I don't know about you, but I get pretty tired of using the same trails. Some are short, which leaves the fun of loops or out and backs; and, where I live, some of the trails have some steep-ish hills and mildly dangerous curves. This leaves me with the roads of suburbia as an option. Oh Frabjous Day.
Choose the right wheel. This is partially because of road conditions. The trails are pretty smooth--but wet leaves and pine needles on them aren't; the roads can be anything from buttery to bumpy as hell. And, when you get a mix of everything, you have to find a happy medium. Suggestion: roller ski wheels if you want slow or hard workouts; 78 durometer polyurethane wheels if you want a faster ride (but go with smaller mm wheels for safety & control). I'll post later in depth about wheel experiences.
Might I add sharpen your ferrule tips? Rumor has it there is some sort of tool out there that does it. I just use the sharpening stone I have for my ice speed skates. Digging into any tarmac is pretty easy. But concrete is another matter--even with sharp tips, lots of luck. So, as sharp as possible is always a good idea.
Ski on the right side of the road (going the same direction of traffic). We are to follow the same laws as inline skaters. Ideally, choose low-traffic roads, and/or roads with a BIG shoulder, if ride the roads you must or do.
Of course, WEAR A HELMET. This applies even if you are on trails. I have seen the carnage of inline skates without one (my dad got to direct the ambulance to the bleeding skull fracture; we never did learn if he regained consciousness...). Why people think this can't happen on roller skis, I don't know. But I see too many skiers around here without them. And on the road, we have our friends, the cars.
Ah, yes: The Cars. Good music group. Bad machine to play with as a pseudo-pedestrian. Have I mentioned how drivers think they own the road? Or how they are paying SO much attention while texting, talking, drinking coffee, having a conversation, shaving, putting on make up, etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum? They are just looking out for things like cyclists or roller skiers, right?
The etiquette for roller skiing is to double pole (single file in groups) as a car passes you. On a country road, for sure. Around here...I find it best to wait until the car is damn near on your butt. There is something about the out-flinging of a sharp ski tip that encourages cars to give you a wide berth. If they aren't going to voluntarily pay attention, I will find a way to make them pay attention.
Roads aren't the ideal place to ride, but they can be fun, especially if you are more in the country. If you are stuck with the 'Burbs, choose the roads less traveled. And on any road, try to avoid rush-hour traffic. No exercise is worth your life.
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