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The Bikin' Fools |
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Ellen Skagerburg's story below Pat's
Pat Sorans' story: I've been meaning to tell you about the Kinetic Sculpture Race since you have experienced that. Right now Hobart is my hero as is the "bikin fools" That's the name of my team. By the way, bikinfools.com, check it out for photos and stories. They modified a 4 person rig that was formerly used by the Calistoga Elementary School. There were 5 bikin fools pilots and one pit crew, that's me. The race was Sat, Sun, and Mon. We drove up Friday to get a head start. Arcata square in the morning was pandemonium and the first unveiling of the sculptures. I was official videographer, using our new digital video cam. The volunteer officials were a hoot. We prepared some fine bribes and stories which were passed out generously. One bribe was chunks of fools gold accompanied by an elaborate story of Elvis. We also had certificates for an evening with Robert Redford. One of the fools would pass them out to the dj's who would then announce receipt of this gift over the radio. The dj/announcer took a special liking to the fools, especially after day two--the Bay Crossing. They were going along in the water fine but I noticed through my camera zoom they were riding low in the water. Linz blames it on his lard butt that they sank, but it was a busted rod joint that caused the floats to go shooting in the air. They valiantly tried to stay with their craft, but the sheriff came by and had to board his boat. Much later, through community efforts, they were able to locate their bottom feeder with a fish finder and hook it and pull it to shore. There were 100 volunteers to haul it out of the water as the dj proclaimed "Oh the humanity!" They went on to finish the race. The third day, they finished first out of the mud and muck of the eel river crossing and sailed on into Ferndale. During the three days, I followed as best as I could in the car, sometimes transporting one of the fools and their gear. Sometimes I would park the car to catch them at a key spot. I ended up with 5 hours of digital images which I later edited to 2 hours. Anyway, we decided to extend our stay another night to attend the awards dinner. We won a trophy sculpture (made by Hobart) for best pit crew and team spirit! Oh the humanity! We had a follow-up party for the fools and friends where the video was premiered, photos were distributed, and stories were told. They are now planning the design for next year's bikes.
Kinetic Sculpture Race? Sure I know about it! When I was 11 or 12 Years old, my Uncle Gary was in the speed portion of the race when it was Still all in Ferndale -- maybe the second or third year of it -- when it went I think just a block or two down main street in Ferndale. (Later it moved To Old Town in Eureka.) Uncle Gary had made an Easy Rider type "motorcycle" (bicycle) and was up against these 5 Navy guys on a tandem bicycle which was all of them side-by-side. Like one of those very old-fashioned bikes with one big-wheel, only this one was 5 in a row connected to each other and they were dressed turn of the (last) century. They were the only two real contenders for the speed race, and halfway through, one of the Navy guys' bikes jammed and my uncle sped through to win! They wanted a rematch but the judges ruled in favor of my uncle. Kinetic Scuplture Races were invented by Ferndale artist Hobart Brown, who has subsequently gone around the world getting them going. Hobart is a sculptor who taught my Uncle Gary the art of wire sculpture, who originally made little bicycles and Victorian houses out of thick brass wire. My uncle went on to great success as a sculptor and gallery owner and now owns the largest art gallery in Oregon, the Lawrence Gallery, in Sheridan. It'sa great place at a crossroads of two highways, with a few outdoor sculptures of very large art pieces for the enjoyment of passing motorists, and a beautiful courtyard also full of art. Anyway, enjoy whatever "support" means to your team, and have fun! Wear something crazy, everybody else will, and don't take it seriously! Cheers, ** Ellen **
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