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2008 Monday Night Skates Page
- Updated July 20, 2008.
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2008 Monday Night Skates (Leaving 3rd & S at 7:00 p.m.)
Select the first skate in a month to jump to it: | |
| Date | Information As of 11/05/2007: Monday Night Skate leaves at 7:00 p.m. sharp.) |
|---|---|
| July
14, 2008 |
 
Kathy leads 11 skaters as they skate a new loop in West Sacramento!We had eleven skaters tonight: Alice, David, Gordon, Gus, Jacob, Jeannie, Kathy, Mark, Rusty, Steve, and I . We agreed to meet Kathy and her son Jacob at Raley Field, so they could get their helmets. When we met a t Raley Field, Kathy said that she had been in West Sacramento for many years, and that she could lead us on a West Sacramento Skate.
We continued south on Jefferson Boulevard. See photo that links to YouTube video above on the right.  We skated on several other streets, but I don't remember the names now. Eventually we returned north on Harbor Boulevard to West Capitol Ave., where we skated east. Eventually we skated across the Tower Bridge back into Sacramento. See photo that links to YouTube video on the left. Kathy kindly called me to let me know that our West Sacramento loop was 7.8 miles. So I estimate we skated about 9 miles. After this wonderful and different skate, 6 of enjoyed food, beverages, service, and conversation at Vallejo's. Bernie |
| July 7,
2008
|
Dave leads 7 skaters and 1 bike rider on unique downtown skate - east on Capitol Mall and J Street, returning west on Capitol, other streets, and S!Dave, Gordon, Gus, Larry, Mark, Morgan, Rusty and I showed up tonight. I rode my bicycle. We started on an American River Parkway skate. Then Dave suggested that we do a downtown skate instead. No new photos or movies this week. Dave took over to lead us east on Capitol Mall. Nearing the Capitol, we skated north to J Street, where we again skated east. We skated around on a variety of downtown streets and sidewalks. Coming back (west) on Capitol we met Mari Tonin, who started the Monday Night Skate. Mari was looking good and said she might join us again on a Monday Night Skate. After talking with Mari, we went to a 10 story parking lot where most of us enjoyed a great downhill ride. WHEEEE!!!!! Thanks, Dave, for an interesting downtown skate! I estimate that we skated about 6 miles. Riding a bicycle was much easier than skating, but not nearly as much fun or exercise. Soon we were back at our 3rd and S starting point, where 5 of us enjoyed food, beverages, and conversation. Bernie |
| June 30,
2008
|
16 skate south to the Marina, Sacramento River Levee, Land Park, California Crocker Middle School, and the Tower Theater!The skating crew tonight consisted of: Bernie, Gordon, Guy, Morgan, Mark, Gus, Dave, Rusty, Dale, Mitchell, Alice, John, Steve, Brian, and a new skater Cathy (who hails from across the river, in West Sacramento). We were later joined by Jan, near William Land Park, for a total of fifteen. Sixteen freakin’ skaters out rollin’ in Sac; our largest group in recent memory! Jan previously skated with us on the August 1, 2005 MNS - welcome, Cathy and welcome back, Jan. A southward loop was chosen so we started on 3rd St and continued to Broadway. Westward on Broadway (See photo that links to YouTube movie above on the right.) we skated into Miller Park. We continued along the perimeter sidewalk back to the east side of the marina. Up onto the recreation trail on the Sacramento River levee; to those who are new to the website, this is our “black ice highway”; the asphalt is smooth and fast. We made good time to the Sutterville Road access point, continued along the sinewy, serpentine, asphaltic surface to the La Rivage Hotel at Captain’s Table Road and Riverside Blvd.
South Land Park Drive carried us up and over the few natural hills in Sacramento and snaked us over to Sutterville Road. We regrouped at the intersection and decided to continue the loop through William Land Park. As we approached the Zoo entrance on Land Park Drive we saw Jan skating into the park on 15th Ave. We looped the park to connected to 18th St. and 17th St. We regrouped at California Middle School then continued north on Marty Way; connecting back to Land Park Drive in front of the Tower Theater. We continued west on Broadway to Riverside/17th St.; took 17th north to S St. Turning west on S St. we completed the loop back at 3rd St. The conditions were much improved from last week; the smokiness of the air was reduced and with a slight breeze blowing the conditions were excellent for our 8 to 9 mile loop. Nine members of the group stayed for food and conversation at Vallejo’s. I had to leave early so I don’t know the topic(s) of discussion but certainly skating, physical fitness, politics, world economics, celebrity meltdowns, world travel and general oddities were probably discussed. All the solutions the world needs in one hour or less! Life just gets better all the time… So, until next week – keep skatin’ Brian |
| June
23, 2008
|
4 skate old and new American River Parkways!We had 4 skaters tonight - Gus, Jeannie, Larry, and myself. I believe that the smoke in the air kept us from having more skaters. We decided to skate the American River Parkway. First we skated north on 3rd Street to O Street. On O Street we skated west to Front Street, where we regrouped. We next skated north into Old Sacramento, and then onto the American River Parkway, where we also skated north. We enjoyed an indirect route to the Parkway, skating down to it from the bridge that connects to the I Street Bridge. WHEEEE!!!!!
