Flugtag 2004 - Cleveland

The RedBull company not only produces a "power drink" but they host a rather unique event - Flugtag (that's German for "Flying Day"). The object of the Flugtag Contest is to build a "craft" (not more than 30 ft. wide and less than 450 lbs. with the pilot), people-powered (in teams up to 5) which is then propelled off a dock and hopefully flies. Of course, most fall right off the edge! But that's not the object; the real objective is to have fun!
After having been bombarded by endless commercials for this event, Jim and I finally took notice. The whole idea is just kooky enough that we decided that we want to do this stunt too! Unfortunately the event was already booked this year; so we decided to go look at this in person and see just how hard a project this might be for us to attempt next year. (We've already started on several plans! They just HAVE to approve one of them. LOL)

Cleveland, OH August 14, 2004

I always enjoy coming back to Cleveland. After living there for two years, coming from a large city (Charlotte), and now living in a little city like Canton, I really miss "life in the big city".

We actually were having a warm day and the skies were clearing up nicely, as we drove through downtown Cleveland. Heading towards the shore of Lake Erie, I took these pictures through the open moon roof of Jim's Hyundai.

The Flugtag Event was held behind the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Over 30,000 attended the festivities, which ran from Noon to 4pm.

The Teams

Lining the street, heading towards Voinicich Park, each team "proudly" displayed not only their extraordinary flying machine; but also a bit of their insanity. ROFL Scroll through the teams and decided whose craft might actually fly.


Voinovich Park

Flugtag was held at Voinovich Park, a small strip of land behind an inlet and Lake Erie. Back on the main shore, the inlet is surrounded by the Naval Docks, the Burke Airport (where the air show is held every summer), the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Museum and the Cleveland Browns Stadium, while just up the road Terminal Tower proudly stands.

Scroll for a Panoramic View!
MouseOver the Sunglasses for Location HighLights

mIkIE having a Good Time! :)

MouseOver CloseUp

Jim scopes out a good camera location while wearing his "Team Oragasmi" hat.

Flugtag Away! The Show Starts

The event started with a couple of parachuters . . .

. . . who just barely landed on the dock.

Ready! Set! Flugtag!

Click on any of the Teams on the left to get a sample of their attempted flights

Of course, Jim and I both have the nifty cameras now, so we even have some movies for you view for a little "taste" of the whole RedBull Flugtag Experience.
Well, there you go. Another excellent adventure for mIkIE and Jim. With any luck, we'll have some good pictures of us flying off the dock next year. I'll keep you informed and you keep your fingers crossed that we will get selected! Thanks!