With spring in full bloom and dry pavement
beckoning, it's time to embark on that first al fresco roll. Start off
the season with at least a couple of short warm-up runs to re-tune your muscles
for skating. Then, before your first long excursion, carefully repack your gear
bag to make sure it contains all the necessities for a comfortable and trouble-free
trip. Remember, for cool springtime temps, be sure to dress in layers you can
remove as you warm up.
Skates
ski boot or skate carrier (if gear bag isn't roomy enough to carry skates)
wicking athletic socks (not cotton)
skate-mounted computer (if you use one to track speed, mileage or time)
Gear bag
helmet
knee, elbow and wrist guards
sunglasses
SPF 15 (or above) sun block
heart rate monitor (if you train with one)
hydration system: backpack style (e.g., Camelback) or fanny pack that
accommodates water bottle(s). Fill the bladder or bottles before leaving
home.
skate tool kit that includes:
a spare heel brake for YOUR skate model
two 5/32 allen wrenches (at least one comes packaged with new skates--buy
a second skate tool either at a skate specialty shop or from a hardware
store)
spare bearing, axle spacers, washers, nut and bolt (purchased from
a skate specialty shop)
wrist guard-mounted rear view mirror (for skating next to traffic)
first aid kit
Mole Skin (blister prevention)
Second Skin or similar product (blister care and road rash)
stick-on bunion rings (for serious blister care)
gauze and tape
germicidal ointment
several sizes of bandages
Ibuprofen
antiseptic towelettes
Small, commercially-prepared first aid kits are available in better sporting
goods stores, such as REI.
wearable skate pack (see below)
Skate pack
At
your starting location, assemble the contents of your skate pack with what you'll
need on the road. You'll be most comfortable using the smallest pack possible
to meet the purpose of the trip. Depending on the weather (and what gear you
own), this could mean anything from stuffing the pockets of a pair of cargo
shorts to loading up a fanny pack or the pockets in your hydration system or
a small backpack (or a combination thereof).Whatever you choose, here's your
checklist for an extended roll:
water
energy bar(s)
sunglasses (you should already be wearing suntan lotion)
ID, car keys and some cash
skate tool kit
shoes (if planning to enter business
establishments) and a skate carrier
warm layer if planning to stop long enough to cool down
cell phone and PalmPilot, if you're Liz!
Before gearing up, don't forget to check your skates for slow spinning wheels,
debris in the frames and especially, loose bolts. A quick pre-skate checkup
at your car reduces the likelihood you'll be on your knees looking for a missing
bolt 10 miles down the trail. Not a pretty sight!
Apres Skate
Anticipate what comforts you'd like to have waiting for you after returning
to your starting point. Will you be hungry, thirsty or sweaty? Here's my own
must-have list:
fresh water and a snack
extra socks (such a comfort on cold days)
clogs or other slip-on shoes (no more buckles and laces, please!)
comb and cap for helmet hair
dry T-shirt, sweatshirt or fleece top (depending on the weather)
towel (for stretching on and wiping salty skin)
With a bit of thoughtful attention the first time you pack your gear for a long
day of skating, getting ready for extended outings the rest of the year will
take no time at all.
For specific product recommendations, see the Skaters Checklist
at On
a Roll Productions
Inline
Skating Newsletter Article Skates
At your starting location, assemble the contents of your skate pack with what you'll need on the road. You'll be most comfortable using the smallest pack possible to meet the purpose of the trip. Depending on the weather (and what gear you own), this could mean anything from stuffing the pockets of a pair of cargo shorts to loading up a fanny pack or the pockets in your hydration system or a small backpack (or a combination thereof).Whatever you choose, here's your checklist for an extended roll:
Comments or questions? Ask Liz