In case you missed it...

..It'll be up forever at the Handlebar. See you fools for the Lock-in pre-party!

A sad party is still a party.

Hey all. The bittersweet day is set. I need help drinking drinks and remembering all the good times on Friday, December 17th at The Handlebar. Then I need (a lot) help loading up the moving truck Saturday afternoon. Some of you remember how heavy and how many things Jenny's print shop is. The more folk who help, the faster it will go/the fewer trays of lead type each of us have to carry.

Thanks to each and every person who ever played Bike Polo in St Louis. It's been a great, great time, and I won't forget it.

Team Manager

Polo on Sunday, 2pm at Lindenwood Park

Just cos two cars full of StL Bike Polo are heading to Lexington this weekend, there's no excuse not to play this Sunday. The club rolls deep, there will be plenty of players, slayers, screamers, and bleeders. Go have fun.

Legitimacy.

Weird weekend. Most interesting thing learned on Sunday (besides another lesson in why I should wear my shin guards and some basic 6 vs 6 strategy) is that in St Louis, neighborhood associations have a lot of say in how the parks in their 'hoods get used. It goes from the local homeowners, to the Aldermen, to the parks dep't. The parks can't build without appropriations, and the Aldermen aren't going to give them the money for ideas their constituents don't like, cos that would be politically stupid.

We have a verbal agreement with some influential people at Lindenwood that we can have the rink from 2pm on Sundays. The Alderman heard it, the park ranger(s) heard it. Kacye brokered the compromise by being reasonable, cordial, and persistent. Any one of you who did anything else were not helping our cause. We'll follow up with the Neighborhood association at their next meeting to get written permission to have bike polo be allowed in that (and therefore, by aldermanic courtesy, every St Louis City) park. The verbal agreement and the 12-2 is for hockey, 2-dark is for polo compromise should hold up on their own until then.

We also ran into someone from the Mt Pleasant Neighborhood Association. He was excited to see people using the rink and took a few pics to pass along to the other members and the alderman, who are right now considering wrecking the rink in favor of a physical resource that might get more use. There may be a meeting or two we can go to down there to support keeping the rink. If any of you have friends who play roller hockey or who want to practice roller derby, or any other use (aside from telling the soccer players about it) live near there or use that rink, let 'em know it's in danger of being torn down.

And yes, I told the guy that if it was already a done deal that we would dismantle and haul away the old boards.

In the meantime, we've been linked to by the Mt Pleasant Neighborhood Association, and we're the first thing that come up when anyone googles "St Louis" and "Bike Polo". So only curse in your replies after 9pm, when the kids go to sleep.

Polo today. 10-24-10 12:00-whenever.

Polo polo polo! Starting at noon at Lindenwood. Pick up games will be played, rookies will be tested, acorn training will continue, Nick and Francis will try out thirds for Lexington. See you there.

important announcements

The Midwest Open in Lexington on November 14-15 is limited to 48 teams. Registration opened two days ago and 24 teams have already signed up. How many teams do we plan on sending total? We don't have to have the line ups finalized, but we do need to pay 45/team in advance. 2 teams? 3 teams? 4?

Don't forget about Friendlies this Saturday in CoMO. My car leaves at 9am Saturday morning. Still 1 spot available.

Also don't forget that next Tuesday, Oct, 12 is for real, absolutely, no joking, bike polo demo/pick up games before the bike in movie at the atomic cowboy. We play from 6-8. Movie from 8-10. Zombieland.


OK? OK.

October Friendlies

The fall season is on! Cool weather and short days make for hot competition and longer nights for partying.

Saturday and Sunday October 2-3. Lawrence Kansas. 5 hr drive.

Saturday, October 9. Columbia, MO. 2 hour drive.

Saturday, October 16. Louisville, KY. 4 hour drive. Friendly play and a double elimination tournament.

Halloween weekend. Austin, TX. 14 hour drive. Kinda big tournament/party.

Tonight & Next Week

Next Tuesday: Bike in Movie at Atomic. Maybe a polo game. Check the comments for Lucky's word on that. Breaking Away is good, you like beer and hanging out with your friends so don't miss it.



Tonight: Polo in Maplewood. Get there early if you can. We'll play until 10.

Newbies

Hello to all the new kids, this is our blog. Here you will find a lot of smack talking, plus any changes to where or when we are playing on any given day, if it's not going to the usual Sunday afternoons at Lindenwood and Wednesday evenings at Maplewood. Plus special events, demonstrations, tournaments, polo players traveling through town, bikes for sale, etc.

For all the vets in the club: Please post your best advice for the new class. The piece of equipment, strategy, attitude, or whatever that has made the most difference in your game.

Bike-in Movie tonight!

