February 2023

Hello Richmond! River City Roller Derby is back from winter break, and we’re kicking off our 2023 season with a brand-new monthly Bruiseletter! After a two-year hiatus, RCRD underwent an incredible resurgence in its membership and community connections, and we have some exciting highlights to share from our 2022 season - subscribe below for future issues & derby updates!

*RCRD’s “Poe’s Punishers vs. Hollywood Undertakers,” July 2022, Parks Roundtree*

*RCRD vs. Frederick Roller Derby (FRD), Sept 2022, Joe Ring*

After hosting several successful games and events during the spring/summer of 2022, RCRD proudly presented a Halloween-themed game of “Werewolves vs. Vampires” in October - RVA Mag and Richmond Times-Dispatch shared their rink-side experiences online, and our sick flyer & t-shirts were designed by our very own Pixel Whip, #72.

In November, RCRD was invited to participate in the Autumn Jam tournament, hosted by Rocktown Rollers (Harrisonburg) at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Ghost Fleet Roller Derby (Newport News) and Dominion Derby Girls (VA Beach) also attended the tournament, and the event featured four full-length games, local vendors, team merch tables, and excited fans cheering trackside!

*Smack Mamba #7, RCRD vs. Rocktown, Nov 2022, Robert Lipscomb*

RCRD went undefeated, winning both their games against Dominion and Rocktown to secure the tournament win! Check out this Autumn Jam highlight reel on Facebook, courtesy of Joshua Hoover Photography.

RCRD victory laps, Autumn Jam, Nov 2022, Robert Lipscomb

To round out the season and ring in the new year, some of our skaters got into the holiday spirit and skated in the Ashland/Hanover Holiday Parade to spread some derby cheer! RCRD team members enjoyed skating in the streets and waving to the cheerful paradegoers and community floats - they also entertained the crowds by jumping over each other, a necessary skill in derby for avoiding fallen skaters & jumping the apex!

Upcoming Events

Feb 8, 4-9pm: Queens of Pain screening & fundraiser at Starr Hill Brewery
Mar 4: RCRD vs. Atlanta Roller Derby (AWAY)
Mar 16-19: Battle of the All-Stars (Scranton, PA)
Mar 25: RCRD vs. NOVA Roller Derby (HOME)
April 22: RCRD vs. Frederick Roller Derby (AWAY)
April 29: RCRD Conquers the Cap2Cap Trail fundraiser

And finally, our dear friend & core teammate, Blonde Sided #29, has recently been diagnosed with melanoma, and her family has created a GoFundMe to support her while she focuses on a new opponent off of the track. It is not an exaggeration to say that Blondie is a vital, integral, and beloved member of RCRD, and we couldn't do what we do without her!

Please consider donating to her family’s GoFundMe - we will be with you every step of the way, Blondie! <3