Zoobomb | |
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![]() Zoobomb logo | |
Genre | Bicycling |
Frequency | Weekly |
Location(s) | Portland, Oregon, USA |
Years active | Since 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]
The people that are going 35-mph-plus have backgrounds in BMX, mountain biking, bike messengering or downhill skateboarding. I don't know that people showing up for the first time understand this.
—Zoobomber Mark Verno in August 2005[1]
There is an emphasis on unusual bicycles, first and foremost the children's bicycles or "minibikes," but extending to tall bikes, swing bikes,[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 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[citation needed] to have a good time and to support bicycle advocacy and alternative non-polluting transportation.
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.
There are several annual events hosted by Zoobomb organizers and participants, including:
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]