uti mess
Rev Up Those Blades

And get in line for the country's first indoor amusement
and in-line skating center.

Dr. Burton and Judy Stillman stand near the miniature golf course. Right: art on
the walls at US Blades.

on Friedman, a
public rela-
tions repre-
sentative for
Olympia Aren-
as, is thrilled
that a sport he
discovered six
years ago is
picking up
quickly across
the country.
A health
enthusiast, he is one of
the estimated 6.2 million
Americans who have
joined the in-line skating
phenomenon since its
creation in 1980.
"The first time I did it,
it felt just so great to roll
like that," said Mr.
Friedman, 30, of South-
field. "It was a great way
to get cardiovascular
exercise and to tone
muscles."
For West Bloomfield
entrepreneurs Dr. Bur-
ton and Judy Stillman
and a group of partners,
the sport also means big
business opportunity.
The limited partners
hope to cash in on the
sport's burgeoning popu-
larity with their new
venture, US Blades, the
nation's first indoor, in-
line skating rink that
opened Feb. 12.
The 55,000-square-foot
indoor amusement facili-
ty is located in West
Bloomfield on Drake
Road, just south of
Walnut Lake Road. It
is a one-of-a-kind
facility, incorporating
the 17,000-square-foot
in-line skating rink
with a miniature golf
course, video arcade,
dining area and party
rooms.
"This sport has just

caught on like fire," Mrs.
Stillman said. "We
thought it would dissi-
pate, but it hasn't. And
in this weather, you need
indoor entertainment."
Inside U.S. Blades, the
scenery is bright.
Surrounding the blading
path, which skaters can
follow through a dark
tunnel with fluorescent
lights, is a state-of-the
art miniature golf course
with an American theme.
Skaters, guarded by
fully padded walls, pass
replicas of the Statue of
Liberty, which is holding
a pair of blades; Mount
Rushmore; King Kong
atop the Empire State
Building; and the famous
Hollywood sign.
The facility is open
daily, with specific times
allotted for adults-only
skating. Roller skates
are allowed, but man-
agers caution that the
concrete floor with a
sealer is designed for in-
line skates, and roller
skaters may not be able

1) Always wear pro-
tective equipment: hel-
met, wrist guards,
elbow and knee pads.
Protective gear helps
avoid injuries when you
fall.
2) Buckle

,

to pick up the same
speed as on a wooden
floor.
On the premises is a
pro shop and a facility
where patrons can rent
equipment. Lessons,
hockey leagues and exer-
cise classes are in the
planning stages.
A disc jockey plays
music, and staff roll
around the rink with
wireless microphones,
talking to "bladers" who
can view themselves on a
16x12-foot screen. Add to
it all a karaoke machine
for those adventurous
thrill seekers who want
to sing for the crowds.
Hungry skaters are in
luck. They can roll
through a brightly col-
ored 1950s-style fast-
food diner, order a quick
bite, and dine while
dressed in blading attire.
Generally, athletes can
move faster on blades
than on ice skates, and
they can burn substan-
tial calories. In a study
conducted for Rollerblade

skates securely for opti-
mum ankle support.
Adjust accordingly until
you reach desired com-
fort level.
3) Practice skating on
grass or carpet to get a
feel for the skates
before stepping onto
pavement.
*Walk around with
both toes pointed
slightly outward; that
is how you will push
once you are rolling on
the pavement.
*Practice balancing

FEB R UA R Y

r KIMBERLY LEON STAFF WRITER

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