New Orleans Academy
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Riding Tips

                ~ A Few Quick RidingTIPS from the Trikke Academy ~

First Things First

  • Read your Owners Manual, especially the Riding Manual.  It’s good stuff.  

  • Handlebars should ALWAYS be pitched forward, away from the rider.   (40-45 deg.)

  • Always wear a helmet.

     

    Now that that’s out of the way… 

    Understanding Your Carving Vehicle

    Carving Vehicles (CVs) don’t operate on the normal principles of propulsion.  So, there is definitely a learning curve.   Unlike a bicycle,  a CV is designed to literally "fall" into a turn.  (*Exp:  Leave your CV unattended and the handlebars will end up turning and facing backwards.)   

    The key to propulsion is allowing the momentum of one turn to fall into the next turn, and the next,....   For a carving vehicle, turning is like pedaling on a bicycle.   Stop turning and you stop going.    Lean into the turn, and you’re “carving”.

    The Basics

    • Make sure you're on level ground.  You're not ready for hills yet. Make sure the brake cables run free, and are not wrapped around the steering column       
    • Now, make sure your CV is set for your height.   Your hands should be somewhere between the belly button and belt loop.
    • Handlebars should ALWAYS be pitched forward, away from the rider at approximately 40-45 degrees. (For safety purposes, please ensure your handlebars are set correctly.)
    • Get comfy standing on the vehicle.   This is a sport, so assume an athletic position with your weight on the balls of your feet. (*Do NOT lean back or stick your butt out. This can un-weight the front wheel, causing it to lift up and a possible loss of control.)
    • Always wear a helmet.

    To get started, feel free to kick start like a scooter.   Then, start turning rhythmically.  Consider the pace of a standard military march.   Don't stop turning.   (You don't need to turn more then 45 degrees each way.)   Keep both arms strong, your elbows out, and turn from your core.   Each turn will generate a small amount of momentum.   Find your rhythm, as you try to build momentum with each new turn.   You will eventually find that you just keep going, even if it is a bit slow.  

     

    As you pick up speed, you can elongate each turn by leaning into the turn, allowing you to start skating the vehicle with your legs.   Now, your whole body is working to keep you moving.

    It takes practice, but eventually, you will start to have little Ah Ha" moments, as you start to develop the easy, rhythmic feeling of shifting your weight and carrying your momentum.   This is commonly referred to as the "sweet spot".

    Like most learned things, it's easy once you get it.  With practice, your body will soon develop muscle memory.   So, don't give up.  It is a challenge, but the first time you feel yourself starting to control your momentum, propelling yourself simply by carving into turns like a skier or speed skater, you will find that it was worth every minute.

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    TRAINING & LESSONS

    Just like any sport, learning is an experiential process.   Training is something that we would hope could be passed on to you on a personal level, with lessons and classes offered in your own community.

    This is why we created our Trikke Trainer Program.  It is an important part of our brand, allowing us, as a company, to help people quickly get up to speed, riding, and enjoying their carving vehicle.   You can locate a trainer near you, under trainers and testimonials

    Trikke Trainers go through an intense 3 Day Trikke Academy where they are certified by us to teach riding skills and represent the Trikke brand in their communities, earning money in the process.    Our Trainers are everyday people, who started out just like you and became avid riders.

    So, get out there and practice, and perhaps you'll be interested in becoming one of our Trainers.   We also have different Trainer levels (1,2, or 3) based on riding skill.  We hold Trikke Trainer Academies all over the country at various times throughout the year.    Feel free to contact us for more information
    .

    We believe in you.  So, Good Luck!... and 

    Just like any sport, learning is an experiential process. Training is something that we would hope could be passed on to you on a personal level, with lessons and classes offered in your own community.This is why we created our Trikke Trainer Program.  It is an important part of our brand, allowing us, as a company, to help people quickly get up to speed, riding, and enjoying their carving vehicle.

    Remember the basic riding rules of thumb:
    1)  Know Your Terrain      2) Protect Your Momentum     3) Rhythm is King 

     

     

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