Monday, July 28, 2008

Charmed by the Roller Girls.

If we go back to May 30th I made a list of things to do this summer and number one on the list was to "Fill the waggon with people and see the Charm City Roller Girls." I spelled wagon wrong. Dammit.

Thursday I traded some e-mails with Minnie Piledriver and Frenzy Lohan after reading on the CCRGs' website that they were interested in volunteers. I'm becoming a sucker for breaking out of my comfort zone or trying new things. If I'm gonna' do it I may as well go ALL.

Arriving (a little late) to Du Burns Arena I was greeted by a super rad Minnie Piledriver. Entering the arena the first thing I noticed was a soccer field, you can't skate on AstroTurf (at least not fast). About 30 folks, a mix of people, mostly players and some volunteers, began covering most the field in particle board. By the time the wood was out I decided that a trip to the gym that day would not be necessary, it was a bit of a workout. Du Burns Arena had air conditioning; but, I still had no problem sweating through a shirt. A quick walk to Safeway for a water break and by the time I got back to the arena the playing surface was almost finished. A little more 'odd and end' work and it was time to change so I didn't look, or feel, like a ball of sweat.

There were a few easy observations to make to this point. The CCRG have the DIY thing down pat. During set up there were no agendas, project plans or attitude. We just "did the damn thing", I even feel comfortable saying "we" since I felt a feeling of inclusion, or acceptance, after just walking in the door. Also, its easy to be a slight smitten; no, not that kind of smitten, the kind where you try something new and just know it won't be the only time. Like discovering something you wish you had earlier. This was my impression during just the set up. Everyone was incredibly kind and had amazing personalities, by nature I'm shy and I was comfy. The volunteers were also fed by one of the amazing sponsors, Chipotle. Thanks Chipotle, your guac rocks!

When the bouts began I was 'bouncing' the VIP area. When I first heard that I was bouncing I kind of thought to my self "...but I'm a lover not a fighter..." Bouncing was basically ensuring that the VIP guests were able to retain their seats and the isles were clear, it was defiantly a family friendly environment, it was easy.

If you have never been to a roller derby, there is a learning curve for the rules; however, the concept is understandable. I'm not going to waste the keystrokes when its better said here.

The bouts ran with with the Mobtown Mobs taking the win over the Junkyard Dolls including a great performance from the Mobs newest member 'Thumper Good'. The Night Terrors won over Speed Regime but the come back effort in the end by 'Bambi's Revenge' gets an honorable mention. IMHO, she was crushin' it.

All of the Skaters put out an amazing effort, at the time if this writing I wish I could remember more names. I do remember Just Carole doling out some 'just ass-kickery' too.

The matches were physical, entertaining and fun was had by all. This was of course with out no incident as Junkyard Doll 'Coach Ballbricker' took a nasty fall on a previously injured knee. I was only 20 or so feet away when she fell, the look of pain on her face was testament to a floor made of particle board and hard plastic. There is no question that the pain here is real, there is no WWE B.S. happening here. Helmets and pads are not an option. In my own opinion I'd classify roller derby as an action sport, there is an entertainment value; however, the athleticism is very real and when its happening its intense and calculated. The effort put out by the skaters was great, imagine doing "2 Minute sprints on skates" while your getting the crap knocked out of you at a high rate of speed. There is also the decision making process for what moves need to be made to put one where they need to be 3 moves ahead of time; but, there better be a plans B, C and D 'cause things never work as planned. Again, just a novices take, my first impression.

In the end of the evening the course was broken down, the chairs stacked, and friends were made.

I enjoyed my self so much I'll be back. It got me pumped enough that I'm talkin' about it. If you've read this far than get off your ass, grab some friends and go. ... Check the CCRG homepage for a schedule and details.

Until then,
!/usr/bin/me


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great write-up, Steve! Thanks again for coming and helping out. Building the floor is heavy work, and we can always use extra hands! Plus, it's hard to find people to work some of the shifts (like VIP section bouncing) that need to happen during the game, because that's when most of our labor pool is trying to knock each other down!

Thanks,
Frenzy Lohan

Anonymous said...

Awww, thanks Steve. You get it!!! It is all that you said and more. I feel very lucky to be a part of such an amazing group of girls, volunteers and fans. Thank you for all of you help and yes, we look forward to next month's All Star's bout with North Carolina. I'LL see you there!!!

p.s. I was so pumped after skating, I think I danced for a straight 2 hours at the after party!!

xxoo,
Minnie Piledriver

M.K. Foys said...

Volunteers like you are the wind beneath CCRG's wings!

~j.z.

Unknown said...

Wow, OMFG, a Bette Midler reference. I'm appreciative; yet, I kind of threw up in my mouth a little :)

V Lee said...

Thank you soooooooo much for your hard work! I am glad you enjoyed the game! I look forward to working with you at the next bout! I am sorry I didn't get to talk to you, I was kinda nervous ...

Shi Monsta

Team Swoll said...

You are the Bomb Diggity!!! Thanks soooo much for ur help & all the volunteers help!! Really, without people like you CCRG would siese to exist!!! please let us know if there is anything we could have done differently! Input is always needed!!
xoxo
P'na

Unknown said...

I duno ... have more events ... :)

Unknown said...

thanks a lot! we love making new friends especially those that like to carry stuff ;) hang out with us once and you'll be hooked. we look forward to seeing you next month!

smiles,
melagomaniac

Anonymous said...

thanks a lot! we love making new friends especially those that like to carry stuff ;) hang out with us once and you'll be hooked. we look forward to seeing you next month!

smiles,
melagomaniac

Knockout said...

I think I carried wood with you. It is always a good time being around this group of people. The end result is amazing. Thanks for helping
Knockout Summer Teef

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your hard work, and this wonderful write up! It's great to know volunteers love it as much as we do! And if you're feeling even more adventurous the male team, Harm City Homicide, is always looking for players ;)

derby love,
Fatal Attraction

Unknown said...

I'm thinking I need to get my cardio on and about 30lbs off before I even think about that. Don't think I wasn't pricing out skates though (pricey)...