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2008/09/30
What keeps you in Roller Derby?
Too many decisions, not enough deciveness. When I decided to leave Montreal, for a quieter, more English existance, I thought that it would only be a new place. I would join up - very happily - with the Hammer City Rollergirls, work the new job, and life would go on. Weeee! Instead, the 1 1/2 hour one way commute between Hamilton, ON and my work place means up at 5:30 AM, home at 7 PM, to bed by 10 or 11 and so the wheel turns. I don't own a car, and being a walker, skater, biker, on bus takes a little more time than driving would. And it's not quite as easy to skate or bike everywhere as you might think, with roads not being setup to allow for safe bike travel. Anyhoo, so roller derby has become a past-time, and not a career lately. Last night, I went out to talk roller derby and what I was going to do with HCRG League President, Staplehead. Between the pint of beer, the sampler snack platter, and news about Chainsaw's pregnancy - she's ready to pop!, somewhere in there I realized that I don't know what I am going to do. I can move closer to my current office in the spring and see if the GTA Rollergirls are recruiting, I can transfer to my company's satellite office in London, Ontario and see if the Forest City derby girls are recruiting, or I can stay in Hamilton, so close and yet so far from playing for HCRG. Technically, if I am willing to be tired, I can probably start practicing the GTA Rollergirls now in the off-season - cart my gear, gym bag, briefcase and shoes on practice day on two buses to work. Or, with HCRG, at least on Sunday evenings. But trying to restart my derby career is hard, when I don't know where my alter ego is landing. Is it fair to practice with a league that I won't play for and be able to work for? Why does life have to get in the way of roller derby? Well, if it were popular enough to be a job, I probably wouldn't be on a team anyway, so I'll count my blessings that I learned how to play, have the will to keep trying, and love it enough to stay in it when I can't actually play. What keeps you in roller derby? Yourself. Labels: roller derby
 Sunday afternoon I was searching for a DVD to watch/ have on in the background while I cleaned out my closet. My hands instantly went to the top left corner of my DVD library, landing directly on Rollergirls. I thought to myself, do I dare? I have seen every episode at least four times and it's seems a little beyond being a guilty pleasure at this point. I negotiated with myself and settled on watching the forth disk, which only contains two episodes. As the theme song started playing and the familiar faces of the TXRD girls rolled across my screen, I started to reflect on what an amazing and unbelievable year and a half it has been. I, like so many girls who now play this sport, had never really been exposed to derby before that show. From the first episode I was hooked. It was like a giant light went on inside me and I knew I wanted to, and had to do that. I started researching close-by leagues, but nothing was close enough to consider participating in. After a little more then a year a league was founded in SC and I never hesitated or looked back. I knew that derby was went for me and I was destined to be a Santa Cruz Rollergirl. In the last year I felt like a force woke-up inside me. I never considered myself an athlete before, and certainly not a competitor. But now I proudly wear both those tags clearly displaied on my metaphorical shirt. The closeness I have felt with my team and the time spent on and off the track has been nothing short of amazing. I really felt like the universe came full circle for me when I was at RollerCon last August. I ended up getting separated from my girls and some how ended up at the Vagine Regime suite party. I went out on the balcony to try and bum a cigarette from someone (nasty habit I know) and who would you guess was out there chatting? Two of my favorite TXRD girls, Venis Envy and Smarty Pants. I'm pretty sure most peops who stay up on their derby news know Venis is currently skating for ACDG. Regardless, there they were, and there I was. Smarty introduced herself to me and asked what league I played for. I played it cool, which if you knew me, you would know I never play it cool, I am incapable of playing it cool, I don't even know how to play it cool. But I did, and there I was having casual conversation with two of the very girls that inspired me to play this sport. Sitting down and watching Rollergirls last weekend took on a whole new nostalgic meaning for me. I have that now. Roller derby used to be something I wanted to do and now it's something I am. After I was done watching the couple episodes I had allotted myself I returned the DVD set to the shelf. I have a feeling it may be the last time I watch them . . . at least for a while. My Rollergirl story is happening now and it's shaping up to be a great one. Hugs & Bruises, Raven  Labels: roller derby, Santa Cruz Rollergirls
2008/09/26
 Holy Shit! This is the coolest thing ever. The Maids of Honor recorded "Black and Blue" as a tribute to SCRG. You can listen to it on their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/themaidsofhonor
 This week's Rollergirl is a special one. She is one of the much loved and hard working Ghost Riders in our league. SCRG is unique in the fact that we welcome any person that want's to be part of our organization. The Ghost Riders are valued members of our league that don't skate. They are the nuts and bolts of our skater community that in my opinion, cannot get enough praise. Secret is our amazing Bout Coordnator who runs around behind the scences making sure everything is in order. She accomplishes all of this while adorned in a fabulous custome and a huge smile.
