Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2000, Page 12

Description:	SOLARBIKETEAMOn July 24, senior Adam Hale dances with the localsbefore the World Solar Bike Rayce. Hale was in themens high school division and, along with Russell Hanson,took first place at the World Championships.Trying to recover after the World SolarBike Rayce, recent graduate AveryThatcher catches his breath. Thatcherfell right before the finish line and stillmanaged to win the mens open division.A PlaCe in the Sun by Tiffany SchopmeyerVenturing to Japan may sound like an exciting trip, as it isnot a common one for high school students. The Solar BikeTeam competed there as a result of much hard work by bothmechanics and bicyclists. Teamwork was also a major element ofsuccess, without it, the hard work would not count for anything.The result of their teamwork enabled them to race in theNational Championship race held in Kansas at the end of Mayand the World Championship race inJapan on July 25. The team entered intothree different divisions and took firstplace in each one.The races themselves were enough toinspire the team to keep up with its goodwork. Last year the team was one of theselect few teams to go to Japan. It wasreally exciting, there were only two teamsfrom America, senior Jessica Drehersaid.The world championship race in Japan had a predictableoutcome, but the sensation of winning was still felt. We sort ofexpected to win because there were only three laps in the raceand we felt the lead increase. I felt satisfied when it was over,junior Peter Augenbergs said.The feeling of racing was a once in a life time opportunity. Ifelt great. Its really exciting, especially when you are racing inanother country, Dreher said.The bicyclists spent a great deal of time practicing at theStudent Recreational Sports Center during the spring. They wererequired to do 7 mile time trials, which was only part of whatOur biggest goal isalways to bring back theWorld Championship.they do to prepare for the races. To prepare for the opportunityto go to Japan, they race hard for 20 miles.The bicyclists would not be able to race without the help ofthe mechanics. The mechanics designed the solar panels, motormounts and battery cases. To make these changes and variousother things as they came along, the bicyclists and mechanicshad to work together to improve the bikes. Also, in order toprepare for the races, instruction andguidance from an experienced teacheris necessary.They are a wonderful group of kids,and if it wasnt fun I wouldnt be doingit, Mrs. Cindy Kvale, science, said.There was also a valuable learningexperience for everyone involved withthe Solar Bike Team. Ive gainedknowledge in the field of electronicsand mechanics, and working as a team, senior Karin Kvale said.In order to maintain maximum team efficiency, each personhas to rely on each other. Depending on each other is how theteam accomplished so much in such a little time.Everyone has a lot of loyalty and keeps each other on task,senior John McClement said.The goals the team had for itself were to learn, have fun andmaintain teamwork. At the same time they had highexpectations and hopes for a World Championship. Dreher said,Our biggest goal is always to bring back the WorldChampionship.WORLD CHAMPS12 Gothic • july/august 1999
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/6524
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

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