Culture Fiend

Seattle Hosts World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championships

The two-wheeled action starts Friday at Magnuson Park.

Posted by: Matthew Halverson on Sep 08, 2011 at 09:30AM 0 Comments

Bike polo’s a little different now.

Don’t let the tongue-in-cheek team names—Han Polo and the Tusken Raiders, That’s What She Said, Never Nudes (Arrested Development reference FTW!)—dupe you into dismissing bike polo as faux-jock hipster hooey. The guys and gals who compete in this two-wheeled, three-on-three version of the traditionally horseback sport are as serious as a mallet to the face.

And they’re especially passionate about it in Seattle, where more than 50 teams will compete in this year’s World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championships (Sept 9–11, Magnuson Park). The modern version of bike polo ramped up here in 2003 at an international skills competition for bike messengers. The winning team of the first WHBP Championships, held in 2009 in Philadelphia, hailed from the Emerald City. And local gearheads are so passionate about the sport that last November they joined members of Seattle’s dodgeball community to convince the city’s parks department to officially grant them access to tennis courts at Cal Anderson and Judkins Park for their matches.

Need more proof that bike polo is the real deal? Take a look at this hardcore hardcourt action from earlier this year:

The sport doesn’t need any validation—least of all in Seattle—and the fact that its world championships are back where the whole thing started eight years ago is a good sign that it’s not going away any time soon.

The World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championships run Fri & Sat, 10–6:30, and Sun 10–5 at Magnuson Park. Admission is free for spectators.

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Tags: hipsters, Sports, Outdoor Events, Biking

Today’s Summer Guide Pick: Dancing ’Til Dusk

If you can’t dance with the stars, at least you can dance under them.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Jul 19, 2011 at 09:30AM 0 Comments

Photo: Alexandra Notman.

Rob Gardiner had never danced a day in his life until he came to a Dancing ‘Til Dusk event. Now…well, he’s doing just fine.

From the Seattle Summer Events Guide:

Learn to swing, salsa, tango, and waltz from a pro (for free!) before trying out your new moves at one of the Dancing ’Til Dusk nights. The annual outdoor dance sessions kick off tonight at Westlake Park. This evening’s swing lesson lasts from 6-7, and according to last year’s instructor Ari Levitt, “If you can walk and hold hands, then you’re already halfway there.” Kevin Buster’s Lunch Money plays the blues and swing until 9pm, but if it looks like rain, call ahead: 206-264-5646. All are welcome.

Dancing ‘Til Dusk runs through Sept 15 at outdoor sites across downtown Seattle: Westlake Park, Freeway Park, Occidental Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park. For the complete schedule, visit danceforjoy.biz. Want to see what it’s like? Check out our slideshow from last year’s swing night.

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Tags: Dance, Outdoor Events