It’s rolling again on the streets of Munich. And that despite the fact that the Blade Night was always on the verge of being over. Despite Corona, several budget holes and a change of operator, the organizers have apparently found a sustainable concept, so that it was possible to drive again for the first time on Monday evening: On the “West Route” we went from Theresienwiese through Neuhausen, passing Stiglmaierplatz, Westfriedhof, the northern driveway in the direction of Nymphenburg Palace and Landsberger Strasse.
The convoy of up to 5,000 rollerblade enthusiasts rolls through the city on one of four routes every Monday until September. Participation is free and you don’t have to register. The starting point is the Theresienwiese, from where it starts at 9 p.m. to Milbertshofen, Neuhausen, Sendling and Thalkirchen. The longest route is more than 23 kilometers long.
Christian Reith, organizer of the Blade Night and chairman of Skate Munich, not only covered the sponsoring for the season, but also secured the supply of drinks for the sporting event. The Giesinger Bräu brewery is involved 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, said Reith in March. This is despite the fact that this year’s event will be even bigger and will take place on more dates than last year. The department for education and sport finances any deficit with up to 25,000 euros.
Who can join?
There is a separate, shortened route for families on Whit Monday, because according to the organizer, the Blade Night 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 speed 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 Red Cross paramedics are out on roller skates to treat minor injuries. Even if the financing is currently secured, it depends on the weather whether the tours can finally take place. Information about this is available online bladenight-muenchen.de to find.