Bid NAHBPC 2010: Madison, WI

Submitted by jonny on November 21, 2009 - 11:53am

Sponsors:

Committed Sponsors Trek Underground Food Collective (food/catering) Bradburry (food, coffee) Saris (bicycle racks) Just Coffee (food/catering) IronWorks Cafe (food/catering) Yellow Jersey (wrench) Thorps Hair Salon (shaves and haircuts for players) Context Clothing Swrve Cycling Apparel Fleet Velo (makers of the Joust) Jonny Cycles (wrench) Potential Sponsors Williamson Street Bicycles (wrench, parts) Planet Bike (based in Madison WI) Profile Racing Brooks many others

Anticipated cost of registration:

$15 per player.

Proceeds :

Our primary goal is to provide players with the best possible value for their registration fee, so we intend to support other tournaments and the NAHBPC in 2011.

A portion of proceeds will be given to Wisconsin Bicycle Federation, which has voiced support for the event (see attachment at the bottom).

Other proceeds will be rolled back into Madbikepolo, including what we hope to be the first sanctioned, purpose-built polo court in North America or the world.

We commit to full transparency in our budget.

Finances:

We plan to keep player costs to a minimum, $15. Trek bicycle company, based out of a small town just east of Madison, has pledged significant support to cover logistical costs, including top-quality well-lit courts.

Format:

This is tentative. As stated above, we will further develop this plan with a subcommittee of NA Hardcourt.

Day 1: Swiss Round: AM and PM groups with up to 48 teams each. The top half of each group advance to PM group on Day 2.
Day 2: Swiss Round: AM and PM groups with up to 48 teams each. The top 24 teams from PM group advance to Day 3's double elimination.
Day 3: 24 team double elimination.

Eligibility:

If necessary, we will determine an eligibility system along with NA Hardcourt, drawing potentially from regional tournaments. However, it is unlikely we'll hit the 96 team limit.

How many teams will you have capacity for? :

96 teams. This will guarantee at least 12 tournament games for each team (6 games on Friday, 6 games on Saturday), plus a 24 team double elimination for the top 24 teams on Sunday.

There will also be 4 pickup courts--two at Quann Park and two at the Thunderdome.

Long term goals:

Continue in the tradition of well-run NAHBPC. Support the sport of bike polo. Reach out to new Sponsors. Bicycle Advocacy. Permanent bike polo structure for Madison Bike Polo.
Establish some new standards for how to run large, 3-day tournaments. We will provide future tournament organizers with detailed plans, production schedule, etc.

Attachments:

QuannPark.pdf

What else do you want to add? :

We have received support from the City of Madison Parks Department to host this tournament, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, Two members of the city council have given explicit support as well as the Downtown Visitors Bureau. <strong>SCHEDULE </strong> THURSDAY Pickup at Quann Park and Reynolds Field Welcome party/Registration @ medium sized bar that serves food FRIDAY All day: Pick up on two courts at Quann Park, and two courts at Reynolds Field. 10am-12pm: Registration 12pm-5pm: Group A, 48 teams on 6 courts in Swiss Rounds. Each team plays 6 10-minute games. 5pm-10pm: Group B, 48 teams on 6 courts in Swiss Rounds. Each team plays 6 10-minute games. SATURDAY All day: pick up on two courts at Quann Park, and two courts at Reynolds Field. 10am-3pm: AM Group. 48 team swiss rounds, with bottom 24 teams from Friday Group A and B. Each team plays 6 10 minute games. 3pm-8pm: PM group. Top 24 teams from each Friday Group. Each team plays 6 10 minute games. 9pm Party: At large bar in Madison, either High Noon Saloon or the Majestic. Two free beers per player. SUNDAY 10am-6pm: Reynolds Field, 24 team double elimination (47 or 48 games... see http://printyourbrackets.com/20seededdouble.html) First 32 games are 12 minutes long, the rest are untimed. Party around the corner at High Noon Saloon.

Links:

http://tr.im/nahbpc2010

Location

John Nolen Dr

Madison, WI

United States

See map: Google Maps

November 21, 2009 - 11:32pm

keith

Seattle

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

November 21, 2009 - 11:47pm

ben

Madison

jonny kev and others wrote this. im the pessimist in the group and i claim that we can meet at least 90% on our claims. if not ill give you 90 clams, wich is spelled similar to claims, so i thought it would be appropriate.

also i spelled every word in this post correctly with out the help of spell check. so im really proud of that. thought i would let you know. i knew there was a perfect combination of weed and booze that corrected my absurd sense of grammar and spelling.

ps. i finally had to use spell check to fix the word grammar. i spelled it grammer. sorry...

November 22, 2009 - 8:52pm

Drew CoMO

St. Louis Bike Polo

"without" is one word.

Drew Deubner, raining on grammatical parades since 1987

SUCK TOWN POLO

November 22, 2009 - 9:52pm

ben

Madison

yea but the can be used separately as well right?

November 22, 2009 - 10:38pm

Drew CoMO

St. Louis Bike Polo

"With" is one word, "out" is one word, and "without" is a combo of the two used as a preposition.

Kind of like "an" and "other" being separate words, but together they make "another", which means roughly the same thing as the two separate words but serves as an adjective.

p.s.-- I like the proposal! Go Madison.

SUCK TOWN POLO

November 22, 2009 - 11:00pm

ben

Madison

are you a journalist our a typesetter. dont try adn win me over with your support for our bid,. this is serious. dont lecture me. forums create new grammer who are you to stand in the way of change. who are you?

