A three-day race of human-powered kinetic sculptures that takes place over Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, starting in Arcata and finishing in Ferndale. The race is exactly as strange as it sounds: elaborately decorated vehicles — part sculpture, part engineering project — must traverse sand dunes, open water, and city streets under their own power, operated only by their crews. Vehicles that sink, get stuck in sand, or simply fall apart are common.
The finishing stretch along Ferndale's main street draws significant crowds. The sculptures range from beautiful to absurd: giant crabs, dragons, spaceships, and insects, all pedalled or pushed by teams in costume. The race has accumulated elaborate traditions including the right to bribe officials (cash is mandatory, but only in small denominations), a rule against powered assistance, and a prize for the team that finishes most perfectly in the middle of all competitors. If you happen to be anywhere near Humboldt County on Memorial Day weekend, rearrange your plans to be in Ferndale.