At The Discovery Park Bridge, we skated down into Discovery Park WHEEEE!!!!! and the old American River Parkway Trail. See photo that links to a YouTube movie of May 19, 2008 skaters entering Discovery Park above on the left . On this trail we skated east, with pauses, to Del Paso Boulevard. At Del Paso Boulevard, we skated south to the 12th Street Bridge. From the 12th Street Bridge we turned west onto a new section of the American River Parkway (A branch that is south of the river, instead of north of it - like the old branch.). After about two miles of smooth skating we were soon back at the Discovery Park Bridge. We then skated the American River Parkway south into Old Sacramento, and very soon we were back at our 3rd and S starting point. Skating out on the old (north side) of the American River Parkway and skating back on the new (south side). I estimate that we skated about 10 miles. Jeannie left, but Gus, Larry, and I stayed for food, beverages. amd conversation. Bernie |
| June 16,
2008 |
 
11 skaters skate the American River Parkway to 20th and C, then return through Downtown Sacramento!Bernie, Steve, Gus, Alice, Gordon, Dale, Jeannie, Mark, Dave, Rusty and I showed up to skate. The weather was warm but not sweltering and a light breeze was kicking up; all in all, great conditions. We chose a route through Discovery Park to the Jedadiah Smith Recreation Trail. To get to the recreation trail access on the Sacramento River levee we skated over to the O Street Bridge. We took a quick view of the Big Fix - the FixI-5 project on the south bound freeway lanes. Once again to our professional observations the project looks very good. See photo above on the left. Skating to the levee we regrouped at the “street lamp museum” then continued north to Old Sac, cruised through old town, turned back west just past the Train Museum, connected with the recreation trail, taking it north toward Discovery Park. See photo that links to YouTube movie above on the right. At the Sacramento Water Intake Facility we stopped to regroup, a few of the group took a quick circuit out and around the intake facility pump house. At Discovery Park we skated to the recreation trail on the north bank of the American River. Eastward on the trail we took it to the Del Paso Blvd crossing. We continued on the trail branching to the west, thus taking us toward the 19th St. Bridge crossing. At C St. we swung east to 20th St. 20th St. took us through the restaurant/gallery row between L St. and N St. and with the smooth surface afforded by 20th St. we continued south to S St. Turning west on S we continued back to the start point at the parking lot at 3rd and S. This was approximately an 8 mile loop. Once again, I had to skip hanging out with the group at Vallejo’s for good food and conversation. But I am sure they found solutions for all of society’s ill in less than an hour! Until next week… keep skatin’! Brian |
| June 9,
2008 |
 
13 skaters loop south to California Crocker Middle School, Land Park, Sacramento Zoo, and Sacramento River Levee!Thirteen skaters showed up to battle the mean streets of Sacramento; Bernie, Gus, Mitchell, Steve, Dale, Gordon, Guy, Rusty, Dave, Morgan and his son Jacob, Mark, and Brian. An old-school reunion of sorts – Steve, Dale, Dave, Rusty, Gordon, Bernie, and Mitchell have been doing the skate from “back in the day” when the inline craze was rolling strong in the early ‘90s. Nostalgia aside, we chose to skate south on 11th St. to Broadway (as on April 15, 2008 skate) with a loop through William Land Park and return north on the Sacramento levee. The skate to Broadway was uneventful and after a subtle scattering at Riverside Blvd, with some of us continuing south and others turning east, we got coordinated and skated over to the Tower Theater.
17 th St. brought us to the north side of William Land Park at 13th Ave. We continued south through the park on 18th St. to 15th Ave. Taking 15 th west we regrouped at the zoo entrance. Restarting the skate we took Sutterville west to the Sacramento River levee. Since we had made good time a decision was made to go south to check out “La Rivage”, the hotel that has recently been constructed at Riverside and Captain’s Table Rd. The hotel’s parking lot and river frontage sidewalks are new and provided a very good skating surface. We regrouped at their patio area adjacent to their river access docks; Steve struck up a conversation with some of the hotel guests. Bernie has eaten at hotel’s restaurant, “Scott's Seafood” and gives it high marks. See photo by Brian above on the right. Getting rolling again north on the levee we made good time from when we left La Virage and got back the river access just off Sutterville Rd. The levee top recreation trail is part of our “black ice highway”. This is fairly new asphalt and it is smooth and fast. Steve, Mark and Dale took advantage of this and rocketed ahead of the rest of us to the lower Miller Park boat launch parking lot. Our skate loop was completed by continuing north on the recreation trail to its connection with Front St., crossing I-5 on the O St. Bridge, turning south on 3rd St past the stately Crocker Art Museum, with all of us returning to the start point at 3rd and S St. The conditions were perfect for skating and a group of ten stayed to have food and conversation at Vallejo’s – an excellent finish to an eight mile loop. Dale mentioned the “meet up” concept of web social networking. We will look into using it as a way to improve visibility to the Monday Night Skate. So, until next week… Keep skatin’ Brian |
| June 2,
2008 |
 
Ten skaters look at I 5 construction and enjoy West Sacramento skate!Gus, Bernie, Gordon, Dave, Alice, Rusty, Mark, Larry, Steve and I showed up for the June 2nd skate. Ten for the win! With the I-5 Big Fix in action a few blocks from our start point we decided to skate over and take a look and then continue for a loop through West Sacramento.
