Thank You NC Pride!

Trikke Fitness NC had an extraordinary day (9/27/08) as vendors at 2008 NC Pride Fest. We gave an incredible 6 hours of Trikke demos and loved every minute of it! It turned out to be a beautiful day and everyone involved from vendors, observers and participants had a wonderful time. We loved the impromptu "I can ride that Trikke better than you can," competition that broke out between the Durham Fire and Police Depts. We loved the Duke students who came out of their dorms after seeing us riding up Campus Drive. We loved the families of all kinds who came to our vendor tent with questions and requests for demos. It was fabulous. We hope to see you all again either at Trikke Fitness Trikkers Meet Ups, on the paths, or at future events. Thank You NC Pride!

If you would like a demo or would like for us to set up a vender tent at your event email us at demo@trikkefitness-nc.com

Special Message to...

"The road is littered by those who have given up in the face of adversity, but paved by those who have persevered."
-Spencer Hope Davis-

Can You Be "Trikke Proud?"

Conditioning rides in public spaces can be quite distracting because you get the gamut of reactions of people who have never seen a Trikke in person. It can be quite fun! My conditioning ride for today involved loops around my neighborhood park’s walking path. The path encircles the community ball park and there are lots of walkers, runners, families, and playground activity ripe for the good ole “what is that?” For the uninitiated, you have to be “Trikke Proud” and enjoy their curiosity and disbelief as you move around the loops, faster than walkers, faster than many joggers --yet seemingly with no visible mechanism of motion.

People love the swerve that is the signature trikke movement. When they see it coming, it brings a smile to their face! As I climbed the deep incline at the back of the loop, it became clear to many that the mechanism of movement could surely be described as conditioning, technique and heart. I never attempt inclines until I’m warmed up, (20-30 minutes in) so it’s often the case that I look very much at ease by an hour or so in, which doesn’t make sense to many. How could I be breathing so easily climbing an incline on that crazy thing? For many, this is an altering view. They gain a new respect for the swerve, and for the Trikke. They see the workout and realize just how deep and beautifully full bodied this workout can be. A woman said. “That is so cool. What are you training for?” “Life,” I say. It’s a beautiful thing -being Trikke Proud.

Thank you Hurricane Caniacs!

We had a wonderful day at the Raleigh RBC center during the Carolina Hurricanes Caniac Carnival. So many people came over with genuine curiosity about the TRIKKE. Few walked away without a smile on their face--- especially those who took one of our demo trikkes for a spin. Loved the go get em spirit of small and big kids alike! Hope to hear from you again soon!

Stay Heart Smart and Muscle Strong

Although the TRIKKE is addictive fun, it is still a phenomenal fitness workout machine. Riding the trikke can work all your major muscle groups. As you develop as a rider and become more in tune with your body and the trikke ride, you can customize your workout focus. Some days you might want to work your legs more. Some days you might want to work your chest and arms for a great upper body work out. Some days you might want to put a little more “carve” intensity into your workout to accentuate your abdominals as with an oblique machine.

Make sure that you take care of the most important part of your body in your workout—your heart. Remember to warm up into your ride. Take at least 10 minutes and ideally 20 to ride slowly, giving your heart rate the chance to rise just as slowly. Never kick start with inclines and pushes without warming up first! Your heart will appreciate this warm up as will the rest of your body. Consider getting a heart rate monitor for your workouts. Using this and understanding your target heart rate will help you stay within the range you need to be, as well as giving you a tool to monitor your fitness progress.

Wow.

If I had a track like this I would be gone all day. Lucky dog.

What's On Your Playlist?

It's one of those random questions that the media asks people like political candidates---What's on your ipod? Tonight I attended a Trikke ride and beforehand set up a playlist on my iphone. Here's what I came up with: my Trikke playlist with songs chosen for warm up-- to kick---to cool down, with asterisks next to the ones that really meshed with my actual Trikke rhytmn. Great 80 minute workout. What's on your Trikke playlist? Sample this imix in the blogs right column!

