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
Indoor practices have begun. Indoor speed practice is held at Orbit Skate Center [Link pops new window with map].
Indoor Practice Schedule & Information
Indoor practice requires indoor wheels. Indoor wheels are designed for maximum traction & grip on indoor rink surfaces. The wheels used for outdoor skating will not be suitable for this sort of skating. Wheels can be ordered from Cale Carvell.
Cost: $8.00 per session (or $65 per month). Cash or check paybable to Orbit Skate Center. (Note: monthly cost includes Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday only.)
Gear Required: skates, indoor wheels, helmet, water bottle and gym shoes.
- 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.)
- 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!
Outdoor Practice and Skating Locations
Official organized outdoor practice is over for this season. However many people will continue to skate outdoors when weather permits. Below is a listing of skating areas frequently used (links pop new windows with maps):
- 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.
- Prairie Stone Business Park (Sears Centre) – From I-90 go North on Rt 59. Take a left at the first light (Columbine Blvd) go approx 1 mile, turn right on Pratum. Cross Prairie Stone Parkway then make a left just past the Firehouse (which will be on your right) into the parking lot. This was where 2007 practices were held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Note that this is a busy place during the week with lots of cars, and traffic has increased since Cabela’s has opened.
Direct questions to Cale Carvell or Tom Sidor.