At around 7 p.m. every Monday night, a group of people on wheels congregate at the corner of 3rd and S. After a few minutes of wobbly waiting for everyone to show, the group sets off. I say 'wobbly' because, well, have you ever tried to stand on in-line skates? The skaters who attend the Monday Night Skate are exceptionally lithe on wheels once they get going. It's impressive, and shows that skating 6-12 miles at least once a week not only makes you a really good skater, but healthy as well. That might not even be the best part- the Monday Night Skate is a great way to socialize.

Here's my experience: I pull up (in a car--sadly I haven't owned a pair of in-lines in years) to 3rd and S, to find Superman on skates. As he stands there, waiting for the rest of the crew, Superman doesn't even wobble. That's how good he must be, I decide. It turns out that this man's name is Bernard E. Scoville, and he's one of the ringleaders of Skate Night. As this is the Monday before Halloween, costumes are optional attire along with the standard elbow pads and helmet. Another skater, Gus Prevolos, glides up shortly thereafter. I ask how many others they are expecting. "This time of year, probably 5-9 skaters. In the summer there are more, maybe 12-15," Scoville says. The cool October weather seems ideal for skating treks, but the fact that it gets dark so early right now certainly dissuades some skaters.

The Monday Night Skate has been going on since 1993, and Scoville has been an involved skater since the group was formed. For him, the main attraction to skating with the group is the health benefit. Health aside, skating with others and meeting new people is what makes The Monday Night Skate so great. Scoville and Prevolos have both met some of their best friends through the skate group. "It's a friendly group," says Prevolos.

After discussing which route they'd like to venture, the group skates away. One thing is sure, that the skaters will end were they began, at 3rd and S, and most likely grab a bite at Vallejo's before the night is through.

Join The Monday Night Skate on skates, scooters or bicycles by 7 p.m. ever Monday. For more information, take a look at www.sacramentoskating.com.

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