the Gymkhana videos of driftmeister Ken Block

Gymkhana events are time and/or speed events in an automobile. The name is loaned from the equestrian discipline of gymkhana. Similar to equestrian, gymkhana courses are often very complex and memorizing the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time. These can feature obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver must maneuver through a predetermined "track" performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that the gymkhana requires drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s, and other advanced skills. Drifting is also encouraged where helpful or necessary. Essentially, a gymkhana is any event featuring a starting point, a finish line and some sort of "obstacle" to get through, around, or by, all within a certain time limit. [1]

Ken Block (born 1967, in Long Beach, California) is a professional rally driver with the Monster World Rally Team. Block has also competed in many action sports events including skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. The original Ken Block’s Gymkhana project also known as GK1 has now become a cultural phenomenon. The video saw well over 20M Views, in countries all over the world. The YouTube sensation was found to be one of the most successful automotive films ever, period. In 2009 the sequel GK2 was born, with Block ready to hoon more that he had ever hooned before.

Now officially counting Gymkhana video No. 6, it's Ken Block, in a 650bhp Ford Fiesta ST with a sticker on the rear that reads "kill all tires". To be honest, it's not as cool as Gymkhana 5 (shot on the streets of San Francisco), nor as glamorous as Gymkhana 4 (a Hollywood-themed drift-off) but feels more in the spirit of the very first Gymkhana he released many moons ago; a display of his sheer technical skill in smoking the rears and performing eye-wateringly huge donuts. He even maneuvers his way around a moving wrecking ball; a fitting end to, essentially, Block's modus operandi for his car's tyres. [2]

[1] Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymkhana_(motorsport)

[2] Ref. http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/gymkhana-6-ken-block-ford-fiesta-2013-11-11

[Ref.] http://kenblockgymkhana.com/about-ken-block/

the Spartathlon ultramarathon race

Spartathlon is one of the most difficult as well as the most historical ultra-distance running races in the world. It takes place in September of every year in Greece and follows the route of Pheidippides, an ancient Athenian long distance runner, who in 490 BC, before the battle of Marathon, was sent from Athens to Sparta to seek help in the war between the Greeks and the Persians. The runners must finish this gruelling race of 246 kilometers in no more than 36 hours. This year, 337 athletes from whom 304 are men and 33 women, from 35 countries will participate in this unique event. The race starts on Friday 27th of September under the Parthenon in Athens.

The battle of Marathon in 490 B.C., one of the most famous battles in world history, constituted a landmark and a starting point in the history of civilization. The triumph of the genius of Miltiades and the self-denial of his soldiers made the hordes of Persians flee and rescued Athens and Hellenism from the utmost danger of subjugation to the barbarian invaders. The effects of the victory at Marathon continue to influence the present. It was the first victory against the planned domination of "Asianization" over Europe and an event with momentous significance. Because of this victory, Athens was able to achieve a great deal and bequeath the benefits of its knowledge, arts and virtue to mankind. Two and a half thousand years after that historical battle, a sports event, inseparably related to it, was born in Greece.

Spartathlon is the event that brings this deed to attention today by drawing a legend out of the depths of history. The idea for its creation is belongs to John Foden, a British RAF Wing Commander. As a lover of Greece and student of ancient Greek history, Foden stopped his reading of Herodotus' narration regarding Pheidippides, puzzled and wondering if a modern man could cover the distance from Athens to Sparta, i.e. 250 kms, within 36 hours. He thought that the only way to find out was to try to run the historical course since he himself was a long-distance runner. Thus, he and four other colleagues from the RAF came to Athens in the autumn of 1982 and planned the run as closely as possible to Herodotus' description. On 8th October they started their adventure to see whether their speculations could be verified. On 9th October, the next day, John Foden arrived in Sparta in front of the statue of Leonidas having run for 36 hours. His colleague, John Scholten, had arrived half an hour earlier and finally, John McCarthy got to the finish line in less than 40 hours. The British team proved Herodotus was right! A man is really able to cover 250 km in two days.

