Neuse River Greenway Trail Skate
Details
Let's go and skate the Neuse River Greenway Trail (http://goo.gl/maps/ucVzI). The trail is newly paved, runs for 6 miles, and there are no road crossings, making it ideal for skating. Any style of skates (http://www.inlinewarehouse.com) are welcome.
What: A no-drop skate of the Neuse River Greenway Trail. Here are some photos from our first (https://www.meetup.com/Triangle-Inline-Skate-Club/photos/13744572/) and second (https://www.meetup.com/Triangle-Inline-Skate-Club/photos/14023662/) event on the trail.
Where: The Neuse River Greenway Trail Head, off Falls of Neuse Road. It is very important that you study the map (http://goo.gl/maps/cnDgG) carefully since the entrance is tricky to find.
I have created an annotated photo (http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/2/e/highres_213883822.jpeg) that should be helpful. The red X marks the turning to the parking lot. Please allow enough time to find the parking lot. Call me on 919 219 3783 if you get lost. There was construction in this area the last time I was there, so access might be tricky. You must ignore all the "ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC (http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/5/e/6/highres_214869702.jpeg)" signs! You are not "thru" traffic! When: We'll meet at 1.15pm and start skating by 1.30pm. If you can't arrive early, please try to gear up as quickly as possible.
Distance: 12 miles. The trail runs for 6 miles in one direction.
Ability: Since the trail follows the Neuse River it is mostly flat, but there are some hills and sharp turns, so this trail is for intermediate skaters. Being able to brake (http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Inline_Skate_Brake_Pads_or_Stoppers/catpage-PARTPADS.html) is essential; here's a helpful video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_qcL6xxpI&list=PL94A4D66E342372F9).
Safety First: Everyone is required to wear a helmet (http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Helmets/catpage-FITPGHELMET.html), and wrist guards (http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/FitPGWrist.html) are recommended. Pro-tec (http://pro-tec.net) brand gear is very good; available online here (http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Protec/catpage-PROTEC.html).
Hydration: Bring a water bottle, or hydration back pack (http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Hydration_Systems/catpage-FAHYDRATION.html). Water fountains are typically winterized until the summer.
Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms at the trail head parking lot. But there are porta-potty bathrooms (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Porta_Potty_by_David_Shankbone.jpg) at the end of the trail, where we rest before heading back.
Weather: In the event of questionable weather (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.98040&lon=-78.91500&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical) we will make a go/no-go call 90 minutes before the scheduled start so please check the Meetup after noon.