2007 Boulder Kinetic Sculpture Challenge

Held every year on the first weekend in May this Boulder, Colorado tradition is unique to say the least. For those who haven't heard of it, it requires building a human powered vehicle that can travel over both land and water. In addition, you are requested to have a theme and build a sculpture of some type to set atop your vehicle. These Kinetic crafts are then pushed, pulled, pedaled, paddled, and dragged (often in pieces) over a land water course designed to winnow out the weaklings. Needless to say many never complete the course, and some barely survive the start before sinking. Winning the race itself is only part of your score as costumes, sculpture, engineering, and style are all judged by a group of your piors in order to establish an overall winner. Any serious event of this nature needs a spiritual leader, so behold the Wizard bestowing blessings on one lucky team.

I first became involved in this "sport" back in 1983 and over the course of the next 20 years lead a team of co-workers to become the dominant force in the event. Our dynasty of wins garnered nearly 100 trophies, and established several records for consecutive overall wins that has never been repeated. We retired years ago, and have remained somewhat involved by volunteering to man check points, and assist in the scoring. Unbelieveably the vehicle that lead to many of our victories is still in service although it is manned by a team of college kids one of whom is the son of one of the original crew. Sadly they admitted to only putting about 3 whole hours into the sculpture this year, but at least they are out there racing.

One of the favorite teams this year were the Movers and Steakers seen here at the finish line. Top honors went to: Shaargk (1st), A Reptile Dysfunction (2nd), Leprechaunetics(3rd). Other colorful names included the Banana Hammocks (that's Budgy Smuggler to you Aussies).

Cathy and I manned check point American Idol this year, and made every team preform song and dance numbers. Cathy was Paula, I was Randy Jackson, and we recruited a friend, Tom, to play Simon. He was a bit surprised at the hostility his character generated. Oh well.