Described as the world's most grueling race, the Spartathlon runs over rough tracks and muddy paths (often it rains during the race), crosses vineyards and olive groves, climbs steep hillsides and, most challenging of all, takes the runners on the 1,200 meter ascent and descent of Mount Parthenio in the dead of night. This is the mountain, covered with rocks and bushes, on which it is said Pheidippides met the god Pan. In 2,500 years man has had no impact at all. There is still no pathway over the mountain that is swept by strong winds with temperatures as low as 4°C. The ascent is marked out by a trail of battery-driven colored flashing lights and its challenge is a trial for human stamina and mental strength. Over the mountain the last sections are no less energy sapping and exhausting for the runners as they follow a road that winds up and down hills before descending into Sparta. Even the finest athletes start hallucinating as they cover these final stages. Having lost all sense of time and reality, they are "on automatic" as they push their weary bodies on towards the finishing line at the statue of Leonidas. At most, only about a third of the runners who leave Athens end the course in Sparta. The prize for athletes who finish in Sparta, in front of the statue of Leonidas, is an olive branch and water from the river Eurotas.

[Ref.] http://www.spartathlon.gr/the-race.html

Further reading :

“The changing Spartathlon”, a retrospective from John Foden including many details from the actual pioneering race, available here.

“Rune Larsson’s advice to Spartathlon runners”, after 10 completed races, available here.

I believe I can fly

I Believe I Can Fly (Flight of the Frenchies) is an amazing journey into the unknown. Two friends test the boundaries of free flight and friendship as they take their passion in a totally new direction. Join Tancrède and Julien on an incredible exploration into the world of free flight. The two friends are pioneers in ‘highlining’ - a vertiginous combination of climbing, slackline and tightrope walking. Using their skills and experience as climbers, the pair push their boundaries beyond the realms of possibility as they embark on a new evolution of their sport.

They travel from the Verdon gorge to the skyscrapers of Paris, and finally to the spectacular cliffs and fjords of Norway - where the pair plan to put weeks spent training to the ultimate test. Could months of planning and training really lead them to their dream of complete freedom... the freedom of flight. The talented friends featured in the film have been instrumental in the innovation and development of highlining and baselining, and this exciting project was born from their passion and love for what they do. It was filmed amongst a group of friends, with no funding or sponsorship for the training, filming & production involved.

terminal velocity : the Isle of Man TT race

Frank Hulbert and Jack Marshall cannot have realised the significance of the moment as they pointed their single-cylinder motorcycles up the dusty track towards Ballacraine at 10 am on the cold, cloudy morning of 28 May 1907. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races were born as the two Triumphs spluttered into life to start their 158-mile journey around the 15-mile 1430-yard St John's Course, plotted on the picturesque island.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the greatest motorcycle road race in the world, the ultimate challenge for rider and machine. It has always called for a commitment far beyond any other racing event, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for victory. A story about freedom of choice, the strength of human spirit and the will to win. It's also an examination of what motivates those rare few, this elite band of brothers who risk everything to win.

The  Isle of Man TT Races stand as the last of the great motor-sporting tests in the world today. Remaining largely untouched since 1911, the 37¾ miles of public roads have played host to some of the greatest motorcycle races and riders of all time. From Mike Hailwood’s epic duels with Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read, to the record-breaking rides by Geoff Duke, Mick Grant and Joey Dunlop, the TT simply reverberates with special memories.

The Isle of Man TT, is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier motor-racing events as well as one of the most dangerous. Held on private roads that have been closed off to other traffic by dictate of the government (the Isle of Man takes its motorcycle race very seriously), racers compete in time trials to see who can navigate the courses fastest. The Isle of Man TT involves insanely high speeds in very tight and challenging quarters. These are hardly courses meant for motorcycle racing; they’re more intended for your regular automobile, and as such, the level of skill involved on behalf of the riders is immense.

As well as being the home of road racing, the Isle of Man has much to offer visitors at any time of the year. Despite being fondly referred to as the ‘Rock’ by residents, the Isle of Man is actually approximately the same size as Ibiza and Singapore, though with a lot fewer people. The Isle of Man is home to a wide range of wildlife and this can be enjoyed on land or at sea if you fancy taking a boat tour to check out the basking sharks which frequent the waters around the Island. For more information about attractions and events in the Isle of Man go to visitisleofman.com.

