The Derby Bug

So I knew of roller derby, but it concerned me little. No insurance, I thought, equals no hardcore sports. It existed in the same states and same social circles as I, but for some reason I shut it out. Did I know it would be an immediate addiction? Perhaps I was scared or perhaps I was just not ready.

After moving to Asheville, I attended a bout of the Blue Ridge Roller Girls. Nicole and Alexa patiently explained the sport to me from our suicide seats. I was hooked. I mean, seriously? How could anyone not be. First: Roller skates. Second: Agressive girls. Third: (I know, I know) Fishnets. Who could say no?

I could barely sit still in my seat I was so excited. I wanted it. Badly.

I went home and researched everything I could about derby. I signed up for the Fresh Meat email list so I would know the second they were having tryouts. I attended one more bout but found it difficult to be on the sidelines -- I couldn't wait to get out there. I approached a pretty girl holding a sign that said something like "Wanna be a rollergirl? Ask me how!" and tentatively asked her if they had had the Fresh Meat tryouts yet. Maybe the email had gone to my spam? Nope, not yet.

Months went by with no word on the tryouts. I wondered if they somehow knew I was out of shape and deleted my email from their list. I signed up again. I left a message on their Facebook page.

Then, I heard. Dates were announced. I began asking around about which skates were recommended, etc, and seriously begin to budget (as much as I ever do). Then a miracle happened in the name of a woman we'll just call Kathleen "KC" Cushing. A little note in my inbox stating "I want to get the skates for you as your early birthday present" changed everything. Someone believed in me! At first I said no...it is way too much money. And I still think it is. Then I thought, if ever there would be an impetus to get me moving, it is when someone spends money on me. The guilt of not using skates someone purchased for me, out of pure love, would propel my lazy ass around the track if nothing else would. And then several other incredible, generous ladies from my old Chicago community chipped in. Alycia, Dori, Leslie, and Regan. They ALL thought I could do this! I am still aghast.

My Riedell 165 Vixen's arrived today.