We are very pleased to now be drawing a number of out of town visitors to the Klamath Kinetic Challenge. It was pointed out to us, by many calls in the weeks before the 2007 race, that there were no directions to the various venues nor schedule on our web site. This page is to help you get to the right locations at the right time. It should also be of use to out of town pit crews.
We're trying to bring tourists to Klamath Falls for the Kinetic Race. We even have a grant from Klamath County to help advertise the event regionally and get people here. If you are thinking of coming from outside the Klamath Basin there are several special offers just for you.
First, if you are a spectator and travel more than 2 hours to attend this wonderous event you are eligible for a special prize. Register for the "Far Away People Drawing" at the event table. The lucky winners will receive a vacation in the Klamath Basin including B&B, Dinner, etc. Stuff too numerous to mention as we're still collecting the package. Be sure to register. You need to be present at the Awards Ceremony to win.
We have arrange a few special deals on Motels around Klamath. These will be available to anyone attending, spectators and racers. Check the link for details.
You will probably be approaching Klamath Falls on Highway 97 (north/south), on Highway 140 (from the west) or on Highway 139 from Reno, Tahoe and Fallon. If you are coming from Baltimore, Denio, or other points east call us.
From Highway 97, take the exit to downtown Klamath Falls. You will find yourself where a river, Link River, flows into a lake, Lake Euwana. You are there, the park you can see to the east is Veterans Park.
From Highway 140, just past Running Y Resort turn left onto Lake Shore Dr. This will wind around Klamath Lake for several miles. At the base of Klamath Lake, to your right, will be Moore Park. Passing Moore Park you'll go over Link River, on a bridge. Continue to the junction with Highway 97 which you'll get on going south. Take the first exit, downtown Klamath Falls, and you're there (see Hwy 97 directions above.)
For those intrepid folks coming from Reno, Tahoe or Fallon you'll be arriving on Hwy 139 from the south. Just before arriving in Klamath Falls you'll find the South Side Expressway. Turn left, west, here and continue until you reach Hwy 97 probably 5 or 6 miles. You want to go north on 97 but the on-ramp turns off the South Side Expressway to the left and then curves around 180 degrees. Take the exit to downtown Klamath Falls as above and you're there. Oh man, you say you missed the South Side Expressway? If you start seeing traffic lights then ya, you missed. But not to fear. You are now on South Sixth Street. Just keep going. This will eventually (3-4 miles) take you over a number of railroad tracks. That is your clue to pay attention, remember you already missed one turn. Several blocks later, second light, is Main Street on which you should turn left. Main Street is one way. Stay in the left lane which will eventually turn you left to a stop sign. The Park you see looking straight ahead is Veterans Park, you made it.
Good news, you've made it to Veterans Park where the KKC starts. The bad news is there is no parking in Veterans Park, no room even for racers. So now what? Well you'll need to park downtown and walk or take the bus to Veterans Park. We are now trying to arrange parking at several locations from which we'll be running buses to Veterans Park. Keep checking or drop us an email for the latest info. It isn't a long walk from downtown, maybe 1/4 mile so walking is an easy option.
We are also arranging buses for transportation from Veterans Park to Moore Park and back again. Parking at Moore Park is also limited so this should be a good option. Look for signs.
Morning activities at Veterans Park include Art and Engineering Judging along with equipment and safety check for pilots and vehicles. A great time to get a close up look at these kontraptions. Activities will commence around 8:30.
The race will start from Veterans Park with a Le Mans start at 10:18. This is a great place to watch as vehicles take off down Klamath Avenue at break neck speeds. They again pass Veterans Park on Main St. before racing up KAGO Hill. Just follow the crowds for this second look at the sculptures.
You can then walk or bike to KAGO Hill to watch pilots sweat up this steep challenge. You can bike or walk with the sculptures along the Gravel Blvd to Moore Park, 2 or 3 miles. Alternately you can drive to Moore Park. For this take Hwy 97 north exiting at the first off ramp, Oregon Ave. & Lakeshore. After a 180 degree ramp you'll be facing south. Turn right (west) and continue along this street which becomes Lake Shore Dr. You'll go over a bridge, Link River. In about 1/2 mile you'll see the entrance to Moore Park to the left.
You can watch from several places, depending on how fast you are and how fast the sculptures are. They will finish this leg at the picnic area. Vehicles should start arriving around 11:30. Here's another chance to see the vehicles and talk to the racers. There are likely food vendors for lunch.
After the racers have had lunch, around 1:00, they will undertake the sand challenge. Just down from the picnic area is the sand and obstacle coruse. Follow the crowds, you can't miss it.
After the sand, vehicles will race down Link River Trail. This section of the trail is closed to bicycles other than official pit crew. You can walk though with the sculptures, walk in a ways from each end to watch, or just catch them entering and exiting. They emerge at the base of KAGO Hill near the Favell Museum.
If driving, re-trace your steps to Veterans Park. See the directions for entering Klamath Falls on Hwy 140 above.
Water is the last event of the Klamath Kinetic Challenge. They will enter and exit the water at the boat ramp in Veterans Park. Vehicles will travel along the waterfront, by the fountains, and back to the boat ramp. The water event will get going around 3:30. Great fun watching the kontraptions entering and exiting the water.
There will be vendors for dinner at Veterans Park. Stay for dinner,
talk with the racers and enjoy the entertainment. Awards will be
during a break in the entertainment.
FOR THE FUN