*John Mayer-Waiting on the World to Change(WARM UP BEGAN)
Chris Brown - With You
*Nina Simone- Do I Move You
*Switchfoot- Dare You to Move
**Ne-Yo- Closer (MY KICK STARTED)
Kanye West - Stronger
Black Box- Everybody Everybody
*Pussycat Dolls- Don'tCha (House Mix) (SUSTAINED PUSH BEGINS)
Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up , Look Sharp
Jill Scott- Hate on Me
*Pussycat Dolls- Buttons
*Kelly Rowland- Like This
* Solange - Sandcastle Disco
*Mariah Carey- That Chick
Fergie- Fergilicious
*Keyshia Cole- Heaven Sent (COOL DOWN STARTED)
*Fantasia- Summertime

Level 1+ 2 Ride , RBC Center Part 2- Raleigh

RBC Center
Looping by Trikking the Drive Around The Center
Level 1-2
1.2 mile loop


Park near the top of the East area and begin your loop "counterclockwise" so that you are doing more downhill. Still this is not a pure downhill so you will enjoy working on your technique and most won't go too fast. When you get to the bottom of the loop and are to start back up CUT ACROSS into parking lot area 69 West. This will keep you off the steep incline! You will have a short incline through here and past the front of the RBC..then the loop begins again. Nice ride!

Level 2 Ride Blue Ridge Rd- Raleigh

From the Art Museum on Blue Ridge to
the Corner of Duraleigh and Burwell Rollins
Sidewalk
Level 2
1.3 miles one way

Park at the Art Museum and start your sidewalk distance ride. Travel down Blue Ridge past Rex Hospital, past where Blue Ridge becomes Duraleigh, past Edwards Mill/Duraleigh, down to where the path starts to go downhill at Burwell Rollins. Mostly slow downhill. Coming back slight inclines, with a particular one between Edwards Mill and Macon Pond. After that, good workout back to the Museum.

Level 1 Ride-Raleigh -NCSU

NCSU Central Campus
E. Dunn Street (across from Pullen Park)
Variable Distance
Level 1


Park at the beginning of Dunn, and ride down into Central Campus past Reynolds Auditorium. Head further past the bookstore. Venture into the courtyard and circle back. Lots of parking lots near Reynolds to ride around in.

Level 1+ , 2 Ride-- Cary

From Cary Academy (Corner of Harrison and Cary Parkway)
to SAS Campus near I40
Level 1 (all sidewalk) Level 2 (slight incline but very do-able for level 1)
.7 miles each way

This is a very flat sidewalk path down Harrison Avenue towards I40. Busy street but very peaceful sidewalk ride. Slight inclines coming back to Cary Academy. For the very adventurous and secure, park all the way at the other end of Harrison at the entrance to Umstead Park, ride up to the I40 interchange, then use the light to walk across the bridge (still on sidewalk) to SAS to begin the route up again. This adds about .3 of ride distance.

Level 1 Ride Cary

Corner of NW Maynard and Chapel Hill
Starbucks and Lowes Shopping Center
Level 1

This is a great location to ride. The backlot of Lowes faces Chapel Hill Road so you are not isolated (nice street views) but there is little delivery traffic on weekends. Travel from the Starbucks lot through the backlot to the opposite side parking lot. This lot is also mostly empty and has little traffic.

Trikke Rides and The Power of the Loop!

Cardio conditioning is also fat burning exercise. Consider the amount of time spent walking on a treadmill, elliptical, or aerobic class. It’s about the movement but it’s also about the non- stop factor. The Trikke provides a low impact highly aerobic workout that burns calories like few other exercises. A 150 pound person can burn 240 calories in 30 minutes of trikking. Imagine 60 minutes. Imagine 90! This is easy for trikkers because the ride is so addicting, 90 minutes go by in a breeze!

