Three years ago, we created a new winter ice race for the Champlain Islands, on City Bay in North Hero, Vermont. It’s called the Frozen Chosen Regatta, and features human-powered machines…that are creative, fun to build and, and generally made on very low budgets. We’d like to invite your students to join the competition in 2010!

 

 

Ice racing on these funky machines has become quiet popular in the Mid-West. Here are some web links to see and learn more.

 

 

 

The 2010 Frozen Chosen Regatta will begin at 11a.m. on Saturday, February 13^th. The race course, located over freshly groomed lake ice is directly in front of our Hero’s Welcome General Store on City Bay. 

 

For those bringing friends or young kids, The Frozen Chosen Regatta is just part of the Great Ice! program, held throughout each February on the Champlain Islands. On that particular day, there will be free open rink skating, ski-equipped plane rides over the islands, and a Valentine’s Dinner Dance (reservations made at 802 372 4732.) During the event, our store will be warm, and loaded with hot food, and great winter gear. 

 

The race is sponsored by Earl's Cyclery of South Burlington, and by many community agencies, such as the Island Chamber of Commerce, the Town of North Hero, The Historical Society, Volunteer Fire Fighters, etc. You’ll find lots of activity in the Village.

 

If one or several students compete on behalf of your school, there’s no entry fee! In addition we are working on some new and exciting prizes for 2010.

 

For more information online, go to www.champlainislands.com.

 

 

• This event is a lot less about rules, and more about safety, great exercise and fun.
• All ages welcome!
• Enter on race day or online at www.champlainislands.com. Leave your name and number of entry machines after clicking on Contact Us!
• $20 entry fee per machine, payable on Race Day. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the North Hero Community Hall, The North Hero Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Grand Isle Rescue. Local island schools may enter any number of machines for a singe $20 fee. 
• At least 3 types of racing: 100m Drag Racing, Full Oval Racing and Tag Team Racing. Enter as many as you like. Final distances depend upon the ice conditions and rink size.
• Helmets are required as well as heavy protective clothing and thick gloves. Reason? Most tires will be steel studded, and sharp!
• No ramming of any kind. Always steer wide of your nearest competitor.
• All machines must have a way to be stopped on the ice.
• Each contestant should pay particular attention to his/her safety and the safety of other participants and fans.
• Ice racers in other parts of North America recommend tire studding that protrudes only 1/8 inch. Longer studs slow you down.
• Vehicles can only be human-powered. No engines, sails, slings, etc.
• A single vehicle can be powered by one or several riders.
• Tire studding can be completed in a number of ways. Popular choices include flat-head screws, sandpaper, industrial carded cloth, ScotchBrite pads, etc.
• Ice racers will be inspected. No protrudingsharp objects allowed either on the contestants or machines, except for exposed tire studding. Marsala’s killing chariot wheel blades in Ben Hur are not recommended.
• All contestants race at their own risk, and must sign a short waiver of release before competing. Minors must have the waiver signed by an adult family member.
•  The decisions of the Official Judges and Safety Inspectors are final.
• Hot food, beverages and warm-up space is available at the Harbor Side Store at the north end of North Hero (802-372 4443), and at the Hero’s Welcome General Store in North Hero Village (802 372-4161) and at A&B Beverage in Grand Isle (372-4531).
• Parking available in North Hero Village.
• For technical tips and advice, click on Minnesota’s human-powered racing website @ www.mnhpva.org. For local information call the Islands Chamber at 802 372-8400 or Hero’s Welcome at 802 372-4161.
• Racers will be divided into two classes: a) Kids under 14yrs and b)Adults.
• Races will be divided into three heats: a) Single or Multi-wheel with/without fixed blade combos, b)Two-wheels only (bikes with studded tires), c) Human powered skaters if any.