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Kelsey Knudson takes a break after a game of bike polo in the MU brick mall. Six-member teams play in a rectangular court; the first team to five points wins. Knudson's front wheel is reinforced to protect it from mallets and balls.

Different type of biking

Students, community bring team sport to campus while combining polo, biking for fun

By: Evan Miller

Posted: 5/12/08

Many people enjoy riding bikes and competitive team sports, but one group of OSU students and community members combine them into Bike Polo: field hockey on a bike.

Players steer and brake with one hand and swing a mallet with the other.

"It's the most fun you can have on a bike," said Eilif Knutson, unofficial leader of the bike polo team, "I compare it to a dogfight."

Members play every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the tennis court near Lincoln Elementary, just a block east of 3rd St. on Alexander Ave.

The game is played using six players at a time in a rectangular court about 40 feet by 80 feet with small goals on each end.

It starts with two players charging the ball in the middle, the first team to score five points wins.

"There are three elements: riding the bike, hitting the ball and not running into people," Knutson said. "It takes all of your skill to combine them, usually you can only do two at a time."

Additionally, players are not allowed to put a foot on the ground; if they do, they have to ride a quick penalty lap around the court before continuing to play.

"It's a totally different way to ride a bike," said Reed Youngbar, a senior in forest management. It was Youngbar's second time playing.

"We have road bikers, mountain bikers, even non-bikers," Knutson said. "It teaches you really good bike control."

The game can appear chaotic at first, but most people catch on quickly.

"I wanted to come for a while, but I was a little intimidated. Bike polo sounds dangerous," said polo player Greg Rouse, "But I came one night, loved it, and I built a bike for it and have been playing ever since."

Most players wear helmets and gloves, and reinforce their tire spokes to protect their bikes; but these precautions are not required.

"You won't get hurt," Rouse said, "We're all friends out here."

Bike Polo was invented in India almost 100 years ago, and is becoming more and more popular in the Northwest. Polo matches can be found in every big city and some groups are organizing formal tournaments.

Knutson recently organized a weekly gathering of polo players in Eugene.

Curious bikers and seasoned veterans alike are welcome to come out any Tuesday night. There are extra bikes and mallets available for anyone to use.

"If you want to get in touch with us, go to myspace.com/corvallisbikepolo or come out on Tuesday night," Knutson said.

Evan Miller, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231