Crossing the Tower Bridge is a pleasure since the sidewalks have been widened. What used to be a narrow pathway where often we would have to squeeze to the side to allow pedestrians and bicyclist have the right-of-way, is now a beautifully smooth concrete surface at least 5 feet wide. This makes for plenty of room for two directions of traffic. Turning north on the west side of the river, we continued along West Sac’s River Walk promenade. The brick work on the promenade adds a little vibration to the skate - it’s good for the circulation! We passed the ziggurat building and checked out the new glass and steel tower being constructed adjacent. Just past the construction, we took an access ramp (at E St?) down to street level and connected with 3rd St. Continuing north to C St. we regrouped at a new parking lot at the corner. Fresh smooth concrete! Taking 3rd St. north past C proved to be a bad idea. The street has been repaved with a very rough chip seal surface that is horrendous on wheels. We turned 180 and went back to C St.; turned west and continued over to 5th St, taking it north to connect with Lighthouse Blvd. Lighthouse Blvd has also been repaved in the last few years with a very rough surface, once again, probably great for car traction but terrible for skate wheel longevity. We got up on the sidewalk paralleling the street for a smoother ride. At “The Rivers” subdivision entrance gate we continued inside on Lighthouse to Fountain Dr. to skate the River Crest Dr., up on the levee. Finally - great skating surface! River Crest is one of the best streets for skating; low to no vehicle traffic; wide smooth asphalt; great view of river and it finishes with a slight downhill. See photo and link to downhill movie above on the right. At the corner bulb of River Crest, Bernie and others checked out the open lot available for purchase. All were in agreement - if Bernie purchases the lot and builds a house we will all come to visit. Here’s hoping for Bernie’s good fortune! We skated south on River Crest to Westlake Dr. and back out of “Da Rivas” to Lighthouse Blvd.; turned west to connect to Kegle Dr. and skated north again. At Rogers we turned westerly; skated to Holland, turning north and connected with Carrie St. Softball games were in fully swing at the park off Carrie as we got to the corner of Todhunter. A quick regrouping here and we continued south on Todhunter to connect with Sacramento Ave. We turned east on Sacramento Ave. to begin the final return leg of our loop. Sacramento Ave. connects back to C St. and we continued on C St. which connects to the I St. Bridge as it crosses over the Sacramento River. We skated down off the I St. Bridge into the Amtrak Station. At 5th and I Streets, Bernie and Gordon did a little stair riding at the court building steps. We continued on to finish our skate with a meandering down 5th St. to Q St. We cut through the center sidewalk at the CalPers office building to get to R St. and our eventual finish back at 3rd and S. The conditions were very nice for the skate; we covered about 10 miles. I had to call it an early night, Bernie and the others had plans to rendezvous at a restaurant other than Vallejo’s (they were closed for a kitchen remodel), so the après-skate details will have to be provided by one of the attendees! (Bernie, Gus, Gordon, Mark, and Steve met at Ernest;s after the skate.). Keep skatin’ Brian |
| May 26,
2008
|
Five skaters skate new trail, Ninos Parkway!
Five skaters went out this Memorial Day: David, Gus, Rusty, Steve, and myself. As suggested by me and accepted by many, we decided to revisit the new trail we found last week, We first skated north on 3rd Street, west on O Street, and north on Front Street into Old Sacramento. From Old Sacramento we skated onto the American River Parkway. We skated north on the American River Parkway to the Sacramento Water Treatment Facility, then to the Discovery Park Bridge, At the Discovery Park Bridge, we took the newer branch of the American River Parkway east two miles to the 12th Street Bridge, where we skated northeast on the 12th Street Bridge to Northgate Boulevard, where we skated north to Northfield Drive, west on Northfield Drive to Northview Drive, north on Northview Drive and Northey Drive to cross El Camino to the Los Ninos Parkway. See photo above on the right.
Gus and I skated south on Ninos Parkway. Then we skated on streets to Garden Highway, where we skated west, till we were able to get onto the original American River Parkway at about the 2 mile mark. Skating the American River Parkway west we were soon back in Old Sacramento and then back to our 3rd and S starting point. Gus estimated that we skated about 10 miles. Vallejo's was closed, so Gus and I went home. Bernie |
| May 19,
2008
|
Gordon leads 11 skaters on 10 mile Natomas skate!
Eleven skaters - Alice, David, Gus, Guy, Larry, Mark, Mollie, Morgan, Rusty, Scott, and myself skated tonight. As suggested and led by Gordon, we skated a Natomas loop. We first skated north on 3rd Street to O Street. Then we skated east to Front Street. After regrouping we skated into West Sacramento. From Old Sacramento to we skated onto the American River Parkway. On the Parkway we skated past the Sacramento water intake facility to the Discovery Park Bridge. After regrouping, we skated down the Bridge into Discovery Park. See photo and movie above on the left. WHEEEE!!!!! Once in Discovery Park, we skated east on the American River Parkway to Northgate Boulevard, where -after some confusion, we skated north over Garden Highway. We then skated north and east toward Natomas. One of the main streets we skated west on was Pebblewood. Then we head back home on a Natomas trail. Soon we were skating south into Discovery Park. From Discovery Park we skated east and up the Discovery Park Bridge to the American River Parkway, which we skated into Old Sacramento.
Eight of us stayed for food, beverages, and conversation at Vallejo's after a great skate of about 10 miles. Bernie |
| May 12,
2008
|
10 skate to Sacramento State College and back!
