Jusst as promised the concept statement with sketches

I am going to go ahead with the Bicycle Party Barge, this idea will incorporate many things that I consider unique to St. Mary's- Parties, Bikes, Boats and Sustainability. The craft will contain some mini projects that will come together to create the single installation. The planned area of the project will be on St. John's pond behind the library. Details and progress will be posted vigorously.

I. Several bicycles converted into either a power generator for the necessary party necessities such as lights, music and a fridge filled with drinks (soda of course). This all depends on the power output of the bikes and the needs of the appliances. The other bike will be put into the power of a paddle wheel to propel the boat. I came foresee this will be the most frustrating and time-consuming facet of the project, but also he most important.

II. The second part will be the the platform of the raft. A way to incorporate reused materials would be to use interchanging coke bottles which will be tied together like a net. This will make the boaat bouyant and lightweightThe demonsions are unknown for now until I find the estimated amount of weight that could hold at least 6 to 7 people plus the bikes and appliances. Also, a material needs to be found that is lightweight, cheap and can be drilled into.

III. The third portion will be the paddlewheel attached to the back. Two bike rims will be used for the frame and a material will be attached to push the water. Another lone bike will be used to power the wheel.

IV. The fouth portion will be the building of the pontoons on the sides. I figure this is the easiest way to keep the boat afloat. I don't think they will have to be too tall because the heaviest part of the boat will be the people standing upon it.

When I was doing research for this portion of the project, I stumbled upon a man in Maine how did infact create a pontoon boat using Coke bottles as the source of floation, however he used electric motors, shopped at home depot for his materials and probably had a large amount of time and money to invest.

Here is the link http://www.instructables.com/id/ENIT5DJRCVEPYT3RE9?ALLSTEPS

Or, if pontoons do not work, I could create bubbles around the sides of the vessel that would keep the boat stable in the water.

V. the fifth portion of the project would involve the steering and the manuevabilty of the barge. Two rudders will be attached to the back of the boat and attached to a steering wheel in the center of the boat. The wheel will definitely be a bike wheel. The rudders will be of a mater ial unknown.

Or. If there were two paddle wheel constructed then the rather than having a steering system there whould be two people peddling. One would drop out in order to make a turn.

VI. The sixth step would be the finalization stage, to make it really look like an official party barge. A canopy will be constructed. ( I might FIND some bamboo for that) or some sort of material. Railing would be installed and bike furniture would be welded together. Also, Painting and stuff.

All of this can happen if the right materials are present, the location is secured, and all of the plans mentioned above go smoothely.