Indoor Spints at ATOMIC COWBOY

January 14th. 7pm. Wheels of Glory Indoor Spint Racing.

Benefit for Bicycle Redemption (our very own Brian L.)

For more info: http://stlsprints.blogspot.com/

Mid Winter's Polo

What a great time! Here's the results if you want to see 'em. In round robins, records in the round determine ties in the record, so "Brian's Team" wins the day!

Make sure all you rookies get on the txt list so Lee or Trent can send you a notice the next time the weathers right for fun.

Last polo of '08!

About a year ago, I visited St Louis Bike Polo from Chicago. It took 9 hours to get here in an ice storm. We played at Mt Pleasant, in the mud. Still the best spoke card ever.

In May, I moved to St Louis and the Polo crew were there to help unload the van. The next day we entered 2 teams in the 4th Mid Wests up in Madison. My car broke down on the way back.

A great summer came next, with lots of weekly games at Lindenwood.

We took 4 guys up to the NACCCs in Chicago in August. The Strangers did better than the King Bitch Dog Fuckers, but we all had a good time at the Prom.

The fall wound down to the 5th Mid Wests. A chill and super polo-y day of contests enjoyed by 30 participants from 4 cities. Thanks again to our local sponsors: Local Harvest, Black Bear Bakery, A & M cycles, and especially Trent and Jen.

Now it's winter, we play when the court's clear and the temperature is above freezing. Which it is supposed to be this Sunday, December 28th. See you on the court. 2pm Lindenwood Park roller hockey rink.

Sunday, 12-21-08

Predicted 16 degree air temp + 20mph winds = sub-zero wind chill = no polo.
See your families, recover from Quigly's party, fix your bikes, etc. I ain't going outside.

On the x-mas tip: I'll be making new mallet heads for all my friends this week.

On another note, Nick and I could still use a third St Louisan to join us in Madison, WI in two weeks for the New Years Champs. Anyone interested?

Winter Tounaments

Is anyone thinking about trying to get to any of these polo events? You may be able to find cheap last minute fares to LA. We can put a carfull together to get to Madison for New Years. Pensacola is 12 hours by car, but that will be cheaper per person than flying in with a bike.

My preference was to try to get to Florida in February. But that looks iffy on account of money. I would be happy to drive 2-3 others and bikes up to Madison or be in someone else's (larger) car if they're interested in going.

We're playing this Sunday

...rain or shine, mild or freezing. There has been too little polo in St Louis of late. 2pm at Lindenwood.

No Polo today, go help out.

Go to this and do some good in the community. Oh, and tell everyone there riding about bike polo and how much fun it is. See you the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Anyone have any interest in attending the New Years Championships in Madison?

It might be fun to head up there.

More information

-Nick

Housing for the Mid-Wests

Greetings from Organ-land. I got an update from Trent that y'all are working hard to get this show to come together. It makes a polo player proud to hear.

Now we need to get a list of who can host folk from outta town. Me, Nick, Trent, Seth, Ross, Daniel and anyone who lives within a reasonable distance from Lindenwood Park should send Trent or Myself an email with your address and how many bodies you can fit on your couches or floors. We'll make a map of your places and all the courts, bars, and parties we'll be at over the weekend and send it to all the participants.

Dig?

Time to Vote!

You can go here to vote on it, or you can just say something on the blog. Madison has withdrawn from the tournament, which means we can move it back to the original scheduled date of October 25th.

PLEASE VOTE!
1. November 1st was fine.
2. October 25th is better.
3. I don't care.
4. Wait for a Saturday at the Skatium to open up in December.

Thursday Night Polo

Polo tonight (9/18) at Lindenwood. 6:30ish. Be there.

Bike Polo Exhibition Match

Not to look past playing on Thursday evening, but Sunday is the FBC 's Superfunhappyhour Alley Cat, with both the start and stop at Tiles park.

What do you all say about an exhibition match around 2:00 PM at the Tiles Park Bike Polo Court?

Thought it might be a good way to recruit some new folks who wouldn't normally make it out to a match?

Mid Wests at the Skatium?

I talked with Rob today; although the posted day of the contest (Saturday, Nov 1st) is booked, Sunday the 2nd can be had from 2-10pm.

Pros: Weather-proof tournament. No park district/ police interference possible. Booze/kitchen on sight. Scoreboard. Tournament not the day after hangoverween.

Cons: One court for a limited time, so no/few friendly games. Cost. 400 for 8 hours plus food and drink. Late Sunday tourney means players pretty much have to take Monday off work. I look like an idiot for moving the date twice.