November 22, 2009 - 11:12pm

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

I will throw myself down to defend all that is good and righteous in this world, including forums that are readable. This IS serious!

November 22, 2009 - 11:29pm

ben

Madison

yea yea yea.

what is readable iask you, what is readalbe

November 21, 2009 - 11:59pm

chris roberts

NYC

do ya'll have corn on the cob and what not?
do people have to clean the floor?
are you gonna be a dick to lefty?

fixcraft.net

November 22, 2009 - 12:09am

#10

ben

Madison

wich lefty, chicago lefty gets my dick, nycsack is a dick.

yes, also my bathrooms and my the rugs. you can pick up the dry cleaning by five.

no cob on the corn, but well have pig on a stick. youll like that.

mad bike polo = bop not making it past the second day.

November 22, 2009 - 1:25am

#11

chris roberts

NYC

more like a brrrrrrrrrrrr than a dick. either way he deserves your godmotherhood. nycmke-who-what-when-where-why is now in the top five (paul cap07 nickfuture texas) of east coast smallballers and once he goes home he, along with bribri atwell hewitt kremin, (sorry joeleft) will be top five in midwest.

i'm only cleaning sams' house from here to perpetuity. and lees' or what have you. best biscuits and jam this side of the pacific and atlantic.

is that like a doner?

there's a second day? that must be what daddy tern has been yapping about this whole time.

fixcraft.net

November 22, 2009 - 9:44am

#12

mad_sam (not verified)

Come to NAs in Madison, more biscuits and jam if you stay here.

November 22, 2009 - 12:00am

#13

Doug D

Wow! I cant wait!

Doug D
Brooklyn, New York
http://www.hardcourtbikepolo.com/

Doug D
Brooklyn, New York
hardcourtbikepolo+gmail+com
hardcourtbikepolo.com

November 22, 2009 - 12:20am

#14

bjorn

Minneapolis Hardcourt Bike Polo

"shaves and haircuts for players"

Sign me up!

flickr: stream | polo --- twitter

blargh | flickr: stream \ polo | twitter

November 22, 2009 - 12:34am

#15

Cory_skullshag

Calgary Bike Polo

wow these new bids are so fresh its ULTA-mint
...its nice to see how serious everyone is getting.. now that I got me a passport I'm itching for more crazy American polo tours...and more of that FDA approved yellow #5 Sparks shit ... oh and that cheese in a can ..wtf?..

..more bids!! more bikefuckenpolo!!

...BallAholics...Multiple Scoregasms...Thundercock...

November 22, 2009 - 1:44am

#16

dustin

Seattle

got my vote.

November 22, 2009 - 1:46am

#17

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

you don't get a vote.

BOP: Eating Ben Hunter's shit since yesterday.

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

November 22, 2009 - 7:46am

#18

sir woadie...

Baltimore Hardcourt Bike Polo

This is Amrikanadia, ya'lls votes don't count. It's on the shoulders of the temp/24plus 1
The only thing I know about Madison is that, there "replica" of the capitol building in D.C. is scaled down out of respect.
confirm or deny

BOP!

Portland United
www.eighthinch.com

November 22, 2009 - 10:21am

#19

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

wouldn't call it a replica, but it is the finest capitol building of any state. Johnny Depp et al. hung out here for Public Enemies just cause its so cool

November 22, 2009 - 10:14am

#20

Sveden

Minneapolis Hardcourt Bike Polo

Bid looks fantastic.

Minneapolis Bike Polo dot Com

November 22, 2009 - 10:43am

#21

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

The issue of penultimate importance: Courts.

As designated court builder, I hereby assure the Poloverse that I will do everything possible to ensure the temporary boards at Quann Park are very playable. In my mind, that means the ball rebounds well, doesn't get stuck in the seam, the boards give a little when you crash into them and the height is such that your pedal can't end up on top of them. (Do we have a video of Ben flipping when he hit the Border Patrol in Como?)

Expect the courts to be free of debris and as smooth as the Parks department will let me make it. I'm talking about Quick-crete in the few irregularities that aren't covered by the boards.

The use of hay bales will be restricted to the construction of the podium for Sunday night, which by the way, did you notice that you get cash if you make get up there?!

November 22, 2009 - 10:46am

#22

ben

Madison

jon you sounded good till the make get up there part.

November 22, 2009 - 10:52am

#23

lucky

I like how at night, you ask Kev to cut you off cos you're so drunk that you can't spell right, but the very next morning you're correcting Jon's syntax.

Bid looks good, guys and girls of Madison, let's bring this party to the interior.

Chicago Bike Polo 2003-2008
St Louis Bike Polo 2008-fun

Wanna buy some polo stuff?
http://www.fixcraft.net/stcago

November 22, 2009 - 11:04am

#24

ben

Madison

its cuz not cos

November 22, 2009 - 11:07am

#25

mad_sam (not verified)

'cuz' as in 'because', 'cos' as in 'cosplay'.

November 22, 2009 - 10:05pm

#26

Matt-Hewitt

Milwaukee

Jon, have you decided on what you will use for goals?

www.mkebikepolo.com
www.mkebikepolo.com/wordpress

www.mkebikepolo.com/wordpress

November 22, 2009 - 10:58pm

#27

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

I have not. I personally would like to see there be a movement toward hockey style goals with a net, but our bid doesn't include this because it can be a controversial issue. That said, our bid has a total of 10 courts with 20 goals and the chances of anyone finding 20 hockey style goals maybe preclude the exclusive use of them. However, if our esteemed representatives at the NA Hardcourt Governing Body would like to see hockey goals used, Sunday's games will be played with them.