Bike-in Movie tonight at the Atomic Cowboy. Have a drink, see some old and new friends, hand out a million flyers and recruit some new bike polo players. Let 'em know that we'll be playing demo games at the next two bike-in movie events. I'll be there after 7. No idea what time the movie starts.

Lemme know your plans.

Hood Kicks Tonight

Hood Kicks. Tonight. Bike/Metrolink to the show. Who is going?

BM in CoMO

This Saturday morning, as many of us as can go are heading to Columbia, MO for a "bench minor" style bike hockey game. Two teams of ten, two half-hour periods, on-the-fly line changes, most points wins. Raging Kegger to follow. Please no fireworks.

Let's use this thread to trash talk CoMO and work out our ride sharing.

Planning.

Imma measure the street next to the Atomic Cowboy this afternoon so we can make plans for boards to do demos during the bike-in movie dates this summer/fall. If you're free and can hold the dumb end of a tape, send me a text and we'll get together.

While we're on the subject of planning: If y'all want to do another lock-in this winter at the Skatium, you should get over there pretty soon to reserve a weekend. I did it 5 months in advance last year, and he still had to cancel out an already booked roller hockey league game Saturday night.

Polo this weekend: Sunday, 2pm, Lindenwood.

End of an Era

Tonight, I put together a large-diameter pipe, one-end-open mallet head on a lacrosse stick. Thus ending 3 years of playing on small-diameter, double-capped heads and ski poles. You may now call for me to scoop-a-doop pass to you up-court.

The NEW New Chaos Machine. This shit is Dialed!!

ROAD TRIP !

We're going to Madison. We are driving a 1973 Ford E200 van. It is white. It has few windows. The stereo will be a boombox. When we get there we're gonna party like the dude in this photo. Oh yeah, we might play a little bike polo if the mood strikes.

Meet at my house around 5:00 on Thursday afternoon. Bring as little baggage as possible, it'll be a tight fit. If you have any sweet cassette tapes, bring 'em!

Maplewood Polo Tonight

Polo tonight in Maplewood at 6:00pm. Our friends from Austin are visiting, so come out and have a good time.

The court is by the Police station and Maplewood High School. Across the street from Steak 'n' Shake. Look for the water slide at the pool, it is hard to miss.

GOOGLE MAPS

Our Laser Spotted On Chicks and Bikes!

New Post!

come play polo tonight at lindenwood. 6:30 or so. tonight. 6-29-2010. I will be there, so will anchovy. Hopefully some people show up.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

A little bird told me that some Como polo shredders will be in the Lou on Sunday. Where do we want to play? Will anyone be wearing tights? These questions and more will be answered.

Exhibition Games

I had some unannounced time off yesterday so I went and talked in person to the people I had been emailing about playing demo games at the Tour De Grove/Artcrank this weekend. Those people are, by the way, the owners of Big Shark and the Atomic Cowboy.

Big Shark would like it if we could play some games in Francis Park during the Gateway Cup for one day over labor day weekend. There is a boardless rink in the park. Just an asphalt pad with nets mounted in it. We talked about having high intensity demo games once an hour (or whatever) and pick up with us and spectators the rest of the time.

We would have to build boards, and probably bring extra bikes and equipment to pull this off. But we have all summer to plan for it.

Atomic Cowboy wants to know if we want to do our regular pick-up games one evening a month pretty much all summer along with their bike-in movie night series. We would be taking over Tallmage between Manchester and the alley behind the bar. Rough estimate is a court about 35-40' X 100-110'. For comparison, Lindenwood is 50' X 120'. He said he could keep the boards at the bar, and maybe New Belgium would help us out with some costs, seeing as they love the bikes.

Whaddya think?

I made some changes...

Playing hardcourt bike polo the way it's intended to be played earns your club some odd labels.

This is what everyone expects...Let's make sure we deliver.

Men In Tights...

CoMo polo. They don't know how to party, and they don't know how to dress.

I think our club is a pretty laid back club. I don't think STL Bike Polo has any club rules. Well, I guess, "don't be a dick" is the only rule to which we all adhere.

But I'd like to suggest another rule that our club should follow:

No male player representing STL shall ever wear tights. No exceptions.

We have never had anyone make this fashion misstep, and I would like to keep it that way. I insist that STL men remain men. And that means refusing to slip into skin-tight, stretchy tights. Please do not embarrass our club like this poor gentleman(?) has done to CoMo Polo.

Discuss.

Polo Party

So its my birthday this weekend, and I want to play polo and BBQ. I say we have a polo party this Saturday at Lindenwood Park. I'll be at Lindenwood at 2:00 PM this Saturday.

Wait Until You See The Video

The King Has Spoken

Due to the threat of rain in the forecast, Wednesday polo is being moved to Tuesday afternoon/evening.

