Chicago Bike Polo

It is a little known fact that Rapid Transit Cycleshop is one of the sponsors of Chicago Bike Polo. So last weekend, Chris and I, together with our troop of two children, made an appearace at the bike polo tournament in Garfield Park.

Now, let me tell you, Chris and I know nothing whatsoever about bike polo. We sponsor bike polo, because of the persuasive efforts of our fine employee Ben, whose commitment to and enthusiasm for this home-grown sport we wish to support.

As we arrived at the scene, we were plunged into the very vortex of similarly home-grown bike culture. Not a hint of lycra in sight, but fixed-gear and single-speed bikes lay everywhere. And not fancy bikes. Many of them were quality recycled older frames, outfitted with mismatched handlebars, colorful rims, wheel covers, and decorated with slogans, home-made accessories, and otherwise personalized for use by the urban, hip and generally young cyclists.

I immediately felt the generation gap widening. For one thing, we were carrying chairs...

Comments

[Doug D]

I wish I had a chair. did you see the logs. maybe not, people were sitting on them all weekend. and thanks for bring a sponsor!

[Justyna]

We did find another couple with chairs. That made us feel more at home;)
In reality, though, once I got a hang of the game, I spent relatively little time sitting down. Instead, I was hanging off the chainlink fence along with all the other fans. watching the little ball bounce around, and screaming.