Karin, Kalen and I joined other Fabulous Babes of the Bee Brigade (the FBBBs) and their spouses (the newly-dubbed SOBBs) at the Saint Mary's Catholic Church parking lot on Janes Road to watch the racers go by. Joy and Steve alerted us to this goodly viewing spot, and we had a picnic party for the event.
For those unfamiliar with the event, the Kinetic Sculpture Race is a three-day race from Arcata to Ferndale for human-powered machines. The sculptures can be as simple or elaborate as one wishes. They must be able to travel on land (asphalt, sand and mud) and water (a bit of Humboldt Bay). Cheating is encouraged, but if an official catches you at it, you must be prepared to bribe them. It's a whole bunch of silliness and fun.
Leading the pack: an insect sculpture.
The Rutabaga Queen and retinue
Duane Flatmo makes some of the best kinetic sculptures. This dragon isn't among his most colorful, but it is pretty nifty.
Dragon, hippo and more.
June Moxon also makes impressive sculptures, like this Kinetic Chicken.
Angler Fish and Octomom
Chris' husband Jim is a local TV weatherman, so of course he suffered many a lame joke about his responsibility for the overcast day. We promise to change the subject someday, Jim.
Claire, Jim, Chris, Joy and Kalen
Joy, Kalen & Karin
Julia, Sheri & Lily-pup. Julia's wishing a swarm would fly by.
One poor team was limping along, probably stuck in first gear. Julia and I gave them a little boost, getting them up to 4 or 5 mph for a hundred feet or so. We hope they made it to the day's stop before dark.
All too soon, the sculptures had raced by, and our little party ended. But a good time was had by all.
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