Oshkosh 2009 Campground Crazy Vehicle Contest - Wacky Crafters!

(15 pix + video) 

 This story was supposed to be posted on 7-30-09, the day after the first ever ‘Oshkosh Campground Crazy Vehicle Contest’ took place.  But, that was the day that the ‘non-standard-but-shoulda-been-powerful-cuz-it-was-expensive’ blog platform I was using quite working properly... again.  So, AirPigz.com took a little nap from mid-Oshkosh thru the fall as I scrambled to move (and re-format) the entire blog into the SquareSpace.com platform.  BTW, SquareSpace rocks.

 Now that I’ve recovered from that late July fiasco and AirPigz is stronger than ever before, it’s time to look back at one of the coolest things that happened in the campground at OSH 09.

 If you’ve been to Oshkosh and either passed thru or ‘lived’ in the campground, then you’ve probably seen some kooky and cool contraptions built by  EAA members for getting around the expansive campgrounds.  In addition to lots of normal bikes, scooters and 4-wheelers, a variety of truly unique transportation devices have appeared over the years.  Even gas-powered recliners and couches have been spotted cruising the grounds, of course stirring up a ton of attention and fun.

 In fact, I’m pretty sure that a powered couch running around at Oshkosh 2008 was the catalyst for getting this contest off the ground, which is kinda funny since there weren’t any that showed up for the first-ever, 2009 competition.  That wasn’t a problem tho as many more entries and way more people showed up than expected!  It was an absolutely beautiful evening as everyone gathered together near the ‘Big Red Barn’ in the campground on Wednesday, July 29th for some good ole American fun, Oshkosh style.

 Somewhere around 30 different ‘crazy vehicles’ showed up along with about 200 friendly gawkers.  Things were a little loose, partly from this being the first time for the event, and partly because the turnout was big.  But the guys from EAA Radio did a great job of taking the lead and making it all work out just great.  In the end, it was really special time with very cool people, but then that’s the Oshkosh experience in a nutshell.

 I was really pleased to be taking pictures of the event, but I was also participating in it with my unusual AirPigz ’media cart’ (human-powered category).  That cart wasn’t so much transpo for me, but I pushed about 75 pounds of battery, cameras, computer etc around the entire airport grounds in that thing all week long and I can tell ya, it was a fabulous tool of transportation.  I didn’t come anywhere near winning, but I sure had a great time : )

 Check out these pix, and then be sure to watch the excellent EAA video at the end.  My understanding is that there will definitely be a 2010 competition, so I’d say start your sketches on a napkin now and then build something cool and crazy in the spring.  I’m really looking forward to the OSH 10 Campground Crazy Vehicle Contest… and I’ll be planning to win a category this time around : )

This 7 person bike piloted by Elizabeth Lancos from Canada tied for First Place in the Human Powered Category.  It's built from 3 tandem bikes plus a ride-in trailer!

Here's the other First Place winner in Human Powered Category (dog-powered?!) - built by Les Koberg, it's an AeroShell Aerobatic Team T-6.

First Place Electric Category - RC, solar assist big board by Janos Lancos from Canada.

The 'BloPed' by Brian and Steve Betts not only got First Place in the Outrageous Creativity Category, but it was the most visible during the week... I saw it everywhere!

 
First Place Gas Powered Category - Scott Stevens twin engine micro replica racer.

This tiny German Beer Kart didn't win, but it was stinkin' cool!  Engine inside the wood box!

First Place Modified Production Category - very nice Jeep-ish mod.

An old Bike Bug engine on a Schwinn bike.

A contender - cool mini street rod with fake engine up front ('fooler' on side).

My AirPigz 'media cart' with computer sun shade umbrella deployed!

All contenders made a 2-lap parade around the Red Barn area - I was following the kids on unicycles : )

Excellent EAA video of the Oshkosh Campground Crazy Vehicle Contest.

Comments

[Martin Do it]

Never listened about such event , I wish if i could be there.The BloPed and German Beer Kar; both are cool. Such events should be held in all over the world to discover new minds and new ideas. Love the post

[Business contract Hire]

Wow,the vehicles in these pics are simply amazing.My favorite is AeroShell Aerobatic Team T-6 (dog powered,lol).Thanks for posting these pics.