November 22, 2009 - 11:02am

#28

Joey California

Very nice bid! You guys really got trek to sponsor your tourny!(excitement not question)
That's cool I guess! Is Lance making an appearance? You should find Fisher I am sure he will want to see this when he finds out.

Good shit guys! I would come if you won the bid.

When do bids close?

November 22, 2009 - 11:02am

#29

jonny

Madison

bids closed last night.

November 22, 2009 - 11:06am

#30

Zachary-Blmgtn

Bloomington Bike Polo

Quote:

Thorps Hair Salon (shaves and haircuts for players)

In true Wisconsin fashion, award-winning Pleasant Ridge Reserve will be our cheese sponsor. http://www.uplandscheese.com/video/pleasantridgereserve_dsl2.wmv

96 teams. This will guarantee at least 12 tournament games for each team...
There will also be 4 pickup courts--two at Quann Park and two at the Thunderdome.

96 team capacity, free haircuts, a cheese sponsor,and 4 pickups courts!!!! I'm in awe. I'd come to this even if it weren't so close.

November 22, 2009 - 11:06am

#31

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

I should elaborate a bit more on the courts. Our budget is focused on the courts. In our numbers, we have around $6k dedicated to court construction alone. We will build and test the courts before anyone gets to town, that is, unless this bid is so good that you feel impelled to move to Madison this winter.

November 22, 2009 - 11:08am

#32

mad_sam (not verified)

its compel not impel

November 22, 2009 - 11:58am

#33

ben

Madison

impel: to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure

November 22, 2009 - 12:31pm

#34

mad_sam (not verified)

compel: to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly

November 22, 2009 - 1:54pm

#35

ben

Madison

sorry that was jon posting on my computer, i dont care what words you people use, as long as they are correct, and it seems like both of these words would have been fine.

November 22, 2009 - 2:18pm

#36

reese

Pullman Moscow Bike Polo

chimpelled: ben was propelled to apologize

P/M Hardcourt

November 22, 2009 - 2:25pm

#37

ben

Madison

Your search - chimpelled - did not match any documents.

Suggestions:

Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
Try different keywords.
Try more general keywords.

November 22, 2009 - 2:14pm

#38

reese

Pullman Moscow Bike Polo

Where will the voting take place? Does everyone post their vote to these threads, will there be voting threads, or do we contact our reps and they vote for us?

P/M Hardcourt

November 22, 2009 - 2:24pm

#39

ben

Madison

you posted this on the boston bid, did you think that people are only going to read one of the bids? contact your reps. they vote for you.

November 22, 2009 - 3:31pm

#40

reese

Pullman Moscow Bike Polo

I posted this on both bids because:
1. The voting process is not clearly defined, at least in a place where I could find it on the .ca.
2. Both of the threads are for discussion of the venue so that we can take a vote, right?

Since the vote is coming up in a few days i just wanted to get the info. in the relative discussions.

P/M Hardcourt

November 22, 2009 - 4:30pm

#41

ben schicago

Chicago

Ben Hunter is correct. Check the "Presenting NA Hardcourt..." thread and you'll see that the first act of this interim 24-person organizing body is to vote on the bids submitted for the NAHBPC. One of it's other duties - after this vote - will be establishing a more, democratic voting system with city and regional reps. So though the open discussions on each bid will be weighed heavily, the vote will be among the interim 24 members.

The best thing you can do is voice your opinion in one of the threads AND contact the rep in your region. Hope this helps a bit, sorry for any confusion.

November 22, 2009 - 10:32pm

#42

reese

Pullman Moscow Bike Polo

No confusion and posting to show I take Hardcourt way to seriously. And i do know Ben Hunter is always correct.

P/M Hardcourt

November 22, 2009 - 2:36pm

#43

Leon

Seattle

Good job Mad Bike Polo sounds like you have put a lot of work into all the details. I was wondering if you can post the rules you would be playing by. Also the refs if there would be any and What type of a role they would take.
Leon
Seattle Bike Polo

November 23, 2009 - 9:46am

#44

jonny

Madison

Because this is the flagship event for the North American Hardcourt we are going to work out the rules with the regional reps as a way to have a rulebook that is more definitive and understood by the participants. It is our not our plan to stray far from the current incarnations of rules that has been around but a few incremental changes could be helpful in clarifying the rules.

We will have ref's and goal judges for each match. We will be taking volunteers from the participants and plays who don't participate and we will be setting up shifts where a group of three is in charge of a court. Also, we expect the refs to be attentive and definitive in their calls.

November 23, 2009 - 9:29pm

#45

Leon

Seattle

Jonny as a rep I have started taking a vote for all the people in my local clubs and there are a lot of people concerned with the physical play that they have seen from Madison and the Midwest in general. Is there anything you would like to say to these people to perhaps try to sway them.

Leon
Seattle Bike Polo

November 23, 2009 - 10:08pm

#46

Doug D

I really don't see how an opinion on how individuals play has much to do with the tournament hosting ability of a city.
If people are resting their votes based on liking(or not liking) how physical potential host have played in the past. It seems like it might be an anti-vote out of spite. but I hope I'm wrong about that.

And if all that sounds negative I only wanted to set up this point. Madison (and the Midwest in general) is going to be at the North Americans if it's in Madison or if it's in Boston. So please vote based on hosting ability.