Trikking through your neighborhood provides this, but there is something to be said about the power of the loop! Finding a spot where you can have an extended Trikke workout with no distractions or terrain alterations can provide a golden workout, preparing your body for trails and accelerating your arrival to fitness! Put on some Trikke music and have an extended conditioning run. Find a good circular location such as a bank parking lot and let er’ rip! Focus on technique, speed, strength, and endurance. Set a goal of no stopping. Just trikke lap after lap for at least 30 minutes but preferably an hour or more. Your heart, body and soul will love you for it!

Trikking Up and Down "Tobacco Road"

Excellent Level 2 ride today at the American Tobacco Trail in Durham. In addition to being a Trikke Fitness Trikker I am also a Trikke Rider of the Carolinas and they sponsored a Level 2-3 ride today. I can never get enough rides! The first batch of riders planned a 14-mile ride and left about 30 minutes before those of us who chose the 7-mile option. So, it was Rochelle, Ken, and I making our way up the first leg of 3.5 miles to the turn around. Rochelle was being an Iron Woman, trikking the distance with an injured foot but a very strong heart. She continued to be a great ambassador for Trikke Fitness, stopping and letting some passing folks hop on the T78 Deluxe. There were a few inclines here; the first was pretty ugly for me because I hadn’t warmed up at all. By the second incline, I was feeling great and pushed past Ken with a yell of, “getting my second wind…..whoo hoooooooo!” Alas, he caught me at an intersection and for the last run near the 3-mile mark we were pushing and surging. He pressed ahead and I couldn’t catch him no matter how much I hollered at him and he won the leg!

The ride was great for incline climbing technique. Perhaps when I have more energy I’ll tackle steeper inclines like the 14 mile group did, but I was a little peaked from a hard week of riding. I found the hill climbing “sweet spot” several times by “punching “ with my right arm/shoulder about 5 times to get the carving momentum up to speed to be able to get into my lean. I find it best to describe my technique of incline climbing like when you stand on a bike and peddle your way up a hill. For me, this leg stepping motion along with the lean and roll gets me up inclines. I think everybody has his or her best way. That’s mine for now. I tried not to get off the trikke and walk often. When I do, I call it a “Take 50” No more than 50 steps before getting back on wherever I am---so I chose those moments carefully! On the way up I think I took 50 twice. I really worked hard on grinding upwards.

On the way down I relaxed, took a few short walk moments (maybe a “take 20” or two ) and worked on speed techniques. I’ve found that a forward follow through alternating “kicking” motion helps the speed pick up with little exertion. We all finished with Ken pulling away and finishing strong! We were at 45 minutes up and about 30-38 minutes back. Can you believe he’s only had his Trikke a week!!!???

Trikking is a wonderful thing. It’s a centered and focused connection with your body, as you really must get in tune in order to propel yourself and find that synched motion that is just fantastic. The connection is wonderful from the work of inclines, to the smooth flow of gliding downhill, to speed work on flat surfaces. You feel invigorated, accomplished and worked out like nothing else!

Level 1 Ride Cranfill, Sumner, and Hartzog- Raleigh

Cranfill, Sumner, and Hartzog Building

Building Parking Deck

5420 Wade Park Blvd, Raleigh

(Across From RBC Center. I40 exit towards RBC, right on Wade Park)

Level 1

.1 mile inner lot loop --.3 mile if you loop around building

  Very nice parking deck. Oddly lumpy but nice grooves in the pavement for smidgen of a  challenge. This area is the upper deck of the lot, but sits level to the street. Completely contained by a barrier wall and arched entry. Take that entry out and loop around the building for a change of pace. Best times when the working crowd has gone home. Excellent weekend practice site right off I 40. Great alternative if the RBC lots are full.

Level 1 Ride TriCenter South Building 5- RTP

TriCenter South V
3871 S. Alston Ave  Durham---Research Triangle Park
(left off E. Cornwallis Ave near Glaxo Smith Kline)
.7 mile loop
Level 1

Can you imagine a gigantic .7 mile parking lot loop? This warehouse facility and business park in the RTP offers a smooth loop with a few speed bumps on one side for variety. Go after 5pm and on the weekends for near complete freedom of movement. Plenty of wide berths perfect for carving and play. As an added bonus do the loop and swing out to the street sidewalk that runs clear down the front of the lot. Adds an extra .4 miles to your loop with this and make it a 1 mile loop. Cool!

