Roller addicts glide on Brussels asphalt a look that rocks

02/IN THE CITY by Harold Nottet photos Alexis Haulot ROLLER ADDICTS GLIDE ON BRUSSELS ASPHALT A LOOK THAT ROCKS 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 outfit, or the roller attitude, here are 4 ace skaters put through the mill. CATHERINE, 17 YEARS OLD Specialty: "The ramp." Why rollerblading?: "I've always been a fan. Seeing the ramp from above and having my knees buckle, that's definitely my thing!" Your best ride?: "A 'tag' session at the skatepark with friends!" Injuries sustained: "Sprained arm and bruises galore." How would you describe your look?: "Skate!" Your favorite brands?: "Paul Frank, Ethnies, Carhart,..." The best spot in Brussels?: "Anderlecht skatepark but Beersel's looks solid!" What do you think of the Roller Parade?: "I've never been but the concept seems really nice and encourages encounters. A girl on rollerblades always impresses guys." A special wish?: "To find the roller spirit that has somewhat disappeared in Brussels." KEVIN, 14 YEARS OLD Specialty: "Ramp. European Champion in 2000 in the Kids category." Why rollerblading?: "For the adrenaline, the sensations of speed." Your best ride?: "During the European X-Games in Barcelona. A hell of a ramp!" Injuries sustained: "Broken collarbone, teeth, and wrist." How would you describe your look?: "Cool! Baggy pants 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 special wish?: "Free facilities." RUI, 24 YEARS OLD Specialty: "100% Street! 2-time champion of Luxembourg." Why rollerblading?: "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?: "Good-looking and comfortable!" Your favorite brands?: "Volcom and Nixon (a watch brand that releases some very interesting clothes)." The best spot in Brussels?: "There are an infinite number. It all depends on your creativity and how you look at the city. But in Brussels, you just have to put on your skates!" What do you think of the Roller Parade?: "Only good things." A special wish?: "To keep rollerblading!" ERIC, 38 YEARS OLD Specialty: "Rather street and, incidentally, boss of a skate and roller shop!" Why rollerblading?: "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 the nettles." Injuries sustained: "Sprains, dislocated shoulders, 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 mode of transportation." A special wish?: "Leave the riders alone!" 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 enters 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, Oostende 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 protections (helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads and reflective light). Given the relative speed of the route, the Roller Parade is not intended for beginners! GLIDING EQUIPMENT: Rollers, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, longboards, snakers,... For reasons of pace and safety, non-rollers are required to stay at the back of the procession. EQUIPMENT RENTAL: The Twin shop offers rollerblades and protections 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 paramedics, two ambulances available and a sweep car for the most tired. • Belgium Roller: www.belgiumrollers.com or send "BRFR" by SMS to 3791 (0.25€ per SMS). • Twin: [coordinates removed]