photos by newphotographer

When the snow starts to melt and the days get longer, local mountain bikers start to get that itch. No, not the one you get from tight lycra and humidity, but the itch to clip-in and get out. But alas, the soggy season is upon us, often leaving only one option for these jonesing maniacs: bike polo. Polo is thought to be the worlds oldest team sport, dating back to when Persian warriors first rode horses into battle. Combine that with some clever chaps invention of the bicycle, and voila! Teams begin with a joust of sorts, riding full speed from opposite ends of the field to the center, where the ball sits. With one hand steering and braking, both feet clipped in, and a large mallet in hand, this game can get ugly. Requiring precise hand-eye coordination, players must maneuver the ball through the goal, which sits a mere bike-length wide. Bike polo combines elements of biking, racket sports and team work, with matches typically lasting two hours. Sunday afternoons are the time to find this motley crew bending spokes, scraping knees and having fun on a certain large grassy field in town. So come out and give support to this unique group athletes, funny clothing optional.

Scott Shishim carries the ball downfield while Anne Pedevilla works a little defense. The Unofficial Durango Bike Polo Team, seen here wondering how to get the fourth graders off the field so they can start their game. Above: With a little help from his clip-in pedals and gravity, Brendon Shafer takes a bow after scoring a goal. Robin Guillaume, left, and Chad Cheeney race for the ball on a drive to the goal. Scott Shishim, with his locally made ride, undergoes a pre-game gear check. Dressed to kill, Chad Cheeney displays a typical bike polo uniform consisting of cut-offs and argyle socks, which work to distract opponents as well as protect the shins.