Long distance marathon speed skating is pretty damn tough. Most skaters don't use brakes and do some pretty fast descents. Unlike cycling with gears you are only as good as your form. Its a shame there is no money or promotion of in-line speed skating like cycling has got.

The feeling of sprint on a pair of skates at 25MPH on a flat road is an entirely different feeling than hammering up to speed on a bicycle. There is a real sense of freedom that you don't get on a saddle.

Most inline frames are made of aluminum...Talk about road buzz! Imagine doing 50-80 miles with aluminum strapped to the feet. No carbon boot can soak up the harsh roads.