Catch a Rollerblading Rhythm

It is not at all curious to me that Rollerblade Inc. reported a 300% increase in sales since the dawn of the Covid pandemic's grand entry into the United States. If you asked any of my closest compatriots to describe me, the words "rollerblading" and "obsessed" might appear hand in hand, and I would dare not contest it. There is something to be said about the simple pleasure of operating feet wheels as a mode of transportation. There is nothing more energizing, exhilarating and purely invigorating as strapping on your blades and going for a cruise.

I have always been a rollerblading fanatic, but it was not until I moved to Spain for a spell, that I could actually put a concrete finger on why rollerblading was such a superior method of travel. It allowed me to see the entirety of Bilbao, the city I called home, faster than I would have if I were walking or running, but just as thoroughly, nonetheless. I became intrinsically familiar with the streets, the different parts of town, the artwork on the sides of buildings, where there were alley cats to be found, and what part of Bilbao had the best bakery, all as a result of my rollerblading shenanigans.

From some of my favorite blading jaunts in Bilbao, Spain.

I will also stand by the fact that the coolest people I know also rollerblade, and for social creatures, such as myself, rollerblading provides not only an exceptional form of exercise, but also for catching up! My youth was filled with rollerblading treks along Lakeshore Drive. To date, if you asked me what some of my fondest memories of Chicago are, I will always tell you that rollerblading the Lakefront Trail takes the cake for most blissful and memorable Chicago moments.

A photo from high school, of my friend Heidi and I, enjoying the autumn breeze near Adler Planetarium in Chicago. One of the most beautiful views of the city, and the start of most of my blading adventures in the city.

You know the jeep wave? The wave that jeep owners give each other to feel suave and exclusive in their own little club memberships... Yea, well, us rollerbladers have the same thing! It is highly uncommon for rollerbladers to pass each other with zero recognition of a fellow roller on a fine day. The community, culture and vibe of blading is truly immaculate in my experience, and if you have not already jumped on the blading bandwagon, I suggest you fire yourself up and snatch a pair. You will not regret it!