Formerly Brick Lane Bike Polo
I haven’t had much to say about it recently, but thats because I have been lazy and haven’t really been down. I’ve heard though that despite the not so summery weather its still going strong and lots of people still go down on Sunday. Wednesday sessions seem to have died off for now. But if you are female check out Tuesday night Trixie Chicks who often find time for an all girl polo game or two.
A link to something posted on MT. Ryan is in a nasty financial/life spot after a run in with a Mercedes, read the details here. I’ve only run into Ryan maybe once or twice and wouldn’t say I know him but he always came across as cool. I’d like to think that if I was in a similar position to him people would help me out as everyone gets into tight spots sometimes so I’ll be grabbing a t-shirt when I get a chance…
This Sunday 2nd of December the Oxford polo crew are hosting a bit of a get together-tournament thing and you are invited.Details are really sparse right now, but Londoners can jump on the Oxford Tube coach and get up there pretty cheap and quick. Check back for latest info on times and venue.
Saturday 1st December – somewhere around Brick Lane. Fixed Gear London and Roxy are throwing a party and screening the much talked about film MASH. This has been in making for a couple of years now and if the trailers/hype is anything to go by should feature everything you would normally expect in a film about fixed gears but with fancier photography and a better soundtrack. Ok that’s not selling it that well but its meant to be really good. Check out http://www.mashsf.com/ for more on the film.
Details are scarce about the Saturday showing but drop Andy an email at andyfgldn – gmail.com if you want to know more and find out how to get in. Word is there will be film, beer, some sort of competition (think tricks) and maybe even popcorn.
On the subject of films – check MT’s post about messenger films which didn’t make it to London’s BFF this year…
Financial Times had this to say today, no mention of the coolest thing to do in London on a bike though š
Given Ā£1,000 ($2,000) to spend on a bicycle, most sensible people would select one with 30 smooth gears, lightweight suspension for the bumps, and disc brakes that stop on a sixpence. Yet a rapidly growing number of urban riders are rejecting a century of innovation and spending large sums of money on bikes without gears, without suspension, with only one brake and not even a freewheel.
The choice of buying a fixed-wheel bike or ātrack bikeā for city use appears to defy common sense, convenience and considerations of personal safety. Non-initiates to the so-called āfixieā consider their owners to have a few screws loose as well as missing a few gears. The disadvantages of fixed-wheel bikes are obvious ā you canāt freewheel down hills, you canāt change gear going uphill, you have to time stopping to perfection otherwise you land on your rear and, without mudguards, you get soaked every time it rains.
Full story after the jump. Continue reading ‘FT article on riding fixed in London’
The windy, rainy, freezing, damp and generally nasty weather was too much for me today, and I only passed by the polo court. I guess around 20 very brave people were down there playing though – looked like you were having fun and just managing to stay warm. Haven’t seen any photos and don’t think the BBQ made it this week!
I also managed to miss the Rapha Roller Race on Old Street on Saturday night by turning up fashionably late only to find out everyone was going home at around 12:30AM. From chatting to people afterwards it seems like it was great fun but as I wasn’t there I’m unable to pass judgement (bitch) about the music. Well done to everyone who took part and especially the winners! Male couriers managed to make up for losing last time back in February by battling off the competition while the Fireflies got revenge on the female couriers and won this time round.
Check out Moving Target for full results and check out the comments for photos and video links. Rollapaluza’s site has a full report. Check out their flickr photo pool for lots of photos and add yours if you have any!
Rapha are hosting a roller racing competiton this Saturday, 17th November on Old Street. According to them themselves:
The evening will feature a four-way clash between teams of bicycle couriers, cycle journalists, media folk and a ādark horseā Dutch team made up of unnamed riders. The 500 metre sprints will be staged in a boxing ring, pitching rider against rider for added intensity and drama. The night also includes a āHave-a-Goā Race: the chance for anyone to test their skills on the rollers with the best times going through to a final on the main stage.
Last time, back in February, this took place at Shoreditch Town Hall and was great fun. I liked what they were aspiring too, it was just a shame the music sucked – where was the big band?
Anyway this time round its at The Classic Car Club (what’s Rapha’s thing with classic cars?!), 250 Old Street EC1. Tickets are Ā£10 on the door or Ā£8 in advance from the Rapha site. Apparently some of the money is for charity. See you there!
For more (and cheaper) roller racing check out Rollapaluza.
Until we find somewhere indoors to play this is as good as its going to get in winter.
Thanks to the barbecue crew who brought down supplies on Sunday to feed the masses. I think they made some cash from donations to fund doing it again next week which is great news. As the afternoon drew to a close people gathered round the grill and toasted marshmallow. Awww how sweet. After’s the success of last weeks games, polo was again interrupted for a few rounds of PISUMO. As usual – great photos from Robb.
Last Sunday’s polo was wonderful, despite the onslaught of cold winter there was a great turnout – see it in Robb’s photos.
PISUMO
Yorgo just came back from Tokyo and brought this with him…
The basic idea is that – Pista + Sumo = PISUMO:
– you create a big circle of riders holding their bikes (6-7 meters wide)
– then 2 riders at each time get into the circle
– 3 laps in one direction, then START!
– from then it’s like footdown (whoever touches the ground first loses), but with only 2 people.
– you make sumo noises
– If you exit the circle you’re out
See Robb’s photos again for an idea of what it looks like on Brick Lane or watch this…
Anyway see on Sunday and I hear there is going to be a barbecue so bring food to grill!
London Bike Polo 
Recent Comments