2021 Survival Guide “Weekend Basics” (printable): Available Here!
Registration: Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street, 3rd Floor
Check the Schedule (There is NO registration until Friday afternoon)
FaceBook: For Current Info – Discussion Tab & Pinned Post
(**RSVP “Going” and make sure to “Receive ALL Notifications”)
ALL GROUP-UPS: Gwathmey Plaza: (1-13 Carlisle St)
Straight out the back door of the Marriott.
*All Skates roll out 15 minutes after Group-up times listed below (sharp!)*
*Footwear Required if taking public transportation at any time*
(It’s best to have footwear handy on most NYC skates)
First Stop at the Big Apple Roll is NYCs largest weekly social skate; the always enjoyable, world famous, Wednesday Night Skate!
Distance: 12 – 14 miles
Leader: WNS Staff
Group-Up: Leave from Gwathmey Plaza at 7:05pm
End: Drinks and socializing at @ 10:00pm at Triona’s Irish Pub
(located at 192 3rd Ave, btwn 17th & 18th St)
Highlights: We never know… WNS is its own thing! But you’ll see the same skaters. It’s a fairly casual, social skate around the streets of NYC. It may or may not include bridges, hills, ramps, overpasses, sidewalks, etc. WNS is the largest intermediate, group street skate in NYC.
Your escort to WNS from the hotel is of course, Mike Gundart!
But if you feel like getting there on your own:
Skate from Marriott to WNS at Union Square
Subway from Marriott to WNS at Union Square
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
Distance: 23 miles total
Leader: Jim Marx
Group-up: 9:45am
See Route Map Here!
Highlights:
10am – 12:40pm (13.2 miles)
12:40pm – 1:30 – Lunch Break/Skate Park
1:30 – 3:30 (9.7 miles)
Heading uptown to Randall’s Island. We’ll also see City Hall, 1st Ave (UN) Tunnel, Hockey Rink, Skate Park (Pizza Lunch), Central Park, Trump Tower, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, NYC Library, Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Washington Square Park, The Stonewall Inn.
LATE OPTION 1 : Join skate at 96th Street Stanley Isaacs RINK and skate Randall’s Island plus the afternoon skate (15.9 miles total)
LATE OPTION 2 : Join skate for second part at 114th Street – Thomas Jefferson SKATE PARK/Lunch Break (9.7 miles)
LEAVE EARLY OPTIONS : Leave skate early from Skate Park/Lunch Break or 96th Street and take subway to Hotel (13.2 or 14.6 miles total)
LUNCH – We will be pre-ordering Thin Crust 16 inch Pizzas from Patsy’s on 1st Ave between 117 & 118th St – Cost is $13 for a plain pie, $3 more for 1 topping, except $5 for meatball – At Meetup please sign up for whole or half pie, plain or what topping, and give me cash – I will call in order and it will be ready when we arrive. You can grab your own beverage of choice.
Map: Late Meetup – Rink – Option1
Join Late Option 1: Join skate at 96th Street Stanley Isaacs Rink and skate 7 miles on Randall’s Island, plus the afternoon skate.
Directions: Take subway from Hotel to Skate Rink by 11:10am (Leave Hotel by 10:30am) – Walk 6 minutes South on West Street (left out of Hotel Lobby). Then Left (East) on Rector St to Broadway (Wall Street Station). Take the #4 Train from Wall Street Station (Uptown towards Woodlawn) at ~10:42am. Get off at 96th St/Lexington Ave (10 Stops – 20 minutes). Walk (10 minutes) east on 96th Street to 1st Avenue – Rink is on southeast corner of 96 and 1st Ave – We should be there from 11:20 to 11:30am
Map: Late Meetup – Skate Park – Option2
Join Late Option 2: Join skate for Part 2 at 114th Street, Thomas Jefferson Skate Park/Lunch Break
Directions: Take subway from Hotel to Skate Park by 12:30pm (Leave Hotel by 11:45am) – Walk 6 minutes South on West Street (left out of Hotel Lobby). Then Left (East) on Rector St to Broadway (Wall Street Station). Take the #4 Train from Wall Street Station (Uptown towards Woodlawn) at ~11:56am. Get off at 116th St/Lexington Ave (13 Stops – 21 minutes) – Walk (12 minutes) south on Lexington. Then Left onto 115 St (East). Right on 1st Ave. Left on 114 to the end. The Park is on the right – We should be there around 12:40pm and will be there for lunch. Leaving at 1:30 pm
Leave skate early and take subway to Hotel (examples of possible ways back but exact trains depend on the time – Q, R, & W are also options)
Skate Park to HOTEL: Skate to 116th St and Lexington. Take the #6 towards Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall. Get off at 86th St (4 stops). Switch to the #5 towards Flatbush Ave/Brooklyn College. Get off at Wall Street Station (6 stops). Walk west on Rector. Right on West St. The Hotel is on the right.
