MISC Workshop

RULES: Kinetic Cake Express Santa Barbara

DISCLAIMER: Registration fee is not a guarantee of participation. Participation is strictly at the discretion of the event organizers and course officials. Safety is a primary concern, any participant deemed negligent may be asked to leave the event by the course officials. The rules are simply guidelines for the beginning of the event. If after the start of the event, the organizers decide they need new rules to accommodate unforeseen or unexpected circumstances those rules will go into effect immediately. All registered participants should adhere to the instructions of the event organizers and course officials for everyone’s safety. The organizers insist on a family friendly event. 

The Kinetic Cake Express is a human powered mobile sculpture event, in which participants travel from a starting point via human propelled kinetic sculptures on a mission to deliver a cake (lightly tarnished) through a series of obstacles on a challenge course back to the starting point. 

KEY FACTOIDS:

  • The Kinetic Cake Express will take place on April 8, 2023 in downtown Santa Barbara. 
  • On the day of the event Registered Participants will be provided a detailed COURSE MAP. 
  • Each participant will be expected to sign and adhere to a CODE OF CONDUCT. 
  • Registered Participants will use their Kinetic Sculpture to secure a cake from the historic Arlington Theater, traverse several obstacles to deliver the cake in the best condition possible back to the starting point. 
  • The event is focused on technique rather than speed, however points are given for first arrivals. 
  • Strategic choices will be many, teams should consider their options carefully. 

KINETIC SCULPTURE VEHICLES:

Each kinetic sculpture vehicle must adhere to the following criteria:   

  • Sculptures must be built with attention to aesthetics, striving to do the impossible, not simply ride the readymade. 
  • Human powered sculptures ONLY – No flintstoning – no feet (shoed or otherwise) or hands on the ground. 
  • Vehicles must be street legal, adhering to CalTrans Vehicle Code, https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/legal-truck-access/vehicle-widths
  • Vehicles must constrict to a maximum 96 inches wide & 160 inches tall
  • Must have a demonstrable a method to exit the vehicle quickly and safely.
  • Necessary brake system that brings the vehicle to a complete controlled stop.  
  • Vehicles will be checked for stopping capabilities, course official’s decisions are final. 
  • NO electric assists or motors, batteries for lights and sound are okay. 
  • NO pyrotechnics while on the course 
  • Each team should anticipate transporting a cake. The method of transport is entirely up to the team’s discretion; however, the judges must be able to see the cake when it arrives to the finish. Please do not ingest and regurgitate the cake. 
  • All team members in motion should wear helmets, under 16 must. 

Course:

  • Registered Participants will be issued a detailed course map on the day of the event.
  • Designated course is the only approved route, leaving the course may result in DNF.
  • The course will traverse city streets, some open to regular traffic. 
  • Teams should pilot their crafts in bike lanes when possible and yield to automobiles. 
  • Teams must follow all Police and course official instructions. 
  • Participants must adhere to all traffic signals, stopping at lights, and stop signs.  
  • Teams will start the course with their sculptures in a predesignated stall, randomly assigned at the starting point by course officials.
  • Pilots will wait outside their vehicles in the starting pen until they are signaled to mount their craft and take to the course. 
  • Teams will navigate to the cake table at the Arlington Theater via the approved course ONLY. 
  • Obstacles/challenges will be located on several blocks along the course, identified by large colored flags and staffed by Course Officials. Teams will be notified of each obstacle at the beginning of the event. 
  • As a team completes a challenge/obstacle a specific sticker from that challenge will be added to the vehicle or helmet of a team.  
  • Each team will decide whether to attempt each challenge before or after grabbing their cake. First come first serve at the cake table. 
  • Not all cakes are equal, some cakes will be easier to transport than others. 
  • Each team will have their choice of the available cakes on the table. 
  • Honors will be bestowed to the team delivering the most Glorious Cake.  

Course conduct:

  • Teams should work to achieve their own task and not physically interfere with other teams as they attempt locomotion. 
  • No participant should be intoxicated during the event. 
  • Santa Barbara is our gracious host, please regard the people and streets with kindness and grace. This event is because of them and for them, let’s give them a good show. 

Teams will include:

  • A team name, emblazoned on or near the sculpture. 
  • Teams are between 2 – 10 people – this includes your pit crew. Exceptions at the discretion of event organizers.  
  • Solo Participants should at least secure a designated booster from the crowd. 

All rules like all people are flawed, the organizers implore the participants to operate in good faith only cheating when it is most necessary while remaining safe.