Click this map and choose "bird's eye view." The giant loop begins to the right of the picture

Level 1 Ride Amelia Christian Church Lot- Clayton

Amelia Christian Church - Clayton
Parking Lot
1696 Amelia Church Rd
.2 mile per loop

Level 1

Very nice flat parking lot loops around the entire church without any significant incline. Very nice level 1 practice route.
Church lot completely empty in the afternoons except Wednesday evening and all day Sunday.

The Real Skinny on Poly Wheels

A lot is said about the choice of air versus poly wheels for the Trikke. Earlier versions had poly wheels mainly because the early Trikke market was for riders on boardwalks and skate parks. Poly wheels could be suped up with slick bearings and made super fast. In addition, it is believed that poly wheels are easier to learn on. Why? Mainly because they don't "grab" the surface as deeply, allowing you to focus more on beginning technique than on carving strength. The drawbacks can be that poly wheels feel the surface, so if you are on uneven pavement and such, the vibrations will likely get to you eventually! The trade off is that poly wheels have less traction, so as the Trikke market expanded and different street terrains were traveled, the need for traction based air tires grew.

When you decide if a poly set up is best for you, just remember that you will eventually want to trade up. Figure in that cost. Consider your terrain and areas you most likely will be learning and riding on. If you are really on flat surfaces more so, you can probably manage with air tires because you'll end up there anyway. Overall, the best way to choose the Trikke is not by the tires, because they can be changed. Demo as many models as you can and find the right fit for you! Contact us for free no obligation demos at: demo@trikkefitness.com

Make Sure It's On The Right Way!

Here's a nice clear view of what the front wheel setup of the Trikke should look like. It should look "backwards" to the typical viewer. Strangely enough, this important set up isn't really explicit except in the general warnings section of the manual (I didn't read them till about week 3 of Trikking!), but really isn't mentioned again. Many of you got your Trikkes online and had to put them together yourself. A bike background might visually cue you to put the wheel on backwards. Not so! This will certainly change the roll and performance of the Trikke! Make sure it's on the right way and get the most out of your Trikke! Extra tip: Notice the arrow on your air tires? That's the direction they should be rolling if properly installed!

A Trikke Fitness Scout's Work is Never Done!

Whew! A great Trikke riding day spent hunting down ideal locations for Trikke Fitness Trikkers! I would say we spent 3 hours, exhilarating workout sweat, and way too much gas looking for ideal locations! Today we focused in on the Wade Avenue to Blue Ridge Road Area of Raleigh. First, we rode up and down Ridge Rd. from Wade to Lake Boone Trail. This ride earned a level 2 listing. Look for that in the "Local Rides" section.

Meridith College was scouted but it seemed too congested and traffic laden for a good ride. The NCSU Vet Hospital was scouted and its parking lots seemed out of the question because the hospital is always open and there is little area for practice due to this. As much as we loved Trikking the scenic, downhill and peaceful rides of Reedy Creek beginning at the Museum of Art (Blue Ridge Rd.), we couldnt see that as a Trikke ride. Far too many ups and downs for level 1 and 2 riders to enjoy the long trail.

We then hit the BINGO! of level 1 rides at the RBC Center. Look at all that beautiful empty concrete ready to practice on!! Be sure to look for that listing. In the coming weeks we will have a level 1 fun ride over there. Make sure you are on our mailing list so you are notified when that will be! Okay, off to hydrate and dream of more routes to find! If you find your dream route be sure to let us know at rides@trikkefitness.com

Level 1 Ride RBC Center- Raleigh

RBC Center East Parking Lots
Parking Lot 1 East
Parking Lots 10-16 East
Map
Level 1

Glorious spot to practice all techniques except hill climbing! Whoo hoo! Use these lots when nothing is going on at the RBC Center or Carter Finley stadium. Best day is Sunday. Here is the link to the RBC Center schedules to help you figure out those days. Practice starts and stops on the flat surface. Practice turns and speed runs. Great location for beginners and groups. We will be planning a fun ride here very soon. 

