Panda-monium reigns at epic Chariot Wars

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


At the Ben Hurt Chariot Wars last night, a big and cuddly panda was one of a duo of gladiators that out-muscled the competition to take home the trophy. Dutch and Josh of Team Panda/North Freak were the last team standing in what can be described as nothing short of an epic battle that will be forever etched in the memory of all who witnessed it.

We paraded out to the battlefield.

Raptor!

Biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at Chariot Wars.

Chariot Wars had a different feel this year as Zoobomb organizers took things up a notch in the organization department. There were arm-bands for official photographers; a large and coordinated group of volunteers dubbed the “Goon Squad” whose mission was to keep people from getting to rowdy; organizers even did a safety check of all the weapons used by gladiators and there was even a betting pool before the battle started. Like a big-time sporting event, there was a film crew, complete with an anchorwomen who interviewed charioteers and asked the big winners, “You won! How do you feel?” (“Tired” was the answer.) And did I mention there were two fire dancers on stages surrounded the arena?!

Don’t be fooled by her pretty face.

The action started in an industrial area in Southeast Portland; but as spectators erupted in cheers and the noise increased, Portland police soon showed up and politely threatened to take action unless crowds dispersed. With the battle far from over, organizers respected the police immediately and within minutes, everybody was gone — off to a new location where the battle could commence once again.

B-Rad had mercy on me and didn’t swing.

Bear Force One was happy to get out of his hot panda suit.

Any guesses as to what the helmet design is?
Mini Bike Winter Chariot Wars 2011-40

The final flurry of action reached a fever pitch as loaves of stale bread, beer cans, and a throbbing crowd chanted for their favorites. Using his acrobatic skills to level sideswipes on other gladiators without letting go of his chariot (letting go is one way to be disqualified), a man who goes by Dutch or “Bear Force One” emerged victorious.

Mini Bike Winter Chariot Wars 2011-42

Dutch hoists the Ben Hurt trophy.

There was blood, fire, exhaustion, deafening noise, and much more. But above all else, there were a lot of smiles and hugs. This is, after all, just bike fun. Long live Chariot Wars!

— Zoobomb’s Mini Bike Winter continues through Sunday. See what’s on tap for the rest of the weekend at Zoobomb.net.

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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CaptainKarma
13 years ago

Did anyone clean up? My luck, I’ wooda been arrested after hanging around to clean up. ;~(

Adams Carroll (News Intern)
Reply to  CaptainKarma

Yep. Zoobomb has a strict, leave-no-trace policy (which is just one reason why they have a solid relationship/understanding with the police) and there were volunteers who made sure the place is left like it was found. I think I even came home with a few beer cans that weren’t mine ;-).

shawn
shawn
13 years ago

You forgot about the fire dancers (Hanna, Lark, Nikita), in coordinated outfits, no less! Man, the organizers stepped it *up* this year!

Thanks for your coverage of the event, Jonathan — It was good to see you there in the thick of it!

p.s. Dutch and Josh *together* make up Bear Force One. They’ve, sadly, been separated for a couple years since Josh moved to Alaska.

Spiffy
Spiffy
13 years ago

it was a great time… best bike event ever!

the police looked confused and outnumbered, but at least they kept their distance and stayed out of the way…

Bert, folding biker
13 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

That’s the most effective way to enforce the law : )

adam2011
adam2011
13 years ago

now this, this I like. well done, gladiators – you are some of my favorite portland people.

also, good to see b-rad is still alive, I was wondering…

felix
13 years ago

Anyone seen that trophy? No, Really!?

Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson
13 years ago

Surprised more furries weren’t involved!

J_Ryde
13 years ago

I put a lot of hard work into that trophy for it to get swiped after the chariot wars. It better turn back up, and soon! http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5465114705_a9bb2a88da.jpg

cupcake
cupcake
13 years ago

hahaha
“took home the trophy”

hahahaha

no they didnt!

Kevin Wagoner
Kevin Wagoner
13 years ago

Great story, great event, great to hear they have a leave no trace policy…keep up the great work!

rev
13 years ago

party like a pirate, bomb like a ninja, battle like a panda

dee
dee
13 years ago

looked like fun, no broken bones! lol glad I wasn’t there, seeing it this way is much better for a mother.