Bike Polo

Urban Bike Polo Gains Popularity

Bicycle Polo Increasingly Popular In Urban Areas

Competitors in the "London Bike Polo League" play a friendly bicycle polo match at the Mitchison Road hardcourt on March 8, 2009 in London. The sport of Bicycle polo featured in the London Olympics of 1908 played on grass, although in recent years it's gained popularity being played on urban hardcourts. The game consists of two teams of three riders aiming to be the first to score 5 goals. (Getty Images)more pics »Let's face it, polo isn't exactly popular in America. Many Americans aren't familiar with the gamem, and if they are it's hard to find a group of people willing to dress up in court whites on occasion to ride horses around and beat a ball with a mallet.

Still, the urban game of bike polo, which has gained popularity in recent years, seems to be not only an inexpensive alternative, but possibly more fun.

It's like real polo, minus the cost and upkeep of horses, and the obvious skill required to steer a horse around during a polo match. Also, don't forget, horses make a mess and really, who wants to clean that up?

Another plus, since the game can be played anywhere, no stuffy attire required. You can wear whatever the hell you want. Sweats, jeans, even a suit there's no dress code.

Interested? Just get together eight people with bikes, polo mallets and a polo ball and you've got yourself a match. Some players even substitute mallets with brooms or golf clubs. The game can be played on any surface, but for those unstable riders, grass may be the best option. In other words, expect to fall.

If you want to take the game to the next level, try unicycle polo: