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.
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. (more...)
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...)
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.
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.
A gladiator after the epic battle.
Friday through Sunday was packed with events -- from a panel discussion to a human-powered chariot battle royale. Saturday was the big "Circus Freaks" party downtown and Sunday ended with the Mini Bike Winter Olympics and of course, a special edition of the weekly Zoobomb.
As the reputation of this event has grown, so too has the number of out-of-towners who come to participate and take it all in. This year, groups came from Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Vancouver (B.C.) and even Boston -- and from what I saw, they did not go home disappointed!
Saturday's Ben Hurt Chariot Wars were epic. The surprise entry was a rusted out Volkswagon Bug, powered by three four guys inside (who worked part Flinstone-style and part pedal-powered) and two gladiators perched outside to ward off invaders. One of the cars builders (the same guys who dreamed up the amazing Hamster Ball last year) said they found the car in a creekbed in Forest Park.
Despite chants from the crowd of, "Flip the car! Flip the car!" no one was able to turn it over. Other competitors, who had the more conventional bike and trailer-as-chariot set up, tried to pull the gladiators out of the car. In the end, the car realized it had an unfair advantage and rolled off. Victory was earned by the defending champions, Lee and J-Ryde of "Team SEXXON."
Saturday night, a large group of people met at Alberta Park, the first stop in a ride that would end up at the party venue downtown. On the basketball courts at Alberta Park, The Sprockettes kicked things off with an excellent performance. We then rolled to Irving Park where the Vancouver, BC-based B:C:Clettes performed under the illumination of bike lights.
From Irving Park, the ride's next stop was the Eastbank Esplanade where the Bay Area Derailleurs displayed their masterful bike dancing skills to a very appreciative crowd with the city skyline as a backdrop. The final stop was the Circus Freaks party, where face painting, a fashion show, live music, and lots of dancing capped off an epic day.
I didn't make it to Mt. Tabor Park for Sunday's Winter Olympics, so if anyone's got links to photos or recaps of that action, feel free to share in the comments.
Nice work Zoobomb! You all put on an amazing three days of events.
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!"
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...
- Independent, daily bike news since 2005 -
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