— or —
Skate with group to 96th and Lexington. Take the #6 towards Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall – get off at Grand Central Terminal/ 42nd St. (6 stops). Switch to the #4 towards Crown Heights/Utica Ave. Get off at Wall Street Station (4 stops). Walk west on Rector. Turn Right on West St. Hotel is on the right.
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
Distance: Not that much!
Leader: Joe Huu
Group-up: 5pm Gwathmey Plaza
Time: 5:20 – 7:20pm
Place: If you want to head over on your own
Highlights:
Joe is infamous for his slalom moves and classes? You’ll learn beginner to advanced slalom techniques based on the needs of the group. This will be a 2 hour session.
It’s at the volleyball court and boat dock near Brookfield Place, which is four blocks from the Marriott Hotel. It’s a great place to skate and relax by the water before the big skate tonight. Joe will be at the hotel at 5 PM and escorting skaters to the spot.
Distance: 10-15 miles
Leader: Seth McCay
Fast Breakaway: Could happen at any time…
Group-up: 7:45pm
See Route Map Here!
Highlights:
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
Leader: Michael Grebinsky
Distance: .032
Length: 45 minutes
Meetup: Gwathmey Plaza (no skates)
Or walk to Thames Park on your own – Turn right out of front of hotel. Left on Albany Street (over West St). Turn left after the bike path. You’ll see the green lawn after the basketball court.
Wake up & Stretch to Sunrise over the Hudson River – Join Michael Grebinsky (he can’t sleep!) for an introductory class of speedskating and regular “dryland” skills & drills, blah, blah, blah…… just join Michael so he’s not lonely.
Distance: 10-15 miles
Leader: Mike Gundert
Group-up: 10:30am
See Route Map Here!
Highlights:
Pier 26 Tide Deck, Pier 76, Hudson Yards, Madison Square Park and Flatiron Building, East Village, Williamsburg – *optional return to hotel via South Williamsburg ferry stop
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
Time: 4pm – 6:45pm
Location: Marriott Hotel Balcony
NOTE: Masks will be provided and required at registration!
Waiver signing, Free Goodies, Raffle tickets, T-Shirt sales, K2 Skate Auction & Distribution of Survival Guide (Final Schedule)
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band.
FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (but we can’t police this. It is YOUR responsibility).
Distance: Not that much!
Leader: Joe Huu
Group-up: 4:45 pm Gwathmey Plaza (meet Corrine & Zoey)
Time: 5 – 6 pm
Place: If you want to head over on your own
Highlights:
Joe is adding Braking to his workshop today. If you had trouble braking and/or stopping last night, let Joe show you some tips. It will help you feel much more comfortable AND SAFE!!!
Joe is infamous for his slalom moves and classes? You’ll learn beginner to advanced slalom techniques based on the needs of the group. This will be a 1 hour session.
It’s at the volleyball court and boat dock near Brookfield Place, which is four blocks from the Marriott Hotel. It’s a great place to skate and relax by the water before the big skate tonight. Joe will be at the hotel at 5 PM and escorting skaters to the spot.
Distance: 10-15 miles
Leader: Angelia Miranda & Sarai Pegram
Fast Breakaway: Who will it be???
Group-up: 6:45pm
See Route Map Here!
