The activity:
In-line skating
Where to do it here:
Any place that's paved (and not restricted). Many people prefer the 23-mile paved stretch of the American River Parkway (be mindful, though, of runners, hikers and cyclists). An informal and free Monday Night Skate meet-up is held at the corner of Third and S streets in Sacramento.
What's the big deal?
Says Bernie Scoville, 73, who organizes the Monday Night Skates: "There's this guy, Action Jackson, a famous skater, who said it best: 'Skating brings back my childhood.' I've done it 20 years. I'm 73, and every year I think I'm going to have to quit, but I can still do it. It's one of the best things I ever did. It's really good for seniors, gives you balance, and there's not much impact on the joints. We get former runners out with us."
Want to learn?
Scoville formerly gave lessons through the city of Sacramento. Now he gives private lessons, $35 for one person. Call (916) 447-8288.
"The essential thing about skating is you're pushing or falling side-to-side and going forward," Scoville said. "That's the funny part about the physics of it. You let gravity do about 80 percent of the work."
The cost factor:
A good pair of in-line skates and knee and wrist pads ("a must," Scoville said) will cost $150 to $200. Scoville said you can use your bicycle helmet to save money.
Read up:
www.sacramento skating.com and www.inlineware house.com
Tell us why you love it:
Already a veteran in-line skater? Tell us what you love about the activity. Go to www.sacbee.com/ outbound and share in the comments field of this item.
– Sam McManis
smcmanis@sacbee.com Welcome to "You Can Do This," a look at activities worth trying for people of all abilities in the Sacramento area. To suggest an activity, email smcmanis@sacbee.com.
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