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Tobogganers may be fighting for their right to slide across Canada, but in Kelowna, they'll be riding some pretty sweet sleds.
The School of Engineering at UBC's Okanagan campus is hosting the 2015 Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR) from January 21 to 25. This national engineering competition will bring 430 students on 17 university teams to Kelowna, as well as some of the most innovative concrete toboggans in Canada.
(Photo Credit: UBCO)
This is UBC Okanagan's first time hosting the competition, but last year, they came won second place overall in London, Ontario. That competition marked only their third year of participating.
Students have to create concrete toboggans that can safely carry five riders while weighing less than 300 pounds and being able to withstand an impact at 80 km/h. In addition, the toboggan must have a breaking and steering system, a roll cage, and the entire running surface has to be made of concrete.
This championship is one of the most sought after titles in student engineering. The challengers are judged on concrete strength as well as manoeuverability and speed. Past toboggans have reached speeds of over 80 km/h.
(Photo Credit: UBCO)
“There’s often some good crashes and spills,” says Aidan Docherty, Chair of the GNCTR 2015 Organizing Committee. “It’s pretty fun to watch.”
Race Day will be at Big White Tube Town by Happy Valley Lodge on January 24th from 8 a..m. to 3 p.m. There will be events leading up to the race as well, with opening ceremonies on Wednesdday, a technical exhibition on Thursday, and a concert on Friday. For more information, check out GNCTR's website.
The race was first held in Red Deer, Alberta, in 1974.
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