Be at Maplewood at 6pm if you feel like sharpening your polo skills.

Bring a case of beer to say goodbye to The Girl (this may be the last time you cuddle with her in the corner for awhile).

Bring water too. It's going to be warm.

Bring fun. Fun is fun.

14 hours from now

Mt. Pleasant Park.

Bring your motorcycle if you think you're ready to join the biker gang.

Friday Night

Some people will be at Lindenwood Park tonight looking to play with balls.

If you like playing with balls, show up around 5pm.

Bring your bubble wrap and ear plugs.

Remember When It Was Raining?

Yesterday, I think I heard that it had rained 9-days-straight.

St. Louis was temporarily Seattle.

But all of that has changed.

Today it is dry and the weather is perfect for some Wednesday night polo.

So assemble your bike, grab your gear, and wear your football pads. Tonight, WE'RE PLAYING POLO.

Maplewood Rink (Manchester and Big Bend)
6 PM.
Bring a light (one of mine burned out).
Bring fun things.

Leave your apologies at home.

Sunday Polo: Mt. Pleasant

UPDATE:

Sunday at 1pm, we're playing polo at Mt. Pleasant Park.

Be prepared to see an unlicensed boxing match and motorcycle tricks.

We're also hunting for the amazing artist responsible for the masterpiece pictured above.



PS. In response to the STL vs. Cleveland "who parties harder" debate: I have yet to see Cleveland pictured with AWK. Another point: STL.

Birthday Party...with Polo

Who: You
What: Partying
Where: Lindenwood Park
When: Tuesday, May 4, 2010 @ 6p - 10p
Why: Lucky's birthday

Bring something to grill, lots to drink, your polo gear, a stereo, a kicker ramp, and a willingness to have fun.

Those of you that have grills, bring them.

Those of you that have friends, bring them.

Those of you that have Hulk hands, bring them.

Those of you that have fun additions to any BBQ, bring them.

See you tomorrow night!

Polo is NOT a Crime!!!

STL Bike Polo Suggestion/Help Box

Here are a few questions and comments I pulled out of the STL Bike Polo suggestion/help box.

"Jake got blood on me. I'm not sure if it was my blood or his blood or blood from someone else. Is there a way to keep this from happening?" - Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

We've all experienced this phenomenon. Don't fret. There's no way to keep Jake from bleeding on you or making you bleed. Wear those bloodstains with honor. Take pride in the fact that the amount of blood staining your clothes and epidermis is equally proportional to how hard you were poloing on that given day.

Personally, I try to look like Carrie (sans the prom dress) by the end of a successful day of polo.



"Anchovy keeps slamming into me on every inch of the rink. What can I do to prevent this?" - Bruised in Ballwin

Dear Bruised,
The only real way to avoid the bumps and bruises that Anchovy dishes out is to be on his team. Other than that, there's really no way to escape the pain. Anchovy's school of hard knocks is always in session when you're on the opposing team.



"How do you stop the Knobbe Laser?" - Frustrated, Injured Goalie

Dear Goalie,
I do my best to provide an answer to every question and comment I receive. When I don't know the answer to a question, I do all of the research I can until I feel that I can provide you with an informed answer. But the question you just asked has no answer. In fact, I would encourage you to stop trying to block the Knobbe Laser altogether. Your efforts are only going to result in broken bones and shattered orbital sockets.



"You should let your bulldogs out less. It's unsettling to hear people barking at the neighborhood roller hockey rink." - Frustrated Neighbor

Dear Neighbor,
That suggestion is noted. Unfortunately, it will be immediately ignored. You are not officially playing polo until you have released your bulldog. Polo without bulldogs is like a bike without wheels. Normally, there are no stupid questions or suggestions...Unless your suggestion is for us to cage our bulldogs.



Until next time, keep sending in your questions, suggestions, and comments. And remember: keep having fun out there...keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be...keep partying hard.

Anatomy of a Party

Parties officially start with a crisp can of STACK. Enjoy it out of a cup or the can.



Then stop at the nearest Waffle House and order the following:
- Pecan Waffles
- Hashbrowns
*smothered
*covered
*chunked
*diced
*peppered
*capped
*topped
*country
- Grilled Cheese
- Diet Coke



Consume.



Walk across the parking lot and puke behind the gas station.



And that is how you party on a Sunday afternoon in Middle of Nowhere, Kentucky.

STL WINS THE PARTY CONTEST!


ps. Colin and Toph are both forever banned from the FJ Cruiser for making a mess. Sunflower seeds and Trail Mix.

Never Forget.

The cuddled know only one thing: it is better to not be cuddled.

The Challenge Has Been Issued...