Highlights:
Well, Broadway & Times Square for sure!!
As is customary with most Friday night skates, “LIGHT YOURSELF UP“!! Be CrEaTiVe!! “Some” Glow sticks (FREE) and blinkies ($5) available at Registration.
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
We’re finishing off our Friday Night Skate at ICONYC Brewery in Astoria Queens. And they are very excited about having us! We will all subway back to the hotel afterwards. We’ll also provide options for those wishing to head back earlier.
Location – 43-63 11th St, Queens, NY 11101
Google Map
This is an outdoor event!!!
Time: 7:00am – 9:15am
Location: Marriott Hotel Balcony
NOTE: Masks will be provided and required at registration!
If you didn’t make it last night: ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band.
Waiver signing, Free Goodies, K2 Skate Auction, Raffle ticket sales for SkateIA Registration, Athens to Atlanta Entry, many skate discounts, fitness & skate bags, wheels, & t-shirts. Also T-Shirt sales & Distribution of Survival Guide (Final Schedule).
*Sign up for Saturday Night Pub Crawl (Starts around 9:30pm – space limited)
Leader: Michael Grebinsky
Distance: .032
Length: 45 minutes
Meetup: Gwathmey Plaza (no skates)
Or walk to Thames Park on your own – Turn right out of front of hotel. Left on Albany Street (over West St). Turn left after the bike path. You’ll see the green lawn after the basketball court.
Wake up & Stretch to Sunrise over the Hudson River – Join Michael Grebinsky (he can’t sleep!) for an introductory class of speedskating and regular “dryland” skills & drills, blah, blah, blah…… just join Michael so he’s not lonely.
Distance: 10-15 miles
Leader: Arnav “Sonic” Shah
Fast Breakaway: It’s a Secret!
Group-up: 9:15am
See Route Map Here!
Note 1: It’s probably a good idea to have footwear handy
Highlights:
Manhattan to downtown Brooklyn to Propsect Park (optional loop) to Red Hook
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
Lunch on Saturday will offer a variety of Brooklyn’s local flavors in a uniquely New York setting. From the morning skate’s endpoint at Coffey Park, you’ll have the choice of a dozen nearby restaurants in the historical shipping and port neighborhood of Red Hook. Home to a mix of industrial and residential charm, this is the only part of New York City with a fully frontal view of the Statue of Liberty, best seen from the Louis Valentino Jr Park and Pier.
Lunch options will include:
Google Map Links to Lunch Spots
- Hometown Bar-B-Que (order through their website at least an hour ahead of time)
- Court Street Hero Shop (please phone order in the morning)
- Brooklyn Crab
- Keg & Lantern Brewery (vegan Impossible Burgers available)
- Jamit Bistro
- United Sandwiches of America
- Mark’s Red Hook Pizza (whole pies and slices)
- San Pedro Inn
- Hoek Pizza
- Food Bazaar Barbeque (wide variety of barbeque offerings, plus
prepared and to-order foods in the store) - F & M Cafe (deli with made-to-order sandwiches)
- Red Hook Lobster Pound
- Somtum Der
- Defonte’s Sandwich Shop
- Baked (delicious baked goods and desserts)
- The Brooklyn Biscuit Company
- Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie
- Ample Hills Creamery Red Hook Factory
Distance: 12-15 miles
Leader: Sonic
Fast Breakaway: Maybe!
Group-up: TBD in Red Hook
See Route Map: Here!
Highlights:
Red Hook to Williamsburg to Buschwick to Greenpoint to Williamsburg bridge.
Sorry Folks, we have reached capacity for tonight’s party at Fraunces. If you previously sent in your proof of vaccination or showed it (or your negative test) at registration, we’ll see you later. If you didn’t pick up your wristband, it will be waiting for you. Party start at 8:30. There will be NO walk-ins allowed.
Free Party at Fraunces Tavern!!!
54 Pearl Street, NY, NY
Walking map from Marriott to Fraunces
Special Wristband Required – PLEASE read everything below!