Ten skaters - David, Gus, Guy, Larry, Mark, Mollie, Morgan, Rusty, Scott, and myself skated tonight. As suggested, by Guy, we skated to Sac State via T Street and Elvas. We skated our normal route; taking S St. to Alhambra and then jogging south to T St. prior to Stockton Blvd. T St. is very nice on the east side of Stockton and we move quite quickly to 59th St (See photo and movie above on the right.), where we turned north and crossed over Hwy 50. Continuing on 59th St. we skated to Folsom Blvd near the Corti Bros. market and then skated 58th St. to M St. Turning east on M we made our connection to 62nd St., where we enjoyed some Halloween decorations. See photo above on the right. Nest we skated on 62nd Street to its corner with Elvas Blvd. We next skated Elvas to the CSUS campus access arch and pathway. The bike path on campus has recently been renovated so the surface is smooth and fast. We skated over to the parking garage. Most of us enjoyed riding the elevator up and then skating down the this great parking lot. WHEEEE!!!!!
We took M St. west to Alhambra and then connected with Capitol Blvd. Soon we were back at 3rd and S. I estimate that we skated 12 to 14 miles. I believe Guy led much of the skate tonight. I had trouble keeping up. I am getting older and slower. After the skate, Six of ten of us met at Vallejo's to enjoy food, beverage, and conversation. Bernie |
| May 5, 2008 |
 
In biggest skate of year (11 skaters), 11 skate south for Land Park, Sacramento River Levee loop!Eleven skaters, the largest group so far this year, had good exercise and fun tonight: Gordon, Gus, Jacob, John, Larry, Mark, Mitchell, Morgan, Rusty, Steve, and myself. We decided to skate south for a change. See photo and link to movie of our departure above on the left. First we skated east on S Street, then we skated south on 19th Street, which becomes Freeport, to Sacramento City College. Mitchell led much of the skate, but he kindly paused for regrouping and feedback from time to time. At Sacramento City College, we looped through Land Park, ending up at the Sacramento Zoo, See photo above on the right. We left soon; sometimes they try to catch animals like us,
We continued north on Ramp Road and a path parallel to Front Street. By 8:15 we were back at 3rd and S, after a 6 to 8 mile skate. John left right away, but the remaining 10 of us celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Vallejo's. Bernie |
| April 28,
2008
|
7 skate American River Parkway loop!
Seven skaters including Gus, Jacob, Larry, Mark, Morgan, Rusty, and Steve decided to do an American River Parkway loop. They started by skating north on 3rd Street. Then they skated through Old Sacramento onto the American River Parkway. we immediately turned west to skate over Dave's Bridge to Front Street. On Front Street we skated north into Old Sacramento, north on 2nd Street, then west onto the American River Parkway, To get an idea, see photo above on the left (from week earlier}. After skating the original American River Parkway from Old Sacramento and through Discovery Park, the skaters exited the Parkway near the Almond Growers to return to 3rd and S through Downtown Sacramento. After the skate all 7 skaters enjoyed food, beverage, and conversation at Vallejo's. I missed this skate to go to a retirement party for Ray Tatar. I thank gus, Morgan, and Rusty for giving me this information. Bernie |
| April 21,
2008
|
7 skate American River Parkway, Richards Boulevard, 7th Street loop!
Seven skaters tonight - Gus, Jacob, Mark, Morgan, Steve, and myself. We decided to do an American River Parkway loop. We started by skating north on 3rd Street, then we immediately turned west to skate over Dave's Bridge to Front Street. On Front Street we skated north into Old Sacramento, north on 2nd Street, then west onto the American River Parkway, See photo above on the right. We skated north on the American River Parkway to the Discovery Park Bridge. We then skated down the Discovery Park Bridge into Discovery Park. WHEEEE!!!!!
On Del Paso Boulevard we skated south to skate up and over the 12th Street Bridge to Richards Boulevard. We skated west on Richards Boulevard to 7th Street, where we headed south into town. On our way back to 3rd and S most of us skated down a wonderful parking lot. WHEEEE!!!!! I estimate that we skated about 8 miles. Six of us then enjoyed food, drink, and conversation at Vallejo.s What wonderful evening! Bernie |
| April 15,
2008
|
Six skate Land Park - Sacramento River Levee Loop!
Six skaters tonight - Gordon, Gus, Mark, Morgan, Steve, and myself. Because of wind (We want to come back with the wind.) and other variables, we decided to do a southern skate loop. We started by skating east on S Street, then we turned south onto 11th Street. See photo which links to a 23 second YouTube video above on the left. We soon skated south to Broadway, where we skated east to the Tower Theater. After enjoying the marquis', we skated south on Land Park Boulevard to Vallejo, were se skated into the Crocker Middle School. After molesting all the children, we headed south to and through Land Park, end9ing up at the Sacramento Zoo, where we fed some flamingos to the polar bear.
From the Marina, we continued north parallel to the Sacramento River and Front Street. Crossing east at Dave's Bridge, we were back at our 3rd and S starting point by 8:30. We skated about an 8 mile loop tonight, and all of us stayed for food, drink, and conversation at Vallejo's, where Norma and Lena took good care of us. Bernie |
| April 7, 2008
|
10 skate American River Parkway loop!
