Yesterday night, 19:45. First thing I see when I arrive at Place Neuve: five police motorbikes, a police van and a bunch of policemen on roller. Ok... this is what they meant by "more official".

I get off my scooter and set myself ready. Victor's waiting for me. Gradually, rollers arrive from all directions. There is a huge variety in terms of age, gear and style. Half naked teenagers on quads shake hands with 60 years old roller addicts on two wheeled prototype alike rollers wearing construction helmets with flashing light. Some people come with their children, on roller or in a trolley. A girl has her dog in her backpack. Some rollers carry water pistols, some others real one and handcuffs. But all seem peaceful and fun minded. A good roller community spirit.

19:55. I'm starving. How come no restaurant has any fruit to sell ? Victor and I wonder... where are the GOLers gone ?

20:00. Here there were, hiding amongst the 300 participants. Hey, cool, they give out chocolate bars. I pack my pockets was half a dozen (or a dozen?) of them, and here it starts.

20:15. Flashing blue lights open the road, followed by a crowd of volunteer staffers in fluo yellow jackets and the multicoloured crowd. Rolling in the middle of the street, no red lights, no traffic. Hey, that's cool ! Hum, the rhythm is faster than usual. Much faster. Shortly after the start, we've got to say good-by to one of us, who just can't get to the required speed. Carouge, Etoile and up to Grand-Lancy. Fells good to sweat a bit. Slight down to Grand-Lancy, and uuup uuuuuuup again to Onex. Now we're wet ! :-) There is something unique with roller events. Everybody speaks with anybody. We're all different, but we're all mates. We cheer each other, share water bottles, food and jokes. We do olla and some singing. A bit like during a popular running race, competition stress aside. Pedestrians say hello, cheer us up, ask how they can join next time. Staffers are very effective but relaxed at the same time, helpful to beginners. Nice spirit around.

21:00. Here it is. Half way. Break. 10 minutes pause, and here we go again. Pont-Butin, Charmilles, and stop at Ecole de Commerce. The steepest part of the track is ahead. For the first time, safety instructions are given by loudspeaker: "be careful, take it easy, go at your own rhythm". I tighten my helmet and wrist pads. Adrenaline is rising. GOOOOoooooo ! Beginners slalom on unexpected trajectories making worried faces, some geeks try back flips and fall. I manage to avoid all of them, with one close miss… oh, that was just to short ! Nobody got hurt in the end, luckily enough.

21:45, back to Bastion. Victor and I head to Plainpalais to watch the game… some Swiss got more lucky with sport than others tonight ! ;-)

Thanks to all volunteers and participants. Thanks to you GOLers. Please share your feedback ! And see you next week for Lundi-Roller, or next month for MNS !

Pictures will be posted soon on
http://www.nightskate.ch and
http://www.lundi-roller
HobbesJun 27, 2006 @ 14:34