new garage spot

long time.

we still play twice a week. alo might not. who knows?

Harrison Park Clean-up

We've worked it out with the city to get the trailer full of gear to help clean-up the court at Harrison.

If you haven't heard we are getting boards after Bike Stock, a little prep now will make installation of these in a few weeks worth it.

Bring?
- a good attitude
- work gloves
- polo bike


Depending on how it goes, we'll probably play a few games once we're done.

RSVP on the Facebook event.

See you there!

A Lull.

Haven't been doing much around these parts other than our typical Thursday/Sunday pick up.

In my time off from tournaments I've been trying to build up my funds to get to more tournaments. Funny how that works. I also was able to get canti mounts on my Bruiser, so now I'll be able to stop when I'm racing you to the ball on the joust. Party.

See you in Waterloo, Milwaukee, and Louisville.

There you go, Zach.

-Alex

Captain of Team Cockring

Tomorrow's Thursday night polo marks the goodbye of a GR bike polo OG, Casey Cronkright. Temporarily anyway.

He took a job as a medical gypsy and for the next few months will tackle some of Anchorage Alaska's health issues. Bear bites, hypothermia, and never knowing what time it actually is because the sun is still up.

Hopefully he makes his way back someday soon so we can continue to call out his shots every time he makes his way around to the right and tries to shoot it in front of his wheel from behind the goal.

I'm going to miss that shithead.

5 on 5 Polo

What do you do when you have 10+ players come out to play polo on a single court? You play 5-on-5 of course. Well, after you play a number of normal 3-on-3 games why not make the most out of the opportunity.

And that's what we did on Thursday night.

We played with a few unique rules for the 5-on-5 game, which went as followed:

Game Length - 2 Halfs: 20 minutes or first to 10
Mechanical - Out for Half
5 Dabs - Out for Half

Final Score, 6-4 I believe.

What's wrong?

New "there's an ap for that" development...Josh McBryde discovers remotely activated brake lever, can select anywhere between 0 & 100 % brake pull via iPhone. Still working out the bugs.

MWBPC9

We were there. See?

photo by Bruce Carver - brucecarverphoto.com

We partied.

TUESDAY POLO

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

see you at the s-curve. 7pm.

Impromptu Polo | Tornado Polo

You might have seen this on our Facebook page yesterday, we got a few people together under the S-Curve for some polo. There we a few severe thunderstorms, a tornado warning but that didn't stop us and as luck would have it the sun came out for a moment...

A great night.

Easter Polo Sunday

4/24 NOTE: SORRY FOR THE LAST MINUTE CHANGE... NOTE THE CHANGE OF TIME! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

POLO MOVED TO 4PM!

EASTER POLO SUNDAY.

Yes, after 3 days... Polo has risen, it has risen indeed!

Come play this Sunday afternoon at Harrison Park, GR.

Helmets strongly encouraged, extra mallets available to use.

April Month Board Meeting - TONIGHT!

Short notice... but ever wonder how GR Polo works? Who's in charge? What we are doing and planning for the future?

Well, we have monthly meetings the 3rd Tuesday every month that all are welcome to. It's a relaxed board meeting at a great local establishment, Founders Brewery at 7PM

Plus it's open mic afterwards and it's raining, what else do you have to do?

Throwdown Thursday Polo

Thursday nights mean polo.

Under the S-Curve - 1 Front Ave GR, MI

With construction happening on Front, enter parking lot from Fulton.

As always extra mallets available to use, helmets are not required but HIGHLY recommended.

GR Polo on Mlive.com

A photographer from the Grand Rapids Press made it out to Casual Sunday Polo yesterday and a few of the photos made there way to Mlive.com, check them out here.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.

CASUAL SUNDAY POLO!

Last week we broke the court in...
Now let's really have some fun!

Harrison Park, near Richmond St and Muskegon Ave.
Play starts at 2pm until around 6pm.

Extra mallets available to use, helmets are not required but HIGHLY recommended.

Images from last Sunday

Just a few quick shots from the first Sunday playing at Harrison Park.

TONIGHT! | Thursday Polo

It's Thursday... which means, Thursday Night Polo...

Still under the S-Curve. Lights come on at 7pm.

Extra mallets available to use, helmets are not required but HIGHLY recommended.

NEW LOCATION take 2!

Let's try this again!

Casual Sunday Polo at our new location at Harrison Park.

After having to change locations last weekend due to rain, join us this Sunday, 3/27, to play our first games at our new location at Harrison Park!

The closest intersection to Harrison Park is Richmond and Muskegon and where we will be playing is just north of the school by the tennis courts. Click here for directions.

