Dont Mess with Korean Inline Skaters

So my Hyung (Older Friend) asked if I wanted to take some pictures along Han River. I obviously said yes, but I asked what he would be doing at Han River, which he replied, "roller blading with my friend". So I though to myself, jeez its been awhile since I have exercised and I think rollerblading along the shore would be fun. So I ditched the camera for a day of fun. That was my first mistake.

My Hyung then ask me, "do you want a jersey?"

Which I replied, "No, why would I need one?" (second mistake)

He then asked me "Do you want a spare helmet?"

I replied, "No need, I've been blading for years" (In fact, I showed him pictures of me jumping off shit when I was younger) (third mistake)

So we went to Han river to rent my rollerblades and I knew they were going to be shitty but I just figured I'd hammer through and I might even show off a bit. Then I saw my Hyung setting up and as he pulled out these 5 wheeled roller blades with a carbon fiber boot, I thought to myself what have I gotten myself into.

My Hyung then started wearing his tight jersey and spandex like shorts. At first I thought this guy would stick out like a sore thumb but then we met his friends and they were even more decked out. Then I saw everyone else on the dock and they were all dressed up too.

He then said try to keep up but not to worry there is only one path so they will wait for me at their end point.

So those mistakes I made started to come into fruition, firstly roller blading along the most popular river in Korea on a Saturday was a gong show and you need to wear helmet not because you'll hit your head on the ground but more because you will hit you head against another human being. Secondly, Koreans are no joke when it comes to speed inline skating, I was the odd one out. Every rollerblader was decked out and took the so called "sport" seriously. After 5 minutes I could not keep up and they were long gone from my site line. Every roller bladder I saw were in groups of 5 and using the slip stream of the the front skater and had perfect drafting technique. it was site too see. I tired to grab a picture with my iphone and I was surprised at the cool effect that it made.

Just so you know I rollerbladed over 25kms that day and also drank beer along the route. My shirt was drenched from sweat and my nipple were chaffed. I wish I wore that jersey.

Oh well I survived. I told my Hyung I would go again next week but I was going to rent a bike instead.