Ten skaters tonight; Bernie, Gordon, Rusty, Gus, Morgan, Jacob, Steve, Mark, Dave and I showed up, another good turnout. A medium length loop on the American River Recreation Trail (Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail) was chosen and we got rolling a little after 7pm. We crossed over I-5 using “Dave’s Bridge” and connected with Front St. and continued to the promenade on the Sacramento River levee; northward on the levee to 2nd St. into Old Sac. We continued through Old Sac, skated through a small area of construction at the intersection of 2nd and I St. - SMUD crews were out doing their thing; excavating and backfilling, etc. We reconnected with the recreation trail just north of Old Sac ( See photo which links to an 16 second YouTube video on the right. ) and skated the trail to Discovery Park. The distinctive aroma of cannabis was in the air as we passed the derelict building that sits pinched between the river and Jibboom St.; the young man kicked back on the graffiti-covered remains was mellowing in the evening as we rolled past. Ahh! Weed or wheels? Both reduce stress, but we're getting our benefit on natural endorphins. We crossed over the Discovery Park Bridge, cut through the parking lot and took the north side rec trail east. A quick regrouping was done at a maintenance access road that is about a mile along the trail. At Northgate Blvd, we took the undercrossing and once again we passed through a cloud of cannabis , the young lady cooling her heels at the embankment was mellowing in the dimming light. Weed or wheels? We’ll take the wheels for a thousand, Alex….
Where is the other river? Are we still in Sacramento? Were we experiencing a Twilight Zone moment – hadn’t we skated here before? Of course, a discussion ensued – is the naming in reference to the trail paralleling the American River and its connection to the Sacramento River? Maybe it is called “Two Rivers” because there are two banks and relative to the side of the river you are on a different river could be experienced. Hmmmmm... Some of us cared and most didn’t so we skated onward. I took a quick check of the August 6, 2007 skate and confirmed my suspicions on the renaming of the trail. I took a look at the Sacramento City Department of Parks and Recreation website and believe the county may have formerly had the wrong signs in the wrong place as the Ueda Parkway contains the Twin Rivers section – http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/parks/sites/ueda_parkway.htm At least I now know the correct pronunciation of Ueda! Back to the skate – we regrouped at Discovery Park and continued to reverse our path to get back to the start point at 3rd and S St. This was about an eight mile loop and a great skate. A group of us (8) stayed for food and conversation at Vallejo’s. So until next week… Keep skatin’ Brian |
| March 31, 2008
|
4 skate new West Sacramento loop!
Despite perfect weather and daylight lasting until about 7:40, we only had 4 skaters tonight - Gus, Mark, Steve, and myself. As suggested by Mark, we did a West Sacramento skate, because we had not skated this route for a long time. We left at 7:13. The first thing we did was skate west over "Dave's Bridge". Then we skated north to and west over the Tower Bridge onto the Promenade on the north side of the Sacramento River. See photo which links to an 11 second YouTube video on the left. Mark led most of our West Sacramento skating, and he did it well. I am not sure of the route we took. Some streets were very rough, and some were delightfully smooth. I remember Carrie, which is rough, and Riverbank Drive, which is smooth and nice and which we usually don't skate. Coming back into Sacramento, we took the I Street Bridge. What a climb! Then we skated down into the Amtrak Station. WHEEEE!!!!!
The skaters estimated that this was about an 8 mile loop. All of us stayed for food, drink, and conversation at Vallejo's. After we solved all of the world's problems, we went joyfully home. Bernie |
| March 24, 2008 |
 
In biggest skate of year (10 skaters), 10 skate to Natomas Business Park and back!Ten skaters, the largest group so far this year, had good exercise and fun tonight: David, Gordon, Gus, Jacob, Mark, Mollie, Morgan, Rusty, Steve, and myself. I was glad to see Mollie and Gordon return to our group. We decided to skate to Natomas Park. First we skated north on 3rd Street, then we skated west over I5 on "Dave's Bridge". We rested near the Tower Bridge. See photo above on the left. After heading north, we were soon in Old Sacramento. Then, after skating north from 2nd Street, we were on the American River Parkway.
In Discovery Park we skated north to exit onto Garden Highway. Fortunately, at this point, there is a multi-use trail parallel to Garden Highway. We took this trail west (?) to Gateway Oaks Drive, were we skated north (?) to River Plaza Drive. On River Plaza Drive we skated west (?) onto a Natomas Parkway trail, which took us to Natomas Business Park, After we rested, Gordon led us back. We skated a street or 2, but then soon we were back on the trail we skated to Natomas Park. A good way back. Returning the way we came, we were soon back t 3rd and S. But not soon enough, Vallejo's was closed; it was 9:00 p.m. Except for David and Rusty, we ere able to regroup at Ernestos's. See photo above on the right. I estimate that we slated 8 to 10 miles. What a lot of fun - both skating and social fun! Bernie |
| March 17, 2008
|
6 skate Sacramento City College, Land Park, Sacramento River Levee loop! Joining the Monday Night Skate, 3/17, was Bernie, Gus, Rusty, Dave, John, Christian, and I. See photo on the right. Hopefully, I got the spelling right for Christian’s name – apologies if I didn’t. This was his first skate with us and John is an old timer returning for more madness. We almost had one more skater joining us – Trinidad, one of Bernie’s college professors came out to try out her skating legs after a few years off the wheels. She had about one hour of wheel time with her new skates and chose to continue practicing in the parking lot rather than brave the downtown streets with us. Maybe in the coming weeks she will join the group for a little street fun. Kudos to Trinidad for putting safety first, especially, since she is starting fresh on skates, she had full pads, helmet and a reflective vest. As the Monday Night Skate is a skate at your own risk activity we can’t mandate the equipment you wear but we do encourage the use of safety gear; full pads, helmets, lights and reflective clothing for safe night skating. We chose a skate to Sacramento City College by way of Curtis Park with a return through Land Park and returning on the Sacramento River levee. With the time change we are benefiting with more remaining daylight at the start of the skate. This is a big plus and we will continue to get an increase into the summer months. So all you who are sitting and wishing you were out skating, come on out – starting the skate in daylight is great. We took off east of S St. and continued to 24th St and turned south. I wanted to swing by the house I was calling the “fish house”. More correctly, I should call this the “dragon house”. Check it out if you are ever in the area of 3rd Ave and 22nd St. The exterior tile work and etched glass are amazing, the front yard topiary and landscaping are exquisite. This house is one of many signature houses in this area. I need to do some research to get its back story… While five of us checked out this house, Bernie and Gus took a different route and bypassed our location. We later regrouped at Sutterville Road after skating through Curtis Park.
