Excitement and applause erupt as the Kinetic Grand Championship kicks off. Sculptures race past, each one better than the last. The race puts local artistry, craftsmanship, and strength to the test throughout this three-day race traversing over land, sand, and sea.
The Kinetic Grand Championship, aka “The triathlon of the art world,” is an annual race held in Humboldt County over Memorial Day weekend. This year, it will be held from May 24th to 26th, kicking off at noon on the Arcata Plaza.
Metal sculptor, Hobart Brown, created the Kinetic Sculpture race in 1969. What originally started as a three-block race in Ferndale became a three-day race from the Arcata Plaza to Main Street in Ferndale.
Large human-powered sculptures are the key component of the race. The sculptures often have a bike base and frames made of metal, wood, and plastic, which the engineers weld together to form animals, plants, or other sculptures. Once the base is complete, the engineers weld sculptures carefully to pass over streets, sandy dunes, muddy trails, and the waters of Humboldt Bay.
Pilots, pit crew, and peons (members of the team who are not pilots or pit crew) power the grand sculptures. The pilots are the drivers and the power source of the sculptures, and the pit crew helps with all the mechanics, such as any transitions of parts or issues that may arise. The peons help with anything else the team needs.
While there are prizes and awards, most people race just for the fun of it and for the glory. There are prizes for the art, engineering, and pageantry, but most consider it a win if they make it to Main Street by 4:37 pm on Monday. Others consider it a win if they ACE.
ACEing is another component of the race that makes it a little harder for those more experienced folks. To ACE, there are several components that “ACE Teams” must follow. They can’t push or pull their machine unless in designated push zones; they have to carry all their tools, camping equipment, and materials on board, they can’t switch pilots, and the peons can’t touch the machine. In addition, they must have a pit crew that matches the number of pilots.
To participate in the race, you simply need a team and a sculpture. Members of the community eight years old and above make up the teams; however, the pilots must be sixteen or older. No mechanical, engineering, or racing experience is required, which is all part of the fun. This year, there are several high school teams. Many members are right on campus!
The Pedal Snappers are an entirely high school-run team, with Ava Tempelaere as their captain. It originally stemmed from a Six Rivers High team, but has grown to include four high schools in the area. This year, they have a duck-themed sculpture. The main focus consists of a big duck with flapping wings and several smaller ducks.
While the race is usually all fun, many challenges may potentially put the contestants out of the race. Last year, the Pedal Snappers had a mechanical issue a few blocks from the plaza that caused them to delay. Despite their issues last year, they hope to ACE the race this year.
“I love all the community aspects of it,” Tempelaere said in response to her favorite part of the process. “It is super heartwarming to see everyone work together, because we have people who are from totally different interests. We get people who are really into the bikes or into the mechanic side, and the people who are really into the art, and then the ones who are kind of like ‘oh, sometimes I want to try it out,’ and it is great to see them all come together.”
So, will you show up to support your fellow AHS students? If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see them perform their pageantry, and they might even give you an enticing bribe.
