Sorry lads, this post will not be that funny, but we HAVE to talk a bit about security…
Playing polo isn’t something easy, and falling during the game happens, most of the time without any consequences: it hurts but it’s OK, you like pain (don’t you?) and you’re quickly back in the game.
Phil ‘Ram Man’ Miarmi shows off one of his many bike-polo-related injuries. Photo by Alexandra DiPalma
But sometimes, it can go wrong, and this is specially sad when an accident could be avoided.
2 month ago, Kerry posted a really nice picture of her thigh after a fall on an handlebar:
(…) The grip went in 2 inches, missed arteries, but it left a nice hole for the doctor to sew up (…)
There are 14 external stitches and about 5-6 internal stitches to sew the muscle together. (…)
It took (…) about 6 months before the wound itself healed fully over.
That’s why bar ends have to be placed in the end of your handlebars ! I think it’s clear…
Loads of players put covers to protect their precious wheels, but as my father would have said: “Gloves are not made for dogs”, and you can find some knee protections and shin pads in every sport/ soccer shop for less than 10€ . A friend, playing hockey, told me that mouth guard was now obligatory: this could also be used in polo, but if you don’t like this kind of thing, you can play with an helmet and a grid, to save your face and teeth (I’ve already been hit in the mouth with a mallet, hopefully not directly on the teeth, and I can ensure you it’s pretty painful).
The Bern helmet, known for its qualitative and nice design, modified by polo players.
Last month, our friend Merlin, a fixie-tricks rider from Brussels, fell on his face…
… and today, he bought an helmet. I like it !
We are now more and more polo players and riders to wear protections, I play every single polo match with gloves and tibia pads, and always go for a long ride with my helmet:
it’s like going out with my keys.
And if you are still hesitating, just check (again) those really persuasive asian ads:
Polo is a game, riding a bike is great crack: let’s just continue as it is !
Pictures Sources:
• Phil ‘Ram Man’ Miarmi’s arm/ Alexandra DiPalma; • Kerry’ thigh injury; • The Nikesportswear Club / © Jean-Baptiste Soulliat; • Bern 1; Bern 2; Bern 3; • Ads: Ogilvy & Mather Vietnam agency.
hey, i’ve had a discussion about this whole security/protection issue with a friend a few days ago. I totally agree that plugging handlebars and mallets is neccessary for anyone entering the court. And I personally would recomment anyone to wear a helmet and gloves. But wearing protectors all over could also lead to a reverse effect discribed by you, perhaps making the game even more riskful.. when every player looked like a gladiator, i can imagine that the intensity of the game could rise. poeple perhaps would feel safer and ride more risky.
I think the most important thing is that people playing bikepolo take care of the others on the court. Polo originally is a gentlemen’s sport and that is something that should be taken on the hardcourts as well.
This whole issue is a two sided coin and worth discussing it. it’s good that you posted this article!
Why wouldn’t anyone want to ride a fixed gear (sarcasm)
Anyone who wants to be a “cool kid” would ride a fixie.
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