the Skateworlds. I *think* the other is either a practice rink or an ice 
rink,M
> but I only ever got to hear their answering machine, so I don't know for 
sure.M)
 
The other Skateworld is a working skating rink.  It is small.  It is
located in northwest Austin in Anderson Mill.  This is north on 183
about 1-1/2 miles (?) south of 620 at Anderson Mill Rd.
 
> The third rink (Playland) is probably not one that you want to go to (I know
> I never want to go back.) It's a pink epoxy coated concrete floor, which 
*can*M
> be a real nice skating surface, but this one is used for Bingo about five
> nites a week, and has these pot holes in the epoxy that go right into the
> concrete....I was afraid I'd ruin my (then new) dance wheels. It's really
> pretty seedy, and it's also ridiculously hard to find.
 
A *lot* of things in Austin are hard to find.  There is a lot of
road work in the area of Playland.  We live with it.  Oh well.  I can
appreciate what she is saying, but considering their work they are
doing, and that it will be brand spanking new while you are here, I
figured it would be the best one to check out.  :)
 
>       Skateworld (the one I found) sounds like what you are looking for.
> The times I've been there they've played top 40 music, but I believe they 
haveM
> *adult* nites and Christian nites. The floor is wood, (a little small I 
think)M
> but set up very much like the Skate 3 rink in Tyngsboro, (though the floor is 
Ma
> natural wood color and a whole lot smoother than Tyngsboro.) The crowd is
> generally not very big, and most of the times I've been there the floor has
> also been reasonably clean (so you're not picking up a quarter inch of goop
> on your wheels, making it feel like you're skating on a washboard.) Though
> at least once that I was there I left after 40 minutes because it was so
> cruddy. I've seen them have a "race" now and again between songs during
> certain sessions, but I guess speed skating is more popular in Texas than
> dance skating.
>       Anyway...directions....
>       Take I-35 north (north of the Airport which is north
> of the 'downtown' area) take the Rundberg exit and go west on Rundberg
> to Lamar Blvd. Take a right on Lamar (you should see an HG supermarket)
> and go just past the HG parking lot, and take a left on Rutland Dr.
> The rink will be on  your right. (You can see it from the HG parking lot).
 
Like I said, look for the HEB.  I haven't been to this one, but I know
her directions work.
 
> *******************************************************************
> Posted-Date: Wed, 28 Mar 90 11:00:15 CST
> From: Russell Turpin <turpin%cs.utexas.edu.uucp@BBN.COM>
> Date: Wed, 28 Mar 90 11:00:15 CST
> X-Mailer: Mail User's Shell (6.5.6 6/30/89)
> To: aboulanger@BBN.COM
> Subject: Re: On using both feet (was: sorting it out)
>
> I like PlayLand, which is on 183, just east of MoPac and just west
> of Burnet Rd.  (Coming north on MoPac, take 183 South (really east)
> and then bear right on the access road.  Turn right at the stop
> sign and PlayLand is about a block down behind a car dealership.)
 
The street is McCann and it's a Nissan dealership.  Hope that helps!
 
> They have adult nights on Tuesdays and Sundays.  Two of my coworkers
> -- one of whom is pretty good -- and I skate there pretty regularly.
> There is a good group of regulars.
>
> Russell
 
-----
 
From: Andrew D. Abbott| <abbottad@nextwork.rose-hulman.edu>
Subject: Re: Good rink roller skating in Detroit?
 
In rec.skate article <ABOULANG.92Apr27134019@pilsner.bbn.com> you  
wrote:
 
> I will be traveling to Detroit and would like to know if there are
any good roller rink sessions in the general area.
 
On occasion there is in-line skating at the Pontiac Silverdome and at  
the Joe Louis Arena. I'm not sure if these fit your idea of a good  
roller rink (I've never skated there), but they may be interesting  
places to skate. You may have to do some checking around, though, to  
find out when the times are. Otherwise, Shores Skateland in  
Mt.Clemens may have what your interested in.
I hope this has been just a bit helpful.
 
-----
 
From: aboulang@bbn.com (Albert Boulanger)
Subject: Roller Skating vacation - Rinks in Florida (USA Rinks)
 
I went skating in several rinks/cities in Florida. Here is a breakdown
by day of adult skating session in Florida. One generalization that I
have made is: USA (United Skates of America) rinks are a cut above
the rest in general. They all seem to have a varied session schedule
to meet the tastes of a varied clientele. I have been to USA rinks in
Chicago, and Minneapolis. In addition the one in Tampa (which I
visited but did not skate at a session) has the same type of schedule.
 
================================================================
Adult Roller Skating (indoor) in Florida
================================================================
 
Sunday
****************
 
Semomoram Skateway Orlando, 407 834-9095, 834-9106 (manager)
8-11
Comments:OK, Speed (shuffle) oriented music. They did play some techno.
 
The Palace, Lantana (West Palm Beach), 407 967-0311
8-11:30
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Gold Coast, Ft Lauderdale, 305 523-6783
7:30-11
Comments: Dead session and they were going to cancel it. "Floating
floor" which is a floor built on wood beams so that it rebounds. These
floors are really nice!
 
