The 3rd annual Kansas City Trashboat Regatta will take place
July 14, 2012 @ 3:00 p.m.
(starting point – 1717 W. 9th Street
What will happen, with any luck, is that a bunch of people will build trashboats, and we’ll put in at Kaw Point, pull out at Glow In The Dark Park, and then throw down on a dirtbag potluck picnic. There will be prizes for best engineering, worst engineering, themes, costumes, decorations, least money spent, most re-use/recycling/re-purposing, and a People’s Choice Award. Consider that both a promise and a threat.
If you have any questions as to what a Trashboat looks like, I suggest that you go and check out Chunk 666′s Aquachopper adventures for elucidation and inspiration. Chicago’s illustrious Rat Patrol’s trashboats were another inspiration for the upcoming festivities. Basically, a trashboat is any bicycle powered or bicycle-towed “boat.” Preferably it doesn’t sink or break apart under its own ill-considered engineering. Buckets, bottles, and barrels are the most common pontoons, though you can make a trashboat out of just about anything, so long as it floats and can either be ridden or towed to the launch site. If your trashboat is a trailer, you need to consider how to secure your bike to it so that you can tow it back home after the party.
The rules are:
* You cannot spend more than $100 on materials. Ideally, most of your creation should be made out of re-used refuse.
*You MUST have a life-vest
* Pack out everything you packed in…please try to build something that won’t fall apart in the water and leave rubbish all over in the river.
* human or wind power only….no motors, no matter how nifty. Pedal-powered-paddlewheels, oars, or sails are the way to go
*You need to be able to ride it to or tow it by bike to the launch and ride/tow it back from the end point
*No drinking beforehand – after the Regatta you can get as liquored-up as you want (heck, you’re encouraged to), but let’s not make an already foolish and risky activity into a potentially deadly one.
* The standard FT disclaimer applies: somebody’s bike will break, somebody will get hurt, no whining.
We’re shamelessly inspired by and ripping off two of the most illustrious groups of frankenbike builders in the Country: ChVnk666 and the Rat Patrol. The world needs more mad tinkerers and completely ridiculous bicycles in it. We here in KC should pitch in and help make the world a weirder place. You should check out the other exploits of both Chunk666 and the Rat Patrol from their main websites.
Stay tuned, because this should prove entertaining for all.
