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Zoobombers, freak bikes try their hand at off-road racing

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And they’re off!
(Photos/video © J. Maus)

Last night, the Zoobombers were invited out to PIR to test their mettle on the course used by the Mountain Bike Short Track Race Series.

Race Organizer Kris Schamp said he wanted them to come out because he’s always envisioned the event as a “different type of race”.

“It’s not just for the full lycra and carbon racer crowd, the short track course is really a blast for anyone,” he says, “…it just seemed a natural to get the Zoobomb crowd out there to give it a shot and at the same time blend in another component of Portland’s unique bike culture.”

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Emily “don’t let her sweet smile fool you” O’Connor.
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Gabe Tiller catching air on his mini-bike across the finish line.

Always ready for any type of bike fun, a healthy group of Zoobombers, aboard all manner of bikes, showed up for the one-lap, Le Mans-style start race.

Emily O’Connor and Chuck Bridge rode their custom built sidehack — the same one they rode to victory at the Mini Bike Winter Chariot Wars back in February. Justa Philips tackled the dusty, technical course with an old-school Schwinn Sting-Ray-style rig with ape-hangers and a banana seat. Blake from Chain Reaction one-upped the spandex crowd with his tight boxer briefs.

I love it when bike cultures collide. See more of the action, and hear from a few of the competitors in the video below:

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