Sunday was the second annual handcar regatta, a celebration of steampunk culture and exposition of mechanical and artistic wonders. Set in Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square, the main event was a race featuring all manner of handmade railcars propelled by everything from classic handcranks to pedal power to man-sized hamster wheels to giant wind turbines – some going for speed, some for style, and some for both. Here are a couple of the contestants, both by an outfit called Krank Boom Clank. The three-wheeler on the left is Murray the Fish. On the right you can see one of the front wheels of the Hennepin Crawler, featuring twin rubber tires for travel on ground, and a central groove for riding the rails. That’s a flame thrower above the wheel.
Here are a few of the participants in their steampunk finery, kinetic sculpture from Burning Man, dancers, curiosities, and a view down the racing strip between heats.
