Pdxguide

Is it a cult? Or a way of life? Whatever it may be, Zoobomb is fun. The deal: every Sunday night, regardless of season, weather, or national emergency, a gang of bike-folks meets up by the “Pyle”, W Burnside at 13th Av, around 8:30pm. Everyone then takes their bike (there is a “bike library” of loaner bikes, but they might not always be available and/or functional) to the nearest MAX station to catch a train to the Washington Park-Zoo Station. They ride from the station to the top of the hill, hang out a bit at a “secret” location, and then “bomb” down the steep, winding road through the park back down to the bottom, using various routes. This is usually repeated a few times, with refreshing done at the top. Fun! The initiated ride children’s bikes (referred to as “little” bikes), some of which are piled up on the bike racks near Rocco’s.

As with many activities in this vein, Zoobomb has felt the heat of, well “the heat”. In the beginning Tri-Met fare inspectors gave them grief (a note to the wise: ALWAYS pay the current fare if you plan on riding the MAX to Zoobomb, otherwise you might end up with a ticket for fare evasion!), the neighborhood association around the Zoo has been at odds with them (going as far as to try to get the MAX station to close early on Sunday nights), and even the Department of Homeland Security considered them a possible “terrorist threat” at one point!! But Zoobomb perseveres. Nowadays Zoobomb has on its side the likes of famed filmmaker Gus Van Sant and Mayor Sam Adams! In any case, it is one of Portland’s most irreverent institutions. And you are more than welcome to attend any Sunday night.