Thanks to everyone who came out for the Mass Ave Polo Expo.  Thanks to Zachary for coming up from Bloomington.  Thanks to Tucker from Chicago Polo for being in town on business and playing with us.  Thanks to INDYCOG, Joe’s, NUVO, and all the event organizers for giving us the opportunity to play.  And thanks to all the public who watched us play instead of watching the race.

If you were not there, here is a brief summary of the hour:

Since we didn’t have the space needed to play a full 3-on-3 game, we improvised by playing a modified half-court, every-man-for-himself game to three points or highest score in 8 minutes.  If you stole the ball from someone, you’d have to take it back to the “half court” line in order for your shot to count.  The two players with the most points in the end would progress on to the next bracket until we were down to the final three players.  A $2 wager was placed by all players for a winner-takes-all prize. 

Well, the first match was James, Hippy Mark, and Schuyler – with James being the only one to score ending the match with three points.  Next up was Tucker, Travis, and Evan Evans – Tucker being the only one who scored.  The last match was Zachary, Corey and Keith.  Zachary made a spectacular attempt at a second point while falling off his bike (which I thought he made but was disputed by those on the sideline), but him and Corey both ended the match with one point each as the clock ran out.  A sudden death match ended with Corey making the final goal.  The final match was between Tucker, James, and Corey in a heated first-to-five match that was supposed to be limited to 10 minutes, but, polo being polo, we gave up keeping score because it was just too much fun to keep time.  I don’t remember the points racked up on that game.  All I remember is that Tucker came out on top and took all of your money, though he only got away with $15.  It doesn’t add up, I know.

 After talking to several of the organizers and supporters of the event, we were assured that we would be able to play again next year.  We’ll be sure to keep everyone informed when that time comes.

In the meantime, get ready for September 11^th when we will host the First Annual Indiana Hardcourt Bicycle Polo All-State Championships.  The competition will be held at the corner of Washington and Alabama and start promptly at 10:00am.  We will need a few dedicated volunteers, so if you would like to help out, please be sure to let us know.  You’ll get a great free breakfast, discounts on some tasty food from the City Market, and high-fives all. day. long.

Unless you have been in a deep dark hole forwho knows how long, you have probably heard about the Mass Ave Criterium this Saturday.  The day is full of kick-ass racinh and all sorts of other bike stuff, including…POLO!

Yes, that is right.  Indianaolis Hardcourt Bike Polo will be swinging their mallets at the criterium from 6 to 7pm at Vermont and Mass Ave.  If you want to play you have to register becuase of legal and liability reasons, but the good part is that registration is free.  You can register ahead of time at http://www.truesport.com/register/events/flyer.asp?ID=1297 or you can register on site.  Bring a helmet if you want to play.

…and be sure to give Ben Hunt from The Indy Cog a well deserved slap on the butt for putting it together for us.  Thanks, Indy Cog, Joe’s and NUVO, you’re the best.

UPDATE: Polo will be played in a modified half-court “21″ style format at the corner of Michigan and Mass from 6 to 7pm. Matches will consist of three players in a timed first-to-three point, every-man-for-himself game with brackets.  If you are going to play, please be there early so we can start right at 6:00.

Come out to polo tonight at 7:00 to help us break-in the new court at 17th and Ruckle.
Ruckle is one block East of Central next to MLK Park.  There is a big abandonded school with a fenced-in lot on the north side.
This court we have been working hard on is 56’x112’, smoov, clean, and completely enclosed (no more chasing balls in the street). There is also some nice green grass and a playground for all you spectators.

Mark your calendars

More to come…