World Derby Travels

Several encounters with Derby people from outside Europe made me realise that a lot of folk have no real idea what is going on over here. So if you're interested, I give you a quick overview about the status of European Roller Derby.

At this point there are 85 bouting leagues and another about 120 not-yet-bouting groupings in Europe; the majority were founded within the last 18 months. Many of them are not even bout ready. Most of Europe is still a developing derby country, but this is only half of the story.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks since I last wrote from old Austria. First of all, my computer broke and I’m writing this from the humble computer lab in the building where I go to school. I am largely separated from the Facebook group that serves as VOSRG’s “boards,” I can’t watch the Big 5 on WFTDA’s fuzzy feed, and the last time I went to practice, I left one skate (I’ve wiggled my way into some borrowed R3’s) across town under my bed. Yes, just one.

Clutching my smallish purse—I’m heading to a party after the practice, and my skates cannot be shipped from America—I realize that this is the only time I’ve come to a derby practice without lugging a heavy duffel bag full of gear. No wonder I feel stupid.