What say you all? We should figure this out fast-like.

Polo on Sunday 9/7

Lets play polo this Sunday at Lindenwood. 2:00pm. It's Grandparent's Day and I'm pretty sure that is what my grandparents would want me to be doing.

Also, we will be hosting a Midwest Polo Tournament in St. Louis on November 1. You've got less than two months to get really good at polo if you aren't already, so get to it.

Thanks, St. Louis

I swear, I can't take you guys anywhere...

For real, though. Thanks so much for making me feel welcome here and for catching and sharing the polo spirit I felt coming off the courts in Chicago. It wouldn't have been such a great time if folk weren't there with the right attitude, including us. Thanks for being classy and having fun. I'm proud of our St Louis team(s).

The Chicago Plan

The plan is to leave the Morning of Friday, August 29 and drive to Chicago. I think I've got myself, my girlfriend, Trent, and Cole in my car with 4 bikes and 4 bags. If you've got a geared bike or a flip-flop hub, bring it, cos the car is staying on the curb after we arrive at our host's place.

Check out this link for a schedule . Basically, there is polo all day and parties every night. Big ones, including a "Messenger Prom" so bring some fancy clothes and a date.

I've got Monday and Tuesday off work, if y'all wanna hang out in Chicago, we'll do that. If you want to get back to St Louis at different times, we'll arrange car/bus/train taking for you or me or whomever.

Another StL team or loose players are totally welcome and will be housed and drank same as my carfull. Just let us know who and how many are coming up on their own or in another vehicle.

Entry fee for the weekend is 30 bux a head. This includes the two days of polo and all the parties, some of which won't be charging for PBR, some of which will. You'll need some more of your own dough for food and souvenirs.

Sunday 8/10

Our mallets took quite a beating Thursday night. We don't have more than a few functioning ones right now. I can't see how we can play a game today. I guess we'll need to do some mallet repair/building early this week to hopefully get in a game Thursday night.

News and updates

1. We're going to try to play this Thursday under the lights and in the relative cool of evening. 7pm at Lindenwood Park. This weekend is supposed to be stupid hot again.
2. We need to register teams/players for the NACCC in Chicago at the end of August. So far I only know that myself, Trent, Cole, and Quigly are coming and that Seth and Lee cannot. Dan? Tonies? Nick? Paul? Anchovy?
3. Let's do some recruitment stuff. Posters in bike shops are pretty, but word of mouth on local bike rides or forums or craigslist seems to work better. I'll work on the equipment end of things, so all these imaginary people will be able to play.

Sponsors and Media

New team uniforms?

Seriously, though. I'd like to lead the effort(s) to promote StL Bike Polo and get some great courtside amenities and prizes for the 5th Mid West Bike Polo Champeenships to be held in town the end of October. Let's try to get ourselves written up in some local papers/media outlets and then turn that into media packets to attract some bigger sponsorship monies/stuffs.

Who among us has contacts at the RFT, Post, Southside Journal, local TV, etc? Who's interested in making some promotional material? Flyers, videos, sponsorship packets, and the like. Who knows people at local businesses who may want the advertising of sponsoring a somewhat large local/regional event? Who's business would be a natural fit for the deep pockets of bike polo players?

Lights at Lindenwood

I was just at Lindenwood Roller Hockey rink trying to stay out of my hot-ass apartment and, just like magic, the lights over the north half of the court came on at dusk. I kept batting the ball around until it was really dark and I could see it OK. Not stadium-great, but we could play on it.

So who's down for a cooler, weeknight evening game? Please respond with which evening is best for you and the earliest time you could start.

New mallets, same ole court.

Lindenwood park roller hockey rink at 2pm Sunday, July 13th. I just made three new mallets for the club, so's we can entertain more new kids.

Grass Game 6/6/08

From the Hub:
Grass polo on Sunday at 1:00pm in Forest Park. We play at the rugby fields by the upper Muny parking lot. We have grass mallets. Bring yourselves (and beer?) and helmets and bikes. Not necessarily in that order. Hope to see y'all out there.

So lets all go play some grass polo Sunday.

Registration is open! Registration is open! How many St Louisans want to ride up to Chicago for a Labor Day weekend of polo fun debauchery? We can all register as individuals and put teams together later, or sign up as teams and practice, practice, practice, until the tournament. Same Price!

Your mallets are ready.

Mr. T. S. and Mr. D. R. Your mallets are ready. the ski poles have not been cut, so you may adjust the shaft to your preferred length. Which is, I believe, what she said.

