Belgium Rollers 'Summer Tour 2004'

Did you know that roller skates were invented by a Belgian? In 1760 the eccentric Walloon inventor Joseph Merlin first presented his invention in London, where he was living at the time. To introduce his roller skates to the public, he played the violin while skating. Which wasn't such a bright idea, for he crashed into a wall-high mirror. Anyway, if you take part in one of the Belgium Rollers parades, you can be assured that you're following in a long and eventful tradition. This summer sees the inline-skaters doing their rounds in eight Belgian cities. In Brussels, where the Roller Parades started off, circuits of 20 kilometres a time will once more be skated every Friday this summer, over a safe route, with the assistance of the police. Participants must be reasonably experienced skaters, as the tour of the city is quite fast-paced and anyone who isn't good at braking could be the cause of serious accidents. Those whose technique still leaves something to be desired can practice at the open-air roller-school in the Ter Kamerenbos/bois de la Cambre every Saturday and Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm. Helmets and protective gear for wrists, elbows, and knees are obligatory for children and strongly recommended for adults. The new traffic laws, moreover, make the wearing of lights obligatory. Participation is free and the gear can be hired an hour before the start. JUSTITIEPALEIS/PALAIS DE JUSTICE, pl. Poelaertplein, Brussel/Bruxelles Elke vrijdag/tous les vendredis/every Friday: Onthaal/accueil/welcome: 19.00 Vertrek/départ/departure: 20.00 www.belgiumrollers.com [coordonnées retirées]