Weyerhaeuser Mine Ore Cart Races
Build a reusable, human-powered mining ore cart and race head-to-head through one of Bohemia Mining Days' loudest, rowdiest, most memorable traditions.
The 4th Annual Mine Ore Cart Races are presented by Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days and the Bohemia Mine Owners Association, sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.
Each team builds a reusable, human-powered mining ore cart that meets the required specifications. Two Miners push the Tommyknocker in the cart from the start/finish line on 10th Street in front of the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum.
At the halfway point, the Tommyknocker exits the cart, loads three 20-pound sandbags into the cart, gets back in, and the team races back to the finish line.
Two teams compete head-to-head in timed heats beginning at high noon until First, Second, and Third Place winners are determined. The number of entries will determine whether the tournament is single-elimination or double-elimination.
Teams may register online, or they may download the entry form and liability waiver and return completed copies by email or mail.
2. Or Use Paper Forms
Download the entry form and liability waiver, then email or mail them back.
3. Pay at Check-In
Entry fees are payable at race-day check-in. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Email completed forms to spiritofbmd@gmail.com or mail them to Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days, ATTN: Ore Cart Races, PO Box 1333, Cottage Grove, OR 97424.
Friday check-in is strongly encouraged to help avoid race-day congestion. Teams unable to attend Friday may check in Saturday morning.
5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
Each Crew Includes
- 2 Miners / Pushers
- 1 Tommyknocker / Rider
- Up to 2 Alternates
Good to Know
- All participants must be at least 18 years old.
- No dogs or other animals are permitted.
- Safety equipment is recommended but not required.
- Asphalt is hard and rough, gravity is real, please dress appropriately.
- Minimum weight: 150 lbs
- Minimum height: 44 inches from the ground to the highest point of the cart
- Minimum cart body size: 30 inches x 48 inches
- Ore carts may be constructed from any durable material.
- Ore carts must have a minimum of four wheels.
- Wheels and axles must extend beyond the cart body for safety and stability.
- Swivel wheels are not permitted.
- Wheels may not exceed 16 inches in diameter.
- Bicycle tires are not permitted.
- Ore carts must be powered solely by human effort. No motors or powered assistance devices are allowed.
- Only the two designated Miners may propel or control the cart.
- Brakes are optional.
- Each cart must have a visible light source.
- Each team/cart must prominently display a team name.
- Historic Bohemia Mining District mine names are encouraged but not required.
- Logos, sponsor recognition, company names, team member names, and decorative elements are encouraged but optional.
- All carts must pass a safety inspection prior to competition.
People's Choice Award
Awarded to the crowd favorite ore cart. One voting ticket is included with admission, and additional tickets may be purchased.
First Place
Traditional Pickaxe Trophy, a bag of $100 Sacagawea Dollar Coins, and local Cottage Grove swag.
Second Place
Silver Shovel Trophy, a bag of $75 Sacagawea Dollar Coins, and local Cottage Grove swag.
Third Place
Copper Mining Pan Trophy, a bag of $50 Sacagawea Dollar Coins, and local Cottage Grove swag.
The Pickaxe, Shovel, and Mining Pan trophies will display photographs of the winning teams and remain on display year-round at the Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days office alongside the perpetual Ore Cart Race Champions plaque.
- All ore carts and crews must be ready for inspection and check-in no later than 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
- Teams consist of one Tommyknocker and two Miners. All participants must be at least 18 years old.
- Ore carts must be powered solely by human effort.
- Ore carts must remain in designated staging areas when not racing.
- At the starting line, no portion of the cart may extend over the start line.
- Teams must maintain control of their cart at all times.
- Both Miners must be in contact with the cart as it crosses the finish line.
- Ore carts must remain within their assigned lane throughout the race.
- A cart that interferes with another team's lane may be disqualified at the judges' discretion.
- Upon reaching the tote line, the Tommyknocker must exit the cart and load all three sandbags without assistance.
- Pushers may not touch the sandbags.
- Once all bags are loaded and the Tommyknocker is seated in the cart, the team may continue toward the finish line.
- The first cart whose leading edge crosses the finish line wins the heat.
- Decorative extensions do not count toward determining the winner.
- In the event of a tie or photo finish, judges may order a rerun.
- All participants must sign a liability waiver before competing.
- Judges' decisions are final.