Touring * Fitness * Artistic *

In San Diego, take Interstate 5 and follow the signs to Interstate 8 west. Exit immediately onto Ingraham Street and drive across the channel to Vacation Island. Parking lots are available on both sides of Ingraham where it passes through the island. Bike paths connect the two sides on the south end of the island via underpasses under Ingraham. Map: The San Diego County Bike Map is available free by calling (619) 231-2453.

An excellent paved route follows the shores of the northwest lobe of Mission Bay, making a fine in-line touring loop that offers some minor challenges for intermediate-level skaters. This tour of Mission Bay features the wide beaches of Riviera Shores, great views from the north perimeter of Sail Bay, a glimpse of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, and at least five named coves, big and small. Leave Vacation Island heading north on the west-side Ingraham Street sidewalk, then cross the bridge over Fisherman's Channel to Crown Point. Turn left where the sidewalk meets Riviera Drive and skate alongside the Riviera Shores. Here, the route follows the eastern perimeter of Sail Bay on a sandy concrete sidewalk across the street from apartments with a beach and a view. The easy-to-follow walkway curves up and around the north end of Sail Bay to begin its course down the west shore. On this side of Sail Bay, there is more lawn and less sand, and you will skate past the Santa Clara Cove and Recreation Center and San Juan Cove. The Mission Bay Yacht Club is located at the end of El Carmel Point, which forms the south border of San Juan Cove. Below Santa Barbara Cove, the path veers toward the sea near West Mission Bay Drive. (From here, you could easily skate west to find the Mission Beach Boardwalk, described on page 415.) At the Gleason Road stoplight, stay on the left side of the road to cross the bridge on the sidewalk. Don't gain too much speed as the bridge begins to arc down on the other side, because you want to take the first left to descend the wooden stairs to Dana Landing Road. Follow Dana Landing Road toward the northwest to get back on the smooth pink sidewalk that passes through the little shoreline park there. The ubiquitous lawns and palm trees give the park that San Diego flavor, but the crowds are less dense than in other Mission Bay locales. Be very careful when you cross the Dana Landing boat launch ramp. It is purposely paved with an extra-rough surface so that automobile tires can get good traction on the wet pavement when boats are being loaded and unloaded. Exit Dana Landing onto Ingraham Street at the first driveway you see after the boat launch. Cross back to Vacation Island on the sidewalk. Make sure you enjoy the view. You can wind down from your tour with a relaxing loop around the perimeter of Vacation Island (see the previous listing).