Beyond lie gravel traps and tire barriers, designed to protect skidding cars from concrete walls. The wide roadway provides room to manoeuvre. I keep to one side, trying to maintain a coordinated pace. One skate rolls forward while the other pushes off. As a result, I am passed by more people than a geezer in a Yugo.
Men streak by shirtless.
Women are almost equally unattired. New parents push toddlers in strollers. Older kids tag along, having no trouble keeping up. Legs pumping, I accelerate. Fear takes flight.