San Francisco - Alison Bing [169]
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RUNNING, WALKING & SKATING
Marina Green has a 2.5-mile jogging track and fitness course, and trails abound in Golden Gate Park, including a 400m synthetic track in Kezar Stadium at the park’s southeast corner. A couple of routes run all the way from the Panhandle to the ocean, covering about 3 miles, and on Sunday cars are banned from John F Kennedy Dr, east of Crossover Dr. The Presidio, with its eucalyptus forests and fresh ocean air, is another runners’ paradise. Lake Merced Park, a 368-acre island of country trails at the southwest end of the city, is made for long inspiring sessions of elevated heart rates. Some of SF’s major races, like Bay to Breakers, are more festive than serious.
Walking the city’s undulating hills combines excursion with exertion, challenging even the fittest tourist. Golden Gate Park is the place for promenading, while SF’s windswept beaches are best for long romantic strolls.
CALIFORNIA OUTDOOR ROLLERSKATING ASSOCIATION MIDNIGHT ROLLERS
415-752-1967; www.cora.org; 8:30pm Fri
A posse of thrill-seeking skaters gathers Friday nights at the Ferry Building to skate away the evening, heading up the Embarcadero to the Marina and back again. There are usually a couple dozen skaters, but past jaunts have included as many as 150 people, rolling in an amorphous mob. They may stop for drinks or snacks; carry some cash, as well as a helmet and some extra layers. Check the CORA website for route information and more on local skater events.
DOLPHIN SOUTH END RUNNING CLUB
415-978-0837; www.dserunners.com; per person $5
‘Start slowly and taper off’ is the Dolphins’ motto. While these guys do conduct some more serious runs, most weekend runs are given over to the tortoise, and the hare is sent packing. About 50 ‘racers’ assemble and mostly they just jog along merrily, chatting, joking and relaxing. All are welcome; call or check the website for the week’s rendezvous point.
GOLDEN GATE PARK BIKE & SKATE
Map
415-668-1117; 3038 Fulton St; skates per hr/day $6/24, bikes $5/25, discs $5/20; 10am-6pm (closed when raining); 5
In addition to bikes and skates (both quad-wheeled and inline), this little rental shop just outside the park also rents saucer-shaped putters and drivers for the nearby free disc golf course. Call ahead to confirm it’s open if the weather looks iffy.
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
415-566-4274; www.sfh3.com; per person $5-10; 6:15pm Mon
Hash House Harriers – an atypical athletic organization by any stretch – is loosely based on the English game Hare and Hounds. Members of ‘the Hash’ say they are drinkers with a running problem: their goal is to work up thirst and appetite. One member is designated as the Hare, and lays out a paper chase – a route marked with paper or chalk full of devious detours, false leads and dead ends. All others are Harriers, who find their way through bad neighborhoods, muddy fields, rubbish heaps – the wackier, the better. At run’s end, expect lots of beer and munchies. All are welcome; call or check the website for the week’s rendezvous place.
KENNEDY DRIVE FREESTYLE ROLLER DANCE
6th Ave at John F Kennedy Dr, Golden Gate Park; Sun;
Roller boogie is alive and kicking – at least on Sundays in Golden Gate Park. Fearless skaters leap, twirl and pirouette to blaring house music and classic disco, much to the delight of crowds gathered on the adjacent grassy hill. Kids’ eyes positively light up. If you’re brave enough to join the dance, rent skates at nearby Golden Gate Park Bike & Skate (left).
WHEEL FUN RENTALS Map
415-668-6699; www.wheelfunrentals.com; 50 Stow Lake Dr; skates per hr/day $6/20, bikes $8/25; 9am-7pm; 44
Achy feet slowing you down? Problem solved at this rental shop in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Dip into the Sunset