Skate Mania, Ocala
7-10
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Galaxy Skateway, Palm Beach Gardens (West Palm Beach) 407 627-4554
7-10
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Skate Odyssey, Tampa 813 935-2000
??? (Never got hours)
Comments:  Never got to it.
 
 
 
Monday
****************
Universal Entertainment, Orlando, 407 282-3140, 407 282-3141
8-11
Comments: OK, about the same as Semoram. Last time I was there, they
seem to have a bit better mix of music than just the "shuffle" beat
like many Florida rinks tend to lapse into.
 
Southland Roller Palace, Pinellas Park, 813 546 0018
9-12
Comments: So-So, mostly shuffle beat type stuff.
 
Hot Wheels, Miami, 305 595-3200
8-11:30
Comments: Did not go to this session, but the adult Thursday session
was the best I seen on my vacation.
 
Galaxy Skateway Hollywood, Davie, 305 435-3300, 432-5144
8-11
Comments: Went to this several years ago.
It was Ok -- mostly shuffle beat type stuff.
 
Wednesday
****************
USA, Tampa 813 876-6544, 813 876-5826 
9-12
Comments: This session claims to be a Hot 100 Club mix -- I will try
to check this one out next time.
 
Thursday
****************
 
Hot Wheels, Miami, 305 595-3200
8-11:30
Comments: Best session I went to on this trip. Center is walled off from
the rest of the floor (but open for skating).
 
Galaxy Skateway Hollywood, Davie, 305 435-3300, 432-5144
8-11
Comments: See Monday night,
 
Galaxy Skateway, North Lauderdale, 305 721 0580
8-11
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Happy Days Skate & Putt, Davie, 305 452-2800
7-11
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Rainbow Roller Land, Largo, 813 585-5987, 813 586-6810
8-12?
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Roller Skating Center of Coral Springs, 305 755-0011
7:30-10:30
Comments: Never got to it.
 
Skate City, Daytona Beach, 904 788-4401
??? (8-10:30)
Comments: Several years ago they had an adult session on Thursday. The
manager said that they may be starting this session again in the summer.
 
-----
 
From: merlyn@techbook.com (Randal Schwartz)
Subject: Re: Hillsboro (Oregon) Roller Rink destroys music format
 
In article <D2150039.3k82mg@udwarf.tymnet.com> carl%udwarf@tymix.tymnet.com 
writMes:
|Since I haven't been into a rink for a few months, I can't comment on the
|music they might be playing... but our local rink has a sunday night adult
|skate and the stuff they were playing is pretty much 70s/80s stuff with a
|few oldies and current pop (top-40) thrown in.
 
that'd be cool, probably.  I keep thinking that "adult" music is stuff
from the 60's.  I forget I'm getting older. :-)
 
|Hmmm... I spend a week in Oregon a year or two ago when BiiN was trying to 
|make a product offering and I tried one or two of the rinks there... and I
|forget, but I don't think I made it to the Hillsboro rink because they had
|a "soul" night the night I was ready to go... but, I thought I went down
|to the Oaks (in the Oaks Amusement Park) and they had this enormous pipe
|organ... I can't imagine them playing things you can't dance to... although
|maybe pipe organ music may be a bit much if that is ALL they play.  I don't
|remember, but it wasn't that crowded and I was able to practice my spins
|even though they didn't allow me to practice any jumps.
|
|Are they still open?  Is that a viable rink?  :-)
 
BiiN!  Hey, I was a contractor there during its entire existance (well,
at least until they killed all the contractors in one fell swoop).
 
Hillsboro still has a "soul" session on Wednesday nights.  I haven't
gone back to see if they've ruined that one too.
 
Oaks is still there.  It'd better be.  It's the oldest and largest rink
in the Pacific Northwest (since 1920-something, I think).  They still
play the old pipe organ (the pipes hang over the center of the rink) on
some sessions, but Friday and Saturday nights are top-40 from records
(and maybe CDs).  I attend a "private" session there on Sunday nights which
is mostly rap-ified soul (and some good stuff too :-).  It's run by a private
group (the "Rose City Rhythm Rollers") and it's for members only, so we
can pretty much play what we want (well, OK, what the DJ wants :-).
 
But one nearly-good session a week isn't enough to keep me tuned up or
in shape.  Sigh.  Down from 10 hours a week to 2.2 hours.  Not good.
 
-----
 
From: "Robert E. Brown" <robert.brown@quorum.com>
Subject: Re:  Roll-Land
 
I go to sessions that play "artistic" skating dance music.  In my neck of the 
woods:
 
        Riverdale Rollerworld in Warwick, RI    401-821-2595
        Sunday and Tuesday, 7:30 to 10
 
        Silver City Skateland, Taunton, MA      508-824-4866
        Sunday 7:30 to 10
 
        Highland Heights Rink in Tauton, MA     508-824-9363
        Sunday 7:30 to 9:30, Thursday 7 to 9
 
The last of these is a small rink in a suburban neighborhood run by an elderly
couple who built the rink 40 years ago.  The floor is great and the rink is
almost always empty . . . because of . . .
 
