Bicycle Polo Anyone?

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2017 • DAILY COURIER, Grants Pass, Oregon 15 Bicycle Polo anyone? By Ronda Addy popularity of bicycle polo declined in England but continued in Polo is commonly believed to be France, where league champion- the oldest team sport in the world. ships are still held today. It is a close relative to “buzkashi,” During the 1980s, India and the the national sport of Afghanistan, United States emerged as major in which two teams of players on players in the sport of bicycle polo. horseback fight for possession of a The Cycle Polo Association of India headless goat carcass. Over the was formed in 1966 and the Bicycle years, polo has been given the label Polo Association of America was as a game for the wealthy. Whether formed in 1994. Although official USBPA fields If a foul was deliberate or danger- this is true is up for debate. There Bicycle polo made a comeback in measure 100x60 yards, any type of ous, the referee can issue a yellow is a poor man’s version of polo, the 1990s, with international surface will suffice when playing for card (warning). For repeated fouls however, known as bicycle, bike or matches held in the United States fun. Each team consists of six peo- or severe ones, the referee can issue cycle polo. ple, with four allowed on the field at a red card (ejection). A substitute Bicycle polo a time. The other two players serve for the ejected player can be started with as substitutions. Matches consist of brought in at the end of the current Richard J. four 10-minute quarters, or “chuk- quarter if the referee allows it. Mecredy, a cyclist kars.” A two-minute break is held Bicycle polo may not be as glam- in Ireland. After between each quarter and the 10- orous as its cousin polo, but it is retirement, minute halftime. still a fun, challenging sport minus Mecredy wanted to In the case of deliberate foul the hefty price tag. Almost anyone stay in touch with near the goal, the team that is of any age with a bicycle can par- cycling, so in fouled is given the goal automati- ticipate in bicycle polo, whereas 1891, he came up cally. For less severe fouls, there only those with a horse can partici- with the game of are 15-meter and 25-meter free pate in traditional polo. How many polo on wheels. One Saturday between India, Canada and the hits. There are no penalty strokes. of us have a horse in our garage? morning, Mecredy and friends gave United States. India won the title. his new game a try. Although most India also won the title at the next players loved the sport, the editor of championship in Vancouver in Cycling magazine called it a fad. 1999. From that time on, a cham - Despite this, the popularity of bicy - pionship has been held every year. Get cle polo continued to grow, espe- In 2001, the International cially in Ireland. Cycling Union officially recognized By the end of the 19th century, bicycle polo. By 2004, France and your bicycle polo had made its way to Pakistan had formed teams to play England, France and the United for the championship. Organized States. On September 28, 1901, the bicycle polo matches are currently Irish played the English in the first played in Argentina, Australia, “Other” International bicycle polo match. Canada, England, Germany, India, The Irish beat the English, 10 to 5. Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, By 1908, bicycle polo has become South Africa, Sri Lanka, an Olympic sport, with Ireland Switzerland and the United States. wheels defeating Germany for the gold To play bicycle polo, few pieces medal. of equipment are needed. Players By the 1930s, bicycle polo must have a bike without brakes, at Don’s! regional leagues had been estab- an approved cycling helmet, a one- lished in England and France, and meter bike polo mallet and a bike matches between the two countries polo ball with a circumference of 12 were held often. With WWII, the to 15 inches. Your Full Service Auto Repair Shop Bike Racks Air Conditioning • Tune-Ups Too! Computer Diagnostics Grants Grants PassPass 201 S.W. “G” St. AUTO AUTO REPAIRREPAIR 541-471-3494 5 4 1 -476-5505 • 1 03 Merlin Road Next to Baldini’s and across from Lil’ Pantry Satisfaction Guaranteed! Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10:00-5:00.

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