On The Trail

IN THIS ISSUE...

• Publisher's Message
• Skating Tip
• Until Next Time
• Advertisement

Publisher's Message

Welcome to the first issue of 2005 of On The Trail. The Inline Skating Center will publish ten issues of the newsletter from now until the end of September covering a wide range of topics about inline skating on marked trails. As you know, skating is best when the trails are dry, smooth, flat, clean, and uncrowded.

Unfortunately, this is an ideal set of conditions. More often then not, you'll encounter a situation where the surface is wet or cluttered with debris, the terrain is rough or hilly, and the trail is crowded with pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the trail skater needs to contend with road snakes, manholes, potholes, cracks, curbs, and bridges.

Sounds like an accident waiting to happen! Only if you're unprepared. Each issue of the e-zine will focus on a different condition that you may encounter on the trails. We'll present a tip and/or a tactic for dealing with each of these scenarios, so you can avoid these potential hazards, and learn to skate in a safe, controlled manner.

In today's issue, we're going to discuss the adjustments you need to make when you encounter branches and leaves on the trail!

Skating Tip

It's always a good idea when you're out trail skating, especially in the spring and fall, to look ahead at all times for debris in your path. You may encounter both wet and dry clumps of leaves and branches. Let's look at each one in turn.

A bunch of dry leaves may appear harmless at first site, but you never know what lurks beneath them. Somtimes, the leaves may be hiding twigs and bark from a nearby tree. Never try to plow your way through the pile of leaves. Why?

The leaves won't really damage your skates, but the twigs and/or bark underneath may cause your wheels to lock up momentarily and force your upper body to move forward while your lower body remains behind. Not a good situation to be in!

In addition, a clump of wet leaves may present a more serious hazard. The leaves may be hiding a wet spot on the trail, as well as a branch or two. If you stride over the top of a slick patch, your skate may slide out quickly to your left or right side. This is very undesireable because a pulled or torn groin can result because your muscles are forced to stretch to their maximum way too fast.

To avoid falling or sliding when you encounter wet or dry leaves on the trail, you need to bypass the hazard. How?

When you approach the clump of leaves, bring your skates closer together and rolll your ankles to force your wheels to go on edge. Now, make a short, quick, parallel turn to your right or left and skate around the obstacle in your path. After you bypass the hazard return to your normal striding and gliding.

Until Next Time

When you're out rolling on the trails this season always look ahead and be cautious when you see wet or dry foliage in your path. Try to avoid skating over branches and leaves because you never know what is hidden underneath.

Advertisement

If your skates get really wet after a day in the rain, you need to act quickly to remove the moisture from your bearings and preserve their life. Throwing your skates in the trunk of your car is not going to cut it. The next time out, some or all of your bearings may be seized, and some or all of your wheels may not rotate freely.

Fortunately, there is a stopgap measure you can employ to remove the moisture. The Inline Skating Center has recently published a Basic Maintenance lesson, which has a section that deals with the special circumstance of what to do after a day of skating in wet conditions.

To find out more about this lesson, click below:


Skate Maintenance