Just read a funny/worthwhile message on the Shift email list. It's from our friend/man about town Carl Larson and it's a plea to join him on the hill tonight for what will likely be very cold and invigorating night of Zoobombing:

If YOU haven't been Zoobombing in months or EVER (repent!), tonight just might be your night!

Here are a few reasons why you should Zoobomb tonight:

1) It's Sunday and Zoobombing only happens on Sunday.
2) Maybe you don't have to work tomorrow thanks to MLK Jr.?
3) It might snow and that would be AWESOME!

I've invited some friends who've never Zoobombed before and here is the plan if you'd like to join us:
8pm -- Pregame at the NEW Sizzle Pie (formerly Rocco's) at 10th and SW Oak
9pm -- Meetup (and get a "pyle bike" if you want one) at The Pyle, SW 13th and Burnside
10pm -- If you don't want to meet at the Pyle, make sure you're getting off MAX at Washington Park by 10. Follow the people with bikes.

Things to keep in mind: You don't have to go fast. You can ride your own bike (but a little one's WAY more fun). It's safe. You can be home before midnight.

Suggested packing list: Warm clothes (prepare for standing around), shareable snacks or drinks, good lights, styrofoam hat, open mind, $2.10.

BBC journalist interviews Zoobomber
and PPB spokesman downtown.

The esteemed British Broadcast Corporation has turned its lens on Zoobombing. The beloved Portland institution is the focus of a recent BBC "Close-up" segment.

The short piece offers classic footage that is hilarious (in a good way). It features a serious journalist interviewing Zoobomb's "Handsome" Dave and Portland Police Bureau spokesman Peter Simpson in front of the Zoobomb Pyle.
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Sprockettes wowed the crowd with some awesome new material

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The gladiators and the crowd brought lots of intensity to Chariot Wars last night.
- More photos below / Gallery -
(Photos © J. Maus)

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Chariot Wars, a proud Zoobomb tradition.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Zoobomb's annual Mini Bike Winter fest has begun! The event, which lasts through Sunday, started last night when the Irondelles (Portland's all-female tall bike gang) led a ride to spruce up area ghost bikes and do some craft-making for upcoming events.

Tonight, Zoobomb takes it to a whole other level with the much-anticipated return of the Ben Hurt Chariot Wars. (more...)

A scene from the Ben Hurt Chariot Wars held during Mini Bike Winter 2010.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Our friends over at Zoobomb have announced the dates and events that will make up the eighth annual Mini Bike Winter. If you've never made it to this, you should definitely mark February 17th - 21st on your calendar.

I know it looks scary, but they actually rules and referees and stuff.

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A man crashed while on the annual "Hoodbomb" downhill bike ride on Saturday afternoon. According to a woman who responded to the scene of the crash around 5:30 pm, a young man that was part of a group of people on the descent overshot a hairpin corner and crashed into a cement barrier. The man was taken to OHSU Medical Center via LifeFlight helicopter.

I've been unable to determine the identity and/or the condition of the man but will update this story when I know more. (more...)

The Ben Hurt Chariot Wars were held Saturday in North Portland.
- Chariot Wars Gallery/Slideshow below -

The seventh annual Mini Bike Winter ruled the streets of Portland this past weekend. Hosted by Zoobomb, the event showcased one of Portland's distinct brands of bike fun. (more...)

The Zoobomb Pyle at
SW 10th and Oak
(Photos © J. Maus)

An idea nearly three years in the making will finally bear fruit later this month when Zoobomb holds an event to dedicate the new permanent home for their "Pyle" of mini-bikes.

As we reported back in October 2007, the Zoobombers worked with Mayor Sam Adams (then Commissioner of Transportation), the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) and the Bureau of Transportation to secure a $10,000 grant for the project.

The new rack will be an officially recognized and sanctioned work of public art. Or, as Zoobomb puts it:

"A new home for Zoobomb’s bicycle lending library and a monument to public space, bicycling,and free fun!"

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The Ben Hurt Chariot Wars left their mark on Zoobomb's Mini Bike Winter 2009 yesterday. I wasn't there (I'm still in Guadalajara), but I just came across an amazing short video from my friend Felix. I knew I was missing something special by not being at MBW this year, but I did not expect this...

Behold, the Hamster Ball:

Awesome.

See more photos from the chariot war action at Felix's photoset. Learn more about Mini Bike Winter at Zoobomb.net