James Kingston's crane stunt

James Kingston is a parkour and freerunning athlete, that enjoys pushing himself to the edge. In his FB profile it just writes : "constantly looking for adventure". Living in Southampton, UK, his city is his arena, where he performs most of his feats. The latest one is documented on a video (that has gained popularity really fast) showing him climbing a 250ft crane on a local building site and then dangling from by it by one hand. According to the video's description online, Kingston "didn't go up there to die. He went up there to live." See a collection of his videos here.

Taken from the news post in Yahoo News : "He scaled the crane with three pals and even stayed up there for an hour 'enjoying the view' before coming back down. The crane is just over 250ft tall and 150ft across. It took about 20 minutes of slow climbing and shooting to reach the top." Then he added : "I didn't plan to hang, no. It's just the kind of thing that you may as well do while you're up there. I ended up doing it three times, one was shot from above, another shot POV style and the last shooting photos POV style. I wasn't concerned about anything. Pulling back up is very easy." [1]

[1] Ref. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/crane-climbing-southampton--james-kingston-250ft-crane-164947319.html#ksEJUH8

the Peking to Paris motor challenge

"The early-morning mist that rolls down the hills of the Great Wall of China began to clear just as the band started playing. Cars with eager drivers keen to get away lined up ready to park up under the giant arch in front of the wall, as first a local children’s brass band, and then a terrific demonstration of Chinese dragon-dancers took centre-stage. The 14-litre aero engine of Car Number 1, the La France, was drowned out by the clashing of giant cymbals and big drums. Rarely has a rally start been as colourful – or, filmed by as many TV news channels." [1] Since the early pioneers first drove Peking to Paris in 1907 the ERA (Endurance Rally Association) has organised three further editions of this remarkable event. The Peking to Paris is the longest and toughest challenge anyone can drive in a vintage or classic car.

On 28 May 2013, the flag fell at the start of the 5th Peking to Paris Motor Challenge ; it will be the start of a remarkable adventure and the chance to explore the drivers' powers of resolve and the extent of the human spirit. Ahead will be thirty-three days of living an extraordinary adventure driving through some of the remotest places on earth. The route is plotted to take the cars and drivers, mechanics and entourage, through the following places : Peking – Great Wall of China – Inner Mongolia – Gobi Desert – Outer Mongolia – Ulaan Baatar – Telmen Lake – Russia – Novosibirsk – Omsk – Tyumen – Samara – Ukraine – Kiev – Lviv – Slovakia – Kosice – Bratislava – Austria – Schladming – Switzerland –  Gstaad – France – Troyes – Paris.

The 2013 Peking to Paris route drives from China, through Mongolia, then into Russia and westwards to the Ukraine, Slovakia and Europe on route to the triumphal finish in Paris. The will be free days in Ulaan Baatar, Novosibirsk, Samara and Kiev. Total = 12247 kms (7610 miles).

Few car rallies can compete with the stunning backdrop provided by the Great Wall of China.Some 96 vintage and classic cars are setting off from the historic setting in a race to Paris that spans more than 12,000 kilometres. See the EuroNews coverage here.

[1] Ref. http://www2.endurorally.com/pp2013/reports.html

Iditarod, the last great race on earth

“The Last Great Race on Earth®”, uncomparable to any other competitive event in the world. A race over 1150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. She throws jagged mountain ranges, frozen river, dense forest, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coast at the mushers and their dog teams. Add to that temperatures far below zero, winds that can cause a complete loss of visibility, the hazards of overflow, long hours of darkness and treacherous climbs and side hills, and you have the Iditarod. A race extraordinaire, a race only possible in Alaska. This is the Iditarod dog sled race, and this year is starting on 2^nd March. [1]

