Zoobomb

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Zoobomb
File:Zoobomb (logo).png
Zoobomb logo
Genre Bicycling
Frequency Weekly
Location(s) Portland, Oregon, USA
Years active Since 2002; 22 years ago (2002)
Participants Over 100 (as of 2005)[needs update][1]
Website
zoobomb.net

Zoobomb is a weekly bicycling activity in Portland, Oregon, United States during which participants ride bicycles rapidly downhill in the city's West Hills. Zoobomb began in 2002.[1]

Participants carry their bikes on MAX Light Rail to the Washington Park station next to the Oregon Zoo.[2][3] From there, participants take the elevator to the surface and then ride their bikes down the hills in the vicinity.[4] This process is often repeated several times throughout the night.[3]

Culture

There is an emphasis on unusual bicycles, first and foremost the children's bicycles or "minibikes," but extending to tall bikes, swing bike,[1] choppers, non-functional bicycles, skateboards,[1] longboards,[1] etc. The Zoobombers are made up of a wide demographic, with a tendency towards young adults.[citation needed] 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).[citation needed] Though not technically a race, there is some prestige in getting down the hill first.[citation needed] 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 out what you pack in/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[citation needed] to have a good time and to support bicycle advocacy and alternative non-polluting transportation.

Zoobomb Pile

File:ZoobombPile.jpg
The Zoobomb pile, the meeting point for participants (December 2007); the pyle is located near Powell's City of Books, seen in the background, at left.

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See also: People's Bike Library of Portland

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.[3][5]

In March 2009, a new pile was dedicated, in a ceremony attended by Portland mayor Sam Adams.[6] 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 the Timberline Lodge and bomb the 5.5-mile (8.9 km) course of Timberline Road on Mount Hood.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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