MHPVA Events

24th Annual Michigan Human Powered Vehicle Rally
June 23-24, 2007 (Saturday and Sunday)

The 24th annual Michigan HPV Rally will take place June 23-24, 2007 at the Waterford Hills Race Track (click here for map) from 8am-5pm on Saturday and from 8am-1pm on Sunday. Rather than an ultra-competitive event, this unique Rally contains fun events such as a hill climb contest, a contest to see how far you can coast down a hill, how fast you can go through a timing device to measure your top speed, and time trials. Most importantly, the Rally is an opportunity to view a wide range of human powered vehicles as well as socialize with other HPV enthusiasts from around the Midwest and beyond.

The Rally is sponsored by the Michigan Human Powered Vehicle Association (MHPVA), a group that concentrates primarily on wheeled vehicle development. Many of the MHPVA members build their own bikes and trikes (with an emphasis on recumbents) yet the organization and the Rally is open to all cyclists. Classes available for those to participate in include two wheeled bicycles, tricycles, and tandems. There are also competitive categories for women and juniors.

A comment almost always made by new participants at the Rally is that they never knew bike racing could be so much fun and accessible, even for someone who may have never raced before. The Rally is open to anyone with a bike, the main requirements being functional brakes for at least two wheels and two mirrors, one for the left and one for the right. In most of the events, individual performances are timed, so participants can see their progress from year to year.

While there is a registration fee for participants, there is no charge for spectators. Rally Registration fees per participating vehicle (includes MHPVA annual dues): $30 for one day (either day); $40 for two days. $5 for those who only want to take test rides.

For those interested, free camping will be available at the Rally site on Friday and Saturday evenings. Shower and restroom facilities are available and open all night. Some electrical hookups are available.

From Northbound I-75, get off at exit 89, turn left onto Sashabaw Rd., follow Sashabaw Rd. south, continuing across Maybee Rd. A half mile south of Maybee Rd. turn right on Pelham Rd and follow this to a T-intersection with Waterford Rd. Turn left onto Waterford Rd (a gravel road) and proceed about 1/4 mile to the track.

From Southbound I-75, get off at exit 93, southbound Dixie Hwy (US-24). Continue past the junction with M-15 about 1 mile and turn left onto Waterford Road, which turns into a gravel road. Follow this about 1/2 mile to the track.

PLACES TO STAY ON YOUR WAY TO THE MICHIGAN HPV RALLY
Calling in advance to make a reservation is suggested.

MOTELS
Clarkston -- Clarkston Motor Inn, 6853 Dixie Hwy. (US-10), 248-625-1522, 12 rooms. About 2 miles northeast of Waterford Hills track.

Hartland -- Best Western of Hartland, 10087 M-59 at US-23, 810-632-7177, 61 rooms. About 18 miles west of Waterford Hills track.

Waterford -- ConCorde Inn of Waterford, 7076 Highland Road (M-59), 248-666-8555, 111 rooms. About 3 miles southwest of Waterford Hills track.

Waterford -- Highlander Motel, 2201 Dixie Hwy. at Telegraph Road, 248-338-4061, 50 rooms. About 6 miles southeast of Waterford Hills track.

Whitmore Lake -- Best Western of Whitmore Lake, 9897 Main St. (off US-23, exit 53), 734-449-2058, 61 rooms. Southwest of Waterford Hills, about 33 miles away.

CAMPING
Free camping is available overnight Friday and Saturday at the Waterford Hills Sportsman Club, site of the HPV rally, starting at 6 p.m. Friday. Restrooms, showers available and possibly electrical hookups.

STATE CAMPGROUNDS
(www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails)
Highland Recreation Area, 5200 E. Highland Road (M-59), White Lake, 248-889-3750. Two miles east of Highland

Holly Recreation Area, 8100 Grange Hall Road, Holly, 248-634-8811. Five miles east of Holly.

Ortonville Recreation Area, 5779 Hadley Road, Ortonville, 810-797-4439. Four miles northeast of Ortonville.

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, 7800 Gale Road, 248-666-1020. About 4 miles southwest of Waterford Hills track.

PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
(www.michcampgrounds.com)
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park of Holly, 7072 E. Grange Hall Road, 248-634-8621, or 800-442-9644. About 12 miles northwest of Waterford (I-75, exit 101).

This is a participatory rally. Volunteers are needed to help run all events and to assist with scorekeeping. We hope to see you there!