Well obviously it’s kinda like horse polo except you don’t have to own a horse. The rules differ from city to city, and so do the styles. We have simple rules, we play on pavement, and we host four to ten games a week, which you can learn more about here.
What do you need to play bicycle polo? Well first of all you need a bike you don’t mind thrashing. This isn’t to say we play rough, but you get the idea. If you’re like the majority of us you hold your mallet in your right hand which means you’re going to use your left hand to steer and brake your bike. If this is the case, you’re going to want to reroute your left brake lever to control the back brake. Otherwise you’re gonna find yourself on the ground in front of your bike while everyone screams “OOOOOhhhhhh!!!!!.” If you want to hold your mallet in your left hand, then you’re brakes should be set up already (Some people frown on this). Now you need a mallet. Mallets can be made from all sorts of materials and everyone has their preference. Ski poles, bamboo sticks, axe handles, or even canes make good handles. PVC, black ABS, hard wood, or even aluminum blocks serve as good mallet heads, each of which can be attached to the mallet handle with screws or other methods. Get creative.
Now that you’ve got your bike running and your mallet ready for action, it’s time to find your polo ground. Parking lots are nice. Tennis and basketball courts are better. Basically you’re looking for an open space with good light and a nonexistent owner. Find some orange cones and a street-hockey ball and you’re ready to play some polo. If the cops come to kick you out, be nice and move on to your alternate playing field. What? You don’t have one? Well you’re gonna want to take care of that. Always have at least three possible fields to play on.
Games are played with three people per team. Depending on the size of the court, teams of four to five have been known to happen. The ball rests in the center of the court with each team behind their goal. On the call of “MARCO!!!!” both teams rush the ball and play is on! Keep your feet on the pedals! If either of your feet touch the ground, called dabbing, your penalty is to ride in a full circle before resuming play. This sounds like a simple penalty, but polo happens in split seconds. To score a goal, the ball must be hit with the head of the mallet. Any shot pushed with the broadside of the mallet is considered shuffling and does not count. Goals deflected off opponent mallets and bikes count!
Play to three points. Or play to five. If you’re feeling crazy, play to twenty. Either way, have fun. The idea behind polo is finesse and skill. Staying on the pedals and communicating with your team is the goal. Rubbing elbows and shoulders is part of the game, but crashing should be avoided ideally. It’s inevitable, but the more you play, the more your skills develop. Rivalries keep things interesting, but unnecessary roughness is no fun. After all, we’ve all got to go to work tomorrow morning right?
The bottom line is having fun with your friends. Go for it. But don’t forget the beer! Seriously.