Soapbox Derby 2009

Picture it: 8 derby racers that run the whole gamut. There is a converted lawn mower, a custom welded tricycle, a scorpion looking inverse tricycle, and a pallet with wheels among others. The drivers stand around showing off their contraptions and getting the instructions. Waiting for the drivers is a minorly modified version of last year's track. One of the notable modifications is a tabletop jump that looks hard to avoid.

After gawking and preening, we all lug our vehicles to the top of the track. Practice runs are had (except for me because I didn't have faith my car would make it more than one run, and I wanted it to be officially timed) and the serious competitors quickly become apparent. The process, similar to last year, is annoyingly unorganized leading to lots of waiting, but I guess that is part of the accessible atmosphere. Everyone rolls with it and has a good time.

My car, Cherryette of Fire, performs admirably (which is to say doesn't lose a wheel like last year). After hitting a hay bale on the first run while trying to avoid the jump, I learn my lesson and just hit the jump at a reasonable speed the next two runs. Needless to say, I've got some signification modifications to do if I want to be a competitor next year. Just being in the race, though, is a hoot.

Besides the races, there was swimming, cliff jumping, tight rope walking*, circus shows, good music, good people, and so much more. The event did a great job of showcasing the emerging Lookout Arts Center (a.k.a. the Quarry) as a venue for such great events. I greatly look forward to next year. Start designing your car now!
Wednesday September 16 2009File under: misc

Toggle Comments (5)comment?
on Wed 16th Sep, 2009 02:28 pm PDT Wren said:
Sorry for the lack of action shots. I was busy running the starting line when I wasn't racing so I didn't get any. I'm hoping some will surface in the next week or so and I will try to get them posted here as soon as possible.
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on Wed 16th Sep, 2009 04:42 pm PDT Andrew said:
Bro! Cherryette of Fire looks like a bike sans frame. What're the rules to this joint? Regardless, I want to enter next year. Looks fun.
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on Wed 16th Sep, 2009 11:25 pm PDT Horge said:
What's drawn on your seat?
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on Fri 18th Sep, 2009 02:52 pm PDT janjan2000 said:
Are you going to recycle that butt foam into a puppet? I would.
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on Mon 12th Oct, 2009 09:07 am PDT Wren said:
Photos of the event have found their way to the web! http://www.flickr.com/photos/43550282@N08/sets/72157622567252620/

A couple that give a better impression of my steed: one and two
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