Derby Name: SecretGhostie/ Original Gangster (Other than Calamity I think I am the last non-skating OG) Hometown: Moses Lake, WA How did you learn about roller derby and how did you get started? I use to watch banked tracked derby as kid and got voted most likely to be a Roller Derby Queen in high school. I guess I was a little hostile . . . just a little. Most recently my friend Annie Agony from BADG, I went to a couple of her games 2006/07 and fell in love!!!Why do you play roller derby? I currently don't play derby I have the delightful honor of being the first skater to leave practice in an ambulance. Broke my leg in two places July 13, 2007, this was my first and only time breaking any bones. I have not gone back to skating on a regular basis.What are your favorite two things about roller derby? 1st: The amazing women I have met as a direct result of derby.
2nd: Derby has been an incredible catalyst for personal growth in a lot different areas in my life. I have also learned a lot about commitment. How did you get your derby name? The first name I picked was "Luci Furr" but there was already someone with that name and there can only be one. I came up with Secret because well, I like the word play that comes with the question "So what is your derby name?" When I answer "Secret" I then get asked why I can't tell them my derby name. Silly I know, but I like it.What roller derby skates and gear do you use? What skates make you drool? I don't use it much, but it's the original stuff I purchased back in the beginning. R3's. I did upgrade the wheels a while back and wow, what a difference. I don't drool while I am awake.What else, besides play, do you do for your league?I am part of the lonely "Business Committee" PR/Marketing and the big time consumer thing I do for SCRG is Official Bout Coordinator. What was your worst injury from roller derby so far? I broke my Tibia and Fibula last year in July, but before that there was a fall I took trying to learn how to do cross overs and I banged up my fingers on one hand that touched the wheels when I landed and I gave myself the most painful wedgie that I have ever. Seriously, it was very painful yet funny, I had to crawl to the edge of the rink, pull my underwear out of my ass before I could get up. Ouch! It hurts just thinking about it.How hard is it for you to balance your derby and real life responsibilities? It's not too hard. I don’t have a husband/boyfriend or kids so I am not stretched as thin as some of the other girls on this league. Where do you see the sport of roller derby in 5 years? The X games for sure! The Olympics maybe?
What is your theme song? I don't have just one.
What's your dream roller derby vacation/travel/trip? I am not a good skater. In fact I could not skate at all when I joined the league so it would have to be a skate clinic for dummies, somewhere beautiful but not too hot. What has been your best roller derby moment this season/ever? Our first home game. When we won the game, and the audience bum rushed the players on the track. That first bout brought home how amazing to be a part of SCRG it is.Thanks Secret!   Labels: Santa Cruz Rollergirls
2008/09/24
Nia Capps - Can quit smoking? No way! Kryptonics Route 65s Wanted!
