Two sports in one day -- and your cycling shorts will come in handy for both of them.

We'll ride from Grand Army Plaza around the southwestern perimeter of Brooklyn, making our way to Aviator Sports and Fitness in Floyd Bennett Field. We'll spend about 1 1/2 hours at the skating rink. There will be rest room stops and an opportunity to pick up snacks or prepared lunch along the way. Brown bag lunch or purchase at the rink are also options.

Bring plenty of water/sports drink, snack and lunch, spare tube and tools, pump, sunscreen and a lock for your bike, and. Bring money for food and skating. Don't forget warm clothing -- pack appropriately for drastic climate change! Thick socks for skating are highly recommended. BRING A PAD LOCK for your locker in the skating rink.

Skating admission costs $10 and skate rentals are $5 per pair.

http://www.aviatorsports.com/public-skating/

The ride to Aviator will be 15 - 20 miles, and the return to Grand Army Plaza will be 8 - 10 miles. We will pass the 2/5 and Q/B lines for those who wish to take a train back to another destination before we reach Grand Army Plaza.

Our group's speed should range from 12 to 15 mph on long open stretches such as the Belt Parkway bike path. If we have two leaders, the point/drop/sweep system will be used. If not, we'll make regrouping stops as necessary.