Ride co-leaders Lillian Karabaic and Tim Nakayama at last year’s Bowie Vs Prince.
(Photos: Lillian Karabaic)

The recent deaths of rock titans David Bowie and Prince have had a unique impact on Portland because of the beloved tradition of the Bowie Vs Prince ride. The woman who created the ride, Lillian Karabaic, sent us a few last-minute reminders before it rolls for the last time this Saturday (6/11) at 7:00 pm.

For the 9th and final time, Bowie Vs Prince will ride tomorrow through the streets of Portland. For some folks, they’ve never missed this ride, and for others, it will be their first time. Below are a few things to keep in mind before you roll out on Saturday night…

1. Best things to Bring for Dancing in The Streets

Bring snacks, water, lights, a bike lock, your ID and your dancing shoes. If you can, bring a candle for a memorial. If you usually hit bed early, I’d recommend a disco nap in the evening, as this ride will go late.
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Tim Nakayama, a.k.a. Diablo, keeper of Prince’s flame in Portland bike culture.
(Photos: J.Maus/BikePortland)

Three months after Portland lost one icon behind its annual Bowie vs. Prince ride, the other has also left the stage.

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The eternal conflict.
(Photos: J.Maus/BikePortland)

Each summer, fans of two brilliant, proudly weird performers meet in two different Portland spots and then join up to form a huge, glamorous rolling jam with costumes and thumping dance beats.

Not unlike with the late, great David Bowie himself, the success of the annual Bowie Vs Prince ride took even its creator by surprise. It turned out that, just as the English-speaking world had spent the 1960s secretly getting ready to be blown away by Ziggy Stardust, the Portland of the 2000s had been secretly getting ready to go nuts for this particular bike ride.

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Pre-ride group photo from 2012 Bowie vs. Prince ride.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

Local fans of David Bowie are planning a memorial ride tonight to remember the music and fashion icon who died today at age 69. The ride will meet at 5:00 pm in Waterfront Park (at SW Pine).
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A partial group shot taken at Sewallcrest Park before the ride began.
-More photos below-
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

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A scene from the 2010 Bowie vs. Prince Pedalpalooza ride.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

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7-11 parking lot was turned into a dance floor.
(Photos © J. Maus)

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