Every year we’ve been asked to participate in the Southern New Mexico Pride festival at the Women’s Pioneer park and have done so. This year was no different for Crossroads City Derby as we set up our canopy at the park in our usual spot. We arranged all our merchandise on our tables and hung our handmade tutu’s all around us. Several of our teammates went and marched (well, skated in this case) along with the members of the community in the PRIDE parade. It was a beautiful day in the park, over 90 other vendors were there with their merchandise, food products (delicious!), and services while live performances went on under the gazebo all day long. We had many people stop by our booths, admire our handmade tutu’s, make purchases and ask exciting questions such as how to get involved in derby, when our next bout was, if we’ve found a home yet, etc. It was so refreshing to see that the community hasn’t forgotten us and still supports us. We are always honored and happy to participate in such a great cause and event every year. Hope to see you there next year!

– Hearno Evil #2

No one could have predicted the small plume of smoke the Crossroads City Derby crew saw in the distance on the way to the local mall hours before the Sucias’ bout against the Pikes Peak Slamazons would become the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history. The Waldo Canyon Fire inflicted widespread damage to the region, destroying 346 homes and taking 18 days to contain. It became very clear how dangerous and quick moving a forest fire could be to a mountain town like Colorado Springs.

Despite the fire and evacuations the day of the bout, the location of the venue allowed for the game to go on. The altitude and the uncharacteristically high temperatures at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium took a toll on the Sucias. CCD’s recent change to an outdoor practice space, where high temperatures are a constant, probably worked in favor of the travel team. These circumstances, however, paled in comparison to the incredibly dangerous conditions faced by those responding to the fire on the mountain. Those responding to the fire were the absolute true heroes of the day.

The Crossroads City Derby Sucias took the win 119-173. Many of our fans back home were able to watch the bout online at coloradosports.tv while simultaneously watching coverage of the fire by national news networks. The bout recording is still available online at http://coloradosports.tv/sports/pikes-peak-derby-dames/bouts/2012-06-23/.

Donations are still being accepted for the Waldo Canyon Fire and other disasters by the Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross at http://www.pparc.org/.

-General Grant Slam