Summer Schedule 2010

• June 27
• July 18
• Aug 22
• Sept 12
• All game days are on Sunday.

Remember, every game is also a potluck. Send me an email if you want to know what to bring. There is always a BBQ going on game days; let's make this some of the finest eating around!

Also, Phil has indicated to me that if people want to camp out Saturday night, they are welcome to do so. If that appeals to you, contact me and I will put you in touch with Phil and Peggy.

Evolution of A Sport:

Centuries ago, as legend may have had it, polo started with victorious mounted warriors cutting the heads off of their adversaries and knocking them across the field of battle with war sticks. This historical reference and our families' deep rooted enthusiasm for motorcycle adventure lead to a new development in the area of family entertainment.

Our version of Motorcycle Soccer evolved in our backyard field on the banks of the Stilliguamish River near Arlington, Washintgon. Our annual summer parties bring together many friends and family to the property where we play a variety of frivolous outdoor games such as volley ball, badminton, softball, basketball. bocce ball, football, soccer, croquet etc .... One summer day at the end of an arduous day of playing someone elected to retrieve the balls and birdies from the field with an old trials bike. Rather than picking each object up and carrying it to the garage, the balls were kicked in the direction of the storage area, 'This seemed perfectly reasonable to the individuals involved. By logical thinking and experience the steel bocce balls and horseshoes were eliminated from this process. Aside from that, much enjoyment was derived from blasting around the field on the bike kicking the balls back to the shed.

The first real activity in the sport of motorcycle socccer a la James Ranch was with an assorlment of motorcycles ranging from Honda Trail 90's to a BMW RlOOGS. Through the process of elimination and careful breeding, the Honda TL 125 trials bikes were chosen to the trusty steeds of the sport. The TL's were small and light and have a low power band that is ideal for maneuvering in the field.

With the advent of acquiring and restoring multiple like machines, the sport of cyclesoccer started becoming viable. A couple of old tires were set at each end of the field and the soccer ball was thrown out onto the field. Teams were chosen by arrival time on the field and the color of bike one happened to grab (blue or red). The ball was kicked, guarded. rolled over and even occasionally scored in the course of the afternoon. As the game evolved, a couple of rules had to be established in order to keep friends from centerpunching their opponents or teammates.

Rule #1: "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING AND DON'T RUN IN TO ANYBODY" This may seem trivial but it is not as easy as you think. When you are driving the ball down the field your attention is on the ball and not much else.

Rule #2 is: "THE RIGHT OF WAY IS GIVEN TO THE PERSON ON THE BALL" In other words, don't stop in front of the, ball carrier or cut them off.

Rule #3 is: "THERE IS NO OUT OF BOUNDS" Things get kind of exciting near the goal especially since you are allowed to ride around the goal, or through it, or over it. If the ball is kicked over the fence or behind the beehive, the closest person retrieves it.

Rule #4 is: "THE SCORING TEAM MUST RETURN TO AND CIRCLE THEIR OWN GOAL, AFTER A POINT IS MADE" This gives the opposing team time to retrieve the ban from the bushes, trees, beehives, barbed wire fence or the creek.

Rule #5 is: "ALL PLAYERS MUST REMAIN IN MOTION OR FEET ON THE PEGS IN FRONT OF THE GOAL" This is to prevent centerpunching and adds an interesting twist to strategy in the goal area.

Rule #6 is: "KEEPING SCORE" Occasionally somebody may remember to do this. Usually just the satisfaction of gloating and racing back down the field after a SCORE is gratifying enough.

Rule #7 is: "DURATION OF THE GAME" The time of play is set by strict rules: I) participant needs a drink, 2) participants laughed so hard they fell off onto the field of battle, 3) neighbors shot a participant, 4) somebody else wants to play and shoots a participant, 5) the sun sets.

In this context the sport of "cycle-soccer" is not intended to be a serious macho sport; rather it is intended to be a full and challenging endeavor that requires skills and strategy which is sharpened every time a player ventures onto the playing field. The player hones his or her riding skills, coordination and ability to think and react quickly in order to outwit and outmaneuver the opponent.

Volunteer Opportunities

Motorcycle soccer takes a lot of work to put together. If you would like to help with the effort, there are a number of things you can do to help. All help is greatly appreciated.

• Work parties. Keeping the bikes running takes lots of time. If you're mechanically inclined and willing to perform some simple (or complex) wrenching, I've got the tools, the garage, and the beer.
• Tee shirts. We need to make some tee shirts, and we need a design. If you're artistically inclined, or have aspirations of artistic greatness, this is your chance.
• Helmets. Got some old open-face helmets you want to get rid of? Send 'em to me and we'll paint them red or blue and make them available to players on game day.
• Game day food coordinator. It'd be great if someone were willing to step up to the plate (HA!) and coordinate the potlucks. Let your organizing skills shine!