 Well, I'm giving it a try. My last cigarette was crushed out at 5:55 AM EST this morning. Oddly, I think alot of symptoms from quitting are totally psychological. I have gone entire days without smoking when I was travelling and stuck in airports and what not, so there is no reason for me to even feel yucky on day 1. But I do. I've got a headache, an upset tummy, some blurred vision, dry mouth... you know, it's probably panic that I don' t have a smoke break coming up, and that there's no pack in my coat pocket. But Derby Luvvers, it's time. 7 1/2 months from now I am moving to Mississauga, and I hope to join a new roller derby league (GTA Rollergirls, I think) since I miss roller derby SO much after leaving MTLRD in April, and I'm in training in the gym 5 days a week to be ready for the season, even though I'm not training with a league right now. I'd rather be a roller derby player than a smoker, and I can't train hard enough if I'm a smoker and have asthma from it, so bye bye cigarettes. My best friends, my confidantes, my crutch, my vice, my coolness, my stink, my killers.... good bye. Oh, Oh, and I've got a $35 Visa gift card to spend if anyone has some outdoor wheels (ie Kryptonics Route 65s, my dream) to sell, or that will do a split tender with me, so I can use that gift money to cover part of the costs. Rollergirl, Via Derby, FastGirl L'il Homewrecker in MTL? .... anybody? Labels: training, wheels
2008/09/23
 I always find the week after a bout to be difficult. I'm tired, sore and what's more erking is that the real world just expects me to go about my business like nothing extraordinary happened over the weekend. I walk amongst the mere non-derby mortals that know me by my real-life alias, and unless they were at the game, have no idea and could care less about the feat of strength and bravery I displayed over the weekend. This is derby come down, or as I like to call the Clark Kent Syndrome. If you think about it Super Man must have gotten pissed at some point. He would return to the Daily Planet after saving the actual planet, only to find that no one gave a crap what he had just done because he was only Clark to them. Then he would have to go about his human business of writing news stories and keeping to himself. The thing about Super Man (besides the fact that he is a fictional character) is that he really was a super man. He had a great attitude and probably enjoyed being humbled by his human clothing and glasses. I think I still need to work on that. It's the continuous balancing act of derby and life. There has to be a balance or else Clark Kent would just be Super Man all the time, and I think he liked being Clark for the most part. It's that balance. You can't be a super hero to the world all the time . . . how would you pay your bills? Hugs & Bruises, Raven Labels: bouts
2008/09/21
2008/09/19
 I'm proud to say that Pigeon was one of my recruits. She came into the bar I used to work out this time last year. I took one look at her and knew she was a rollergirl. The girl always has a good attitude and a big smile, plus no one else I know can rock a fanny-pack like that chick. She likes to have fun and I always have fun when I'm around her.
Derby Name: Pigeon Number: 1 Team: The Lost Girls Position(s) : Jammer, Blocker Hometown: Los Angeles, CA How did you learn about roller derby and how did you get started? Raven found me in a bar and insisted I try out the next morning.Why do you play roller derby?
I'm an athlete by nature and love the thrill and adrenaline involved. Plus I love the girls in my league :)What are your favorite two things about playing roller derby?I love flying around the track (speed turns me on) and I also love our awesome outfits! I'm into playing dress up. How did you get your derby name?Pigeons are my favorite bird. They are often under-appreciated, but any true bird lover would know how majestic and radical they are.What roller derby skates and gear do you use? What skates make you drool?I have Ridell widows, they changed my extreme sporting life! I use them for roller derby, at the skate parks, and as transportation to school and work. i use triple 8 gear, they know how to protects my precious extremities.What else, besides play, do you do for your league?I am part of the Community First Committee where we involve the league with local charities or community events. I also host outdoor practices and actively recruit potential roller derby girls all around town.What was your worst injury from roller derby so far? At the May 10th bout where the home teams played each other, I partially tore my MCL in my knee. I'm all better now :)How hard is it for you to balance your derby and real life responsibilities?It is very easy for me only because I truly balance it. I do not let my life become engulfed in derby, even though it is a big part of me and something that I do everyday.Where do you see the sport of roller derby in 5 years?
I see it being a very common sport and being in more cities and towns. I also see a men's league forming in the future, 1970s style.What is your theme song?One Life One Chance (gotta do it right) -by H2O What’s your dream roller derby vacation/travel/trip?It already happened. The annual Roller Derby Convention. ROLLERCON IN VEGAS with a bunch of awesome derby girls from all around the world! I CANT WAIT til next year!What has been your best roller derby moment this season/ever? The home team bout, that was an AMAZING night! Beach Flat Betties vs. Fistful of Dollies, even though i played for the Betties and we lost, it is definitely one of the best nights of my life. aww! :)
Thanks Pigeon!