As always, mallets are available if your new and helmets are HIGHLY recommended.

Thursday Polo

3/24 Thursday Polo.

7PM.

Until it gets lighter out at night, we'll continue playing on Thursdays under the S-Curve because the lights come on at 8pm.

Extra mallets available to use, helmets are not required but HIGHLY recommended.

SUNDAY | POLO! NEW LOCATION!

!!! UPDATE 3/20!!!

There is a 80% chance of rain at 2pm than then moves onto 100% during the time frame we play. From the radar it doesn't look like it'll miss us. SO...

POLO IS STILL ON!

We are now going to play under the S-Curve. [1 Front Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49504]

_ _ _

!!! UPDATE 3/19 !!!

There is a 60% chance of rain for tomorrow.

POLO IS STILL ON REGARDLESS,

the venue may change with the weather. I'll do my best to have updated with a decision by noon tomorrow. It is safe to assume that if it's raining, head to under the S-curve.

_ _ _

That's right, a new location. After meetings with the city, Harrison Park, next to Harrison Elementary near the intersection of Richmond and Muskegon is looking like it could be the new, permanent home to GR Bike Polo.

Come join us in breaking in the new court this SUNDAY at 2PM!

If you go to Google Maps, it is just north of the school by the tennis courts.

Helmets are not required by HIGHLY recommended. Extra mallets are available!

February and March Meeting Notes

Because of our non-profit status and to continue to be intentional about fostering growth of bike polo here in Grand Rapids and the rest of Michigan we have begun to meet every 3rd Tuesday at Founders Brewery in their Taproom at 7pm.

The meetings do not go longer than 2 hours and serve not only as a way for us to discuss matters important to all things polo, it is a great time of community between fellow players. All are welcome. Email grandrapidsbikepolo@gmail.com if you have questions about attending.

Below are the highlights and public notes from our February and March meetings. I apologize for the formatting, this will be corrected in future.

_ _ _

Grand Rapids Bike Polo Inc.
March Meeting Minutes

Attendees:

• Alex Angus
• Justin Daining
• Matt Ruiter
• Joshua McBryde
• Casey Cronkright
• Adam Lorenz
• Jay Niewick
• Bob Zeilstra
• 
  
• 
  
• 7:25
• Meeting begins.
• Banking issues - Casey and Jay
• 501c3/501c4 issues
• Park meeting - Matt and Justin
• Parks department is receptive to our requests.
• Harrison elementary
• Boards needed - weatherproof, temporary
• Shared use with the school
• Bike park
• possibly get grant for paved lot
• Sponsorship
• Bikestock
• Frasier insurance
• Sports coverage policy
• 25 players for about $500
• Insurance
• Statewide non-profit insurance policy? like Indiana
• 
  
• Upcoming Tournaments
• Midwestern: Bloomington, IN - May 21,21
• Matt, Alex, Bob; Josh?, Casey, Jay?
• Lafayette, IN - first weekend of April

Play days
Sunday accomodating leisure day? 2 pm
Thursday game face 7pm
Tournament concierge?
how many games can be play in x hours
how is tournament structured

Action Items
Talk to founders about meeting rooms - Jay
Verbiage for city pamphlet - Justin
Indiana insurance company, policy, etc - Matt => Jay
lock down details and details of sponshorship - Josh McBride
GRbikepolo.com - Justin, Bob
Hockey Rink meeting - Matt and Jay were quite involved
Membership cards - alo
Bikestock tournament organization - Josh, Matt, Alo?

Next Meeting
Nail party at Dainings house - TBD

_ _ _

Grand Rapids Bike Polo Inc.
February Meeting Minutes

• Attendees:
• Justin Daining
• Casey Cronkright
• Alex Angus
• Adam Lorenz
• Matt Ruiter
• Joshua McBryde
• Jay Niewick
• Bob Zeilstra

7:30 - Election of Board - Board Members as follow [one year commitment]

-President: Jay Niewiek

- Ambassador: Matt Ruiter

- Scrrribe: Bob Zeilstra

- Treasurer: Casey Cronkright

- Minister of Information: Adam Lorenz

- Board Member: Alex Angus

- Board Member: Justin Daining

- Board Member: Joshua McBryde

7:45
discussion of # of board members and club members, number of board members will be between 5 and 9, with the president acting as the decider for a tie-breaker vote
7:53
casey to get a non-profit banking
7:57
meetings shall be capped at 120 minutes
7:57
meetings third Tuesday of the month
7:59
Matt went to Parks and rec advisory board meeting last week. He described main goals, including establishing a permanent position to play. Positive and receptive of our mission
Meeting prospect in early march with director of advisory board.
8:04
Justin has acquired a large amount of wood, proposal for nail removal party.
8:07
Adam will be in contact regarding photos and write ups of polo whips.
8:07
Casey needs information from Matt for banking
8:09
membership dues, voting rights and membership, t-shirt sales are separate
8:10
shop discounts
8:34
conversation is tabled, number of sponsored members will be determined
8:36
probationary period for board membership to be brought up next meeting
8:38
Matt – parks department and outdoor hockey rink, group of people trying to make this happen. Matt is meeting with this person soon, and we should try to get on board with them. Who wants to go to this meeting with Matt?