The hardware store in Alton has more caps on order. When they come in, I'll buy them out again and make more for the rest of us. Whoever has ski poles should get them to me so I can make mallets.

New Location This Sunday

View Larger Map
We will be playing at Lindenwood park this week. They have a court so lets see how we like it at a different park.

Check out the follow up to the CMWC polo tournament in Toronto at these links:
http://www.madbikepolo.org/
http://www.hardcourtbikepolo.com/

Hope everyone can make it out Sunday after the 2nd Annual FBC Goes to the Movies ride on Saturday.

Father's Day Polo @ 2pm. Mt. Pleasant

I hope to see ya'll there.

Who wants to play this afternoon

Anyone? Maybe late afternoon?

Ya'll wanna role on Shabbos?

As mentioned previously we have had trouble getting people to polo on Sunday. I propose we play this Saturday 6/7/08 @ 1pm instead. Any Takers?

It's June and we might be playing polo

I think a lot of people will be going to the RFT Music Showcase today. So I guess we won't be playing polo again this weekend. I want this no-polo stint to end soon. Maybe we need to seriously talk about a new time to play.

UPDATE: Some folks form the Hub wanna play today. I will play if we can find two more. see the comments

Memorial Day Weekend

Who's down to play on Monday at 2pm? It seems like people have things going on Sunday.

Who wants to go to Toronto, Ontario, Canada with me on June 13 (Friday)- 16 (Monday) to enter a St. Louis Team in the WORLD Bike Polo Championship Tournament?

I'm gauge-ing interest in filling the car with St Louisans and bikes to make the drive. If I can find just two others (a team's worth) with the time (it's a 13 hour drive each way) and cash, we'll do it.

Estimated expenses: 75$ to enter. 60$ in gas (estimate divided by 3) plus money for eating/drinking for 2 days on the road and two days playing polo. Perhaps 200 total per person.
Must haves: Passport. Helmet. Bike and mallet.

Anyone?

Rules discussions

Hey St Louis bike polo players. There are folk from all over weighing in on rules, proposed rules, and strategies. Let your voices be heard!

http://www.madbikepolo.org/
http://www.hardcourtbikepolo.com/

Sunday 5/18

The weather should be great this weekend, we need everyone out at Mt. Pleasant playin' bike polo. Let's try to be playing by 2:00pm. That means get there before 2:00. If you want to come out and play, all you need is a bike, we've got everything else.

Oh, I thought you guys might enjoy the photo of Paul getting schooled by Jill from madison.

See you Sunday!

Check out the new links on the right -------------------->

Video from the Mid Wests

If you remember, there was a local network camera man at the Thunderdome in the morning of the Mid Wests. Kevin has posted the rusults over at madbikepolo.

Enjoy!

We got rained out Sunday, so I didn't get to ask around. Is anyone interested in going to Dayton, OH this weekend? There's a simultaneous speed race and scavenger hunt race Saturday night with a big, crazy after-party, and a polo tourney Sunday at noon. I'll drive if there's at least two (but not more than three) others who are down. It's another 6 hour drive. So leave Saturday by noon, get back Sunday around midnight.

free couch

There's a free couch in the lobby of my apt building of anyone wants it. It's pretty new looking. It's yellowish. It's not mine, it has just been here all weekend.

This is what good bike polo looks like

What do you say we hit the court at 12pm to really get things going this week? Maybe with a little practice, a little luck, and a few more injuries, we can be as good as these guys.

Mount Pleasant, 12pm - bring your bike and mallet!

MAYDAY!

How about a night game Thursday to get warmed up for Madison and finish (start?) planning the trip out? The idea of a game at the tennis courts in Benton Park followed by a trip to the Gramophone for the DJ Crucial / DJ Needles was being tossed around. Thoughts?

Reminds me of a Monads show.

Polo widows.

Jenny and I finally have an apartment! Now here's the bad news: We'll show up in St Louis probably late evening on Wednesday, April 30th. Maybe unload a couple of things right away, maybe finish the job on Thursday, May 1st and return the truck. Friday, May 2nd is Jenny's birthday. She'll be in a new apt, in a new town, surrounded by boxes, and I will be leaving at 5pm to drive to Madison, WI to play bike polo.

Anyone we've met who ain't going to the Mid Wests has to take Jenny out. Jen, Audra, Cheske, this means you.

The polo players will be returning from behind the cheddar curtain the evening of Sunday, May 4th, which happens to be my birthday. I will likely just want to go to sleep. Hopefully the sheets will be unpacked. -Lucky

Sunday 4/6

Polo at high noon Sunday. Mt. Pleasant Park.

