At the NorthShore Inline Marathon, we love showcasing the incredible communities that make our sport vibrant and inclusive. Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Bladies MPLS, an amazing group dedicated to bringing women together through rollerblading. Founded by Cydney and inspired by the success of Park City Bladies, this Minneapolis-based group offers a welcoming space for women of all skill levels to connect, skate, and have fun.
Who Are the MPLS Bladies?
Bladies MPLS began in the summer of 2019 as a casual meetup for women who love to rollerblade. While their early sessions were smaller, the group's enthusiasm quickly grew, and by 2021, they were welcoming more participants than ever. The group's ethos is simple yet powerful: they’re a social group that happens to rollerblade, emphasizing connection, support, and shared experiences.
Here is a great quote from some of the founding members "The Minneapolis BLADIES started in the summer of 2019 when a friend asked me (Cydney) if I wanted to help start a Bladies group here in Minneapolis. Her sister had started the Park City Bladies and it was a big hit there so she wanted to give it a go here. It was a slow start, with our first summer meet ups maxing out at 4 people one night. Most of the time it was just her and me. We took the summer of 2020 off, for obvious reasons 😂 and by March of 2021 I had person after person asking me when Bladies was going to start up again. We started back up again that may, with our biggest group ever of maybe 8 gals. Connie from Northshore being one of them! Our little rollerblade group grew a lot that summer. And it quickly morphed into more than just a group of gals that got together each week for a skate around the lake. We were building genuine connection with each other. And while yes we are a rollerblade group, we like to say we’re a social group that rollerblades. For us rollerblading is an ice breaker and a way to bring women together to connect face to face in our ever growing digital world."
Weekly Skates and Social Hours
Bladies MPLS keeps things fun and lighthearted with weekly skates around Lake Harriet, followed by social hours at the Bread and Pickle. They occasionally switch up their locations to keep things fresh and even organize longer trail skates for those training for races. The emphasis is on enjoyment and community, with a focus on building confidence and skills, regardless of experience level.
No Experience Needed
One of the standout features of Bladies MPLS is their inclusive approach. No prior rollerblading experience is necessary to join. The group encourages women to take healthy risks and grow their confidence on wheels. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting, Bladies MPLS welcomes you with open arms and a supportive atmosphere.
A Passion for Racing and Community
Bladies MPLS also encourages members to participate in races, offering a fun and supportive entry into competitive skating. Their first race experience was at the NorthShore Inline Marathon, where a small group of members, despite minimal training, had an unforgettable time. The energy, community spirit, and the cheering crowd along the course left a lasting impression. Today, Bladies members continue to participate in races and even volunteer, showing up "loud and proud" to support the broader skating community.
Join the Bladies Movement
If you're looking to connect with a fantastic group of women and enjoy the freedom and fun of rollerblading, Bladies MPLS is the place to be. They’ve created a space where women can bond, learn, and grow, all while having a great time on skates.
Here's a link to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/mplsbladies