Touring * Fitness * Beginner * Speed * Historic * Slalom * Artistic *

From Interstate 280 near Redwood City, take the Edgewood Road exit. Go west about half a mile to Canada Road and park near its intersection with Edgewood. To start from the north end of Canada Road, leave Interstate 280 on Highway 92 West. Just beyond the interchange, you'll see Canada Road heading south on your left. Park your car at the designated parking area at Canada Road.

Imagine skating on a smooth, wide, two-lane highway for more than seven miles through beautiful, undeveloped scenery--without a car in sight. What you're envisioning is "Bicycle Sunday" on Canada Road. Every Sunday, Canada Road is closed to motor vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is open to bicyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters. The pavement is top quality, smooth from shoulder to shoulder. And since the road is closed, you can play on its entire width. (Should you come here when the road is open to traffic, the shoulders are still wide enough for skating, but the cars do move fast.)

Although you can start at either end of the trail, it's best to begin skating at the less crowded southern end (Edgewood Road). That way, the prevailing winds will be against you on the way out and behind you for the return. There are flat areas near both ends that are suitable for beginners.

Skate north from the Edgewood parking area, where the road drops a bit and then flattens out. You may catch a glimpse of the old Filoli Mansion to the west. About a mile and a half north, you'll see the Pulgas Water Temple, also on the west side of the road. Its gate is closed on weekends, but you can easily skate around it. The Temple is the terminus of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct that brings water from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco to make Anchor Steam Beer. This is a great spot for a picnic, and appropriately enough, drinking water is available.

Just after the Water Temple, you will encounter the longest climb of this skating trip. As you ascend, just keep thinking about how much fun it will be to skate back down. Nearing the north end of Canada Road, you'll be rewarded with views of the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir. The infamous San Andreas Fault traces the length of this man-made lake.

Skate within your abilities on the return trip: Although the hills aren't terribly steep, some are long. Good braking skills are a must for lower-level skaters to control speed. For more advanced skaters, these hills are great for practicing slalom turns or speed training.

• Sawyer Camp Trail