University Of Chicago Scavenger Hunt: Bikerowaves, Wes Anderson Baby Mobiles & Horseback Riding In The Loop

By Amy Cavanaugh in Arts & Entertainment on May 11, 2013 6:00PM

The annual University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt started at midnight on Thursday, with teams tackling the insane 318-item list to rack up as many points as possible by Sunday.

Since many of the scavenger hunt items require teams to partake in activities off campus, here are some things you may see around the city this weekend. Here's what to look out for:

• Bikerowave! It’s a microwave (or other non-open-flame heating source) powered by a bike, such that as you pedal, you heat up a Hot Pocket®! This item must be powered by a person wearing a bling necklace that says “Hott Cheese”. Also, you have to eat the Hot Pocket®. [23 points]

• Wes Anderson does not design mobiles for babies. But if he did design mobiles for babies, he would design this mobile for babies. [15 points]

• Someone has placed a rock at 53rd and Kenwood to mark the site of Barack and Michelle Obama’s first kiss, which apparently “tasted like chocolate”. But Hyde Parkers don’t have enough information about where and when other major personal events in Barack Obama’s life occurred in our neighborhood. Add your rock, complete with etched, illustrated plaque, to the site of another Barack Obama landmark of your choice. [15 points]

• Get an animal at the zoo to wave at you. [14 points]

• During the Hunt, get a member of your team into one of the costumed, on-field competitions held
between innings at a professional baseball game. [20 points for minor league. 20 more points for MLB.]

There's also a road trip that includes stops in Graceland, Birmingham, AL, and New Orleans and challenges to ride a horse in the Loop, knit Bill Cosby’s face into a sweater, and collect as many keys to as many cities as possible. Check out the whole list here.