 Labels: Santa Cruz Rollergirls
Derby News from all over
Well, I hope Raven's nerves calm and her arm is healing up for tomorrow's game for the Santa Cruz Rollergirls last game of the season vs the Bay Area Derby Girls. The Big news over at the Derby News Network and in WFTDA realm, of course, is the Fall Brawl tomorrow down in Ft Wayne. Hammer City is on the Non-WFTDA line-up. I hope to get word on how they do after. In other derby news, The Sault rollergirls in Northern Ontario are looking for new practice space - icing down all the arenas for hockey is a Canadian rite of passage as the cold bite of fall hits the wind, but for derby leagues all over Canada and the northern US, it means a hunt for an indoor place to practice in the winter. How can you come out swinging in the spring for your season, if you can't skate for 7 months of the year? Good luck to them, and if you're in that area and know of a place, Please contact Elora Nelson at (705) 253-2044 or email purple__mascara@hotmail.com check the website: http://www.saultrollergirls.com/Next week, MTLRD New Skidz on the Block will be taking on the Brooklyn Bombshells down in Gotham City. If you're on Facebook, Here is the event page. If not, brownpapertickets has tickets, or check out the Gotham Girls site. I haven't heard from Georgia W Tush since she went out on tour with the band, but I hope she's playing and let's us know how that one goes. Way out in October, watch for a Skate of the Dead, hosted by the Forest City Roller Girls in London, ON. The facebook event says it's October 18. The Forest City Roller Girls website is under construction, so I'm looking out for this league, as they have been playing hard for their first season in 2008. Next year should rock in Ontario and Canada with all the leagues coming up. In Nia Capps news, I'm in the gym 5 days, count that again, 5 days per week for a 45 minute workout every lunch hour, and I'm skating on the weekends (or if rainy, hiking). I am on an 8 month journey to hit the GTA Rollergirls in April when I get ready to slide a little back east into Mississauga and Toronto area, ready to kick ass. Hopefully, I'll still get to a couple of practices with HCRG in the interim, or with GTA. Slapallonia may hook me up. Everything is going great. Ok ok, so I had a bad reaction to some Novocaine after a dentist visit yesterday and today I am resting because my face is numb and tingly and I'm nauseated. But shut up, I am doing AWESOME! In Derby Luv news, I have a new short sleeved Derby Luv T-shirt, along with a long-sleeved Derby Luv T-Shirt on their way to keep me Derby Luv style for my around towns, and a big shout out and thanks to everyone that has decided to wear their Derby Luv this year! On my project list I have a product review for some derby-inspired toys, and I'm waiting to see if I can get an interview with the derby girl that won $35k on a game show. Do you know what I am talking about? Hmmm, a derby trivia quiz for your weekend! Oh yeah, and a fellow Southern Belle, an Atlanta Rollergirl was chosen as a skater for "Whip It!" - a body double stunt woman skater I should say, as a body double for Eve. That is awesome! I wonder who I could body double for... hmmmm Wynona Judd? Screw that, by April it'll be for Xena. ;) Happy Friday, Derby Luvvers. Saturday always bring Roller Derby! Labels: bouts, calendar, Gotham Girls, GTA Rollergirls, Hammer City, MTLRD, roller derby, Santa Cruz Rollergirls, WFTDA, whip it, wrapup
2008/09/18
 I'm not sure if jitters is the right word to use. I have never been a prisoner of nervousness days before a game. I only really got nervous my very first game, and it was not until the whistle blew. I'll never forget the feeling of uncontrollable shaking from every bone in my body. It was like an adrenaline overdose. I have such mixed feelings about the game coming up on Saturday. My immediate reaction is to cry because it's the last one, and then I feel a sense of relief because it is the last game in what has been a long season, and I know this girl could use some time off. My brain's wheels have been churning the last few days with of all the things that I want to concentrate on during the game. It sorta becomes a looping mantra in my head that starts off quite on the Monday before a game and gradually becomes louder and louder, that by Saturday it gyrates through my blood and forces me into action. I am so excited to be playing the Bay Area Derby Girls Plan B team. I just feel that my concentration is all over the map right now. I'm more concentrated in the politics of derby then actually playing derby. Smacking-sense into myself as I type. Que the Rocky theme! Here I come Santa Cruz! Must visualize: I am a force. I am a super hero. I am a derby girl. Jitters, you can go to hell. Raven is ready to ROCK. See you Saturday. Hugs & Bruises, Raven Labels: Bay Area Derby Girls, bouts, Santa Cruz Rollergirls
2008/09/12
 Brawley has been a huge inspiration to me this season. She came back after a pretty serious PCL injury, and never looked back. She is the epitome of a true athlete, complete with amazing skills, spirit and teamwork. I have seen Brawley play every position on the track like a pro and even bust out some amazing jumps to hurdel over fallen skaters.
