interview: Orangepeelmoses.com
image: DanielK Photography

When did you first learn of the illustrious "Mile High Club"?
I learned about the Mile High Club back when it was still in the planning phases for the Denver Roller Dolls. The idea first came up when we were thinking of team names. The Mile High Club was the most popular name so we elected to save it for our all-star travel team. After we had established ourselves in Denver, we decided it was time to explore the country, derby-style, representing the Mile High City. We made plans to bout in other cities against other leagues and to host their travel teams here in Denver.

When did you finally get the "cajones" to join said club?
I knew I wanted to join the MHC before the team even existed. In order to guarantee my spot, I practiced hard and gave my all in every bout. I also needed to make sure my husband would be okay with it. Being on the Mile High Club would require several additional flights each year, and he wouldn't always be able to join me. I also needed to be sure that I could still manage at work while attending additional practices and taking several weekend trips during the season. I joined the MHC in the summer of 2006. I took a short break between then and now due to a promotion at work, but now I'm back to stay.

Were you nervous?
I was a little nervous. It's one thing to bout with girls you know and skate with all the time. It's quite another to bout against strangers. Our first away bout was against the Kansas City Roller Warriors, one of the best derby leagues in the country. We had the worst flight ever. The trip, which should have been under two hours, ended up being much longer due to bad weather. The turbulence we experienced was scary. We ended up having to land at a different airport to refuel because we had circled for long, unable to land. It was so rough in the air that the flight attendants couldn't even get up to serve water. We didn't arrive in Kansas City until the wee hours of the morning, tired and dehydrated.

Was your husband with you at the time?
My husband wasn't able to join me on that trip. He was a little jealous when he saw the pictures and heard how fun it was.

Was it exciting?
Definitely exciting. And the truth is, it’s about that exciting each and every time.

Uncomfortable?
A little. It's hard leaving on Fridays after work. Sometimes I feel rushed. We don't always know what to expect when it comes to the other team either. It can be a little intimidating.

Messy?
So far, not really. Nobody has ended up bloody or broken. One girl on the other team at our most recent bout in Minnesota did break her leg though.

Any advice for aspiring members?
 Practice, practice, and practice some more. Also, don't just show up to practice hoping to improve. Give it your all each and every time or you won't get any better.

April 25th @ The Fillmore

DenverRollerDolls.org