Bicycle Polo: Two Wheels Good, Four Legs Bad

First of all, who thought to play polo on two-wheeled cycles? The answer is Richard J. Mercredy of Ireland’s County Wicklow way back in 1891. Fast-forward 120 years and you can see some urban mallet-swinging in the heart of Beijing, thanks to the fixed-bike fanatics of Natooke. They recently gave us the 411 on this two-wheeled version of four-on-four.

How do you play bike polo?
Bike polo is similar to traditional polo, but we ride bikes instead of horses. Generally there should be three members on a team, but we practice one-on-one, two-on-two, sometimes even five-on-five, depending on how many people want to join us.

Do you need a fixed-gear bike?
Fixed gear bikes are optional. You can rent bikes from us, but it is free if you are playing bike polo.

Do you have to be an aristocrat to play bike polo?
All kinds of people are welcome, even aristocrats.

Does everyone have to play right-handed?
No, there is no wrong-handed.

Do the mallets get stuck in the spokes?
Only when you need to throw your opponent off the bike, although sometimes mallets have an affinity for getting stuck to each other.

Do you hate horses?
No, we don’t hate horses – horses are delicious! And it’s a little bit hard to ride a tandem with only one rider.

Are bikes easier to care for?
Of course. You don’t have to feed them and there’s less poop to clean up.

But what will happen to all of the out-of-work polo mares?
They’ll get a government subsidy. Or they can choose to become racehorses.

Will this sport start any fashion trends? Bike Polo Ralph Lauren, perhaps?
We’ve already trademarked the name.

Do you have a favorite polo? The mint, the car, the shirt?
I hate polo shirts, and I hate cars even more, so I guess that leaves me no choice but Polo mints.

Will all types of polo (bike, horse and water) ever be reunified?
Let’s do this step by step. First teach the horses swimming.

Bike Polo games take place at Ditan Park West Gate (Wednesdays 6pm) and at Workers’ Gymnasium East Gate (Saturdays 4.30pm).

Photo Ben Aldersley