Saturday night, we’re having a BIG PARTY & RAFFLE at FRAUNCES TAVERN, one of the oldest & most historic structures in NYC! The party, hosted by Rollerblade & Empire, is free for everyone and will take place “Rain or Shine”. It’s a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Fraunces gets great reviews, and the food is especially good.
*IMPORTANT: This is an *indoor* party. And in order to balance fun and safety amidst the currently rising number of nationwide Covid cases caused by the Delta variant, instead of cancelling, we are limiting the party to 150 guests and are *requiring* proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the party (free testing and vaccinations are available to people over 16 at many locations across NYC). Wristbands for entry to the party will be available at the BAR registration table at the hotel, and before the party. NOTE: The same policy is in place at many Manhattan night clubs, and it will be strictly enforced. (We did try to find an outdoor venue, but many are closed or could not accommodate the turnout we’re expecting).
We understand the inconvenience involved and know that some will be annoyed and frustrated, but it’s the only way we feel okay having this event indoors at this time. While there are variables we can’t control, we hope these steps make everyone feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Still, if you’re vaccinated or not, and experience any symptoms at all, PLEASE don’t come. It’s only 3-4 hours out of the weekend. And you’ll still get your raffle prizes!
We will be providing food and soft drinks. Alcohol is also available. There will be a big dining room, a bar, and the wine room dedicated to us, but you can find many other interesting nooks and crannies around the restaurant if you like. Note: the rest of the bar will be open to the public, who are not required to show anything to get in.
Check out more about Fraunces Tavern: History, Website, Wikipedia, Facebook, Instagram… We may even be able to arrange a private tour of the museum for those interested.
Please send your proof of vaccination to info@bigappleroll.org ASAP. We need to get a good estimate of how many are coming by Wednesday, so we can order enough food. Please let us know if you are planning on coming now, even if you are showing your proof of vaccination or negative test at registration.
*In your email, please indicate which of the following platters you are most likely to gravitate towards (just choose #1, #2, #3 or #4):
1: The Innkeeper
Beef Sliders w/cheddar, chili aioli
Short Rib Sliders w/horseradish aioli & coleslaw
Blackened Salmon Sliders with pickle aioli, frisee
Fried Cauliflower
Rosemary Truffle Fries
Dipping Sauces: dirty mustard, bang bang aioli, curry mayo, ketchup
2: The Commodore
Flat-Iron Skewers w/peppers, onions
Bratwurst & Chorizo Skewers w/pineapple
Marinated Chicken Skewers w/peppers, onions
Adobo Wings
Sweet Potato Fries
Garlic Bread
3: The Continental (Vegetarian)
Baked Camembert & Fig Preserve
Goat Cheese Croquettes
Mushroom & Brie Toast Crostini
Caprese Lollipops
Bruschetta
4: Vegan
Pear and Arugula Salad
There will also be some Crudité platters
Roads are drying up. We’re going to group-up at 10:15, leaving at 10:30.
Distance: 10-15 miles
Leader: Michael Grebinsky
Group-up: 9:15am
See Route Map Here!
Highlights:
Union Square, Madison Square Park, East Side Bike Path, West Side Bike Path
After saying good by to those who have to check out at 1pm, we will pick up “late comers” and will head in to Central Park, where Diana will take over & lead the group on a leisurely Central Park Historical/famous points Tour & finish at the Band Shell, next to the slalom skaters & Central Park Dance Skaters!
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).
For Those Staying at the Hotel – 1pm is the Official Checkout.
You can store luggage with the Concierge for $1. 
Distance: 10-12 miles
Leader: Diana Henkel
Group-up: 1:30pm
See Route Map:
Highlights:
You’ll be escorted up to Central Park where Diana will give you a leisurely tour. Then you’ll roll over to Central Park Band Shell to watch and/or join-in with the Central Park Dance Skaters, local slalom skaters, do a couple of laps, or just hang out, relax & people-watch. You’ve earned it!!
*ALL Skaters must sign the skate waiver and wear a wrist band. FULL protective gear (helmet, wrist-guards, elbow & knee guards) is highly recommended. Helmets & wrist-guards are REQUIRED (this is YOUR responsibility).