We left the parking structure and continued into the campus; grabbed a drink of water in the quad and then exited on the Freeport Blvd side. Crossing Freeport, we continued through William Land Park and regrouped at the zoo entrance on Land Park Drive. A quick skate around the zoo got us to the recreation trail access at Sutterville Road and the I-5 on/off ramps. Christian and John put on their speed wheels and cooked it north – the rest of us caught up with them at the south Miller Park boat launch. As I have mentioned before, this section of the recreation trail is a gem; the asphalt is smooth and fast; the view of the Sacramento River is hypnotic under bright moonlight. Just avoid the skunks! We came down off the levee into the south boat launch parking lot and battled the bone-jarring, ‘chiclet’ asphalt of the parking lot. This parking lot is the complete opposite of the smooth surface on the levee. From the boat launch parking lot we continued north on Miller Park Dr., through its upper parking lot and skated the short section of recreation trail that skirts between the Sacramento River and Front St. The trail connects to Front St. at “Dave’s Bridge”, the abandoned train bridge over I-5. We took DB to get back to our start point at 3rd and S. This was about an eight mile loop and made for a great skate. Bobbie and Bernie stayed for food at Vallejo’s; the rest of us had to call it an early evening. So until next week… Keep skatin’ Brian |
| March 10, 2008
|
6 skate to Sacramento State College - and back!Bernie, Steve, Gus, Dave, Mark, Rusty, and I showed up for the first skate this year that would take advantage of daylight savings time; a CSUS run was chosen and we got started around 7:15 pm. We took off on S St., skating to Alhambra and then turning south to T St. prior to Stockton Blvd. We cooled our wheels at the T-Stockton corner waiting on the crossing light; then continued eastward. T St. has a pretty good skating surface on the east side of Stockton; we made good time to 59th St, where we turned north and crossed over Hwy 50. Continuing on 59th St. we skated to Folsom Blvd near the Corti Bros. market and then skated 58th St. to M St. We wanted to keep our return time close to 8:30 to 8:45 (to get back before Vallejo’s closing time); at this point we had been out for half our allowable time for a easy return to the start point and would have to make a decision on starting a return loop or continuing to CSUS. Bernie made the call – skate on! Our route continued east on M and we made our connection to 62nd St. at the corner of Elvas Blvd.; taking Elvas to the CSUS campus access arch and pathway. The bike path on campus has recently been renovated so the surface is smooth and fast. We skated over to the parking garage. Mark and I cooled our wheels at the base of the parking structure; the rest of the guys took a ride on the elevator to the top (See photo above on the left.) to catch a little downhill skating. WHEEEE!!!!! We cut through the campus to the J St. entrance and skated back toward mid-town. After passing under Elvas we turned back onto 58th St. and skated south to M St. We took M St. west to Alhambra and then connected with Capitol Blvd. Somewhere around Capitol and 21st the group got separated so I don’t know the route the main group took to finish the skate; Bernie and I meandered to R St and continued over to the finish. Finish time was just a little before 9 pm. Bobbie joined Bernie, Steve, Mark, Gus for food and conversation. I didn't stay after the skate but I am sure the conversation covered politics, world economics, high end physics, with high-def television thrown in good measure. This was a great skate – 13 miles with great skate conditions. So until next week… Keep skatin’ Brian |
| March 3, 2008
|
No new pictures, but 6 skate to Natomas area and back!I’ll have to rely on my long-term memory for the update for last week’s Monday Night Skate. Here goes: Bernie, Gus, Rusty, Dave, Mark and I showed up to skate and the conditions were perfect. The temperatures were in the 60’s, a slight breeze with clear skies. A skate to the Natomas area was chosen with a plan to get to the business park that is just off I-80. As we were trying to make sure we finished the skate in time before Vallejo’s kitchen closed we had to skate per timed loops. We would skate out half the time available and then turn around, thus assuring we would get be at the right time. 38 minutes to skate; our time starts now! The route tonight took us over “Dave’s Bridge” (the abandoned railroad bridge that crosses over I-5. We turned north and continued on the promenade on Sacramento River levee. We skated the promenade to Capitol and continued into Old Sac. A quick skate on 2 nd St. and we got on The American River Parkway just north of the Rail Museum. We took this recreation trail north; with a pass through Discovery Park to connect with Garden Hwy. Turning west we skated the recreation trail that runs parallel to Garden Hwy. At Gateway Oaks Drive we crossed Garden Highway and continued north to River Plaza Drive. We regrouped at an access point to the Main Drainage Canal recreation trail at the end of River Plaza.