Doug D
Brooklyn, New York
hardcourtbikepolo.com
flickr.com/photos/daytonohio

Doug D
Brooklyn, New York
hardcourtbikepolo+gmail+com
hardcourtbikepolo.com

November 24, 2009 - 10:13am

#47

jonny

Madison

I would just add that tournaments in Madison and tournaments in the midwest have not been overly physical. I think that the rules and the contact will be set as a national tournament and i really do hope that our ability to organize and host this thing is what matters. Like i said before we are going to work on making the rules for this tournament rules that are part of the NA Hardcourt body so hopefully each region will have a say in how that ends up functioning.

November 23, 2009 - 11:00pm

#48

BribriMKE

Milwaukee

Have their mothers wrap them in bubble wrap

November 24, 2009 - 10:39am

#49

keith

Seattle

I'd like to add that it's not just the Midwest that plays (& enjoys) a physical game. Just because Madison has a popular player who is in a lot of videos falling down a lot doesn't mean that play will be any different in their home town vs. away. The clarity of the rules should be the same with either host.

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

November 24, 2009 - 11:40am

#50

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

I think of your constituents' concerns as a reason for hosting the NAs in Madison! Their concerns have to do with an idea of the Midwest we'd like to dispel. Sure we take polo seriously, just like everyone else who will come to this tournament, but we aren't all roughnecks who beat each other up! Actually, we're all respectful individuals who will also be gracious hosts. Coming to our place is a great way to show what the Midwest and its polo game is about; great polo and people! Madison Bike Polo and a host of local businesses are willing to put up a lot of money and resources to show the rest of North American polo this very fact. That's why you should vote to bring NAHBPC to Madison next year.

November 24, 2009 - 3:03pm

#51

Leon

Seattle

Thank you Jon, I fully agreed with you and I wanted someone from Madison to say publicly what you just have. I have been to Madison and played pick up and know how good all of you are at polo. I also know that you have a comitted club who will work together to have possibly the greatest tournament ever. I thought what you said needed to be said out in public so everyone knows. I want to let you know that you have my support. I am from the East Coast and if The North Americans happens in Boston my entire family could come and that would be great for me. That aside based on bids I think you have a better bid and if you can do 90% of what you say you can do and I think you can you will have one great Tournament.

I want my region to know that if you disagree with me please call me or email me at leon.outdoor@gmail.com I have been taking a vote and I contacted some clubs in my area but I have only had people in Seattle vote so far.
My vote will be the majority of what the people in my area want.

Leon
Seattle Bike Polo
North American Hard Court Champ 2009

November 24, 2009 - 2:34pm

#52

joeMKE

Milwaukee

it's unfair to say that the midwest game is overly physical. we love and have as much respect for bike polo as any other region. the midwest game and style of play evolved analogously from the west and east coast and because of our different roots, have a different style of play that we are proud of. i think one of the coolest things about a tourney that attracts so many different regions is to watch the regional match-ups and see what style of kung-fu is the best.

it's the North American tournament, not the Madison/Midwest bruiser tournament (and i don't know why folks in seattle think that's how we play anyways) Madison is an awesome town and Mad Bike Polo are great hosts (leon, i think you know this)

- Beaver Boys * Milwaukee Bike Polo Club -

November 28, 2009 - 9:58am

#53

brokebike

Lexington Bike Polo

I agree with what Keith and Joe have said above, but also I can see how the idea that we play an overly physical game here in the Midwest can be perpetuated... just look how popular that highlight reel of Ben's crashes and checks from Como was when it was posted. Sure, it's entertaining, but if the thought of being a bunch of bruisers offends anyone, then maybe we shouldn't glorify that stuff in such a way. I mean, that stuff happens in just about any given game between any two teams. I think people have just come to enjoy expecting it when they watch a Madison game, and the next thing you know you get a video compilation. I know I've seen Martin, Doug, even Elton play just as physical a game as what you would witness in a Madison game. This stuff happens no matter where you're from or what style you normally play.

Basically what I'm saying is that perhaps we're all as much to blame as spectators, or in our forum posts for this stereotype of the Midwest style of play.

{}------- lexington -------{}

November 22, 2009 - 3:36pm

#54

Birdseye

Seattle

I fully support this

November 23, 2009 - 11:47pm

#55

tommygbaby

NYC

"i fully support tits"

November 22, 2009 - 5:00pm

#56

Timmm

COMOPOLO

Not to sound too selfish (and not that it in anyway affects anything), but if NA's are in Madison, I can probably swing both this and Worlds.
OGT-COMOPOLO

November 22, 2009 - 7:36pm

#57

.kremin.

Milwaukee

so i tried to explain what awesome host Madison are but i literally couldn't put it in words. I can guaranty that this will be the BEST tournament bike polo has ever seen. every other bid should be thrown out. vote madtown!
http://www.mkebikepolo.com/wordpress/

http://www.mkebikepolo.com/wordpress/
Das Beaver Boys

November 23, 2009 - 2:11am

#58

stevenso

Tulsa

Really nice job here! I hope you get it.

November 23, 2009 - 2:55am

#59

sauls

PENSACOLA BIKE POLO

i love this bid and just wondering if the thunderdome is used for sundays games will there be issues with 300+ players and spectators having room to watch the games. and goal judges on this side (in photo) where the goal is seem like there would be no room.

ive never been just seen photos so this is why im asking. its also really late and i shouldnt be posting. sorries if this doesnt make sense.

November 23, 2009 - 9:35am

#60

jonny

Madison

the courts will be set up so there is room at the end of each court spectators and there is a chain link fence that runs all 200 feet of the court with about 7 feet of space for spectators. This should not be a problem. Here is a video that gives a good idea of where the spectators will be. http://vimeo.com/3277943

November 23, 2009 - 9:52am

#61

jonny

Madison

A quick update to our bid. The dates at the top are the 17th, 18th and 19th. Which places the tournament on Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Our bid is going to be the 16th, 17th and 18th. Sorry for the mistake.

