HPV - Human Powered Vehicle Race
Cheddar Challenge - Kenosha, WI

DON: You went to a bicycle race? Yep! Don't roll your eyes at me or I'll sick the "Great White" on you. These racers could teach auto racers a ton about aerodynamics, friction and fitness. I loved the track, it was like a mini Bristol Motor Speedway. The only things missing were a ton of wrecks and a couple fights after the race. There were many moments when I thought there was going to be a crash, but never a time when I thought a fight was going to break out. Actually the racers were very supportive of each other, including cheering each other on during the races. Bev and I had a great time and plan on attending another race in the future.

BEVERLY: I was so impressed that I had worked up to 2 miles on my bike without a sweat. Imagine my disappointment when I see the streamliners go 63 laps, each being 330 meters. The race was so exciting! I held my breath on a couple of the passes. Rob Wood, winner of the streamliner race, told me he was up to 38 mph but had to try to slow a little in the turns. Dave Johnson in the Great White streamliner had a minor accident during the 200m timed event. When he came into the warmup track too fast after his run, he actually turned over in the grass. He wasn't hurt but it did hurt the performance of his vehicle in the actual race. It's too bad because he ran well in the 200.

All-in-all it was a great day. The weather we expected didn't materialize and it was a great day for an HPV race!

Weekend highlights:

• Talking to Karsten Fabien and finding out his "Secret" was doing nothing special to prepare for the race, unless you count having a double Whopper. I feel sorry for the competition. He won both stock class races.
• Talking aerodynamics with Sean Costin - He had some great food for thought. In fact, we're going to broadcast his interview on Speed Talk.

More at: www.recumbents.com

Pre-race prep	Practice for a stocker	Practice for a streamliner	Drivers meeting	Stagging area for 200m
Nice timing equipment	Kids get ready for 200m	This bike was for sale, only $1700	Multi-rider ready for 200m	They really pushed themselves
Superstocker with rear fairing	Superstocker with small front fairing	Superstreeter with full fairing	Front fairing and flexible covering	The "PopCycle"
My kind of design, function before form	Stockers ready for 200m	They even had a small grandstand, Bev is pleased	Streamliner prep work	Dave Johnson ready for the 200m
After fast time in 200m "Great White" had a hard landing	A little help please	Thank You!	"Woody" streamliner	Sean Costin's streamliner ready for 200m
Rob Wood 's streamliner was a rocket ship	"Piranha" streamliner	Superstocks, Superstreets and Streamliners ready for undetermined length race	"Great White" off to early lead	Handling problems cut into "Great White's" lead
Blue and green streamliners run down the leader	Leaders pass a Superstreet bike	Sean Costin holds off Rob Wood, for now	Streamliner passes Superstock	White knuckle moment when riders go four wide
"Piranha" and the "PopCycle" do battle	Patriotic bike	Superstreeter in middle of banking	This guy is having too much fun	"Piranha" in action
All I could say was WOW when this thing went past me in the corners	Rob Wood recovers from terrible start to win by a couple laps	Sean Costin finishes second	Cool down after impressive victory	Stockers ready for their race
These guys were in great physical condition	Into turn one	These two fought it out for most of the race	Ran a very solid third	The checkered flag for Karsten Fabien
	Don interviewing Sean Costin after the race	Don interviewing Karsten Fabien after his two victories	The trophy? A cheese hat

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