Rollerblade Project puts a new spin on Detroit wheels

Tight shorts, fannypacks and crashes involving leashes, pets and light poles have all contributed to rollerblading's often dubious reputation. But in Detroit, the blank canvas for all dreams, a tight-knit group of skaters have built a community (check them out at detroitrolling.com) around mastering this four-wheeled pasttime.

Photographer Michelle Gerard spent 18 months depicting the tricks, innovation and camaraderie of the city's skater gangs -- she's now raising money through Kickstarter to host a gallery show. Gerard says she wants to showcase the fact that, hey, rollerblading can actually be cool. By the looks of her images, she's onto something.

Click here to check out Gerard's blog, or contribute to her Kickstarter.
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