7th annual Mini Bike Winter starts Thursday

MiniBikeWinter-Chariot Wars-21.jpg

Carnage awaits at the Chariot Wars event.
(Photo © J. Maus)

This year’s Mini Bike Winter is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

The event — which tries to capture the fun and creative culture of Portland’s beloved Zoobomb community — features parties, competitions, and this year, even a panel discussion.

Mini Bike Winter kicks off on Thursday night (2/11) with a panel discussion titled, “Should Bikes Save the Planet?” Panelists include: Author of Efficiency Shifting, Conrad Schmidt; Bicycle Pornographer Reverend Phil Sano; President of Umbrella and Director of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, Stephanie Routh; owner of Portland Pedicabs Ryan Hashagen; and PSU Professor of Sociology, Erin Rose Michaels.

Circus Freaks Party flyer.

According to panel organizer Phil Sano, the goal of the discussion will be to “Increase the bicycle community’s understanding on “if” not “how” we should save the planet.” There will also be movie screenings, including a visual recap of Mini Bike Winter 2009 by photographer John Huey. Should be a stimulating evening.

On Friday night, the Mini Bike Winter action continues with a Scavenger Hunt, a Midnight Mystery Ride, and more. Then on Saturday, the real games begin with the Ben Hurt Chariot Wars (always a favorite).

Saturday night is the big Circus Freaks Party, hosted by the all-ladies tall bike gang The Irondelles. The party will feature live performances by bike-dance crews The Sprockettes and their San Francisco-based sister club, The Derailleurs. There will also be live music by Chervona and many other fun surprises.

Sunday’s schedule includes the Mini Bike Winter Olympics and a night time downhill skate race (bring a light!). Get all the details and info at Zoobomb.net/minibikewinter.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Marcus Griffith
Marcus Griffith
14 years ago

Whether the Zoobomber creed and lifestyle have promoted or distracted from bicycle rights is a worthy debate. However it is essential for one to embrace that what Jazz is to the First Amendment, Zoobombing is to bicycle rights. Zoombombing is not a mere exercising of a cyclist’s right to the road, it is a free spirited life style that transcends mere legal guidelines and is a self-standing social art form.
That being said, Zoombombers are advised to wear lights and saftey gear least they become abstract road smears…

Kevin Wagoner
14 years ago

I wonder what hill(s) are part of the Bad Ass Challenge.

From their web site happening on Friday.
Can you make it UP the hill with nothing but human & bike power?

SkidMark
14 years ago

I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, Marcus, and assume you were just re-iterating what is says on zoobomb.net:

Zoobomb is a near 7 year running weekly bike event that meets every Sunday . . . Bring a bike, MAX fare ($2.00), BIKE LIGHTS, and any safety gear you need.

The Badass Challenge is any route from the bike pyle to the top of the hill and back down to the pyle.

matthew
matthew
14 years ago

hey marcus… will you be at my jury trial in april? yes i was only expressing my 1st amendment rights while riding a bike… but vancouver certainly isn’t portland… if you’d like some moral support for your legal issues just let me know.

skidmark, good meeting you on the tweed ride. hope to cross paths during MBW. i’ll probably be on something much less “vintage”.

dutch
dutch
14 years ago

and to add some extra press, Kazum, is performing a free show on top of Mt. Tabor for the annual Minibike Winter Olympics at 2pm. If its raining, it will likely be moved to under the hawthorne bridge off the esplanade.

felix
14 years ago

if you are from out of town and need a place to stay you can email housing@zoobomb.net.

its going to be a great weekend!

rev
14 years ago

keen wyrds, thanks J-man!

We have it every No-Dead-Presidents Day Weekend because it don’t take dead presidents to have free fun.

That said, if you have the means please donate to our costs or otherwise bring the joy!

A good example is your boring clothes. During and after our panel discussion we have our DIY Stencil Station running that the Lotus Seed on NE 9th and Going. Bring clothes that you want to brand with your art and ideas! It is a very democratic way to bring meaning to your wardrobe, and it is a blast being crafty!

RyNO Dan
RyNO Dan
14 years ago

In case you were wondering…

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend any and all of the events. They are all free, donations accepted. Ride any bike you feel comfortable with. Minis are optional. This is a fun-centered event. And don’t expect anything to be on-time.

BURR
BURR
14 years ago

ZooBomb!

dutch
dutch
14 years ago

A super strong recommendation from a normally helmetless rider –

Wear your helmet if you plan on coming to the MMR this friday. Fo realz

Dan Kaufman
12 years ago