The weather could not be any better for a ride from Royal Oak to Corktown for the big St. Patrick’s Parade. Once at Trumbull and Michigan, I met up with derby girls Diesel Doll, Honey Suckit, and Scarlett Fever.

After the parade, we stopped in to Matt and Brad’s amazing loft in the Grinnell building — a former piano warehouse next to the Lager House. They have a sweet rooftop balcony with a great view of Corktown.

More photos: St. Patrick’s Parade in Corktown

I waved goodbye to Diesel Doll and Del Bomber as they pulled out of the driveway and headed out of town.  They’re on their way to Madison, Wisconsin for the East Regional Championships called Derby in Dairyland.  The top 12 roller derby teams from the east conference will compete for the championship and a chance to play at the nationals.

Last year Detroit was the cinderella story and finished fourth to earn a spot at nationals.  They’re hoping to do the same this year.

The home season begins November 1st when the Detroit Pistoffs take on the Devil’s Night Dames.  Diesel’s next game is December 13th when the Pistolwhippers take on the D-Funk Allstars.  All home games are at the Detroit Masonic Temple.  The full derby schedule is on-line.  Tickets are available at TIcketmaster, the Fox Theatre box office, Danny’s Irish Pub (Ferndale) and Detroit Threads (Hamtramck.)

But to whet your appetite until then, make sure you check out this video of New York taking on Texas.  Beyonslay is one amazing derby player.  She executes a perfect booty block 16 seconds into the video but then completely takes out of Rick Rocket — a hit that is now a part of derby legend.