Zoobomb facts for kids
Zoobomb is a super fun weekly bicycle event in Portland, Oregon, United States. It's all about riding bikes really fast down the big hills in the city's West Hills. This exciting tradition started way back in 2002.
To join the fun, participants take their bikes on the MAX Light Rail train. They ride it to the Washington Park station, which is right next to the famous Oregon Zoo. From there, everyone takes an elevator up to the surface. Then, the thrilling part begins: they zoom down the hills on their bikes! Many riders repeat this adventure several times throughout the night, making it a long evening of downhill excitement.
Quick facts for kids Zoobomb |
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Zoobomb logo
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| Genre | Bicycling |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Location(s) | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| Years active | Since 2002 |
| Participants | Over 100 (as of 2005) |
| Website | zoobomb.net |
Contents
What is Zoobomb?
Zoobomb is more than just a bike ride; it's a unique community event. It happens every week in Portland, bringing together people who love bikes and adventure. The main idea is to enjoy the thrill of riding downhill.
The Zoobomb Experience
The event is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. People gather, chat, and get ready for their downhill rides. It's a great way to meet new friends who share a love for cycling.
Fun Bikes and Costumes
Zoobomb is famous for the amazing and unusual bikes people ride. Many participants use small children's bicycles, often called "minibikes." But you might also see really tall bikes, bikes that swing, or even custom-made choppers. Some people even bring skateboards or longboards! Riders often dress up in cool costumes or decorate their bikes. This adds to the festive and creative spirit of Zoobomb.
Safety and Community Spirit
While going fast can be exciting, Zoobomb always puts safety and fun first. It's not really a race, and there's no pressure to be the fastest. Everyone is encouraged to ride safely and enjoy the experience. People of all ages join in, including parents with their children. Even a legally blind person, known as "The Blind Bomber," regularly participates on a tandem bike with a sighted rider.
The Zoobomb community also cares a lot about keeping the city clean. They follow a "pack it in, pack it out" rule. This means they take all their trash with them, leaving no trace behind. Zoobomb aims to be a positive part of the community. It offers a safe place for people to have fun and supports using bikes for transportation. This helps keep the air clean and promotes healthy activities.
The Famous Zoobomb Pile
Even though many riders bring their own bikes, there's a special place called the "Zoobomb pile." This is a tower of minibikes that are locked to a bike rack. It's the main meeting spot for Zoobomb. These bikes are available for anyone who wants to try Zoobomb but doesn't have their own bike. It's like a free bike library!
A Landmark for Riders
The Zoobomb pile has become a well-known landmark in Portland. It shows the fun and unique spirit of the event. In March 2009, a new and improved pile was officially opened. The mayor of Portland at the time, Sam Adams, even attended the ceremony! The new pile is located at SW 13th and Burnside.
Other Exciting Zoobomb Events
The people who organize Zoobomb also host several other cool events throughout the year. These events keep the fun going beyond the weekly rides:
- Zoobomb Century: A long-distance ride held in June.
- MiniBikeWinter: A special event in February, focusing on minibikes.
- Zoobomb Summer Olympics (also called BiffDay): Fun and games in August.
- Alleykitten Invitational: Another exciting cycling challenge.
Zoobomb has even inspired similar events in other places. One example is Hoodbomb. For Hoodbomb, riders go to the Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood. They then ride down the 5.5-mile (8.9 km) Timberline Road course.
See Also
- Portland Urban Iditarod
- Kinetic sculpture race
- Shopping cart race
