Chicago offers lot's of opportunities to inline skate, from Friday night street skates to speed skating, suburban rec skates, to free beginner lessons, grab your rollerblades and join your friends while the weather is good.
Remember, protective gear is highly recommended, on all skates, helmets are mandatory, especially helmets, flashing lights and water bottles round out the package.
Is it Raining? Here's a quick link right to an animated map of the local radar.
Here is how Chicago's inline skate scene is shaping up for the season. There are semi-organized skates forming on the lakefront weeknights, but they are not regular enough to post here as of yet. There are regular themed "Raves" skates every first Friday May through October; plus every third Friday June through September.
To be on our skaters' mailing list, so you know what's happening, click here now. But in the meantime, here's the skinny:
Road Raves -- First Fridays May though October
Departure point Daley Plaza, time 7:30 pm (get there on time the routes change)
Themed skates through the city, sometimes we even manage to show off the
nicer (more interesting) parts of the city. Raves run later into the year,
weather permitting. Details here.
Road Raves -- Third Fridays May though September
Departure point Daley Plaza, time 7:30 pm (get there on time the routes
change)
Skilled, experienced street skaters only!! - these skates will be longer.
If you are unsure of your ability try a First Friday Skate. Raves run
later into the year, weather permitting. Details here.
Click on the map for a detailed directions.
Practice with Team Rainbo, ability level is intermediate, not for beginners,
but all skating levels welcomed.
Indoor Practices: November-April
Sundays (coached) - Orbit Skate Center, 9-11 am
Tuesdays, Thursdays - Orbit Skate Center, times vary.
Send an email to teamrainbo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
to receive practice times via email.
See a short video of Tuesday/Thursday skating at Orbit
Click on the map for a detailed directions.
Warmer Weather
Not hard and fast practice times and place during the weekdays, but this year 2008 here is where you will find
Team Rainbo members practicing. For up to the day info join the Team Rainbo yahoo group, open to anyone.
Busse Woods 5:00, 5:30. The trail
is an 8 mile loop, departure times every half hour.
Tuesdays - Shoe Factory Woods 4:30, 5:00, 5:30. The trail is a hilly 8 mile loop, departure times every half hour.
Saturdays, Sundays - Prairie Stone Corporate Center
9:00 am
Helmets are mandatory at all practices, and, if you're a carbon based life form, bring water.
Suburban recreational group skates are now a hard commodity to come by. If any Chicago area skater knows of a group forming I would be glad to publicize your events..
STOPPING LESSONS at Oak Street Beach.
Chicago Skate Patrol's certified volunteers teach stopping
and other basics at Oak Street Beach. Look for the banner
and red t-shirts near the ramp. PERFECT for beginners to
walk, drive, cab or train to; bring skates and protective
gear. Master bladers and other performers practicing nearby.
Runs through about 4pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Special events you ask?
Why yes, there are some good ones coming up. See the LOTS 'O Info page.
Good skating everyone!!!
