Derby is an expensive addiction (more than a hobby, it's just a way of life). November 1st marks EIGHT years as a Tilted Thunder Rail Bird, and February will mark TEN years of derby!
Krozo, how did you get involved with roller derby?
A friend had an extra ticket to Rat City’s Season 3 Semi-Championship bout in 2007. It was my first time seeing a bout and my introduction to roller derby! What’s not to love with sexy, strong women on quad skates hitting each other!? I was hooked! After that, I went to Rust Riot, a Northwest Exposition Tournament hosted by Rat City, in Feb 2008. A full day of derby was just HEAVEN to me, and it was there that I found out about a group called Potential Fresh Meat (PFM). Another friend convinced me that we should become roller girls. I was skeptical as I had never been athletic or involved in sports in the past, but I bought myself a pair of birthday skates, joined the rec league, and have been skating and involved in the derby community ever since!
How has participating in this sport influenced your life?
Roller derby has given me a purpose. It is a sport to cheer for, to preach about, to volunteer for, and to sponsor. It has given me a reason to get in shape, as I normally hate exercise. But I LOVE skating! And exercising really makes a difference in my skating ability. Roller Derby has also introduced me to a great community of people, and I’ve met and become great friends with many amazing women over the years, some of which I am lucky to call my league-mates!
Why did you choose to participate in banked track instead of flat track roller derby?
I had skated previously in PFM with several of the founding members of Tilted Thunder. After attending a skater orientation in the October 2010 (7 years ago!) and talking with several of my friends on the league, it just felt right. This was the league for me! And once I set foot on the banked track, I realized I LOVED it so much more than flat track derby. The hits are more satisfying, and the gameplay is non-stop. There is a rule that you cannot stop on the track or skate in the opposite direction. It is also something that is still rare — there are only about 8 banked track leagues out of about 750 leagues in the country — and that makes it even more exciting and special to be a part of.
Donate Today to Bank with a Rail Bird
Please consider sponsoring me or my team, The Sugar Skulls, in Bank with a Rail Bird this year. Our league goal is to raise $30,000 which will support our Junior Roller Derby Peeps Program and help with the general overall expenses that incur with operating a banked track league. Supporting Tilted Thunder ensures that the banked track is kept alive and well in the Northwest to benefit not only TTRB, but our blossoming junior derby girls, the PEEPS, and our little CHICKLETS. Think of the children! :) Your support through a sponsorship would be much appreciated!
In addition to sponsoring your favorite skater(s)/Team(s) and supporting the Pacific Northwest's Banked Track Roller Derby league, you will get some pretty cool and exclusive TTRB swag. Thanks for supporting banked track roller derby! We could not do this without continuous support from our family, friends and fans!