…presenting the second post about the very cool women of CIB Milwaukee. Last week, I profiled Janelle and Jocylen; this week features Molly and Megan!
To review, CIB Milwaukee is a chapter of Community In Bowls/Cuties In Bowls, a world-wide organization encouraging people to get into quad-rolling, specifically in “street-style” rolling and at skate-parks. These chapters are very supportive and encouraging in a big way. CIBMKE rolls often at 4 Seasons Skatepark, even holding private classes for newbies. The chapter is very inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly!
Our first roller today is Molly…Molly is who got me interested in this group. I came across her profile on Instagram and was intrigued by what this florist/quad-roller was getting up to. We messaged, I learned about CIBMKE, and in a month or so, our schedules aligned so that I could attend one of their roll-nights and meet her!
Interview answers edited for clarity and length…
How old are you? How long have you been rolling? I turned 29 this past September. I skated at my hometown rink a lot as a kid. I’ve always been amazed by rollerskating.
What got you started rolling? How did you find CIBMKE? I had been wanting to pick up skating again for a few years. I found a pair of barely-worn Reidell skates on Facebook Marketplace in January 2020 and started attending Roll Train classes. I’ve always hung around skateboarders and BMX riders, so I was stoked to learn that people rollerskated at skateparks! I did a ton of research and got a new pair of skates in March 2020. Perfect timing because I then had all the time in the world to dedicate myself to learning everything I could about rollerskating.
I watched hours and hours of YouTube tutorials and spent time at tennis courts, long distance skating on the Oak Leaf Trail, and in a friend’s private bowl (The Lunchbox DIY).
I met Janelle in June. We hit up Four Seasons and from there we became best skate friends: always down to spend hours at one of the many Milwaukee parks & push each other to try new things. Janelle started our CIB chapter and started scheduling meetups. It’s grown into something so amazing and I’m so lucky to have been a part of the journey!
Has rolling changed you in ways outside the skatepark? Skating has changed so much about my life. I doubt myself less. I’ve done tricks that I once said I could never do. I like to think I take the mentality of “I can do hard things” into all aspects of my life. Both my body and mind have grown stronger. I have felt both inspired and inspiring. I feel invested, nurtured and important to a whole community of wonderful people.
Related to last question, have other people in your life seen a difference in you since you started rolling? My friends tell me they are proud of my progression in skating and that feels so lovely.
What has been your proudest rolling moment so far? Every time I go out to skate I set my mind on trying something new. It seems like every time I skate I am proud of at least one thing I did that day. I also feel so proud when we host classes and I can see our regular students getting better and better each time. I can tell they are dedicated and putting in the work. I love to see other skaters stoked about unlocking new skills.
Did you roll when you were younger/as a child? I was at the roller rink every chance I got throughout middle school. I loved skating fast, skating backwards and watching the jam skaters in awe. I always wished I was a figure skater.
What one thing would you want other people to understand about rolling? Believe in yourself. Take your time. Everyone has their own pace and every skate journey is so worthy. Being on skates is magical: whether you’re park skating, distance skating, dancing, playing derby, or just learning how to stand up on wheels. Skating is addictive, contagious, and you’re going to smile a lot.
Funniest name of a trick you want to perfect? Dita Drop. The name really isn’t that funny and neither is how terrifying this one is to me. Someday.
How old are you? How long have you been rolling? 26 years old. I have been roller skating for probably around 3 years when I’ve had time, but didn’t become serious about it until this summer – I started park skating once I get my sliders in August.
What got you started rolling? How did you find CIBMKE? I have always wanted to try it! What got me hooked was a couple years back when I went to a skateboarding event and saw a roller skater do some tricks on a half-pipe. Since I have been skating pretty much every day at skate parks outside, I decided to try an indoor park once it get cold. The first one I tried was 4Seasons and met a couple CIB Milwaukee skaters the first day – now I go at least two times a week to skate with them!
Has rolling changed you in ways outside the skatepark? Roller skating has made me realize that I am passionate about something in addition to my career in the music industry. That is definitely a positive that came out of 2020.
Related to last question, have other people in your life seen a difference in you since you started rolling? Yes, my friends are all very supportive! They pump me up and will come watch me skate! I’ve also had people I haven’t talked to in years reach out to me about how they have seen my progress and that it has inspired them to go do something outside of their comfort zone.
What has been your proudest rolling moment so far? My proudest moment was probably landing a full cab after only attempting to learn that trick for 3 days – either that or landing a backside stall which took me about month to finally get!
Did you roll when you were younger/as a child? When I was younger, I have skated a couple times at the rinks. Mainly on blades though.
What one thing would you want other people to understand about rolling? I would want everyone to understand how welcoming the community is. Regardless of what level skater you are, everyone is so supportive and always willing to help/give tips. I have had to overcome the fear of falling in front of people and going to skate parks alone (which can be very intimidating), but pushing yourself feels great! Plus, you are never too old to learn something new!
Funniest name of a trick you want to perfect? I am not sure what the funniest name would be, but I would love to learn how to do 5050 stall/grinds, 540s, handstands, and get better at air tricks!
Big thank you to Jocylen, Janelle, Molly, and Megan for sharing their thoughts with me! If you want to learn more about CIBMKE, check out their Instagram profiles, or look up CIB Milwaukee on FBook!
