"What
You Need To Know"
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.
Also, 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.
Road Skate Checklist
Water bottle or Camelback
Energy gel and/or Energy Bar
Sunglasses
Tool kit
Money for coffee break
I.D. and insurance card
Sunscreen
Water and snack for car
Helmet and wrist guards
Windbreaker
For Additional information on speed and fitness events , or
if you have questions about the Oregon Road Skaters you can email Teddie Matteson
Or call Oregon Road Skaters Hotline: 503-781-5281
|