Skate Boston 2018 is happening!
September 27-30
No registration fee!
Reserve your room for Skate Boston! Rooms are going fast and our group rate disappears on August 27.
Preorder your Skate Boston 2018 T-Shirts! Only $15!
Skate Boston on Facebook

What is Skate Boston?

Skate Boston is an annual weekend inline skating event sponsored by ThuroShop (receive 10% off anything from ThuroShop over the weekend). Enjoy multiple skate routes through our historic city, escorted by members of National Skate Patrol. Skaters of intermediate, advanced, and expert levels are encouraged to participate in this free event!

Due to the challenges of urban skating, this event is not designed for beginners. However, novice skaters are invited to participate in separate instructional workshops and beginner social skates hosted by the Inline Club of Boston throughout the year. This weekend attracts many skaters from Boston, other U.S. cities, Canada, and around the world!

Schedule

Group-up is 30 minutes before each schedule skate or event.

Skates start from the grassy spot in front of Cambridge Courtyard Marriott, 777 Memorial Drive Cambridge, unless noted. Please read details for each skate.

If you're coming by public transport, take the Red Line to Central Square and walk or skate a few blocks to the hotel.
Thursday

Thursday Night Skate
"THuROsDay Night Skate" led by Juliane Santos and Gabe Holm

Pick up a discount on new gear at the best skate shop on the east cost!

Group-Up: 7:15 PM
Skate: 7:30 PM

9 miles, mostly flat ride through Brookline

Skate over the Boston University bridge into Brookline and stop at THuRO to shop. Enjoy 10% off your entire purchase. We’ll take care of delivery to the hotel. Shop, hydrate then follow Gabe (THuRO owner) back to Central Square for a feast at NacoTaco. No reservation, just show up and chow down.
Friday

Friday Night Skate
"Lights and Sights in Blue, Red and White" led by Mark Stallard

WEAR RED, WHITE & BLUE in honor of Neil's go-to colors.

Group-Up: 7:00 PM
Skate: 7:30 PM

15 miles, mostly flat, on both sides of the scenic Charles River. Skate ends at Area Four - 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139. One of Boston's Best Restaurants. Skate in or sit outside. Arrive in time to place orders by 9:30!

Neil Wetzler
Saturday

Saturday Morning Skate
"Hills and Thrills" led by Nevo Hed (bring flip flops!)

Skate through famous move-set neighborhoods in Boston and parts of Dorchester.

Group-Up: 9:00 AM (get your waivers and t-shirts)
Skate: 10:00 AM

16+ miles, a taste of Southie, Chinatown and Savin Hill. Skate stops at Faneuil Hall around 12:30 for lunch and fun (switch to shoes or flip flops).

Saturday Afternoon Skate
"Beanton's Best" led by Joel Epstein

After lunch, we'll take off from Faneuil Hall (NE corner of Faneuil Hall -- Clinton St and Surface Rd). After 5 miles of downtown skating, we'll stop for 30 minutes to have a beer with Neil at one of his favorite places, then continue with the tour of Boston.

Skate: 2:30 PM (LEAVES FROM FANEUIL HALL)

13.6 miles, mostly flat. See some iconic Boston landmarks. Skate ends at the hotel at approximately 5:00 pm. Time to clean up for dinner at Asgard.

Saturday Night Social Diner
Raise a glass to Neil

Join us for great food and drink at an authentic Irish Pub.

Meet: 7:30 PM (don't be late)

Asgard: 350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Sunday

Sunday Morning Skate
"Ponds and Parks" led by Julie Reker-Morrissey

Explore the green spaces of Cambridge.

Group-Up: 9:00 AM (get your waivers and t-shirts)
Skate: 10:00 AM

10 miles, some new pavement, grass skating and water features Skate end around 12:00 at Harvard Square for lunch and people-watching.

Memorial Drive is closed on Sundays - explore and enjoy!

Hotel

The 2018 hotel is the Courtyard Boston Cambridge, right along the Charles River. Make your hotel reservation by August 27 to get the discounted group rate of $239 per night. Rooms are going fast and the group rate disappears on August 27!

Book your room through this link to receive our group rate.

Parking is $20 per day with a reservation (the reservation page says parking is $42 a day, but it really is $20 a day!). Wi-Fi is free in the hotel.

Please call the hotel directly if you have any issues or concerns: (617) 492-7777

Cambridge Mariott Courtyard
777 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA

Parking for non-guests

There are other garages in the Central Square area available for people not staying at the hotel.

Green Street Garage: 260 Green Street. 0.9 miles to hotel. $9 Friday night, $13 Saturday / Sunday

Central Square Parking: 483 Green Street. 0.9 miles to hotel. $9 Friday night, $9 Saturday / Sunday

FAQ

What level of skating ability is required to participate in this event?

Skate Boston is designed for intermediate to advanced level skaters. We will be skating in city streets, so you must be comfortable skating in a large group with traffic. Participants must be able to control speed (including on hills), have strong stopping and turning skills, and be comfortable with varied terrain (rough pavement/pot holes/jumping on and off curbs, etc.)

Is there any special equipment that I will need?

Helmets and wristguards are required for all skates, as well as blinking lights for night skates. Elbow and knee pads are also advised. Light-colored or reflective clothing is recommended for night skates.

Be sure to bring your own water and snacks for during the skates. Don't forget sunscreen/sunglasses and to pack layers, as New England weather can change quickly.

Can cyclists participate in this event?

Bicyclists are welcome on all routes, but must ride ahead or behind of the skating pack, as skaters kick out to the side.

Are skate ski poles allowed on the skates?

No. Skate ski poles will not be allowed on the skates, as they pose a hazard to people skating/biking closely together in a group environment.

Will there be a SAG wagon this year?

No. We have made Skate Boston a free event. Public transportation is widely available for skaters who need a break. We also have plentiful Lyft and Uber service available.

Sponsors

A huge thanks to our sponsors who help make Skate Boston happen.

Photos

Check out photos from previous years on our Facebook page.

Other Questions?

Have questions about the event? Contact the Skate Boston organizers at skateboston@icloud.com.