We are planning to hold the 3rd Left Coast Velomobile Gathering (LCVMG - 2009) over the Memorial Day weekend, (May 23-25, 2009) at the Portland International Raceway (PIR), in conjunction with the running of the 10th Annual Human Power Challenge in Portland, Oregon.
In an effort to increase awareness of Velomobiles and to demonstrate their blend of versatility, efficiency and fun, LCVMG 2009 will combine demonstration/comparison rides and photo opportunities within the PIR, along with daily rides in the Portland area which will follow a couple of local scenic riverside trails. For those velomobile owners who are curious to “push their speed envelopes” on the smooth, fast track at PIR, we will also have track access during certain times. (Note: We will have to ask for a nominal fee of $12-15 for insurance coverage while at PIR which will cover participants for the entire weekend.)
The LCVMG 2009 will provide an excellent opportunity for those who live in the Pacific Northwest (or those who are willing to make the trip to Portland) to view and compare examples of the majority of the current commercially-available velomobiles as well as a variety of home-built VM’s. Early indications are that we will have examples of the following velomobiles: the Aurora and the Borealis, FAW, Greenspeed’s new Glyde, Go-One, Leitra, Quest and WAW.
In addition, the “ePower Challenge” is a recently-added category to the HPC for the HPV racing crowd. This may be of interest to those velonauts who have or may add assist to their rigs. There will be vendors and examples of E-assist cycles and components present for those of you who are contemplating utilizing a velomobile (or any cycle) as a primary form of sustainable transportation with the addition of some extra “boost”. The Oregon Electric Vehicle Association will be there, showing cars, motorcycles, etc.
For those who plan to attend, there will be free overnight camping available on a grassy area on the PIR site with nearby bathrooms (no showers, tho’) and there will be some spots next to the track which will have 110VAC for those who need power. Portland, of course, also has many relatively-nearby places to stay if you prefer “credit-card-camping”. If you choose to look in using GoogleEarth, enter “Portland International Raceway” to get a fine overview of the facility.
Periodically monitor the HPC website at: http://ohpv.org/HPC/Intro.html for information updates about the track, as well as information about the HPV and Electrathon racing (non-pedalled, pure electric machines) which will also be going on over the course of the weekend. On Monday, there will be ePower Challenge races. Quite the variety of vehicles!
So mark your calendars for Memorial Day, 2009 to join the Left Coast Velomobile Gathering in Portland, Oregon. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see (and perhaps ride) these wonderful machines. More information on events and attending VM’s will be posted on the usual forums after the New Year.
Craig Johnsen
schoonermagic (at) earthlink (dot) net
4/25/2009