Monday, April 26, 2010

because everyone needs a bit of insanity now and then...

During Derby week, our fair city hosts any number of events to get people "in the mood" for fun. We have balloon races, rat races, foot races, waiter races and, of course, horse races.

One of the stranger races occurs this evening at Broadbent arena with the Stockyards Bank Great bed race. The event actually began this morning with a pajama party where the bed-racers could hang out, tailgate and show off their creative bedmobiles. Then tonight they will compete in various levels of bed-racing. In addition to crazy costumes and outlandish bedding, the "fun" division of the race will feature a group of physically challenged hand-cyclists (including world champion and paralympian Greg Hockensmith) whose bed will be bolted to four hand-cycles.

Believe it or not, there is actually a "serious" racing catagory as well. Apparently the competitors in this category can make it around the 600 foot track in less than 30 seconds. In this case (and so many others during Derby week), a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words...