November 23, 2009 - 11:50pm

#62

tommygbaby

NYC

i really like like the bid. hope hope hope you get it so i can finally go to and play in mad. not to mentions the good things i hear from people about the people and the town. midwest 4-eva

November 24, 2009 - 10:17am

#63

k_really

Athens GA Bike Polo

Is Superweek going on during that time frame? Think it's usually mid-July, right? It probably doesn't affect 99.9% of players, but I know several groups that would be up in Wisconsin and the Madison area during that time frame that would make for additional spectators/promotion of bike polo to a larger audience.

November 24, 2009 - 10:31am

#64

jonny

Madison

Yeah, Superweek is running from July 9th to the 27th,

jonny

November 27, 2009 - 10:24am

#65

capt. jake

Milwaukee

you mean super WEAK!!! get on board with the ToAD!
www.mkebikepolo.com

--
www.mkebikepolo.com

November 24, 2009 - 12:29pm

#66

Fish

Winnipeg Urban Polo Association (WUPAss)

Just wondering about dates - it looks like Calgary Ramsey Bowl is planned over these dates.

East Van Bike Polo

WUPAss
EVBP foreva

November 24, 2009 - 1:26pm

#67

jonny

Madison

This is the date that we have decided would be best for us to host a tournament of this size. There is some potential for juggling them around a little but since worlds are so early in august we wanted to give a decent amount of time between the two.

November 24, 2009 - 6:37pm

#68

jason f-off

Seattle

hopefully i read thoroughly enough not to have missed it but I didn't see mention of the light situation...how/when are the courts lit?

FTL BIKE POLO...

November 24, 2009 - 6:55pm

#69

jonny

Madison

We have a commitment from our sponsor to pay for lighting at the courts if needed. Lighting is a significant resource so we are thinking about if we want to spend money on that. In our current schedule we will use lights on friday for sure and maybe on saturday but not likely on sunday. We will light the courts in each corner plus set lights in the middle. There will be plenty of light.

November 24, 2009 - 8:01pm

#70

sauls

PENSACOLA BIKE POLO

you should look into rsc rentals they are the company that sponsored sespi with lights and they are also located in madison.

November 24, 2009 - 8:29pm

#71

eh jackal

East Van Bike Polo

assuming that you have read the other NA bid, what key organisational advantages does madison feel they have over the boston bid?

more kenball played by more people in more places more often

referees if necessary, but not necesarily refereeing

November 24, 2009 - 11:58pm

#72

jonny

Madison

I think boston has a very good bid together and I believe that both cities are able to follow up on what Seattle did last year and what Chicago did in 08.

A few things that Madison does well. Courts, we will make sure that our courts are fine tuned and ready for tournament play, this includes, goals, boards, lights, size, timing and scoreboards. Also, I think we will be well organized with formats and communication. Lastly, i think that madison being a slightly smaller city allows us to facilitate and event like this well. It is easier for us to collect resources and transport materials. Players housing will be centrally located and near the courts. Our parties will be near the courts. Lastly, i think the one thing that madison can definitely do better then any city is provide the best available to all the players food.

November 25, 2009 - 3:49pm

#73

BribriMKE

Milwaukee

x 1,000,000

November 27, 2009 - 6:19am

#74

eh jackal

East Van Bike Polo

i always say good court conditions over everything else, that's a good answer. let the players play on a good court and pretty much no one cares about the rest of it, that's what i've picked up from every tournament i've been to.

more kenball played by more people in more places more often

referees if necessary, but not necesarily refereeing

November 25, 2009 - 1:05am

#75

atwell

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

I would add some other key things; Madison has a great bike culture that will support us in this tournament, including several national businesses based in our area. Our bid can only begin to detail the resources and organizational help they will bring. Also Ben, Jonny and I run a business together in which we don't get paid unless we pull off events for sometimes hundreds of people, so we are accustomed to the logistical work.

Most importantly, we have been playing regularly with Milwaukee and Chicago, two cities with lots of tournament know-how who have already offered to do whatever they can to make this tournament the new gold standard. We expect that we can do everything ourselves, but then again, once we get our new courts, MKE and CHI will wanna be hanging around all the time and we might as well put them to work.

November 25, 2009 - 9:45am

#76

keith

Seattle

"Ben, Jonny and I run a business together in which we don't get paid unless we pull off events for sometimes hundreds of people, so we are accustomed to the logistical work."

This is why Madison will succeed in running a major tourney.

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

November 24, 2009 - 9:20pm

#77

stevenso

Tulsa

In Madison you may get beaten up a little but you can leave looking like a gentleman. I don't think Boston offers shaves and haircuts for the players. Very original, and I think it'll will be a big hit.

November 25, 2009 - 9:09pm

#78

James

Boston

Why would you ever want to shave? or get a haircut!?
BOSTON RULEZ! VOTE BOSTON!

November 26, 2009 - 1:19am

#79

Timmm

COMOPOLO

The Midwest polo scene is awesome. We have a good number of clubs/players for being a less populated region of the U.S. We're serious about our tournaments, and serious about partying and having a good time. Ask any of the clubs from outside of the Midwest that made a showing to the COMO tourney this month. I really feel our club is an extension of the Madison/MKE/Chicago legacy, as our style of play and introduction to national level polo came through these clubs. If you came to COMO and had a good time, I guarantee that Madison will be even better.
OGT-COMOPOLO

November 26, 2009 - 11:01am

#80

ben

Madison

you can be a madison mke chicago threeway love child if you want too.

