Graand Kinetic Challenge

July 19-21, 2013

GKC Race Registration | 2012 GKC Awards | Contact Kinetic Challenge

This is no ordinary race. Graand Kinetic Challenge teams are out to prove that their sculpture is the best--best in art, best in engineering, best in speed, best in pageantry, and best all around!  Check here for 2011 Awards!

Their biggest test is the race itself and what a course it is! Racers must ride over 10 miles of city streets, over a man-made sand dune, across 3000 feet of sun-dried, clay pasture, through 200 feet of deep, thick, sticky mud, and down 2 miles of the Willamette River. All of this under pedal power with no help from their friends (or spectators)!

What is a kinetic sculpture?

Kinetic sculptures are moving works of art, pedaled by human power over a rigorous, all-terrain course by teams of fun-loving racers. These engineering marvels move in all kinds of ingenious ways, sculpted into all sorts of fantastic shapes--sea anemone, school bus, flying pink elephant, slice of cheese, yellow submarine--everything imaginable! And the racers and their pit crews are part of the art, decked out in costume and trying to out-compete each other in the entertaining show they put on for the spectators!

The teams consist of pilots, pit crew and the entourage. Kinetic Pilots pedal the sculpture and steer, the pit crew assists the pilots in transforming the vehicle for the various elements and fixing mechanical issues, and the entourage is the loyal group of friends and family providing support and more fun to the teams. The teams give out "bribes" to the judges, race committee members and of course the adoring da Vinci Days fans.

Spectators are welcome to follow the race on their bikes (please mind all traffic laws that apply). Seeing these amazing and inspiring works of art and engineering is a reminder that it's fun to get around under pedal power!

In the competitions for speed, design, artistry, and pageantry, there are great prizes donated by local artists and businesses. Special recognition in all sorts of other categories honors the spirit and dedication of racers with trophies and prizes. For teams that complete the race under their own power, there is the coveted Leo medallion.

The first rule of the Graand Kinetic Challenge is to have fun!
Some of the rules are of special note to spectators. Sculptures must carry the following equipment at all times during the Race:

• A flag, prominently waving in the breeze at all times, which symbolizes an important aspect of the team's philosophy of life, the universe, and everything.
• One copy of the final and official da Vinci Days Graand Kinetic Challenge Rules in a water tight container.
• A whistle for every pilot while on the water for safety--as required by the State of Oregon.
• A team song/chant demonstrating cunning rhyming technique, utilizing the team name and the words da Vinci, kinetic and Corvallis, to be performed on demand by the Judges.
• A thematically appropriate, comforting, and/or cuddly stuffed animal, preferably bear-ish and of fabric composition.