Midwest Champeenships

So, Lucky's already telling these guys we've got 2 teams showing up, lets not make a liar out of him. I'm in, Scotino has said he's up for the trip, and Lucky makes three. Paul? Daniel? Quigley? Brian? Nick? Ross? Anyone else I left out?

click for more info

Summer Tournaments and Stuff

The following was emailed to me by Lucky:

Hey Trent, and by extension, StL Bike Polo,

What's the interest level like for traveling to one/some/any/all of the tournaments and invitationals going on all summer this year?

The calender is getting crowded, but the most important ones to me (which means that I'll be willing to drive myself and a few others) are the 4th Bi Annual Mid West Bike Polo Champeenships, May 3rd in Madison, WI and the NACCC North American Polo Championships August 30/1 in Chicago.

There are plenty more events: April 13th is a regional meet and greet in Dayton, OH. April 26/7 is the East Side invite in DC. There's stuff in Ottawa, Toronto, Seattle, Lexington, NYC, Dallas, all over the damn place.

So get with your crew and see who has the time and inclination to play outside of St Louis. A whole world of falling down awaits you!

-Lucky


[trent again]
I doubt I'll be making it to the coasts or Canada for any polo, but I would like to get some STL players in the Midwest games. Who else wants to show some other cities what we got?

Banff Mountain Film Festival

I will be going to the Banff Mountain Film Festival this Thursday, 7:00 PM, at the Moolah Theatre on Lindell. Tickets are $10 at the Alpine Shop (if they still have them) and $12 at the door the night of the event. Tickets go quickly, so I'll probably get there around 5:30 to make sure I get a spot. Anyone else interested, please let me know and I can pick up tickets.

Also, I'll probably be riding there from the CWE (weather permitting) if anyone else wants to.

"STUNNING INTERNATIONAL FILM PRODUCTIONS ON MOUNTAIN THEMES ranging from mountaineering to ice and rock climbing to wildlife and environmental issues, as well as mountain sports such as skiing, kayaking, snowboarding, and much more."

For more info, visit http://www.chestnutmtnproductions.com/banff/banffhome.htm

Bluegrass and Bike Rides

Friday, March 28th at Off Broadway

MONADS CD Release with the Vultures
The Monads are a punk/bluegrass fusion that has been described as 'slamgrass' or 'black-n-bluegrass' These guys always put on a rockin' show and the first 50 people who pay cover get the Monads' new album for free. Don't miss it.
It's also Critical Mass night, which is never massive. I'm riding my bike to the show though, and you should too.

There are also a few people riding tonight (Tuesday). Location has not been decided yet, so call someone or post here if you want to ride.

BEWARE OF MALLETS

Lucky told me, as I was barreling down the court with my mallet overhead, "Don't swing your mallet like a cowboy. Keep it below the wheels."


Then he showed me why.

EASTER POLO MOVED TO TENNIS COURTS AT RESERVOIR PARK!

snow = slick polo court at mt pleasant

Sunday, March 23 (A.K.A. Easter)

rabbit picture added just for you Seth.

This Sunday we will be joined by Lucky and two other folks from Chicago for polo. Out of consideration for the Chicagoan(s) who may be going back, we're tentatively setting the start time for 1:00. Reply if you can play at that time so we will know if it will work.

Also, Friday, March 21 will be the next Full Moon Fiasco. Several of us are planning on meeting for beers before the ride, at a place yet to be determined. Seth mentioned that he would like to check out a new bar called The Gramophone that is smoke free and supposedly "cyclist friendly" that is in The Grove, near The Atomic Cowboy, which would be another logical option. Reply with ideas.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

Polo @ Mt Pleasant 1:00pm

Be there.

Check it out, Toyota is using bike polo in their adds. We should try to get them to sponsor us.

PS: I love how the add is basically saying that you can have fun even in bad weather and then shows a picture perfect day in the park.

3/9 game

Ok, so I know this is a little last minute, but who's down for a game? Me and Jeff are itching to play.

Sparks!

Checkout this dude's whip on the FGG pictured with 30lbs of spaks cans.

Reservoir Park Tennis Courts

View Larger Map

POLO 2/23 2:00pm

Mt. Pleasant I guess, if it's too wet we'll head to alternate location.

Not Polo but Just as Good!