Silver City, probably the best competitive rink near me.  I've not been to
their dance session.
 
Riverdale has a nice, but always dirty, floor -- the boards on the ends of
the rink are curved.  The rink has a small competitive club.  It has 
popular rock and roll sessions, populated with local kids.  I practice here,
since it's closest.
 
One of the earliest rinks in the country is also in RI -- since the Newport
rich of old seemed to enjoy rolling around in their mansions after dinner.
I believe this rink is near the Providence airport, but haven't found it
yet.
 
   From: "Robert E. Brown" <robert.brown@quorum.com>
   Subject: Re:  Roll-Land
 
 One of the earliest rinks in the country is also in RI -- since the Newport
 rich of old seemed to enjoy rolling around in their mansions after dinner.
 I believe this rink is near the Providence airport, but haven't found it
 yet.
 
 
We found this rink (Hillsboro Country Club) during a non-session period. They ha
ve
sessions during the week starting at 7pm. It is located on US1 (2100
Post RD) in Warwick RI. Phone number is 401 737-9828
-----
 
From: "Robert E. Brown" <robert.brown@quorum.com>
Subject: friendly rinks
 
Of the rinks I mentioned in my note, Riverdale and Highland Heights are
the friendliest -- especially Riverdale.  In your skating travels have
you run across any rinks where people do the flea hop.  I suspect that
flea hopping was only done in a few rinks around Cleveland, and may be
extinct now.
 
Flea hopping seems to have originated at a rink in Chagrin Falls, where the
steps were:  LF (hop) RB (hop).  That is, alternating left forward and
right backward steps (mohawk turn transitions) with hops on each foot.
Each step is one beat of the music, with the hops giving a double-time
effect.  I only saw this once or twice.
 
At my rink in Mayfield, Ohio (suburb of Cleveland), people omitted the hops
and skated each step to two beats of boogie music.  The forward step with
a deep inside edge, the backward with a deep outside.  This basic step was
used as a starting point for lots of tricks, occasionally including small
jumps, but mostly just tricky footwork.
 
Ahh, fond memories of Bobby Freeman on organ playing "Smoke on the Water"
(maybe the actual title is somwthing like Purple Haze) in front of a wall
of disco lights, while hundreds flea hopped at top speed . . . .
 
-----
 
From: nigel@rs733.GSFC.NASA.Gov
Subject: Re: Good indoor roller skating in the DC area?
 
In article <ABOULANG.92Jul21110552@kariba.bbn.com> aboulang@bbn.com (Albert 
Boulanger) writes:
 
   In my forays of rinks in the DC area, I have not found a really good
   rink -- ideally for an area like Washington DC there would be a rink(s)
   that has adult sessions with a "dance club" feel. Does any exist in the
   DC/Baltimore area?
 
Uh...I haven't noticed any...I usually go to Columbia if I'm in an
indoor mood.  They have an Adult night there that is more fun for me.
Plus they rent rollerblades ;-).
 
-----
 
To: kanarick@media-lab.media.mit.edu
Subject: skating indoors boston
 
   I noticed today you posted something in rec.skate about finding a good
   place to skate with good music.  Do you know of any places in the Bostong
   that have good music *and* would allow me to bring my in-lines?  I
   looked up Roller Skating in the Yellow Pages and found two places,
   but I don't know anything about either of them.  Might you?
 
Nothing compared to NYC. The best is probably the Sunday night session
at Roller Kindgdom in Tyngsboro MA (7:30-11). They allow in-lines that
don't tear up the rink floor as far as I know. Besides Sunday night,
there is a Wednesday night session at Roller Kindgdom in *Hudson* MA
from 7:30-11 and Monday night session at the rink in Beverly (I forget
its name). There are two Thursday night sessions: Tyngsboro MA
(7:30-11) {I go to this} and Roller World in Saugus from 8:30-11. Call
the rinks up.
 
 
Phone numbers:
 
 Tyngsboro 508 649-2440(rec)/649-3439
 Hudson    508 652-3440
 Saugus    617 231-1111
 Beverly   508 927-4242
 
 
There are rinks south of Boston (in Tauton for example) that I have
never been to although I have saved some email on them.
 
================================================================================
List of contributors:
 
abbottad@nextwork.rose-hulman.edu
aboulang@bbn.com (Albert Boulanger)
bill@franklin.com (bill)
carl@udwarf.tymnet.com (Carl Baltrunas & Cherie Marinelli 1.5)
Erica Nowicki <k080116@hobbes.kzoo.edu>
geo@shilah.Eng.Sun.COM (george atkins)
merlyn@techbook.com (Randal Schwartz)
nigel@rs733.GSFC.NASA.Gov
Mark L. Fussell using <rebecca@cco.caltech.edu>
Robert E. Brown <robert.brown@quorum.com>
Robert John Butera <rbutera@rice.edu>
Russell Turpin <turpin%cs.utexas.edu.uucp@BBN.COM>
sastls@mvs.sas.com, ASTLS@mvs.sas.com
Susan Harbour <harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com>
Tamara Shaffer <SASTLS@mvs.sas.com>
 
=END OF PART 3 =================================================================
 
Newsgroups: rec.skate