Pete from COMO said his team was going to Lexington to win it all...Again.

1.) I have a pizza and a case of beer for any team with a STL player that beats Pete's team during the tournament (Saturday and/or Sunday).

2.) I also have a case of beer for any team with a STL player that places better than Pete's team.

Seriously.

You have just over a week to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

ps. COMO men and women can buy their own pizza.

New post, geez.

89 comments. You guys are animals.

We are all the teachers. We are all the students.

Excuse me while I momentarily assume a teacher/leader role:

18 days and counting...



There are several important things I need from all of you. These are things YOU need to do in the coming days; doing them will make your life and everyone else's life much easier. Before YOU do these important things, I want YOU to assume nothing about anyone else and expect nothing from anyone other than yourself. This post applies to you as an individual but no one individually. These are steps that you need to take.

Below are several questions. You need to ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly (rhetorical answers). The answers should be black and white. If your answers are gray, you're not taking the test right.

The test begins...now:

1.) Are you going to the Spring Invitational in Lexington, Kentucky on the weekend of April 3-4, 2010? - What I mean is: Are you literally going? The appropriate answer to this question is NOT: "Well, I want to go." This question requires a simple "Yes" or "No" answer. If you are not sure about this answer, figure it out quick. Teams are organizing right now, and dithering helps no on and hurts your chances to play with the people you want to play with.

2.) Do you know with whom you are playing at the Spring Invitational in Lexington, Kentucky? - What I mean is: Have you talked to people within (or outside of) STL Bike Polo about organizing a team and playing together in this tournament? Read that last sentence again (Seriously. I'll wait.). If you have not talked to anyone about organizing a team, you should start doing that now (not in the comments section). Do not assume you are on a team or that someone is making a team for you. Take responsibility for yourself and talk to the people with which you want to be on a team.

3.) Are you ready to let your bulldog out during the Spring Invitational in Lexington, Kentucky? - What I mean is: Are you ready to let your bulldog out during the Spring Invitational in Lexington, Kentucky? Tournament play is a weird thing. Professional athletes are always talking about replicating "game speed" at practice. It is nearly impossible. We "practice" every Sunday and Wednesday. But come tournament time, you will be playing at levels you rarely reach at our normal weekly pickup games. The heat of tournament play leaves you a couple of options: A) Let your bulldog out and rise to the occasion -OR- B) Cage your bulldog and release your timid turtle. I encourage you to do option "A." And I encourage you to practice embracing option "A" as much as possible over the next 18 days.

4.) Are you ready to have fun playing polo on a team of your STL brothers (or sister) and have fun...win or lose? - What I mean is: Yes this is a tournament, but do NOT get caught up in the fact that wins and losses actually matter. Do NOT take everything too seriously. Do NOT allow yourself to not have fun. At the end of the day on Sunday, you will have won some great games and lost some real heart breakers. Just remember: Polo is a game. We are all having fun. The instant you are not having fun, I insist that you pull yourself aside and remind yourself why you are in Lexington, Kentucky. (Hint: It's to have fun.)

5.) Are you ready to have the time of your life at the Spring Invitational in Lexington, Kentucky on the weekend of April 3-4, 2010? - What I mean is: Are you ready to storm into Lexington, Kentucky, hang out with our hosts -one of the coolest polo clubs in the world-, show everyone how hard St. Louis parties, and have an amazing weekend that you will remember for years to come? The answer to this question should be the same as your answer to question #1.


Are you ready? GET READY! Endless fun awaits us.

St Louis to Chicago

Friendly pick-up day Saturday, March 13th in honor of Chris from CoMO's birthday in Chicaqo. Two courts! Brutal alleycat Saturday night. Who's in?

You asked for it!

Start planning your team...Or bribing people to play with you.

The first legit tournament of the season is less than a month away.

Lexington's club is cool, and their city is a great place to kick it.

If you've never been to a polo tournament (I'm not talking "friendlies"), this will be a good learning experience.

I see no reason why we can't send four teams to this tournament.

I also see no reason why two of those teams can't do really well in this tournament.


Let's make AWK proud!

CoMO pull-out tourney this Saturday 3/6/10

From LOBP: "Missouri friendlies/throw in tourney will be held at cosmo park on March 6 starting promptly at noon. All participants will select a beer from the mythical cooler and those with the same beers will form a team. Round robin all day at dusk top two teams play for the glory. Housing available. See you soon."

Who's in, who's out? Who can drive? When do you want to leave? Do you want to spend the night? Who's coming of the injured list this week?

When are we doing this?

BMX Bike Polo from Sara Kinney on Vimeo.

Little bike polo. We've talked about it. We haven't acted on it. We're missing out, in my opinion.

Saint Louis Bike Polo

The Legend Continues...