Tonite at the Way Out Club (2525 s. Jefferson St. Louis, MO 63104) St. Louis' own 7 Shot Screamers will be playing with "Streetgrass" rockers the .357 String Band. The doors are @ 8:30. Not sure what the cost will be, but it will be worth it. I don't think the Screamers need and explaination, but the String Band may be new to some.
From their website:

Steeped in old-school punk, outlaw country, Irish and mountain madness. The .357 String Band are here to break-open the mold of a genre vastly overlooked.

I think some of us will be there, so hopefully more of you will join.

Mallet Building Fo Realz dis time

My wrist hurts, it's cold, wet, and windy outside, and yes, there is sand in my nether regions. I would be up for just building some mallets today. Anyone else interested?

If we don't play today, i think we should get in a night game on that tennis court with the lights sometime this week.

Monads! 7 Shot Screamers! City Museum!

Hells yeah kids. Remember last time we saw the Monads? Those kids put on a pretty sweet show. I for one will be attending this bash. If anyone wants to stop by the APT and drink a beer or three before we walk on down let me know.

Mallet Building.....

We need to build some new mallets. Any nite this week that is good for people?
Also, maybe we should hit up Toyota for some sponsorship action.

Polo Sun. 2/10/07, 2pm @ Mt Pleasant Park

The title says it all..... Some of us will be hurting because we went on the FBC "Cold Ride for Cold Beer" yesterday. See you there 2pm. Someone should bring fire pit.

Trolls

 

This past Sunday, thanks to rain and snow, we were forced to play under the bridge. The bridge is really just an overpass for highway farty-far where the road happens to be blocked off on both sides. It was filthy, not totally flat, but fun. Certainly won't replace Mt. Pleasant, but we could do worse for a back-up court. Trent's radio was debuted to much critical acclaim. Post up playlist ideas for rides, especially the full moon ride.

Bike Polo Sunday 2/3

It looks like we're on for bike polo this Sunday (2/3) at Mt. Pleasant park... If you have a shovel, bring it, since we may need to clear the rink of all the snow and ice.

Polo wheels

My friend has a set of MTB wheels he wants to get rid of since he switched to disc brakes. I believe they have Shimano Lx hubs. He'd like to get $50 for them. Anyone interested?

Also, I bought a new bike at the swap. The new one will be my road bike, so my old road bike will be my polo/grocery bike, so I won't need the chick magnet. If someone with a car wants to bring it to games we could use it as a spare bike. Or if someone wants to give me $40 they can have it.

1/27/08 Bike Polo - What Time?

This is what NYC bike polo uses as their official small ball. I am not sure if it was the same as what Lucky brought, but its worth a try. The question at hand is what time should polo commence tomorrow?

Unfortunately I will not be there. I have to spend the day studying. Hopefully you all will have fun.

-Seth

it was cold (again)

the low temps did not keep a crowd away from mt. pleasant park. i think we had eight or nine players, one of whom was lucky from chicago. we played a game of small ball, and i don't think we had tried that since our very first game. i think everyone is sold on that style. the game was a lot faster. other than polo, we rode the south county chopper around, drank wine and pbr, and ate cookies (thanks to our chicago friends).

Sunday 1/20/2008 12pm @ MT. Pleasant

We all know it will be freezing out but who cares there is no precipitation in the forecast and we have a guest player in town from Chicago. Lucky is back, but will need to leave around 3pm tomorrow. So for this reason we will be starting promptly at noon.
Also cold weather = need for cold beer and/or hot cider. And as a special surpise I've heard the South County Chopper will be making an appearance.

Cold Polo & Cold Beers

Sunday had a good turnout, especially considering the temperature. I think this was the first time most of us had Dirt Cheap Beer.

And people think we're geeks...

Music This Weekend!

Tonite: @ The Tap Room 8pm Fattback will be playing. For those of you who aren't familiar with Fattback there music is an ecclectic amalgamation of everything from punk rock to country, with a little jam band thrown in. I have heard hem compared to the band Clutch. I think many of us will be meeting before the show at the nw Tin Can (1909 Locust St.). You cn Check out Fattback @ http://www.myspace.com/fattbackband

Tomorrow: @ Throttle (720 N. 1st street) 7pm Those Legendary Shack Shakers will playing. These guys are Rockabilly & Blues on speed. They put on a great show and are definitely worth the $10 cover charge.

"Shack*Shakers are the ultimate in demented cowpunk - a moonshine fuelled
whirlwind of brutalized rockabilly and warped irreligious imagery. Johnny Cash
would no doubt of approved. and so should you." 4/5 -KERRANG

Hope to see some folks out.

P.S. Polo Sunday @ Mt. Pleasant 2pm

Cloudy high of 37.....only a 10% chance of rain.