(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Portland’s only sanctioned downhill skateboarding race, the Mt. Tabor Downhill Challenge, will feature a mini-bike category. The event takes place this Sunday on the slopes of the popular southeast Portland park.
This is the first time the MTDHC has had a mini-bike category and to my knowledge, this is the first officially sanctioned mini-bike downhill race in Portland’s history. Veteran Zoobomber Gabriel Tiller says Zoobomb actually started on Mt. Tabor 10 years ago, so this event marks an anniversary of sorts and a return to its roots.
Event organizer Billy “Bones” Meiners says all bikes that enter must have have a stock, 16-inch frame and 16-inch wheels. Some mini-bikers add weight to their rigs to increase speed, so there’s a 10 pound limit on additional weights. Bikes are also allowed to have fairings.
Here’s more from Billy:
“For those of you not familiar with Zoobomb or Mini-bikes, the Mini-Bike race will feature people racing down Mt. Tabor on children size bikes (see photo below). The pedal/push distance will be limited so that people won’t be tempted to build a bike with a crazy gear ratio and pedal all the way down the hill.”
A few years ago I accompanied Team Zoobomb, a team of gravity-bikers from Portland, to Maryhill, Washington for the Festival of Speed held on the famous Maryhill Loops Road. I was very impressed with how fast these guys were willing to take their tiny bikes down a winding road just inches from the pavement.
It would be great to see more events like this held in Portland. Good clean fun on bikes. Anyone considering giving this a try?
— More info on the event at TaborDH.com.
[NOTE: I changed the photo in this story because the original one was confusing people. ]
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Is there a Team Brompton out there?
Ha! I suppose a Brompton with the chain removed would fit the restrictions but…you’d get your ass handed to you. These G-Bikes are FAST. My Brompton and I are going to enjoy the race from the sidelines. If you want to race, though, feel free to borrow my full-face.
Sorry to mislead. Looks like drivetrains and multiple-speeds are okay. A Brompton is arguably not a kids bike but the frame is designed for 16s and the wheels are (British) 16s, so you could probably get away with it…if you wanted to pull up the rear!
What the heck is a 16″ frame? Measured from where to where?
Wheelbase.
Not wheelbase, but a frame made to fit 16″ wheels.
Correct.
Jonathan’s picture actually shows a 20″ wheeled gravity bike, not a 16″ wheeled mini-bike, that may be confusing to those not directly involved with zoobomb or minibikes.
Thank you for the clarification.
Orthodontists love these events.
I thought this was a Nimbus 2000
Limit on added weights? That gives heavier riders an advantage. Cool! I didn’t know it, but I’ve been training for this since Thanksgiving! 🙂
Looks like a blast and a half. Be safe, everyone.
This looks like the hot ticket from a spectator point of view. Almost as good as bicycle jousting. The web site is a little vague as to the time. Anybody know?
Sunday June 24, practice runs start at 9am, event runs until 7 pm.
http://tabordh.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TaborDH_Poster_800px_Tall.jpg
http://www.oregonlive.com/events/index.ssf/2012/06/portland_weekend_events_june_22-24.html
So to clarify… this is a mini-bike race, not a gravity bike race, correct?
Yes. G-bikes are allowed, but they must conform to the requirements. More details here.