The few. The proud. The Centurions

Competitors begin another run.
(File photo)

Yesterday was the annual Zoobomb Century.

During the Metro-wide Sushi Ride we made an ambassadorial stop to check out the action. During our short time on the hill, I snapped a few photos and got a sense for what this epic contest is all about.

On our MAX ride up to Washington Park we saw J-Roq pedaling his mini-bike feverishly alongside our train. Dressed in full lycra, he boarded our train, whipped out his official Zoobomb Map, and tallied up his miles.

Eventual winner, Gabe Amadeus.
(File photo)

The idea is simple. First racer to accumulate 100 miles wins (MAX rides don’t count). If you think it’s easy, think again. Remember these are tiny bikes and the competition is fierce. Participants do an average of 20-25 runs down any combination of hills. It is a test of courage, stamina, skills, and sanity.

The winner of the day, and King Centurion, was Gabe Amadeus Tiller. In this photo of his highly-modified mini, you’ll notice not just the aerodynamic fairing, but the very low handlebar grips (they’re pink, in bottom right corner of photo). Believe it or not he grabs those grips, just inches from the ground, during his descents.

It is quite a spectacle. For more shots of the action, and the characters that took part, check out the slideshow below.

Created with Paul’s flickrSLiDR.