These Cyclists Got Balls
Saskatoon Bike Polo
Myron, from Loving the Bike, tries out a new cycling adventure and shares his experience.
On Monday June 21st, I tried something new on a bike and I enjoyed it; polo on bikes! (I would describe the sport as hockey/soccer played on a bike). The Saskatoon Bike Polo group invited Loving The Bike to join them and have some fun.
Kip Luce started Saskatoon Bike Polo in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan four years ago. He got introduced to the sport while in Edmonton and decided to start organizing a weekly game in his home town. On any given week, approximately half of the 15 members (aged 15-50ish) “drop in” at a grassy field to play a friendly game of bike polo.
All you need to play is a bike, a helmet, a wooden mallet, and a ball. The goal is to get the ball across the opposing team’s goal line by passing the ball to other teammates. There are some simple rules to follow but the most important ones are:
- your feet must remain on your pedals at all times
- in the case of a “foot down”, the player is not in play and must race to to the sideline in order to rejoin the game
- players are allowed 4 consecutive ball touches with the 5th a pass or a shot on net
With the rules in mind, a mallet in hand, and practice under my wheels I thought I was ready to join the game. I expected a fast-paced, back-and-forth flurry of action (similar to traditional horse polo matches). What I experienced was a need for controlled speed and deliberate passes. I thoroughly enjoyed my first game of bike polo (I didn’t even realize that we played for over 2 hours) and I am sure that I will join the Saskatoon Bike Polo group many more times and maybe become a member. Bike polo was a great “new biking adventure” and I can’t wait to see what future adventures come my way…suggestions?
This looks like crazy fun – something for to put on the Bucket List and prolly check off real soon
There’s a bike polo game going on this Friday near my house… this post came at the perfect time because I was wondering whether or not I should go. I think I’ll ride on down and be a spectator. I’m excited; thank you for posting this. 🙂
Hi Lindsey, I think the group that plays on Fridays are the hard court polo folks. If you’d like to try polo on grass with the Saskatoon Bike Polo Club, come on out on any Monday without rain.
Cheers,
Kip
Hahahaha….that’s going to be a long pedal for you Lindsey. Kip, Lindsey lives in Los Angeles. But it would be great to have her come watch you guys.
Oh, well, since Saskatoon is the center of the universe, I just assumed… You’ve got an international readership Darryl! Nice.
Hey Myron, thanks for coming out. Please invite your readers to come out and try bicycle polo for themselves. We play from 6pm-later that evening on the field on Clarence Ave. and 3rd. St. in Saskatoon. All they will need is a bike and a helmet. Mountain bikes work best. We’ve got extra beater mountain bikes if your readers need to borrow a bike; they’ll just have to let us know in advance. Memberships for folks who want to join the club are $30.
Thanks,
Kip
Thanks again for introducing me to bike polo, Kip. I’m definitely interested in coming to play on a regular basis.
Looks like a lot of fun, Myron. Next time I’ll come out and have a look…not sure if I’m up to take part in in quite yet. Great post and excellent information on how it all works. I had no clue that bike polo existed until just recently.