The “Gang of Four” made quick time getting back to our starting point; arriving around 8:30 pm. Gus and Mark showed up not long after. They were really moving. This was a great nine mile skate. We were joined by Bernie’s girlfriend, Bobbie, at Vallejo’s. So until next week… Keep skatin’ Brian |
| February 25, 2008
|
5 skate American River Parkway and downtown Sacramento!As I explained in an email to the Sacramento Skating Email Group, I am in a play (The Middle Class Aristocrat) at California Stage ( http://www.calstage.org/ ). Because of rehearsals, starting February 11, I will miss several Monday Night Skates. Tonight we had a break in rehearsing, and I was able to join the Monday Night Skate. David, Gus, Morgan, Rusty and I were there at 3rd and S to skate. Gus has just retired, and can now skate more regularly. Since the skate went south last week, we decided to do the American River Parkway. First we headed north on 3rd Street. Then we headed west over the "Dave" Bridge to Front Street. See photo above on the left. Skating north on the Front Street Promenade, we were soon in Old Sacramento. Skating north on 2nd Street and, then east, we were soon on the American River Parkway.
At the Discovery Park Bridge, we skated east on the new trail, which is on the south side of the river, to the 12th Street Bridge. At the 12th Street Bridge, we skated south to Richards Boulevard, where we skated west to 7th Street. At 7th Street we skated south back into downtown Sacramento. Downtown some of us skated down 2 parking lots. WHEEEE!!!!! Soon we were back at our 3rd and S starting point. David had to go, but the rest of us, and Bobbie, my girlfriend, stayed at Vallejo's for food, beverages, and conversation. One of the conversation subjects was exercise. Morgan read a study of 2 groups of seniors. One group had vigorous aerobic exercise (like skating), and the other had less strenuous exercise, like stretching. At the end of the study, the group that did the aerobic exercise was significantly healthier. Gus pointed out that exercise also reduces cholesterol. Keep rolling al you can! Bernie |
| February 18, 2008
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5 skate south on Sacramento River Levee, and to Land Park, and to other places!As I explained in an email to the Sacramento Skating Email Group, I am in a play at California Stage ( http://www.calstage.org/ ). Because of rehearsals, starting February 11, I will miss several Monday Night Skates. Fortunately Gus reported to me, so I know something about this Monday Night Skate. There were about 5 skaters, including Elmira, Gus, Larry, and Steve. They skated south on the Sacramento River Levee. They also went to Land Park and other places. About 8 miles total distance. Bernie |
| February 11, 2008
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8 to 9 skaters skate to East Portal Park and back!As I explained in an email to the Sacramento Skating Email Group, I am in a play at California Stage ( http://www.calstage.org/ ). Because of rehearsals, starting February 11, I will miss several Monday Night Skates. Fortunately I met Morgan dowtown and he told me there were 8 to 9 skaters on the February 11 Monday Night Skate. As I understand Morgan's information, the skate went east on M Street to East Portal Park and back.
Bernie |
| February 4, 2008
|
5 skaters enjoy both the American River Parkway and 2 downtown parking lots!David, Joe, a new skater who found us on the Internet, Mark, Rusty, and myself skated tonight. After discussion, we decided to skate both the American River Parkway and some downtown parking lots. Mark helped us formulate this consensus compromise. First we skated north on 3rd Street to Q Street. On Q Street, we skated west over the Bridge (Dave's Bridge) onto Front Street. From Front Street we skated north into Old Sacramento. From Old Sacramento we skated onto the American River Parkway.
At the 12th Street Bridge, we skated north to the American River Parkway, which we skated to its exit near 22nd Street and C Streets. We next head to 14th and H Streets. You can skate up a parking lot, and ride the elevator down. We didn't do it that way. ;-) See photo above on the right. WHEEEE!!!!! We continued to 10th and I for another WHEEEE!!!!! Soon we were back at our 3rd and S starting point. I estimate that we skated about 8 miles. Elevator rides don't count. ;- ( With Bobbie, my girlfriend, we had 5 at Vallejo's for food beverages, and conversation. We all enjoyed the skate. Tonight one of our main conversations was sports - the Super Bowl, the 49ers, the Raiders, steroids, .... Bernie |
| Janaury 28, 2008
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6 . skaters prudently shorten their Natomas skate!Bernie, Rusty, Mark, Gus, Dave and I showed up to skate, and we were presented with cool breezeless night with clear skies freshly washed by the recent rain. A skate out to the Natomas business park off I-5 and West El Camino was suggested and agreed on, and we got rolling around 7:15; first, by heading north past the Crocker Museum, then turning northwest to the Sacramento River levee to the promenade sidewalk. See photo above on the left. We continued north into Old Sacramento to connect to the recreation trail; skating to Discovery Park; crossed over the American River and crossed the park to its Garden Highway entrance. Turning west, we took the recreation trail that parallels the highway. At Gateway Oaks Dr. we regrouped. Though we had great intentions of skating the full 8 + mile loop to the business park, by the time we regrouped we had used up almost 38 minutes of our allowed 75 minute skate time. Either we would have to change the distance we would skate, phenomenally increase our skating speed or miss the kitchen close time at Vallejo’s later. I was not feeling the turbos in the legs and was open and waiting for a chance to shorten the skate . Bernie was really jonesin' for a longer skate… Gateway Oaks drops down off the levee and we caught a little coasting benefit on the short downhill and quickly turned west at River Plaza Drive. This street runs parallel to the Garden Highway, taking us to our planned destination: the recreation trail