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Oct. 8: Scramblin' on a Segway

By Ali Siegel
Metromix

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in the Saint Louis Science Center's Segway Scramble, as part of SciFest '09. Having not spent much time on a Segway, I was interested to see what all of the fuss was about. In all honesty, I was of the opinion that the Segway was the ultimate lazy transportation (the only thing worse? Bike rickshaws on Washington Ave.). Seriously, how lazy do you have to be to motor around on a scooter that tops out at 5 miles per hour? Well, the jury is still out on the laziness factor, but I can tell you one thing, the Segway is a lot of fun.

Several media outlets (Metromix included) came out to try their hands and Segway skills in the Segway obstacle course. We donned our helmets (check me out with my snazzy Metromix flair), started our engines (or batteries... or whatever) and we were off. There were curves to navigate, a flat slalom to thwart, a tunnel of noodles (you know, those floaty pool things) to race through... not to mention the portions of the course that required you to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", take your helmet off your head (and quickly put it back on) and run around your Segway three times. After a few practice rounds, we had the course down pat. We competed with a partner (in my case, Metromix's Associate Producer, Meaghan) and our race times were combined for our final total. In the first round (of two), we went at the course voraciously and came in sixth place (note: there were a total of six teams competing, but who's counting?). Unfortunately, our scores didn't quality us for the final round, so we cheered on our friends at KSDK, who emerged in second place overall (losing by five seconds to 101 ESPN Radio).

So, we didn't get the Segway tour gift certificate, but we did walk away with a SciFest 2009 t-shirt. You know you're jealous.

Even though the Scramble is over, Scifest is still in full swing. Sessions continue all weekend (through Sunday) and feature a range of topics. In case you want to come out and be all sciency this weekend (and I would highly recommend it), here are my picks:

Crime Scene Chromatography (Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.): If you have the option of playing hooky from work, join forensic scientists to see how chromatography is used in crime investigations (just like CSI!).

Rock Guitar in 11 Dimensions (Saturday, noon - 1:00 p.m.): If you are Guitar Hero god, or just enjoy playing 'Stairway to Heaven', this seminar is for you. Check out the physics of rock using riffs from Vivaldi to Queen.

The Science of Baseball (Saturday, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Before you go and root your Cards on at our Redbird Rally, join Rene Knott to explore the science behind choosing the best bat, catching a fly ball, striking out a left-handed player and much more.

Flirting, The Scientific Way (Saturday, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.): If you're 'How you doin'' line isn't working as well as it once was, come and get a lesson in 'courtship signaling' and see how to find that perfect mate.

The Science of Ted Drewes (Sunday, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.): Come enjoy the tastiest session of SciFest and see the science of Ted Drewes custard. Bonus: you get to sample a flavor created especially for Scifest!

What sessions are you interested in attending? Leave a comment below and let me know!