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and a team of 12–16 dogs, of which at least 6 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 9–15 days. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today's highly competitive race. Teams frequently race through blizzards causing whiteout conditions, sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds which can cause the wind chill to reach −100 °F (−73 °C). A ceremonial start occurs in the city of Anchorage and is followed by the official restart in Willow, a city in the south central region of the state. The trail runs from Willow up the Rainy Pass of the Alaska Range into the sparsely populated interior, and then along the shore of the Bering Sea, finally reaching Nome in western Alaska. The trail is through a harsh landscape of tundra and spruce forests, over hills and mountain passes, and across rivers. [2]

[1] Ref. http://iditarod.com/

[2] Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iditarod_Trail_Sled_Dog_Race

Should you wish additional imagery check out this page here, tribute to the 2011 winner of the Iditarod race, John Baker.

Download 2013 race information booklet here.

The “overview” effect

One of the most popular pastimes in spaceflight is to simply look out the window at the Earth below. Astronauts on the International Space Station, the now-retired Space Shuttle, and other vehicles often talked about spending their free time gazing at the planet as they sped above it. [2] The Overview Effect, first described by author Frank White in 1987, is an experience that transforms astronauts’ perspective of the planet and mankind’s place upon it. [1] Common features of the experience are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment. Since the book’s publication, the space community, including those who have been in space, has gradually accept the idea of the Overview Effect. 

The term “Overview Effect” came into his mind at the time, and he said he was driven to see if there was, in fact, such an experience. “I thought, ‘I really need to go interview astronauts and see if there is something called the Overview Effect,’” he recalled. That set him on the path to writing the book, published in November 1987; he said he first publicly used the term two years earlier, in a poster session at a 1985 Space Studies Institute conference. [2]

On the 40th anniversary of the famous “Blue Marble” photograph taken of Earth from space, Planetary Collective presents a short film documenting astronauts’ life-changing stories of seeing the Earth from the outside (the perspective-altering experience often described as the Overview Effect).

Astronauts who have seen the Earth from space have often described the ‘overview effect’ as an experience that has transformed their perspective of the planet and mankind’s place upon it, and enabled them to perceive it as our shared home, without boundaries between nations or species. “OVERVIEW” is a short film that will explore this perspective through interviews with astronauts who have experienced the overview effect. The film also features insights from commentators and thinkers on the wider implications and importance of this understanding for humanity as a whole, and especially its relevance to how we meet the tremendous challenges facing our planet at this time.

[1] Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overview_effect

[2] Ref. http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2195/1

The Formula-E championship : one step closer

If you don't already know it, Formula-E is the awaited FIA championship featuring Formula cars powered exclusively by electric energy. It represents a vision for the future of the motor industry over the coming decades. Earlier this August the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has reached an agreement to licence the commercial rights of the FIA Formula E Championship to a consortium of international investors, Formula-E Holdings Ltd (FEH).

Demonstration runs of the Formula-E cars will start in 2013, followed by the championship in 2014 with an objective of 10 teams and 20 drivers participating in the competition. The races will be ideally staged in the heart of the world’s leading cities, around their main landmarks. The search for the ideal locations is nearly over, with the announcement of Rome following that of Rio de Janeiro as the two first locations for the street races, with all the rest to follow with successive announcements starting January 2013.

McLaren Electronic Systems will be the provider of motors, transmissions, control units, electronics and what else may be needed to power the cars. McLaren were the natural choice as the supplier, as they already supply all the current F1 teams with the standard electric control units which go into every single car. However, the actual Formula E cars will be assembled by a company called Spark Racing Technology.

For that purpose earlier in November FEH placed an order for 42 cars to SRT. Until now the championship team has been working with a French designed prototype called "Folmulec" ; the first electric Formula racing car using high performance lithium batteries. FEH acquired the Formulec technology last August and believes that the experience to be gained working with the Formulec prototype will serve as a basis for the new Spark cars and for other potential interested constructors. That is another interesting point of the whole attempt, since FEH has been working hard to encourage other car designers and constructors to build a Formula E car, in order to give the whole glamour and appeal of its older sibling the F1, but still had made no significant announcements on that front.

For more Formula-E news, visit this blog.