KKC 2008 Wrap-Up

The Fourth Annual Klamath Kinetic Challenge was held June 28, 2008. It was again a great success.

It was a complete contrast to the first annual race, this race was Hot. That's what ya get for spring in Klamath, truly unknown weather. This kept the crowds down some, both in numbers and boisterism. Shade was sought by all.

But what a success. Sixteen amazing vehicles came to "race" this year. Racers came from far and wide, from Sacramento & Clear Lake California and Corvallis & Eureka. Five local entries this year. A true gathering of the tribes.

There was some organization Saturday morning. Sculptures, skillfully guided by their pilots, were routed through judging stations. The vehicles were prodded and poked by the art & engineering judges followed by a safety check and always entertaining brake test. At the same time the spectators had a chance to study the sculptures and talk with the builders and pilots.

Some of the Judges & The Counterfeit BluesMobile (note 1)

At 10:18 on the dot the race was off with a Le Mans start. No major mishaps down Klamath Ave. and during the parade back down Main St. A good group of spectators for the passage of Veterans Park on the way to KAGO Hill.

Whymsi Cycles on Klamath Ave. (note 1)

Much energy expended going up KAGO Hill. The heat made it even harder this year. All the normal small disasters, like broken chains, but thankfully not major disasters.

Scenes from KAGO Hill (note 1)

Everyone made it over the Gravel Boulevard to Moore Park and on to lunch. Relaxation and another chance for spectators to see the vehicles and talk to the pilots. Good times had by all.

The sand pit was augmented with an obstacle course. This was fun but could have been harder as most vehicles easily negotiated the minor obstacles. The sand pit was however again interesting and a great spot for viewing. The spectators tended to collect under the trees for shade which cut back on the cheers. The vehicles made it through with somewhere between no assistance and major pushing.

Then on to Lakeshore Drive and down the Link River Trail to Veterans Park. Again most everyone made it back to Veterans Park. There were rumors about Ganesha's Taxi getting off the trail and rolling over. No pictures have surfaced so the story is all we have. Hard to believe as the trail drops off steeply to the left down a slope and it drops off steeply to the right into the water. The Magic Dragon was just behind them and reported the story. If anyone has pictures please send them, we'll insert them here.

Ganesha's Taxi

The water section on Lake Euwana was another highlight. Lots of splashing and cooling off after a very hot day. Ganesha's Taxi had some trouble with the water. It rolled down the boat ramp and into the water but continued to go down. The floatation was not up to the task. No pictures but I know it happened, I saw it. A minor disaster but a crowd pleaser. Likewise Kanga Rex had some trouble. As I've heard it the locking mechanism wasn't installed right on set-up so they had quite a tilt in the water. It slowed them down to the speed of the other sculptures (usually they're noticeably faster).

Kanga Rex tilted (note 1)

Deep Blue (note 1)

The water was followed by good food, good music and the awards.

If you missed it this year you'll have to mark your calendars and set your alarm clocks for next year. You certainly don't want to miss it again.

NOTE 1: Pictures noted, and Kinetic Crossbones in the first montage, courtesy of Allen Brown of Kanga Rex fame. Check out his web page for another take on the 2008 KKC.