Practice

The best way to find out about practice times is to keep an eye on the Yahoo! Team Rainbo message board (open to anyone who is interested). This is the main way we communicate practice times and locations. The information here is for general information only. The practice schedule is always subject to change.

Current Practice Schedule

Scheduled practices are held only on the weekends. As the weather dictates practice time will adjust slightly. Watch the email message board linked to on above and below for changes in times and weather/rain conditions each day.

Outdoor Practice and Skating Locations

Official organized outdoor practices are in full swing, however many people skate outdoors in small groups whenever weather permits. Below is a listing of skating areas frequently used [links pop open new windows with maps].
Saturday and Sunday practice times are now at 8 am. Times may vary as the summer heats up and skaters want off the roads earlier. Updates can be tracked on our message board.

  • Saturday and Sunday practice Deer Park near the corner of Lake Cook Rd. and Quentin Rd. (Just northeast from the Deer Grove Forest Preserve, click on the link above for a map of the location.)   From that corner, you would go north on Quentin a few hundred feet to the first street on your right (there is a firehouse on the corner)…..turn right and drive up a few hundred feet and you will see a parking lot and a baseball field on the left.  Pull in there and park.
  • Tom’s Dell-a-RINK, Elgin, IL – From I-90 Northwest of Chicago, exit 31 North. Turn right on Tollgate road, the entrance is next to a restaurant called Alexander’s, and a Holiday Inn. Look for a warehouse with a lot marked “Parking.” Best time to skate here is during weekend hours.
  • Prairie Stone Business Park (Sears Centre) – This was, for 15 years, where Team Rainbo practiced every Sat and Sunday morning. Unfortunately, due to increased traffic and an increase in population in the area, we are no longer allowed to skate there. We ask all skaters to not skate there under any circumstances, or citations may be given.
  • Shoe Factory Forest Preserve – From I-90, take Barrington Road south past Higgins. Turn right (west) into forest preserve parking lot. Park near the entrance. You cross the path as you enter the parking lot.
  • Busse Woods Forest Preserve – Entrance is just East of Rt 53 off Higgins Rd. on the South side of the road. Turn left at the first parking area. Go to the turn around and park.
  • Old Elm Trail – From Rt 41 in Lake Forest, turn West on Old Elm Rd. Go to first stop sign and turn left. Turn left at the next stop sign into Northcroft Park. Drive to pavilion. Skaters now most often meet in the Cross Roads Shopping Center parking lot north of the intersection of Lake Cook and Old Skokie Roads.

Indoor Practice Schedule & Information

Indoor practices are over until the weather gets ugly again, however our practice rink  Orbit Skate Center [link pops new window with map], has open skating sessions all year long for anyone who loves indoor roller rink skating.

Indoor practice requires indoor wheels. Indoor wheels are designed for maximum traction & grip on indoor rink surfaces. The wheels used for outdoor skating are generally not be suitable for high speed skating indoors. Wheels can be ordered from Cale Carvell.

Cost: $8.00 per session. Cash (preferred) or check paybable to Orbit Skate Center.

Gear Required: helmet.

  • Sunday 8:30 – 10:30 am sharp – on the floor and ready to go – practice is coached. Off skate and on skate drills. Conditioning, long & short track combinations. (Time is subject to change, watch for e-mail bulletins.) Sunday Gear Required: skates, indoor wheels, helmet, water bottle and gym shoes.
  • Tuesday / Thursday 9:00 – 10:30 pm (open speed session – no specific coaching is scheduled) Start times are subject to change based on no parties being scheduled at Orbit. The start time would generally be earlier in the evening. Watch your e-mails on the week of practice

Why Skate at Indoor Practice?

  • Improve your skating
  • Develop better technique
  • Skate faster!
  • Have more confidence
  • Stay in shape this winter!

Direct questions to Cale Carvell or Tom Sidor.

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