that runs along the Main Drainage Canal that courses north through this area. At the trail access point we regrouped again and this was a crucial decision point – if we continued to the business park we would miss out on eating at our normal après-skate digs. If we turned back now, we would comfortably make it back to eat and have to live with our bruised egos, carrying the shame of quitters on us. Now, as I mentioned, I was not feeling irrational exuberance in my legs and someone mentioned we had not skated the new trail addition that appeared to wrap around the new construction in this area. It seemed to be heading in a direction back toward our starting point so that was all the opportunity I needed to second any motion to shorten the skate. Plus we weren't just shortening the skate, we were exploring new territory! Mark and I took the lead and the others followed. The new trail runs roughly along the base of the Garden Highway levee and looped back southeast to Sutter Health buildings in a business park whose name I have now forgotten. Everything was looking good; we were making good time on the trail when the trail ended. Yep. From blacktop to nature preserve in the blink of an eye. So, we hoofed it across a wet, sometimes muddy field to get to the parking lot of the aforementioned, un-nameable business park and continued on our return loop. Coming out of the parking lot at this business park, I turned to my left and proceeded to lead the group until Bernie whistled to signal for me to hold and turn around. Luckily, the other five guys have a better sense of direction because I was skating back on Gateway Oaks the same way we had just come; endless loops make me smile! Continuing to skate in the proper reverse direction we got back to our original connection point at Garden Highway. Taking the rec trail we skated back to Discovery Park; our return path continued through Old Sac. To finish, we continued down 2nd St. to the abandoned train over-crossing bridge to take us over I-5 and back to our start point at 3 rd and S St. Dave originally gave us the word on the train bridge so, we are strongly considering calling this “Dave’s Bridge” or some other name in his honor. This would have been an eight mile loop but with course change, we only put in about six miles. But a fun six miles it was. Four of us stayed for food and conversation at Vallejo’s; we were joined by Bernie’s girlfriend, Bobbie. So until next week… Keep skatin’ Brian |
|
January 21, 2007
|
Tonight we were rained out.When I stepped out of my downtown house at 7:00 p.m. 99% of the street and sidewalk pavement was wet, and there was a heavily overccast sky. A good night for slipping and sliding, but not for skating. Bernie |
| Janaury 14, 2008
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5 skate old and new American River Parkways!We had 5 skaters tonight - Mark, Morgan, Rusty, Steve, and myself. We decided to skate the American River Parkway, which we had not done for some time. First we skated north on 3rd Street to O Street. On O Street we skated west to Front Street, where we regrouped. We next skated north into Old Sacramento, and then onto the American River Parkway, where we also skated north. See photo above on the left. Humidity was about 90% and the American River Parkway was foggy tonight.
At The Discovery Park Bridge, we skated down into Discovery Park WHEEEE!!!!! and the old American River Parkway Trail. On this trail we skated east, with pauses, to Del Paso Boulevard. At Del Paso Boulevard, we skated south to the 12th Street Bridge. From the 12th Street Bridge we turned west onto a new section of the American River Parkway (A branch that is south of the river, instead of north of it - like the old branch.). After about two miles of smooth skating we were soon back at the Discovery Park Bridge. We then skated the American River Parkway south into Old Sacramento, and very soon we were back at our 3rd and S starting point. Skating out on the old (north side) of the American River Parkway and skating back on the new (south side). I estimate that we skated about 10 miles. Morgan and Rusty left, but Mark, Steve, and I stayed a t Vallejo's, where Bobbie joined us. Bernie |
| January 7, 2008 |
 
4 skate new route south for the first skate of 2008!We had 4 skaters tonight: David, Morgan, Rusty and myself. We discussed various options, decided to skate south. We planned to skate south on Land Park, through Land Park to the zoo, and west to the Sacramento River Levee for our skate north and home. That's the way I understood the plan. We left late, about 7:15. First we skated east on S Street to 11th Street, where we skated south. When we crossed Broadway, Dave continued south on 11th Street, which had become Riverside. We followed him. We continued skating south on Riverside Boulevard, which was smooth, and without much traffic, to Sutterville Road. Here, instead of skating home on the Sacramento River Levee, we decided to skate east. Skating east there were lots of leaves and debris, just like in much of Sacramento. I had the excitement of skating into a blown down bush that I did not see in time. A brush with difficulty. :- ) We continued east to the Sacramento Zoo. Then we skated into and around in Land Park.
Next we skated north on Marty to the Tower Theater where we enjoyed some marquee browsing and film discussion. See photo above on the right.
Bernie |
Johnny Be Good
e
agreed to follow Kathy. Soon we were crossing
Jefferson Boulevard and going south on Jefferson
Boulevard. 
e
regrouped on the river side of the hotel – this
place has great views of the river, and the nice
sidewalks make it a great skate. We skated northward
on Riverside as it curved under I-5 changing to
25th Ave.; turning south on Euclid to 27th Ave.;
east on Noonan to South Land Park Drive.
hen
we reached the Sacramento Water Intake Facility,some
of us skated around it to enjoy it. Then,
after resting, we skated north again to the Discovery
Park Bridge,
e
skated west from the Sacramento Zoo on a Sutterville
Road path. Soon we were on the Sacramento River
Levee, where we skated north,
Bernard E. Scoville, Webmaster (Email address of Bernard E. Scoville
is: 
.)