actually, i just got here , i was hoping for some tips. but i her that ottawa is not bad. apperently there's some good spots around the parlement bulding. i guess i'll go exploring!
I'm a total newbie to this site and to boarding (unless you count that banana board I had as a kid).
I'm in Ottawa (Ontario - there's another in the states, I believe). I'm by the Experimental Farm. There's a lovely straight, smooth run out here on the bike path, right through a bunch of the farm, with a little grass on both sides and flat at the bottom. In my first week I went down at 20-25mph. The only thing that makes me nervous is people strolling out onto the path without looking. Call me a softie, but I really don't want to kill anybody's little dog.
I saw at a bike shop - I can't remember which one, but one Westborough way, I'll find it - that had a bicycle bell that went on your finger like a ring. Gorphy, you bet, but awefully useful on the paths.
Location: 3rd Igloo from the left, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 120
Yeah, the bike paths are one of the jewels of our fair city. They do kind of scare me in that there's not really any room for error because they're relatively narrow.
I've just - a couple weeks ago - got a tiny board that I'm turning into the monster truck of minis. It's an Arbor pocket rocket (26", 17"wheelbase) with RIIs 150s and Kryptonic's Hawaii Ks. I really love taking this thing just for getting around, taking on the bus and all. I'm finding that the really bumpy streets in my neighbourhood are a little problem for my foot comfort, though, so I'm considering bigger wheels. I think Gumball's would be a riot.
I'm also working on a customization of putting something that would work as a brake under the tail. I'm thinking: rollerblade brake, doorstopper, old shoe. We'll see. My motivation is the narrowness of the bike paths.
As for Montreal, I couldn't make it, myself. I have visitors that weekend. I do go that way now and again, though. I'm especially happy to get rides as I don't drive (I mention in case anyone wants the company sometime).
Qi-mU, any sort of high-friction brake pad is going to be really hard to use because you'll pitch forward when you try to tailstop at speed. I'd recommend learning how to foot-brake instead, it's really useful.
Thanks for the advice, Rodney the Yam. (I like the nic). I might goof around with this anyway, just coz I'm like that. I'll wear all the safety equipment when I do, though.
I just started longboarding this year but am pretty decent since I've been snowboarding for ever...
Few spots you might wanna check out in the Ottawa region:
1. Sandy Hill (just look around, it ain't called sandy HILL for nothing)
2. The parking at the sport complex of Ottawa U (there's 5 storeys - you can't saty there long cause the guards will kick you out)
3. The old part of Hull, right across portage bridge (you have to look for your line but I lined up a pretty sick one)
4. OK, this one is for all you hardcore mofos, look up Isabelle street in Hull... nice pitch, freshly paved!!!
Of course I know a couple of other spots but you have to find your own, it's part of the game!!!
If anyone wants to go riding, please let me know, I'm sessioning alone most of the time...
ottawa or north bay?
