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Zoobomb is a weekly bicycling activity in
Though many riders bring their own bicycles, the participants maintain a "Zoobomb pile". This is a tower of minibikes anchored to a bicycle rack at the Zoobomb meeting point. These are spare bikes that are used as loaners for would-be Zoobombers who don't have their own bike. The pile has become a local landmark.
In March 2009, a new pile was dedicated, in a ceremony attended by Portland mayor Sam Adams. The new pile is located at SW 13th and Burnside.
Zoobomb websiteArchives of Zoobomb coverage
on BikePortland.org
Zoobomb
on Gridskipper.com, The Urban Travel Guide
BBC coverage of zoobombing
{{Cycling in Portland, Oregon 2002 establishments in Oregon Cycling clubs Culture of Portland, Oregon Cycling in Portland, Oregon Entertainment events in the United States Sports in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland (, ) is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the list of cities in Oregon, largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette River, Willamette and Columbia River, Columbia rivers, Portland is ...
, United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
during which participants ride bicycles rapidly downhill in the city's West Hills. Zoobomb began in 2002.
Participants carry their bikes on MAX Light Rail
The Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) is a light rail system serving the Portland metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Oregon. Owned and operated by TriMet, it consists of five color-designated lines that altogether connect the six sectio ...
to the Washington Park station next to the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo, originally the Portland Zoo and later the Washington Park Zoo, is a zoo located in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon, approximately southwest of downtown Portland. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi R ...
. From there, participants take the elevator to the surface and then ride their bikes down the hills in the vicinity. This process is often repeated several times throughout the night.
Culture
There is an emphasis on unusual bicycles, first and foremost the children's bicycles or "minibikes," but extending totall bike
A tall bike is an unusually tall bicycle often constructed by hobbyists from spare parts. Typically, two conventional bicycle frames are connected, by welding, brazing, or other means, one atop the other. The drive train is reconfigured to connec ...
s, swing bikes, choppers, non-functional bicycles, skateboards, longboards, etc.
The Zoobombers are made up of a wide demographic, with a tendency towards young adults. The event is treated in a very lighthearted fashion, including a large amount of socializing between rides. Riders often dress up in costume or decorate their bicycles. Parents have brought their children on rides, and a legally blind person "The Blind Bomber" regularly attends (on a tandem bike, behind a sighted rider). Though not technically a race, there is some prestige in getting down the hill first. However, there is never shame in getting down the hill last, as safety and fun are what is encouraged, not going fast. The participants espouse a " pack it in, pack it out/leave no trace" philosophy in an effort to maintain cleanliness in the areas where they congregate. Zoobomb tries to be a positive force in the community by providing a safe environment to have a good time and to support bicycle advocacy and alternative non-polluting transportation.
Zoobomb Pile
Though many riders bring their own bicycles, the participants maintain a "Zoobomb pile". This is a tower of minibikes anchored to a bicycle rack at the Zoobomb meeting point. These are spare bikes that are used as loaners for would-be Zoobombers who don't have their own bike. The pile has become a local landmark.
In March 2009, a new pile was dedicated, in a ceremony attended by Portland mayor Sam Adams. The new pile is located at SW 13th and Burnside.
Related events
There are several annual events hosted by Zoobomb organizers and participants, including: *Zoobomb Century in June *MiniBikeWinter in February *Zoobomb Summer Olympics (aka BiffDay) in August *Alleykitten Invitational Zoobomb has inspired Hoodbomb, where participants gather at theTimberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge is a mountain lodge on the south side of Mount Hood in Clackamas County, Oregon, about east of Portland. Constructed from 1936 to 1938 by the Works Progress Administration, it was built and furnished by local artisans during th ...
and bomb the course of Timberline Road on Mount Hood.
See also
*Portland Urban Iditarod
The Idiotarod is a shopping cart race in which teams of five or more "idiots" with a (sometimes modified) grocery store shopping cart run through the streets of a major metropolitan area. The carts are usually themed and feature people in costu ...
* Idiotarod
* Kinetic sculpture race
Kinetic sculpture races are organized contests of human-powered amphibious all-terrain works of art. The original cross country event, the World Championship Great Arcata To Ferndale Cross Country Kinetic Sculpture Race, now known as the Kinetic ...
* Shopping cart race
References
External links
Zoobomb website
on BikePortland.org
Zoobomb
on Gridskipper.com, The Urban Travel Guide
BBC coverage of zoobombing
{{Cycling in Portland, Oregon 2002 establishments in Oregon Cycling clubs Culture of Portland, Oregon Cycling in Portland, Oregon Entertainment events in the United States Sports in Portland, Oregon