November 26, 2009 - 11:52am

#81

keith

Seattle

It's Midway love.

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

November 26, 2009 - 7:37pm

#82

reese

Pullman Moscow Bike Polo

I see you have a committment from Trek. My question is would you bring, offer, give this sponsor to the Boston crew should they win the bid? If you do have this committment is it for the sport or the event?

P/M Hardcourt

November 26, 2009 - 7:54pm

#83

ben

Madison

its not really ours to give, trek approached us about sponsoring out next big tournament. if we dont win the bid we will lock trek in a closet and keep them from everyone else.

trek wants to get into the bikepolo scene, they are aware of this site and the competitive bid process, they may be interested in sponsoring any N.A. tourney or they may want to do this cause its in madison near their headquarters. we like them due to the cout the have with the city, and their dedication to building dedicated courts in madison, but if we dont get the bid, youll want to get in touch wit erik from marketing at trek. we have his contact info.

you should vote for madison because we will have 30% more players. you should vote for boston because your scared of the midwest style. you should vote for madison so i dont have to convince my wife to take another polocation. you should vote for boston because they did a great job with espis, you should vote for madison cause ill give you 5$

November 26, 2009 - 9:33pm

#84

Pitbull

East Van Bike Polo

I am curious why you are hosting in two different locations. What advantage/disadvantage does this provide for players?

How are you going to prioritize billeting players vs. having players pay to stay at a hostel or hotel?

November 26, 2009 - 10:15pm

#85

ben

Madison

we are determining wher people will stay based off of preference. in como me and kev and jon ect stayed at a hotel, they offered space to stay , but it was just easier for us to take care of it our self. the same will be for madison, some people will want to stay with hosts , others will want to rent. we can host all yall. we can host all 300 players on floors, but if you a hotel, thats fine. me myself ill be getting a hotel.

we are hosting two locations because the thunderdome is where we play, but we cant host 100 teams there its only 2 courts, quan park is similar just 4 x as big. so we do the two days of big polo there then move to the home court, this also allows us to build permanent courts at the thunerdome, quan park isnt a permanent spot for us,, but its perfect for polo nevertheless..

November 27, 2009 - 10:54pm

#86

Pitbull

East Van Bike Polo

Thanks for clarifying Ben. I think I was able to decipher what you wanted me to take away from your answer...

November 27, 2009 - 2:12pm

#87

chris bottles

Edmonton Bike Polo

This is an exciting bid! It's good to see a company like Trek seemingly interested in 'grassroots' sponsorship as well as being a part of the community. I support support like that.

:Edmonton Bike Polo:

November 28, 2009 - 3:32am

#88

keith

Seattle

Congratulations! Great bid. Looking forward to playing against 95 teams!

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

November 28, 2009 - 6:00pm

#89

eh jackal

East Van Bike Polo

congratulations are in order...

more kenball played by more people in more places more often

referees if necessary, but not necesarily refereeing

November 28, 2009 - 6:00pm

#90

eh jackal

East Van Bike Polo

congratulations are in order...

more kenball played by more people in more places more often

referees if necessary, but not necesarily refereeing

November 28, 2009 - 11:27pm

#91

ben

Madison

thankyou

November 28, 2009 - 11:28pm

#92

ben

Madison

thankyou

November 29, 2009 - 9:43am

#93

brokebike

Lexington Bike Polo

Yeah, congrats Madison! Looking forward to spending some polo time in your lovely city.

{}------- lexington -------{}

November 29, 2009 - 12:22pm

#94

Oriole

Baltimore Hardcourt Bike Polo

i can't wait!

November 29, 2009 - 3:26pm

#95

danfinger

San Francisco Bike Polo

When will the dates be finalized? thanks and CONGRATS!

November 29, 2009 - 6:55pm

#96

MidwestMegs

Chicago

Congrats Madison!! I can't wait to make fine fizzy beverages for you all!!

Midwest is best!!

December 16, 2009 - 11:07pm

#97

Matt-Hewitt

Milwaukee

Any word on if WHBPC will be reasonably after NAHBPC?

www.mkebikepolo.com
www.mkebikepolo.com/wordpress

www.mkebikepolo.com/wordpress

December 30, 2009 - 5:42am

#98

Machine

San Francisco Bike Polo

This sounds like a phenomenal tournament Thanx MADbikepolo for such a rad bid Can't wait to take y'all down in July MACHINE

"So this is how it ends"MACHINE

December 30, 2009 - 11:19am

#99

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

Are these dates confirmative?

BOP: Eating Little Split Pea's shit for years.

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

December 30, 2009 - 12:22pm

#100

jonny

Madison

Don't buy tickets but we basically have the date confirmed.

December 31, 2009 - 1:54pm

#101

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

July 17-19?

Also, heads up Londoners: Me and potentially the rest of North Amerifuckinca are coming to your city after the NAs. Look alive. I'm moving onto JB's boat.

BOP: Eating Little Split Pea's shit for years.

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

December 30, 2009 - 4:40pm

#102

YasMada

Ann Arbor, MI Bike Polo

This looks more fun than a clown on fire. I'm trying to get a team from Ann Arbor out to Madison to get our asses handed to us.

Keep your standards low, and morale high.

December 30, 2009 - 9:09pm

#103

RUCKUS

San Francisco Bike Polo

Can you guys arrange for Buckie Badger to show up? As a UW alumn, I'd like to use my mallet to take my student loan frustrations out on his ass.

