Fitness * Street * Slalom * Artistic *

Take State Highway 120 east from State Highway 99, following the signs to Oakdale. Just west of town, turn left onto rural Route J14, also known as 26-Mile Road. Proceed north to just beyond the slight bend to the right; a few yards away you'll see yellow warning stakes on both sides of a low bridge where the road crosses a ditch. Continue up another three miles until you see Dorsey Road on the right. Make a U-turn to park on the shoulder of 26-Mile Road across from Dorsey.

Map: Modesto and Stanislaus County; Compass Maps, Inc., P.O. Box 4369, Modesto, CA 95352.

Come enjoy the wide pastures and rural scenery of 26-Mile Road in the spring, before the renowned valley heat has taken its toll on the Sierra foothills' wildflowers and grasses. This is also the best time to avoid skating next to a steady stream of motorists pulling boats, Jet Skis, and camper trailers on their way out to Woodward Reservoir. But you should still be comfortable skating on roads next to traffic, because there's no dedicated bike lane here. On the plus side, you're able to see pretty much the whole road, which is quite straight.

Begin by skating south down 26-Mile Road. The pavement quality on the two-foot-wide shoulder is excellent, with just one long but gentle hump that requires you to add that extra push to your strokes. Make sure to watch for approaching vehicles as your roadside stride ventures over the white line. At the top of the hump you can see farmland all around, mostly pastures full of cattle. As you pass, the grazing animals look up; the more alert ones stare at you and chew their cuds even more thoughtfully, pondering this rolling apparition. Continue skating until you reach the end of the good pavement at a low bridge where the road crosses a ditch, then return to your car.

If you have very soft wheels or an iron will, you can add another two miles to your trip by skating up Dorsey Road and back. The rough pavement will have your feet tingling, but more rolling hills and farmland make for a visually pleasing payoff. Alternatively, skate up to Woodward Reservoir (neatly avoiding the $6 parking fee) and explore the marina parking lot and new asphalt road (see related tour below).

• Woodward Reservoir