May 28th, 2010
Kinetic Grand Championships . New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing Sponsors 42nd Annual Kinetic Grand Championships
New Belgium Brewing Sponsors 42nd Annual Kinetic Grand Championships
Memorial Day Weekend Features “The Triathlon of the Art World”
in Humboldt County, CA
Ft. Collins, CO, 2010 – New Belgium Brewing is proud to serve as the title sponsor of the upcoming Kinetic Grand Championships in Humboldt County, California. The event is a three-day, 42-mile race over land, sand, mud and water held May 29-31, 2010. A true celebration of all things people-powered, the Kinetic Grand Championships feature amazing art sculptures, many of which are made from recycled and reclaimed materials that are engineered to handle all of the race elements with style. New Belgium will be part of the journey, rooting for the teams and providing tasty libations at the end of each day for racers and fans alike.
“This event showcases people following their folly over all kinds of terrain – just for the love of the art and the whimsical nature of the event,” said Mike Keller, New Belgium Brewing’s National Festivarian. “It’s a roving art show you won’t want to miss, complete with mud, sweat and cheers.”
Various locations will be set up for people from all across the country to participate and view the Kinetic Grand Championships. Join New Belgium to kick off the celebration with a brake check, parade and other festivities at Arcata Plaza on May 29 at 10:00 a.m. (See map here: http://kineticgrandchampionship.com/maps.php).
The event schedule:
- Day 1 of the Kinetic Grand Championship starts on the Plaza in Arcata, California at the noon whistle on Saturday, May 29. The racers take off to the Manila dunes, where they race through miles of sand to the great and inevitable “Deadman’s Drop.” Then on to Eureka’s downtown Halvorsen Park to enjoy a New Belgium-sponsored beer garden.
- Day 2 starts in Eureka at the waterfront on the Humboldt Bay, where brave Kinetic Pilots race their crafts through the water (most float). Then back on land where kinetic sculptures go up Hookton Hill for a one-mile, seven percent incline and decline. Day 2 ends with a private campout for racers and volunteers.
- Day 3 starts from the mouth of the Eel River, through Morgan slough and onto dry land. Racers cross the finish line on Ferndale’s historic Mainstreet, then park and head up to the Final Awards Dinner at Ferndale’s Fireman’s Hall. During the awards ceremony, the grand prize isn’t always the most coveted. Other awards up for grabs include “The Mediocre Award,” “The Golden Dinosaur,” which goes to the first sculpture to break down after the race starts, and “The Golden Flipper,” for the best flip of a sculpture in the sand or water.
“We love working with the wonderful people of New Belgium and having them sponsor the Kinetic Grand Championship,” said Emma Breacain of the Kinetic Universe. “They share our passion for human power, good fun and good beer.”
According the event organizers, “The race began in 1969, when world-renowned sculpture artist Hobart Brown challenged Ferndale artist Jack Mays to a race down Ferndale’s Mainstreet. In their kinetic contraptions they started a 40-year Humboldt tradition that has spread to Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Baltimore, Maryland and all the way to Perth, Australia. But it all began here among the majestic redwood groves of Humboldt County.”
“This race is not only whimsical and fun, it’s full of history,” added Keller. “New Belgium encourages people to support the event to keep it alive for another 40 years.”
To check the online schedule and to see a video of last year’s event visit www.kineticgranchampionship.com.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.