Project

The Moonlighter Challenge: Dangling a beer carrot

Don’t you just hate it when you see people that think they know how everything is done? No one likes a know-it-all . . . until now. Last year I did this build and I am still uncertain of what it is called. But whatever it is called, it will provide hours of entertainment watching people try to figure it out. I called mine “The Moonlighter Challenge,” after my homebrew club. After doing some research (drinking beer in various awkward positions) I was ready for my build. The best thing about it is that you probably have just about everything you need laying around for this build. You may want to double up and build two and make it more competitive. If you have two people competing side-by-side they are less likely to be taking their time making for better entertainment for all. When someone goes too slow it is about as fun as watching paint dry. Keep in mind you want this as light as you can possibly make it. I made mine with 2X4s but 2X3s would make it a bit lighter. Also consider safety when building this or it may be all fun and games until someone loses an eye. Best of all, given our current situation, social distancing is pretty much built into this. And for those I-can-do-it-alls, now you’ve got a real challenge for them.

Parts and Materials

  • (A) 2×4 or 2×3- 46 in. (1.17 m) long
  • (B) 2×4 or 2×3- 22 in. (56 cm) long
  • (C) 2×4 or 2×3- 15 in. (38 cm) long (ends cut to 45 degrees)
  • (D) Approximately 20 ft. (6.1 m) of string
  • (E) An old backpack, harness or something to use for straps
  • (F) A piece of plywood about 16 in. x 20 in. (41 cm x 51 cm) for back board
  • (G) [2] 12 in. x 6 in. (30 cm x 15 cm) plywood
  • (H) 7 in. x 7 in. (18 cm x 18 cm) plywood for cup holder
  • (I) [2] 6-in. (15 cm) wooden dowels to use as handles
  • (J) [12] Metal eye hooks
  • Plastic solo cups
  • Cheap beer or beverage that you don’t mind getting spilled