Derby Name: Brawley PartonNumber: 9-5 Team(s): Santa Cruz AllStars and Co-Captain of the Fistfull of Dollies Position(s) : Blocker and maybe a jam or two here and there Hometown: Santa Cruz How did you learn about roller derby and how did you get started?I was watching some really bad reality TV hoping that it would come to my little 'ole town and BAM!!Why do you play roller derby?
The local knitting circle wouldn't let me in.What are your favorite two things about playing roller derby?Being a hero to little kids and the fact that I can have a husband and two derby wives(LuLu Lockjaw & Eden Yourheartout) and no one bats and eye. How did you get your derby name?My friend Betty Berserker from the pikes Peak Derby Dames.What roller derby skates and gear do you use?The same crappy skates I started with and some sweet kickdowns that good 'ole Roxy got us.What skates make you drool?
ewwww custom made cowboy boot quads. What else, besides play, do you do for your league?Co-Captain of Fistfull of Dollies, co-point of Merch committee, coaching and recruitung committee, hair guru and comic relief. What was your worst injury from roller derby so far?eewwww torn PCL in Reno, now i get to wear an amazing bionic knee brace. How hard is it for you to balance your derby and real life responsibilities? My non-derby friends hate me, my family only see's me at bouts and in the press, my husband only sees me at counseling and i think i'm getting fired, i'd say pretty well balanced!Where do you see the sport of roller derby in 5 years?At the X-Games baby!!What is your theme song?
9-5What’s your dream roller derby vacation/travel/trip? Let's see.....how about a "Scrimmage in the South" we would start at Graceland, skate in Elvis' driveway, head over to Hurriacne Mills and rally at LoretHurricaneranch and then playoffs at DLynn'sood!What has been your best roller derby moment this season/ever?
Every time I saddle up on that start line with all my rollersisters under those F*#kin' hot lights in front 1,000 screamin' santa cruz derby fans!!
Thanks Brawley!
 Labels: Santa Cruz Rollergirls
2008/09/09
Still in stage juicy. Eagerly awaiting to scab.  
2008/09/07
 I had an amazingly fun Sunday morning. Originally my league had a scrimmage scheduled for this morning, but due to low numbers and whatever other reasons- unbeknownst to me- the plug was pulled. Did that stop a handful of girls from getting together and doing what we LOVE to do? Oh Hells no. A few of our girls had organized on Friday to meet at the outdoor hockey rink at Mike Fox Skate Park this morning at 10AM.
I knew I was going to go, but did not know to what extent I was going to involve myself. I woke up this morning all cranky. My knee has been aching all weekend and causing me to be a real baby. So I thought about just not going or if I did go I would just be a bench coach or just take pictures.
Roxy called me at 9:30 and said she was on her way to my house, to get ready and to bring my shit with me. She promised me a Peanut Butter Mood' Jumba Juice if I went. How do I say no to that?
Well I ended up having a great time. There were about seven or eight girls that showed up, ready to skate and just have fun. A more then half of the skaters that came where newish girls or skaters that haven't had the opportunity to play just yet.
