Philly Free Skate June 29, 2007

Many of us here on the East Coast experienced our first mass skate on the streets of Philadelphia. Wide avenues, smooth asphalt, the top-grade found in major cities, with a scenic downtown and limitless sights, make skating here a lot of fun.

After ten years, the organizers of the Freedom Skate decided to take a rest. It was a good roll, but it required a lot of coordination and work. Now without police escorts nor financing, the Free Skate eases off some stress. It'll be a different skate, but have the same streets and hopefully the same friendly and familiar faces.

Events follow a familiar format, with skates Friday evening, Saturday morning and late afternoon, and Sunday morning, totaling 50-55 miles. They require at least intermediate skills, group skating, and comfort in downtown traffic. Of course, parties follow on Friday and Saturday evenings. Just as likely, a pool party at the hotel will likely break out Saturday afternoon.

Though the Free Skate has no official hotel, organizers requested a block of rooms at the Best Western City Center. Close to the Museum of Art and default hub for non-skate activity, most visitors to Philadelphia make their stay here.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of jlam.

Official Website: http://PhillyFreeSkate.org