What blizzard?

Derek G. (closest) - pretty fast for a big guy.

16 brave souls came to Lorado's ready to race.  Negative three degrees actual, and negative 24 wind chill could not keep these amazing racing fools away from history.  The first night of the NIBU River City Roller Derby series was a smashing success. 

A five hundred meter qualifying race started out the night, with Eric F. grabbing the fastest time.  As the rounds started, everyone figured out quickly how taxing it is on the body.  500 meters, spinning at top speeds of 90 and 80 kph works over your system more than you would think.  I know of three individuals who needed to purge their system after the races, and one was pulled out of the bracket late in the rounds.  This shit is hard.

The racer turning heads was Derek G.  The big man from HED Cycling could churn out the cadence.  Derek worked his way through the rounds after qualifying third to start the night.  Derek lined up against David N. in the final round.  

Maybe the race of the night was between Derek and Eric F. as the two HED Team Members started to fight out in the quarter finals, and only a few meters separated them with 100 meters to go, when the fuse running the projector and PA blew.  The readout screen went dark, and no one was able to the outcome.  The race was stopped and the two were forced to give it another try.  The second race, was just as close, with Derek pulling out the win.

Tonight, we offered a second bracket for those who lost in the first round.  David fought through the second bracket, to win his way back for the opportunity to race against Derek.  The difficult task for David, was that he was going to have to beat Derek twice - as David already one loss, and Derek had none.  You can't be the night champion with more losses than someone else.

Notice the "Vomit Bucket" between the bikes.  Although a few blows were blown, no one used the bucket.  Basement floor, restroom, back door...  You get the picture.

The final pairing was difficult as both racers had already seen 5 races, and were huffing going into the final race.  In the end it was Derek who took David to the mat, and finished off the night with the win.  

Many of the races were so close, we needed help from the entire spectator pool to help call the race.  Many had less than 10 meter differences between winning and losing.

The point system is as follows.  One point for each race after qualifying, and another point if you win the race.  The overall winner gets three points for winning the final pairing.

The Warm and Fuzzy race of the night were between husband and wife Katie and Ben F.  Just so happened that these two were paired fin the first round from their qualifying times.  I would like to say that Ben was the gentleman, and allowed his better half to ride away with the win...  But we're talking a brand new H3 for the series winner.  Sorry sweetie. 

Here are the point standings after our first night - and those one step closer to the final award of the H3 Front wheel from HED Cycling.

Derek G. - 11 Points

David N. - 8 Points

Seth B. - 6 Points

Ken N. - 6 Points

Jon H. - 6 Points

Katie F. - 4 Points

Jon G. - 3 Points

Ben F. - 3 Points

Eric F. - 3 Points

Steve B. - 3 Points

Andrew S. - 3 Points

Mike C. - 2 Points

Amy F. - 2 Points

Tony G. - 2 Points

Joan V. - 1 Point

Jon V. - 1 Point

A special thanks to our sponsors, HED Cycling Products, Waynes, Bennett's, Lakeside, Splash Multisport.  Special thanks to Russ at Lakeside for setting up the bikes, Seth at Waynes for technical equipment support, Lorado's for having the greatest location to hold only the finest events, and Ken Rich and Jon for testing the equipment before race night.

The next race will be December 23rd.  Registration at 7:16, and racing at 8:02.  The series continues.  Come give it a try and see if your legs, and belly are made of iron.  

Please stay tuned for the art word on the new NIBU team kit.