All-terrain roller skiing or traditional roller skiing

I prefer all-terrain roller skiing because I love rolling on the side of the road, in the ditch, across fields, on a forest path or hiking trail, and of course asphalt roads too. I like the feeling of freedom when I walk in places that are less frequented or difficult to access. I am doubly lucky to have the physical abilities, the skill and the taste for adventure. My big 200mm tires give me the freedom to roam around without worrying too much about the surface I want to ride on. I move forward with the conviction of my abilities to get around objects, obstacles and also to manage all the discrepancies in terrain. Confidence also reigns in the robustness of my rollerskis. High-performance, strong and agile enough to travel across any place including streams, rivers or lakes. Nothing stops me from going wherever I want. Nothing stops me from taking off my rollerskis and walking in my shoes because this sport is done with the shoes that you find most comfortable or most suitable depending on the weather. The advantage of wearing hiking boots is that it gives more stability and control and keeps your feet warm and dry. Even if it’s very hot, the all-terrain rollerski remains versatile because you can ride in sandals. And yes you can ride with your rubber boots if it rains and your everyday sneakers most of the time.

And yes I try to predict and prevent problems. I carry the following things in my backpack: smartphone, food, sports hydration, spare tires & tools as well as 2 pieces of identification. There are some who would say “yes but dragging 3 kilograms on your back is not easy”. To that I would say that sitting on your sofa all day and being weak is not fun. Being independent is a good feeling, especially when you are far from home, work or school. And let’s not forget that the further away we are from civilization, the more chances we have of seeing wild flora and fauna. So the phone can be used to immortalize the encounter with deer, moose or native species.

Also understand that you will expend more energy off-road roller skiing than cycling or running. Plan to eat and drink well before leaving. You will use all the muscles in your body including your cardiovascular system. Avoid bumpy courses if you are a beginner/intermediate or if your physical capacity is not there. Making each outing enjoyable depends on you and not chance. If you live far from the city there is a chance that mosquitoes and flies will chase you. Especially on climbs or slower areas of your route such as sandy or rocky surfaces. Look at the weather forecast before choosing your route. If rain is forecast, maybe postpone your ride because riding in the mud is not necessarily fun. If a hurricane, tornado or thunderstorm is forecast, I advise you to postpone your trip. It’s better to be safe than to be in trouble.

If you choose to do traditional roller skiing, you are also in for a thrilling time. Initially you will need your traditional roller skis with traditional bindings and your cross-country ski boots on your feet. You may choose between your classic or skate roller skis. The same goes for your cross-country ski boots. Personally I prefer to use my skate cross-country ski boots even when I’m doing classic. For what? Because skate boots hold your feet better and give you better control at all times. The foot and ankle are better supported to allow more comfort and control.

Before going on your rollerski trip, take the time to look at the weather forecast. If strong winds are forecast, choose a route through the forest or between buildings. If you are surprised by torrential rain, wait until it calms down, otherwise you will aquaplane and skid too much on the descents. If you have solid wheels, wet surfaces are more problematic than with pneumatic wheels. It’s the same phenomenon if you take your rollerskis with solid wheels on rough, bumpy, cracked or object-strewn surfaces. You will have to avoid every small rock, branch, trash and other objects otherwise you’re in for some serious stress. If your route is rather rough, take your roller skis with pneumatic tires because you will be able to ride with less worry about the surface in front of you.

And if it’s speed that you’re looking for then you can fully satisfy yourself. So take your rollerskis and go to a bike path with nice asphalt and have a blast. Make sure all the adjustable parts are tightened on your roller skis, that your pole ferrules are well aligned, that your bike helmet is well attached and then go, go, go!!!

Personally I prefer to tour around Val-Morin on all-terrain roller skis. Apart from the Petit Train du Nord there is no bicycle path. The roads are so rough that I don’t really have a choice but to rollerski with the all-terrain model. But ultimately that’s what I prefer.