Roller addicts glide on Brussels asphalt a look that rolls

02/IN TOWN by Harold Nottet photos Alexis Haulot ROLLER ADDICTS GLIDE ON BRUSSELS ASPHALT A LOOK THAT ROLLS In-line fans and concrete fanatics, each with their own style and craze, as can be seen at the Roller Parade (every summer Friday in the city center streets). To find the golden spot, the killer gear, or the roller attitude, here are 4 ace rollers put through the grinder. CATHERINE, 17 YEARS OLD Specialty: "The ramp." Why rollers?: "I've always been a fan. Seeing the ramp from above and feeling my knees knock, that's definitely my thing!" Your best ride?: "A 'touch-touch' session at the skatepark with friends!" Injuries sustained: "Sprained arm and plenty of bruises." How would you describe your look?: "Skate!" Your favorite brands?: "Paul Frank, Ethnies, Carhart,..." The best spot in Brussels?: "Anderlecht skatepark, but the Beersel one looks solid!" What do you think of the Roller Parade?: "I've never been, but the concept really seems cool and encourages encounters. A girl on rollers always impresses guys." A particular wish?: "To rediscover the roller spirit that has somewhat disappeared in Brussels." KEVIN, 14 YEARS OLD Specialty: "Ramp. European Champion in 2000 in the Kids category." Why rollers?: "For the adrenaline, the sensations of speed." Your best ride?: "During the European X-Games in Barcelona. An incredible ramp!" Injuries sustained: "Broken collarbone, teeth, and wrist." How would you describe your look?: "Cool! Baggy and T-shirt. Guys dressed as clowns or punks really make me laugh." Your favorite brands?: "I don't care!" The best spot in Brussels?: "Anderlecht skatepark." What do you think of the Roller Parade?: "A bit too touristy for my taste, and besides, it wears out my wheels." A particular wish?: "Free facilities." RUI, 24 YEARS OLD Specialty: "100% Street! 2-time champion of Luxembourg." Why rollers?: "I didn't have enough money to buy anything else!" Your best ride?: "The last run of each competition when everyone starts screaming." Injuries sustained: "Broken foot and fractured collarbone." Your look?: "Beautiful and comfortable!" Your favorite brands?: "Volcom and Nixon (a watch brand that releases some very interesting clothes)." The best spot in Brussels?: "There are infinitely many. It all depends on your creativity and how you look at the city. But in Brussels, you just need to put on your skates!" What do you think of the Roller Parade?: "Only good things." A particular wish?: "To continue rolling!" ERIC, 38 YEARS OLD Specialty: "More street and, incidentally, boss of a skate and roller shop!" Why rollers?: "For city rides with friends." Your best ride?: "A descent in the Jura with 'coyotes' (all-terrain rollers). I hit a stone and ended up in nettles." Injuries sustained: "Sprains, shoulder dislocations, displaced disc, numerous stitches,...." Your look?: "Natural!" Your favorite brands?: "K2 and CCM for equipment, Savier, Criminal and 2° Sky for clothes." The best spot in Brussels?: "Along the canal between Anderlecht and Ruisbroek. Smooth and green. Perfect." What do you think of the Roller Parade?: "A very nice event that allows many people to discover this excellent alternative means of transport." A particular wish?: "That riders be left in peace!" From left to right and top to bottom: Catherine, Kevin, Rui, and Eric. The roller spirit right down to their clothes. LET'S ROLLER PARADE! The Roller Parade is entering its 3rd year of gliding through the streets of Brussels. Since last year, the procession of enthusiasts also rolls in Mons, Namur, Huy, Hasselt, Ghent, Ostend, and Koksijde. DEPARTURE: The Brussels Roller Parade starts every Friday at 7 PM on Place Poelaert. CONDITIONS: Master braking! For children, mandatory wearing of all protective gear (helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and signal light). Given the relative speed of the route, the Roller Parade is not for beginners! GLIDES: Rollers, scooters, skateboards, bikes, longboards, snakers,... For reasons of pace and safety, non-rollers must stay at the back of the procession. EQUIPMENT: The Twin store offers rollers and protective gear for rent (€15 per day) one hour before each departure and every Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the Carrefour des Attelages in the Bois de la Cambre. SAFETY: Roller first responders, two ambulances available, and a sweep car for those who are tired. • Belgium Roller: www.belgiumrollers.com or send "BRFR" by SMS to 3791 (€0.25 per SMS). • Twin: [coordinates removed].