Wheels clash and friendships spark at Quyon polo tourney
Cheryl Dolan
Published in the Pontiac Journal on May 21, 2025.
QUYON – The May long weekend came alive in Quyon with the clack of mallets and the hum of wheels during “Rumble by the River,” a grassroots bike polo tournament that drew players from Ottawa and as far as Toronto, Philadelphia and Richmond, Virginia.
“Now in its 25th year as a growing niche sport, hardcourt bike polo blends the intensity of roller hockey with the precision of cycling,” said long-time player Salem Coogler. Each match features two teams of three players, no goalies, and one mission: outmanoeuvre your opponent and score with your mallet. Coogler added, “It’s small, so you end up travelling a lot, and places like Quyon are special—with a place to camp, facilities to wash up, and shelter from the weather thanks to the open Jamfest building this year.”
This year’s Rumble by the River brought 24 teams to the agricultural grounds, where the event kicked off Saturday with round-robin play. Sunday’s double-elimination bracket would determine the winner. Each fast-paced game lasted 12 minutes, challenging players to stay sharp and agile.
More than just a competition, the event also supports a good cause. Each participant is asked to bring a donation for the local food bank. All refereeing and organizing is done by volunteers, making the tournament a true labour of love.
As the event’s name suggests, the rumble is real—but it’s not just about the clash of wheels and wills. It’s about friendships forged on court, the passion that keeps people pedalling, and the shared joy of carving out space for a sport that thrives on heart and hustle.
