KKSR 2006 Wrap Up

The weather was perfect, in the upper seventies and lots-a sun. Much better than the inaugural race in 2005 which was chilly. A most wonderful day for all involved, abundant Fun for everyone.

There were many conflicting events June 17th, race day. OIT had commencement and many graduation events were on-going. It was also Father's Day weekend. In-spite of the conflicts eleven vehicles competed and the crowds were bigger than ever. All the hard work of the organizers payed off.

Whirled Cup (with crew) in Moore Park

Art, Engineering and Safety Inspections, were undertaken in Veterans Park starting around 8:30. Judging extended throughout the race but here Judges had a chance for a close up look at the vehicles. The safety inspections included checking for required equipment (toothbrush, flare, life-jackets, etc), and all important brake test. The brake test required vehicles to travel downhill and stop on a dime. KLAD-astoga had a chain mishap during the break test bending a bracket and putting them out of the race, bummer.

The race started on time with a Le Mans start in Veterans Park. Sculptures raced down Klamath Avenue to Eleventh Street determining pole position for a Parade down Main Street. The Duck Tape Boys broke down on Klamath Avenue earning the Pelican Brief award (first to break down after the start of the race). Spectators were wowed on Main by the varied vehicles performing turns and circles while the police scurried to stop cross traffic.

Le Mans Start from Veterans Park

A pack of spectators cheered the vehicles as they passed Veterans Park again and started to race up KILLER KAGO HILL. No major problems with vehicles or lungs here but many took a "time-out" break at Riverside School. They traversed the "Gravel Boulevard" above link river to Moore Park without incident. The riders enjoyed the quiet paved roads and scenery of the upper loop of Moore Park before stopping for lunch. Sailboats could be seen on Klamath Lake.

The mud and sand pits followed lunch. The mud pit was again deceptively difficult. After last year though no-one was pshawing it. It looks solid with only a few muddy areas. However, the unevenness of the pit was the undoing of several sculptures. Muddy sculptures and a few muddy pilots resulted. The sand pit was more of a challenge than in 2005. A pile of loose sand was dumped in the middle which slowed the vehicles. A group of Kinetic Kids fluffed up this pile between riders ensuring soft sand and delighting the crowd. Between 100 and 200 spectators were present and had a great time.

Oregon Groan, Karl Benz,Big Easy and Duck Tape in the Mud Pit

Kinetic Kids in the Sand

The race was delayed leaving Moore Park. The gates for the Link River Trail were opened at 11:00 but some "good Samaritan" locked them before the race started. It took some time to find a key and open the trail. Then the race was off. They flew down the Link River Trail arriving at Veterans Park soon after.

Vehicles were "Impounded" as they arrived back in Veterans Park. The water event on Lake Ewauna was next on the agenda. The whistle blew and vehicle transition to water configuration was "on the clock". Few problems were encountered although, appropriately, Deep Blue nearly sunk but though a valiant effort they completed the course without intervention.

Upwards of 500 spectators crowded the shore of Lake Ewauna giving abundant cheers and encouragement.

Draggin Wagon Entering the Water

Deep Blue Heading for the End of the Water

Music by the Joan Daley Band & Craig Alan Blues Band, and a BBQ put on by the Kiwanis followed the race. Hamburgers and Portobello Mushroom Burgers were great. A beer garden by Mia's and Pia's was a big hit. Racers and spectators relived the antics of the day into the evening. Awards were presented by the Kinetic Diva (Supreme Organizer) to the delight of everyone.

	Recognition was given to the volunteers and especially the Kinetic Diva (Denise Currin) for this wonderous Klamath Kinetic Sculpture Race. This Second Annual KKSR was enjoyed by all involved. If you participated you know how well it went, so tell everyone and get them out for the Third Annual KKSR. If you missed it you'll just have to wait for the 2007 race. Kinetic Kop (picture: Herald & News)
Kinetic Diva (Supreme Organizer)