I knew looking at the number of skaters that were there we couldn't scrimmage. So I offered to coach the girls with help from everyone as far as what they wanted to work on. It was great. Everyone was really helping each other out. The best part was we were all having a great time hanging out with each other.
We worked our way up to some 3 on 3 blocking with the seventh girl playing as jammer, alternating which team she jammed for. I blew the whistle, called penalties, started and stopped the clock and yelled at the pack. It was exciting to see the girls really getting their game on.
I ended up jumping in as a jammer once and even with the knee pain and all really pulled out a decent jam for yours truly. I ended up getting accidentally tripped on one of my passes through the pack and totally ate shit on the asphalt. I was instantly relieved that it was my arm that skid across the pavement and not my knee. I hopped up and finished the jam. Afterwards I was so distracted and ready to go back in and block that I forgot about my arm, that was by then dripping blood.
The girls patched me up and we played one more jam. A few of us skated down to the Boardwalk and got kicked out by one of the rent-a -cops the second we set wheels in the actual park. I love almost being 30 and getting kicked out of places for roller skating.
We ended the morning with a quick pass in Mike Fox Skate Park were I got some decent air on a little jump. It felt really good to just skate for the fun of it. Sometimes I forget about that part of derby. I get so caught up in the business of roller derby, and the mental focus of the competitiveness of games and sometimes even practice, that I really do forget to cut back and just have fun roller skating with my friends.
Hugs & Bruises,
Raven Labels: Derby Spirit, Santa Cruz Rollergirls
2008/09/05
 No one has ever hit me as hard or laid me out like Lulu . . . and I love it. She is the kind of teammate that will inspire and push you to be a better player. Lulu has got one of the biggest derby-hearts of any skater I have met to-date. She has an incredible knowledge of the game, never misses a practice and always knows how to make me laugh. Derby Name: Lulu LockjawNumber: 21 Team(s): Santa Cruz Rollergirls All Stars, Co Captain of the Beach Flat Betties Position(s): Mainly blocker, but I’ve been know to Pivot and Jam during games Hometown: Santa Cruz How did you learn about roller derby and how did you get started?I’ve known about derby since I was little! I’ve been skating since I was tiny. Before there was derby in Santa Cruz, I’d been checking out other leagues. Then I got handed a flier for SC derby and well here I am.Why do you play roller derby?Why not? When I was a kid, roller skating was my escape, being on skates is like flying, combine that with my need for full contact sports and it’s the perfect combination for me.What are your favorite two things about playing roller derby?The rad chicks I skate with and meet, and the rush I get after a really good hit, or awesome jam.How did you get your derby name?My mom calls me Lulu and the rest is from an ex boyfriend…lets leave it at that!What roller derby skates and gear do you use? What skates make you drool?Right now I currently have the Riedell Hellcats, with Radar Revolver wheels. I do like the Answer G rods as well. I am currently awaiting my custom skates. Black Widows that are Royal Blue and Hot Pink!What else, besides play, do you do for your league?I am on the Coaching and Recruiting committee and I am the point person for our Merch committee.What was your worst injury from roller derby so far?Hmm…broken pinky, possible broken nose. I have a torn meniscus, but I am pretty sure that is an old soccer injury that is flaring up due to the nature of derby.How hard is it for you to balance your derby and real life responsibilities?It’s hard. I had a life before derby. I work 40+ hours a week, plus have a boyfriend and family. I barely spend any time with them anymore. I am too tired on the weekends to do anything. I eat, sleep, work and play derby!Where do you see the sport of roller derby in 5 years?Well I hardly see derby in the Olympics any time soon. But man, it would be nice to see derby in the X Games. I mean, to me it seems more competitive and hardcore than skateboarding or BMX biking.What is your theme song?Love Love, Kiss Kiss by Alkaline TrioWhat’s your dream roller derby vacation/travel/trip?A Motor-home and money!What has been your best roller derby moment this season/ever?Getting MVP for one of our bouts
Thanks Lulu!
 Labels: Santa Cruz Rollergirls
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