Humans 1 - Vehicle 0

Humans proved more resilient than machines in this year's Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) Salamanca Six Hour Challenge. The Hobart College '07 HPV Team entry ended with high drama... and pieces of aluminium strewn all over the floor!

The scrutineering session prior to race was a little daunting, but our machine passed all requirements for an all weather human powered vehicle, which as it happened was a wet race day. We were confident of putting up a good showing with our small but enthusiastic team.

The mechanical problems that led to our early demise stemmed from weld failures of the aluminium frame components and rear hub gear problems. These problems surfaced after our vehicle was involved in several collisions which resulted in flip overs, but there was no damage to the vehicles occupants thanks to careful attention to vehicle design safety.

The pedal pushers for the event were a little thin on the ground consisting of Lizz-ann, Estelle, Anton and Scott. All participants managed to complete a number of breathless laps during the cut and thrust of racing. That's one of them speeding on the left!




All the members of the Hobart College '07 HPV Team had a very positive experience from being involved in the project and are determined to be back there better prepared for the event in '08 - with multiple spare parts.

Click here for a 3D panorama inside Princes Wharf on the day - after the crash...


Photos: Top left - Cloe and Scott, Team mechanics; Top right - Seated at Pit Central Estelle, Lizann with Anton; Bottom - HPV Design Team: Jess, Ben, Leigh and Andrew.
Story and photo's Ian Burleigh, MDT teacher and Manager of the HPV Project.