Touring * Beginner * Street * Slalom *

From Interstate 15 in Escondido, exit at Bear Valley Parkway and follow it northeast to San Pasqual Valley Road. Park on the shoulder or on a side street near this intersection, where the asphalt bike path starts on the right side of Bear Valley Parkway. Map: The San Diego County Bike Map is available free by calling (619) 231-2453.

Escondido and its southern neighbor, Rancho Bernardo, are growing bedroom communities where new housing developments are blooming on every ridge top. Bear Valley Parkway has the only dedicated bike path shown on the San Diego County Bike Map for these parts, although striped bike lanes and other bike routes can be found along almost every major road in the area. Starting off your inland in-line exploration with a tour on the Bear Valley Parkway will give you a feel for this part of San Diego County. The path itself is flat enough for beginners, but this route also offers a delightful excursion off a side street up to the smooth streets of a hilly neighborhood. From the corner of Bear Valley and San Pasqual Valley Parkways, skate north on the dedicated bike path on the east side of Bear Valley. The rural setting along this first block includes picket fences and blossoming oleanders against a backdrop of low, close hills. The six-foot-wide asphalt strip runs alongside the parkway past a few empty lots after Idaho Avenue, allowing a fine view of the hills on the right. At the end of a block of homes between Boyle Avenue and Hinrichs Way, the path crosses Glenridge Road. The branch to the right is just an access path to Orange Glen High School, and its pavement is narrow and rough. Pass a stand of tall eucalyptus trees as you skate on sidewalks in front of the school's sports field and then continue on the asphalt path. Watch for gravel spattered on its surface at entrances to driveways. At Citrus Avenue you could turn left and skate the final block on smooth concrete, or stay on Bear Valley Parkway to continue up a slightly longer block to the trail's end at the intersection with Valley Parkway. Return the way you came. After passing the school, hill skaters will want to turn up Boyle Avenue to explore the neighborhood on the hill. The streets are wide and smooth, and the traffic is light enough that you can practice slalom turns or pick up eye-watering speed. Back at the San Pasqual Valley Parkway intersection, street-savvy skaters can continue south on bicycle lanes for another mile and a half. If you like skating hills, whether it's for the thrill of speed or for getting in some ski cross training, cruise in your car through the newer ridge-top neighborhoods that are visible from Interstate 15 until you find slopes that suit your style.