I had such a blast today! If any other newbies haven’t made it to a Sunday session yet I reeeeeaaally recommend going. Sundays are great for extra practice, and for being chucked in at the deep end to just see what you can do. And usually surprise yourself. Some stuff just seems to come together better ‘in context’ – I know I found myself pushing even harder to use and nail crossovers when I had a star on my head and a pack to chase down!

But it’s not just ‘sink or swim’. I think I said it to Dusti, Mischief and Phoenix, but it’s worth repeating here… I’m really amazed and grateful for just how much time you all spend coaching me during a session. It’s appreciated, is inspiring, and is helping me improve so quickly. It was only three weeks ago I pulled on skates for the first time ever and promptly fell flat on my arse, but today I was taking part in all sorts of drills at speed. And it really is every skater helping and coaching each other, advanced skaters and newbies alike – so many of you giving me pointers and spending time with me to focus on skills – such a great atmosphere. Thankyou all!

Note to self: need to practice plough and T-stops A LOT so that non-contact actually means non-contact when I’m around. Oh, and control my bloody arms so I don’t hit people in the face. Sorry about that one…

Meet our new blogger John (aka Penile Tease) the owner of our sparkling new Fresh Meat blog Boy Meets Floor. Here is what he has to say:

Last night was great! I didn’t think throwing yourself at the ground was meant to be quite so much fun? Well, I was grinning my ass off all the way through, and can safely say I thoroughly acquainted myself with the floor. We’re total bezzies now. Managing to bruise the best part of my elbow through my elbow pad somehow? Epic fail.
Dead chuffed for my first time on wheels. I couldn’t even move at the start of the night, but by the end I was loving it (if still wobbly as hell). I need to get the whole forward momentum thing a bit more together and I’ll be away… some practice to be done, but I thought I’d be worse to be honest!
Thanks to Mischief, Phoenix and Dusti for some awesome coaching. You guys made it so easy to pick stuff up.

and if you want to have some fun and build up a collection of interesting and unexplained bruises (and frankly who wouldn’t) come and give roller derby a go. Our beginners sessions run on Thursdays 7-9pm at the spandex palace.
Email us at info@rollerbillies.com or click on the fancy-schmancy contact us button at the top of the page for details

Goodness, is that the time already? We should probably get a bout or two in before the end of the world. And bake some macaroons. Countdown to the Apocalypse starts on Saturday August 6th with Quadrophobia, when we play the unbeaten (we don’t do things by halves) Brighton Rockers Roller Derby. Awesome! Their pants are fancy and they fight giant killer squid before breakfast, so we are more than a little excited and very pleased to be asked to skate against them. We shall also be running the traditional Rollerbillies Injury Sweepstake as soon as the team is announced, first prize as always being a Jägerbomb and a ride on a pig through Romsey Town Square. Tickets for this joyous clash of coloured spandex and neon facepaint are available online from http://www.brightonrockers.com/ Bring your nan.

*http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1769/allamerican-chocolate-chunk-cookies