BRINGING THE RUCKUS

December 31, 2009 - 12:42am

#104

ben

Madison

you can rent bucky. he comes free. the person that is in the outfit volunteers and there is a committee that determines which events bucky goes too.

on another topic, student loans are a great resource that the federal gov has offered to individuals as an opportunity to advance their station. the u dub is has tons of pathways in which students can direct their education towards a career that not only offers them an opportunity to make a good living but also contribute towards benefiting society as a whole. Im sorry you didnt take it seriously while you were here and and now frustrated with your pottery major. maybe you should have gone to madison area technical collage.

and yes we will get bucky, if we can, but please find a better way to deal with you complete failure as a human being than hitting a young enthusiastic kid

December 31, 2009 - 3:17am

#105

ben

Madison

maybe that was a little harsh

January 3, 2010 - 8:16pm

#106

RUCKUS

San Francisco Bike Polo

WTF Ben. Are you a guidance counselor with way to much time on your hands or a polo player without a sense of humor? You have to lighten up on the threads. Have a beer, smoke a doobie, get a blowjob. The poloverse awaits your lighter side.

"maybe that was a little harsh."

BRINGING THE RUCKUS(often in the form of wit)

BRINGING THE RUCKUS

January 4, 2010 - 1:09pm

#107

ben

Madison

that was my lighter side?

January 4, 2010 - 3:00pm

#108

RUCKUS

San Francisco Bike Polo

I'm still going to fuck up that badger.

BRINGING THE RUCKUS

January 4, 2010 - 3:08pm

#109

ben

Madison

sounds good, as long as its consensual. what did you major in by the way?

January 4, 2010 - 5:01pm

#110

RUCKUS

San Francisco Bike Polo

Advertising, or as my first professor explained "Raw carnivorous sex."

BRINGING THE RUCKUS

January 4, 2010 - 5:05pm

#111

ben

Madison

and yet you still want to beat the messenger? find the person behind the curtain

January 4, 2010 - 6:12pm

#112

RUCKUS

San Francisco Bike Polo

The messenger doesn't need to be in the suit. It would be a great piñata. We could fill it full of booze, smoke and polo swag. Imagine a bunch of polo players hacking at it with mallets. Great fun.

BRINGING THE RUCKUS

December 31, 2009 - 2:58am

#113

henry

Victoria Bike Polo

never thought it was possible to post an after-thought first
---
victoria bike polo

December 31, 2009 - 3:17am

#114

ben

Madison

what are you talking about?

December 31, 2009 - 4:55pm

#115

danfinger

San Francisco Bike Polo

Seems the Berlin worlds dates have been locked by Morgan- Can I make my auto-gyro reservations now?

December 31, 2009 - 6:05pm

#116

mad_sam (not verified)

We are 95% sure of the dates, but I would wait to buy tickets/make reservations until we are 100% sure. We are close, but there's one last committee that has to say "yes".

January 3, 2010 - 11:26pm

#117

Medic.Mike

Seattle

My question is mostly about transportation. I was thinking of coming in early to either Milwaukee or Chicago and I was hoping that I could catch a ride. Is this possible? I'd like to make a decent vacation out of it.
___________
Hurrah for Anarchy! This is the happiest day of my life!
"So Bike polo is the other woman?"

____________
West and East squash the beef
That shit 's legit as fuck!

January 4, 2010 - 11:51am

#118

MidwestMegs

Chicago

Come to Chicago! I will give you a ride to Madison. Also, Chicago is wanting people to come in early to have a few days of pick up before NA's like NYC has done with tournaments in the past. We will have places for people to stay as well.

Midwest is best!!

January 4, 2010 - 12:38pm

#119

hellochris

Chicago

count me in. i'll see about the rest of the gang.

Columbia, MO

January 4, 2010 - 1:00pm

#120

the royal turkey

Ottawa

I'll be there, but only if you guys can find Calvin and bring him back.

3...2...1...GO!

Mallets Of Mayhem

Little Richmond Bros Of Prey

January 4, 2010 - 2:23pm

#121

MidwestMegs

Chicago

Hopefully when the weather gets better Calvin will come out again.

Midwest is best!!

January 4, 2010 - 7:39pm

#122

keith

Seattle

We think that Calvin discovered girls as of last summer. We don't see him much, but we need him back. I wonder if he is still referring to himself in 3rd person?

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

January 4, 2010 - 7:19pm

#123

jacques c

MOLO - Mobile Bike Polo

Would these pickup games be open to anyone? I'm planning on hitting chicago at some poing around the tourney, and it'd be great to see how y'all play.

January 4, 2010 - 7:36pm

#124

keith

Seattle

Yes. Pick-up is for everyone! We usually play Wednesdays 6pm & Sundays around 2pm. Looks like play will increase the days/weeks before the NA's. Hope all roads to Madison will include Chicago. It's not quite the pit, but we have a few courts.

Meg: Please don't give away all your car space before the Chicago players get a chance for a ride to Madison.

Chicago Hardcourt Bike Polo

January 4, 2010 - 9:04pm

#125

Rob_G

Chicago

I'm also planning on doing Mad, and Chicago comes first for me.

You'll see. Unless you drilled out your eyes because they were too heavy.

January 4, 2010 - 10:15pm

#126

Medic.Mike

Seattle

I will ride on the roof I swear.
____________
Hurrah for Anarchy! This is the happiest day of my life!
"So Bike polo is the other woman?"

