The NIBU River City Roller Derby has turned into the local equivalent of the Farmer's Almanac.  "What?  Roller Derby a week from tonight - going to be a blizzard, I can feel it in my joints".  The Christmas Eve Eve edition of the Derby was only three participants shy of the inaugural eventing - with 13 snow weary folks stepping up to lay down.

With series leader Derek G. out of action with flu/cold symptoms, a new evening champion would be crowned.  Who would it be?  Who would take the throne in the front of the Lorado's "Beyond Velodrome"?  It came down to a Derby Veteran and a sly teenage single speeder in the final.

Andy J. and Ken N. laying down some rubber.  Nice calves Dennis.

As noted here on the super blog, we upped the ante with some extra flair-ish contests.  The first was the top qualifier.  Jon G. stepped up and posted a 22.1 second run that withstood many other attempts.  Other racers were tenths of seconds away, but Jon was strong enough to win the tire, and got a bye through the first two rounds [due to our inability to figure out an equitable bracket system for 13 riders].  

After qualifying, the Yellow Snow Sprint challenge was held to see who is the fastest over the short sprint.  Seth B. manned up and took the reigns for a super fast 91+ KPM ride.  It was speed demon Jon H., getting on the black speed bike, and turning a 95+ KPM super spint - to take the Yellow Stripe Tire.

Jon H.  The fastest man alive.  Nice shirt by the way.

Seth, however wouldn't be denied, as he won the Costume Contest pose off against a well BMX dressed Ben F.

Costume Contestants.  L-R, Ben F. (AKA Cru Jones), Mike C., Seth B. (AKA Navin R.), Katie F.

We dropped the looser bracket to keep participants fresher, and opened the door to allow the Lorado's sauna to cool off a bit, in hopes it would limit the vomitorium that ensued the first race night.

Katie F. getting some spirited encouragement from yours truly.  Don't smile Katie, it will slow you down.

There were a few individuals who did have to retreat to the restrooms, to relieve their bellies of the exercise induced bile increase.  But none of the spectators were the wiser (Don't worry Seth, your secret is safe with us - it wont leave the blog).  

The finals came down to the studly veteran Jon H. vs. the new skinny jeans, Ruben W. 

Final Round of the Night.  Ruben -  as cool as the under side of the snowy saddle.

Ruben's legs were just too much to handle as his youthful power never dropped off for the whole 500 meters.  I wonder, dear readers, if this could be our future series champ (if he stays healthy and makes some more race nights)?   "Effin' Ruben, that creep can roll man."

The crowd at Lorado's was electric.  (except the chick in the front sleeping... And Andrew looking like he lost his puppy)

So here you are.  Our current series leader board.  The next race will be held Jan 13th (in a blizzard of course).  Remember all, races are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month.  Have a Merry Christmas, and keep it studded-rubber side down out there on the ice.

Jon H. - 13 points

Derek G. - 11 

Seth B. - 11

Ruben W. - 9

Ken N. - 9

Jon G. - 8

David N. - 8

Katie F. - 7

Mike C. - 5

Andrew S. - 4

Ben F. - 4

Eric F. - 4

Steve B. - 3

Amy F. - 2

Tony G. - 2

Joan V. - 1

Jon V. - 1

Curt K. - 1

Andy J. - 1

Hal ?. - 1