Bicycle Polo World Championships

Bicycle Polo

Article by: © Michael J. Rosen 2012

"If No One Stays Back, at, or Near the Goal, Your Opponent Will Fast Break You to Death Until Your Lungs Collapse and Your Long-Term Health Is Brought Into Question."

- from the U.S. Bicycle Polo Association "basic strategies"

"Welcome to the American Bicycle Polo Association of America," the Web site greets you. "What do you get when you combine the low-impact aerobic workout of cycling, the challenge of a racket sport, and the camaraderie of a team sport? Bicycle Polo!"

While players have a welcoming attitude and a penchant for answering their own riddles before providing time for others to guess, they also maintain strict rules and employ some remarkable strategies. For instance, "All players must play right-handed," and, according to the rules, may only strike at a ball "when the frame of the rider's bike has been parallel to the sideline for at least 21 feet (three bike lengths)." This ensures a "right of way" rule, which seeks to eliminate collisions, injuries, or anything else people look forward to in NASCAR.

First played in the late 19th century by British troops in India, bike polo has seen the game go from its first international competition game in 1901 (an Irish win over the British), to the International Bicycle Polo Federation in 1996, to an annual World Championship. Having established its popularity in Europe, bike polo now reaches as far east as Sri Lanka and Malaysia and as far west as the United States.

In each chukka, teams attempt to advance downfield in a staggered position, balancing the field so opponents cannot fast break. Skilled competitors can ride quickly, dribble the ball between their wheels, and even ride while juggling the ball on the mallet. Unskilled players wear nerdy knee guards, drop their mallets, slip off their bikes, and gain respect from other players by treating for ice cream after the game.

Tired of hearing, "Get me mint chocolate chip-a double dip!"? Stand in line at www.bicyclepolo.org.

No Dribbling the Squid

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