Level 2, 3 Ride Ridge Rd -Raleigh

Ridge Rd from Wade Ave to Glen Eden
Level 2-3
Distance 1.4 miles each way

It's best to park in the Whole Foods parking lot if you drive to this ride. Head up Ridge Rd and start Trikking at about Churchill Dr., due to some sharp inclines and ripped up sidewalk and messy concrete from Wade to Churchill. From there you should stay in the bike lane on the street, but on the weekends there are cars parked there so have a little fun zooming up and off the sidewalk as needed. Almost all down hill to Lake Boone. It's a blast to zoom down through here and slip through the intersection with the cars! This point is at a little over .5 miles so it would be just fine to turn around here. Venture on from there to Airline Dr, and it goes up slightly and down slightly but gets tougher to Glen Eden because the bike lane ends and there is no sidewalk from Glen Eden to Airline .1 miles on the return.

Watch for traffic-- even with the bike lanes. Avoid the ride during church hours because the bike lanes are full of parked cars.

Level 2, 3 Ride Durant Trail- North Raleigh

Durant Trail
Corner of Durant Rd and Camp Durant Rd
Level 2, 3
Distance 1.68 one way
Beautiful Greenway ride with
no other challenge than regular somewhat steep inclines. If you’re conditioned this will be challenging and a great workout!

Level 2, 3 Ride Lake Crabtree- Morrisville

Lake Crabtree County Park
I40 and Aviation Parkway
Level 3
Distance Approx 1 mile one way

Start at Crabtree Business Park across the street for a great ride downhill. Cross Aviation Parkway into the park and get ready for sloping and long inclines followed by more wonderful downhills into the park. Cars and bikes on this route but auto speed is 20 mph.

Level 2, 3 Ride American Tobacco Trail- Durham

Durham American Tobacco Trail
Hwy 54 and Fayetteville Rd
Level 2, Level 3
Distance -Varies

Start at the Southpoint Crossing Center. This is a level 2 ride due to slight inclines. Still this is a beautiful trail for groups. The trail heads into downtown Durham about 5-6.5 miles later, ending at the ball park so it’s a “pick your distance” kind of route as to when you want to turn around and double back.

Level 2, 3 Ride Fayetteville Street- Raleigh

Raleigh Fayetteville Street-
Level 2-3
Distance .9 mile Loop
Sidewalk and Street Riding On Weekends.
Downhill and slight incline coming back.
Begin in Parking Lot of Hillsborough Place (Corner of Hillsborough and Dawson)
Head East
Right on Salisbury
Left on Morgan
Right of Fayetteville
Travel to Sheraton and Convention Center Plaza past
WTVD Channel 11
Loop Back

Trikke Ride Levels

THE most important thing for Trikkers is getting out and riding! We will be working on an ongoing listing of rides. Please note that they will be discussed as "level 1-4" rides. Our standards are below. These are made as suggestions. Please take your own ability and fitness levels into account and be careful when planning rides. Trikke Fitness is not responsible for any injury that may occur. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET

Level 1 Rides- Nice and Easy. Flat smooth surface. Typically parking lots with no traffic.  If you are beginning or practicing this is perfect for you. There are lots in your neighborhoods! Seek out places like Wal-Marts in the mornings or bank parking lots in the afternoons and weekends! Some less challenging greenways can be level ones too. Check individual listings

Level 2 Rides- Neighborhood and Urban Rides. Greenways with some challenges. Sidewalks and some street riding. Mostly flat surface but occasionally you will have to manage a slight incline.

Level 3 Rides- Longer inclines are regular though not steep. You should be able to maneuver sidewalks and handle regular street traffic.

Level 4 Rides-Extreme or trick riders. These routes combine all elements-incline, unpredictable surfaces, street traffic.