In what has become a tradition, Quyon held the third annual Rumble By The River cycle polo tournament from May 19 until May 22. Taking place on the hockey rink and fields that surround the Quyon Community Centre, the event attracted cycle polo enthusiasts from throughout North America.
Cycle polo is similar to traditional polo, except that bicycles are used instead of horses. The game can be played either on grass or a hardcourt, with the latter being chosen for Rumble By The River. With teams of three competing against one another, the goal of the game is to score more points then your opponent, using a large mallet to hit a ball into a net.
With the municipality’s permission, event participants were able to camp in the fields adjacent to the rink where Rumble By The River was held. Some participants opted to stay at the storied Gavan’s Hotel rather than spend their nights in a tent.
The main tournament was held on May 20 and 21, with pickup games being played on May 19 and 22 respectively.
Event organizer, Justin Matheson said that Rumble By The River was started after Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns had ended and has morphed into a growing gathering for the sport.
“We found this location in Quyon and we’ve been stoked with it,” said Matheson. “Play polo, camp and have some fun. That’s what it’s all about.”
Matheson credits the townspeople of Quyon for being excellent and welcoming hosts year-after-year.
Event participant Tyler Fratantonio, who came from Buffalo, New York for the event said cycle polo is similar to hockey in the way it plays – fast paced and teamwork oriented.
“Personally, getting into the bike community is what got me into cycle polo. I was racing fixed gear bikes and then because Buffalo is a big hockey community some friends of mine invited me out to play and I loved it,” said Fratantonio. “It’s a fast growing sport that gets played all over. The first tournament I ever went to was in Anchorage, Alaska.”
“Last week I was at the North American championships in Mexico,” added Matheson. “More and more people are getting into it.”
Connor Lalande
Quyon May 20, 2023