____________
West and East squash the beef
That shit 's legit as fuck!

January 5, 2010 - 2:57am

#127

BoozeKruse

COMOPOLO

You got a team with me any day, man! After New Orleans, I figure we're unstoppable.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
fixcraft.net

January 3, 2010 - 11:38pm

#128

jonny

Madison

we are working with milwaukee to provide transportation. I'm sure this is going to happen. Chicago is a bit further but there is a lot of options which include the bus or craigslist for rides up or a decent amount of players coming up from chi-town.

January 4, 2010 - 12:23am

#129

Medic.Mike

Seattle

Thanks Jonny.
____________
Hurrah for Anarchy! This is the happiest day of my life!
"So Bike polo is the other woman?"

____________
West and East squash the beef
That shit 's legit as fuck!

January 3, 2010 - 11:50pm

#130

JustinGullickson

Calgary Bike Polo

Hey have you guys finalized the date yet? I'm just wondering because you're proposed date is the same as the Ramsay Bowl in Calgary, and that date was posted about 5 months ago. I'll change the date for North Americans id I have to, however that date is chosen due to other events that go on in the city at the same time so that people can take advantage of more than just bike polo if they want. (ask people from last year about the free breakfasts going on around town every day). So I really want to keep that date, and I have no power to change when the other events in the city happen.....so if there isn't a big reason for you to pick those dates, your other potential dates later in July or early August would really make me happy. I will be at North Americans no matter when it is, and I'll change our date to suit it....but if you don't have anything in stone I would really like to keep our original dates. Be good to know what you guys decide one way or another though asap, since I'm already working on our tourney. Thanks - Justin - Calgary

January 4, 2010 - 8:46am

#131

jonny

Madison

justin, we initially were looking at the 4th of july weekend but the city said no to that. Then because of the tight schedule with worlds initially we felt that this weekend was the best weekend to give time between NAHBPC and Worlds. Now that worlds have moved back to the middle of august it might allow us some more flexibility with our dates. I will talk to the city. We are currently waiting on one committee to finalize everything so we should know really soon.

thanks,

January 4, 2010 - 12:29am

#132

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

NAs the week after Calgary would be awesome. I might then drive across to Madison and then fly to London then bus to Berlin then fly back to Mad. Mike, you can hitch a ride if you want.

MMMMMBOP

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

January 4, 2010 - 12:45am

#133

Medic.Mike

Seattle

That would probably be one of the coolest trips of my life. I'll see what I can do.

____________
Hurrah for Anarchy! This is the happiest day of my life!
"So Bike polo is the other woman?"

____________
West and East squash the beef
That shit 's legit as fuck!

January 4, 2010 - 8:57am

#134

emerson

Martin, are you sure you're taking it seriously enough?

January 4, 2010 - 9:46pm

#135

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

no. wait, yes i am.

MMMMMBOP

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

January 4, 2010 - 10:56pm

#136

Paul

NYC

confirmed. Martin is definitely taking it seriously enough.
like when he came to New York before philly, and then shaved in order to attract more ladies. that was when i knew he knew how serious it all should be.

January 4, 2010 - 9:28am

#137

the royal turkey

Ottawa

Martin, give me a ride from Calgary to Madison and you've got yourself a navigator!

3...2...1...GO!

Mallets Of Mayhem

Little Richmond Bros Of Prey

January 4, 2010 - 6:33pm

#138

chris roberts

NYC

just not a teammate!

fixcraft.net

January 7, 2010 - 10:57am

#139

Austin Texas Bike Polo

hey yall, would it be cool if TX showed up to play at this event? (We know we are not part of the midwest at all, but c'mon!!!!) i want to visit madison, and eat delicious and nutritious local organic food and play lots of polo with people who are way better than me and and and...

think about it! ok thanks.

www.atxbpsc.blogspot.com

www.lets-take-the-one.blogspot.com

January 7, 2010 - 11:04am

#140

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

This is the North American Championships. Not a "Midwest" tourney. Yes. Come.

MMMMMBOP

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

January 7, 2010 - 11:15am

#141

jonny

Madison

We would love to have some austin Texas at the tourney.

Also, very few of the tournaments in NA are exclusive. Cog was the only one that tried last year and it ended up being an open.

January 7, 2010 - 11:16am

#142

the royal turkey

Ottawa

North Side Polo Invite this year will be exclusive. So anybody that wants to come better be nice to me all year leading up to it.

3...2...1...GO!

Mallets Of Mayhem

Little Richmond Bros Of Prey

January 7, 2010 - 11:17am

#143

chris roberts

NYC

i plead the FIF

fixcraft.net

January 7, 2010 - 11:23am

#144

GaGoosh

East Van Bike Polo

I too will remain silent.
(with regards to Alexis)

MMMMMBOP

Okay catfish, I'm going to move my mouth like this...

January 21, 2010 - 3:47pm

#145

Cory_skullshag

Calgary Bike Polo

..so any idea about a set date yet?.. 6 or 7 months to go...

January 26, 2010 - 7:50pm

#146

Your King

Portland Bike Polo

was looking at tourney dates today and saw that calgary might be hosting a tourney the same weekend as north americans in madison. plus a few of us are looking into ticket options as well. would love to hear about a date on this event.

www.polohaus.blogspot.com
AXLES OF EVIL

January 22, 2010 - 1:41am

#147

Austin Texas Bike Polo

jazz hams and i are talking about going on a little bicycle tour from maine to madison for this tournament. any place/person's house able to receive our two shipped polo bikes? that would rock our worlds for real! holler!!
mo.grady@gmail.com

www.lets-take-the-one.blogspot.com