Here’s the real deal about La Grosse Rando—a longboarding event so iconic that it’s basically the Paris Fashion Week of the longboard world (but with more adrenaline and way cooler vibes). Organized by the crew at Dock Session, this isn’t just any event. It’s the day when Paris ditches cars and rolls out the red carpet (well, the asphalt) for a massive celebration of longboarding, freedom, and urban culture. Imagine this: the most beautiful streets in the world, a thousand riders, and a city that lets you glide through it like you own the place. Magic, right?
It all starts early—9:30 AM sharp. You’ll see everyone gathering at Place de la République, gearing up for a day that’s equal parts camaraderie, chaos, and cardio. From there, the route winds through some of Paris’ most famous landmarks: the Opéra Garnier, Place du Châtelet, Jardins des Invalides, and finally wraps up near the Musée d’Orsay. Honestly, this route is like a highlight reel of Paris, except you’re not just gawking at it—you’re cruising through it on your board.
But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just a ride; it’s a whole festival of fun:
- Grand Slide Jam: Think of it as the Olympics of longboarding slides. Riders show off tricks that will make you question how physics even works.
- Costume Parade: Because who doesn’t want to bomb down Paris streets dressed like a giant hotdog or a disco queen? (Yes, you’ll regret your outfit halfway through, but the laughs are worth it.)
- Giant Picnic: Midday, you roll into the Jardins des Invalides for a massive picnic. It’s where you eat, chill, and swap stories with your new best friends.
- Hill Climb Race: Just when your legs are begging for mercy, there’s this race. It’s all about speed, stamina, and the pure joy of proving you’re not completely done yet.
The day wraps up at Dock Session’s legendary hangout by the Seine, in front of the Musée d’Orsay. There’s an award ceremony where they hand out prizes to the legends of the day. It’s not about winning (okay, maybe a little), but the vibe here is pure celebration. You’ll leave with sore legs and a full heart.
And get this—it’s all free. Yep, no entry fee, no hidden costs, just you, your board, and an invitation to be part of something huge. Whether you’re a newbie who can barely push or a seasoned shredder who eats hills for breakfast, this event is for everyone. It’s about the joy, the creativity, and the people who make longboarding so damn special.
Oh, and don’t forget to follow Dock Session on Facebook for updates. The weekly meetups keep rolling all winter long. Because in this crew, the stoke doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. See you next year—same streets, same vibes, even bigger hype.