Kinetic Sculpture Race

If you found yourself driving through Baltimore City on Saturday next to a 14-foot high pink poodle on wheels, you might just have been caught in the midst of the 12th annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for this one of a kind race which traverses 15 miles throughout Baltimore City- through sand, mud, water and pavement. Each May, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) hosts the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race Championship right here on the shore of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

I caught a glimpse of the action at the Canton Waterfront Park. I am not sure what stage of the race i witnessed, but there was plenty of action!

Here are a few pictures of my favorite sculptures:

People’s Choice and Pilot’s Choice: Go Ask Alice

2010 Grand Mediocre East Coast Champion: Candy Haus

The Spectators!

A sample of the official race rules:

A No.1. HOBART’S LAW OF KINETICS

Sculptures

must be human-powered! No pulling, pushing, paddling, or other propulsive method is allowed except by Official Pit Crew and Pilots (sometimes called Kinetinauts). Stored energy is allowed for non-propulsive purposes only. It is legal to get assistance from the natural power of water, wind, sun, and gravity and friendly extraterrestrials.

2D or not 2D. MOM’S HIGH ANXIETY RULE

Make sure you can get out of your Sculpture in an emergency. Each Pilot must have a quick exit path. In addition, life jackets must be worn while on the water! You will not be allowed to begin a water crossing unless you are wearing a life jacket.

8ball. 8%TOTAL BODY WETNESS RULE

Pilots are only allowed 8% total area of body/clothes wetness. The point here is to stay out of the Harbor waters. Therefore every effort should be made to keep bodies above the Harbor water line. Wear a good anti-perspirant. (penalty: 30 minutes)