The 3rd Annual 2010 Great West End & Railroad Square Handcar Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical & Artistic Wonders this past weekend was a blast (from the past)! Taking place in MAKE’s stomping grounds of Sonoma County, the event invites crews to create contraptions full of engineering prowess (and whimsy) to race on the defunct train tracks of Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square. The Regatta made us all proud, showing what an amazing homegrown event a dedicated crew of people can create.
I was there representing for MAKE and had the privilege of handing out the Spectacular Failure award, which went to the Delirium crew for their Sac Toe Geto Blaster. The crew had a great attitude and kept on trying to mod their failing machine until they finally lost a wheel. Yes, folks, they rode til the wheels fell off, all while staying positive and blasting music. Here’s what was left of the Geto Blaster (yes, the plaque reads “Haterville”):
There were some really great contraptions representing mad skills and creativity, all racing their hearts out in the over 100-degree heat. If you want to check out more images, MAKE community member Kent K. Barnes snapped some great shots (like the one at top), as did O’Reilly’s Jonathan Johns (above shot).
One of my favorite contraptions at the Regatta was the Whiskeydrome, creating by the fine gentlemen of Whiskeydrunk Cycles. Here’s a video of three riders in the Whiskeydrome. Crew dog Eleanor clearly wanted a piece of that action!
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