LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

Tom · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 482 Location: Holland Park

I went to visit my brother the other day in Crystal Palace and noticed that there is a largish circuit of smooth white (marble?) pathways that are closed various nights for sports training such as triathalon and cycling. The paths are almost under the mast near the rusty metal 'bandstand'.

Does anybody know anything about the training that goes on there and would anybody be interested in having a skate around?

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 4107

Yup, I'm up for it, I live close by. When do you want to go there, let's arrange a meet.

Hans · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 1:59 pm Subject:

Yup, me too after Duisberg

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

I'd be interested. Might bring my GPS if it hasn't been borrowed by then to measure it too.

roger · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 531

There is a road circuit at Crystal Palace that was built for cycle racing, and is thus likely to be quite good for skating.

On Tuesday nights the park is closed for cycle racing. Unfortunately it seems that getting permission for continued cycle racing there was not easy, and took a lot of effort plus stringent marshalling requirements and maybe payment.

I went to have a look at it last year, and thought it looked quite a good surface for skating, but there were prominent notices on the entrance saying No Skating and speed limit 5mph, so casual use would be very unofficial.

In summary it would be an interesting venue to use as it is quite accessible, but it probably requires a big push to get permission to use it.

Tom · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 482 Location: Holland Park

The section I was looking at looked brand new and very very white. It was in a fenced off area within the park itself (around the 'concert bowl' and lake) and had notices that the gates would be locked for the cycling - shutting the general public out.

I can get my brother to check out any notices etc. as he longboards there all the time.

Unfortunately I'm busy every day this week. What about next Monday?

Xia · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 874 Location: Geneva (Suisse)

Ahhhh ok, yes I now understand what part you are talking about... Yes it would make a FANTASTIC place to skate, butI doubt we will manage to get it just for ourself. There are indeed spped limits of 5 mph for skaters sign posted. Its a pity.

Tom · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 482 Location: Holland Park

Jack says that the path has been layed in the last year or so, and it's open to 9:30pm. Skating is allowed but slowly. He says there is no chance of us using the track while it's closed for cycling (tuesday evenings) as they go at a hell of a pace. He's gonna get any more information he can tonight.

Duracell · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 11:44 pm Subject:

Roger's post here reminded me about this thread.

Did anyone find out anything further on this venue? It sounds great!

Natasha · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 2973 Location: Basingstoke

Anyone fancy trying it out this weekend (eg, Saturday?) I could probably even stretch to lunch at my house...