You can continue to roll on the streets of Munich. And that despite the fact that Bladenight was always on the verge of being over. Despite Corona, several budget holes and a change of operator, the fears now seem to be over: The organizers want to have found a sustainable concept.
The convoy of up to 5000 rollerblade enthusiasts can roll through the city on one of four routes every Monday from May to September. You can really take over the public space for once, says Christian Reith, organizer of Bladenight and chairman of Skate Munich e. V. From the Theresienwiese there are trips to Milbertshofen, Nymphenburg, Sendling and Thalkirchen from 9 p.m. The longest route is more than 23 kilometers long.
Reith not only covered the sponsorship for the coming season, but also secured the beverage supply for the sporting event. A young Munich brewery is now taking part in the financing and is on site at the events with a drinks truck. The cooperation is planned for three years. Together with the support from the city, there is enough money for the next few years, says Reith. And that, although the event this year is even bigger and takes place on more dates than last year. The department for education and sport finances any deficit up to a maximum of 25,000 euros.
Who can join?
There is a separate, shortened route for families on Whit Monday, because according to the organizer, the Bladenight is not really suitable for beginners. If you participate, you should be able to stand safely on the skates and brake, says Reith. And he has other tips: If you want to speed through the streets, you should position yourself at the end of the train. In front, directly behind the police cars, the pace is more leisurely. If you are unsure on the slope, you can turn to the “Blade Guards”, stewards on wheels who, among other things, provide braking assistance.
Around 200 volunteer blade guards are needed per trip, otherwise the train cannot start. Even the paramedics of the Bavarian Red Cross are on roller skates to treat minor injuries. Even if the financing is currently secured, it depends on the weather of the day whether the tours will ultimately take place. Information about this is on the Blate Night website to find.