Draisinenrennen

Karl Drais, a native of Karlsruhe, invented the laufmaschine, which was the precursor to the bicycle. Each year, Karlsruhe celebrates its native son with a festival and races (Draisinerennen). We headed to the schloss on Sunday (17 June) to participate in this year's festivities and to listen to our favorite local band, the Reindeers. 

Here is one of the original laufmaschines, also known as a draisine.

Here is the modern version. We often see very small children around town learning to ride bikes on mini versions of the draisine. 

Races are held on an oval track.

Lots of other fun modes of bicycle transportation were on display.

The large yellow building in the background is the schloss. 

More fun modes of bicycle transportation.

It was a hot day in Karlsruhe, one of the first of the summer. Felt great!

Art with Phil, the leader singer of the Reindeers.