Overview
Voting of board members
Organization updates (meeting day, duration, etc)
Parks & Rec
Matt’s meeting with board
Outdoor hockey rink group
Sponsorship
Banking, donations, receipts

Action Items
- Banking information
- Sponsorship
- GRbikepolo.com
- Hockey Rink meeting

St. Patricks Day Polo!

Polo.

Tomorrow.

Under the S-Curve.

7PM.

What better way to celebrate the holiday than on a bike... playing polo.

And you don't even have to wear green.

Enough said. Be there today at 3pm

Need more details? Go to our Facebook page.

Polo Itch!

UPDATE: 2/20 1:40PM | NO POLO | WE WILL PLAY SOON ENOUGH BE ON THE LOOKOUT!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2PM - 5PM, UNDER THE S-CURVE

I've got an itch that needs to be scratched. A Polo Itch.

Sunday doesn't look like the best for weather but most of the snow is gone and I'm not afraid of the temperature or the 'mix'...

So here's the deal, if 6 people RSVP by Sunday at noon. It's on like Donkey Kong!

Go to the Facebook Event page to RSVP. Hope to see you there!

nommin

Alex's Rig.

This is my 1973 Botecchia Deluxe given to me by my friend Fish as a frame and fork a few years back. In my hands, it originally spent some time as some sort of single speed winter beater slash all-around junker before realizing it would make a pretty killer polo whip when the big polo boom of Grand Rapids came around in the spring of 2009.

This bike, like many other polo bikes around this great land called America, is outfitted almost fully of found, free, or otherwise completely random parts bin parts, with exception to a black 32h Velocity Chukker on the rear and a 32h Velocity Fusion on the front.....which could probably use a hell of a tune-up.

I once read that fixed gear polo is a thing of the past, and I am a recent believer. My gearing is 30x16 with a freewheel which may be just about perfect. An old SR Apex touring crank with a weirdo 86 BCD for the little chainring to keep it STEEZY. nom?

ARE YOU NOMMIN?!?!?!?!?!??!

GR Polo Bikes: Alo's Experimental Rig

Well, I already posted this over on the Velocity blog and League of Bike Polo but figured it's worthy of doing here plus give me a reason to finally start highlighting all the bikes we use here in Grand Rapids.

As I've stated on both of the other sites, this is an experimental set-up, especially given the extreme setback of the seatpost. I've already started to brain storm ways of reinforcing the seatpost if I like the set-up. I'm sure there will be some tweaking before I have this totally dialed but I'm excited to get this thing going. Hopefully we'll have some nights to play here soon.

Here is some spec on the bike:

Frame: Schwinn FrontierCrank: Raceface 180mm crank - 34T Surly Chain Ring
Stem/Handlebar - Cannondale C4 Stem shimmed down to work on 1" fork with a handlebar from an old Bridgestone handlebar - lots of sweep [also shimmed]
Seatpost: Black Ops set-back
Front wheel: 26" Velocity Aeroheat 32H - Robins Egg Blue [RIP] w/ gold nips and hub, 3X
Rear wheel: 26" Velocity Cliffhanger laced to a custom spaced SS hub w/ a 5-speed FW
Brakes: mix and match, from the double pull lever to the Red Tektro front V-brake to the rear old-new stock from a local shop

Travel time?

As seen over at Urban Velo.

London Open 2010 Highlights from Jon Marshall on Vimeo.

GRBP to A2

You might have seen some of this over on the Velocity blog but GRBP headed to Ann Arbor this last Saturday. Jay and I were only able to play Saturday while Matt, Alex and Josh stayed to enjoy two days of polo. Simply a great time and our hats go off the A2BP for putting this little gathering together and for FTWBP for joining in also! Fort Wayne has a post on the weekend too, so check that out if you haven't already.

Here a few pictures and to extremely quick and anti-climatic videos from Saturday. Sure I could have taken more or tried to catch a goal but I was too busy playing or drinking.

legit.

We're kinda legit now...

Grand Rapids Bike Polo is now an officially sanctioned Non-Profit!