RVer Explores Americana Potpourri at da Vinci Days (Part 1)

RVers at the Good Sam Rally in Redmond, Oregon can take advantage of a great festival that occurs at the same time. The da Vinci Days Festival held in Corvallis, Oregon is well worth the hour and a half drive from Redmond.

Here you will experience some of the most wonderful Americana you will find anywhere – a celebration of art, science and technology. First let me start with the Kinetic Challenge; this event requires engineering genius because teams must put together “human-powered” all-terrain vehicles that must complete a 10 mile course. The course includes climbing a sand dune, traversing a mud bog, paddling down the Willamette River and winding through the streets of Corvallis, Oregon ending at the Oregon State University campus where the majority of the festivities are held. These kinetic machines must not only be road and sea worthy, they must also be works of art with a theme. Here is the “Draggin’ Wagon” powered by one cyclist and one rower (the rowing machine puts power to the wheels). The team consists (from left to right) of Jacob “Orc’s Blood”, Jaylin, Nick, Nicholas “Redbeard”, Lauren, Kelsey and Chelsa. This is actually a fire breathing sculpture that has a top speed of 15 mph on land and 4 knots on water. The “Winchworm” has a top speed of “caterpillar crawl” and is powered by seven people called “pilots” and their leader Melissa Boyd (center with helmet)Larry and Joni Plotkin show off the "Winchworm". There were many more “human powered” machines that competed in the race. Many were technological marvels while others were simple yet effective. To win this race you must come in exactly in the middle (fastest doesn’t get you anything) which is good to remember the next time you think about driving fast. The contestants must also have a song and dance to entice the judges. Judges may also be bribed with theme items like a can of sardines from the fish sculpture. Here is a photo of the water propulsion on one of these amazing machines. Watch this video as this same machine crosses the finish line.



This is a wonderful festival that just completed its 15th year. These kinetic competitions are held all over the USA and RVers can enjoy them in many of their travels. Check out the da Vinci Days website for more links to these kinds of events: da Vinci Days Festival

RVing allows you to actually “see” America in all her diversity, so fire up your RV and get out there and experience it with me. Part II will be available for your reading pleasure on Tuesday’s blog. Until then keep RVing – Jim Twamley