Inline skating in Manhattan can definitely be an extreme sport! The sidewalks are for pedestrians, who rarely pay attention to what's around them. Dogs, leashes, baby strollers and children make the sidewalks more dangerous than the city streets for you and them. When choosing between sidewalks or streets, I go for streets everytime. Every block is a thrill as you see traffic whiz around you and you swerve to avoid manhole covers and potholes. The adrenaline will keep you hungry for more. At the end of your trip you'll have that victorious feeling of being alive. This is a great way to see the different neighborhoods and areas that you don't get to venture into every day. I recommend going in the early morning while the city is quiet. Protective gear is a must for your safety, even if you're an advanced level skater. Pack a bottle of water some snacks so you can stop to refuel whenever the mood strikes you. Don't forget to throw a pair comfortable shoes in your backpack just in case you go to far and decide to take another form of transportation home.

Start early one weekend morning and bike or rollerblade the length of Manhattan. Actually, I usually start at the Upper Westside around 94th Street and go all the way to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. Battery Park is a great place to end up: 1) the scenery is great with the water, the marina, the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty 2) you can chill out in Battery Park and the wind feels great on a warm day 3) you can find lots of cool little cafes to catch a bite to eat 4) you will see a piece of almost every neighborhood in Manhattan.