Urban Cycle Polo

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Urban Cycle Polo is a variation of standard Cycle polo where two teams ride bicycles and use mallets to score goals with a small ball. Urban cycle polo does not have as many rules as it's predecessor and can be played in a variety of locations common to urban landscapes.

1 The Game
2 Mallets
3 Popularity
4 References

[edit] The Game

Two teams with between 3 and 5 players per team play in an enclosed rectangular area. Cones are placed at each long end of the rectangle and the ball is placed in the middle of the court. The most common ball type is a plastic Street hockey ball. Each team waits behind their own goal and following a countdown, they charge the ball. Typically there is a charger, a defender and supporting forwards.

Bike Polo team charging the ball

A goal is scored when the opposing team hits the ball into the other team's goal with the short end of the mallet, also known as the head. If the shooter uses the long end of the mallet, also known as the shaft, the goal does not count and play continues. This is called a shuffle.

If a player's foot touches the ground at any time during the game they have to tap out. This involves riding to a designated point on the court and touching their mallet to it before they can return to play.

The game is over when one team scores three goals. Some games with exceptionally good players will last to 5 points.

[edit] Mallets

Urban cycle polo players use handmade mallets in the spirit of the DIY ethic, as apposed to traditional polo mallets. Typical mallets are constructed using high density gas pipe for the head, and either a wooden dowel, ski pole or golf club for the shaft. PVC pipe is less commonly used as it can shatter on impact with the ground or the ball.

[edit] Popularity

Urban Cycle Polo has roots in Portland, Oregon, USA. It is also popular in New york city, where the first East Side Polo Invitational was held in in April of 2007.

[edit] References

Mentions the difference between urban cycle polo and standard cycle polo. Ellenberg, C. 2007. Athletic Gunea Pig. Bike Polo. Jane Magazine, April 2007 p. 76
Mess Magazine. Polo Portland Style. April 2007.
Video of Urban Cycle Polo being played with a specially constructed camera in the shaft of a mallet.[1]
Urban bike polo groups on myspace.[2]