Me-Mover Review: A Thug's Perspective

Yo, Double Dub Checking in ...

Guess you can say the writing was on the wall

The "prototype" Me-Mover with "Thug" Double Dub's Trikke T12

some assembly required

Propulsion System - kinda heavy

Trikke date 10.5.2014 CicLAvia: Heart of Los Angeles. A Car-Free zone open to urban mobility. Today, Latitude Trikke's David Beerman is here to join us and hopefully showcase the new "Me-Mover" to a mobility friendly crowd.
OK, enough of that stuff.

Nice Rims

At first glance, seeing it in the back of his vehicle, my thought was "it looks heavy". It was a nice compact unit. I won't get into specs. You can look those up for yourself. David mentioned that this was a prototype model. The handlebars needed assembly. In someway kind of like the T7 fitness, but easier. The "Me-Mover" is to a Stepper as the "Trikke" is to a Carver. The two are totally different. Being a carver, My first impression was from a trikker's point of view. Upon stepping up, I asked "so what do I do?" There's no punch, no lean. What?!
I know, so how does it go? It's a "Stepper" meaning you gotta pick up your feet. It took me a moment to get my steps together but after a few strokes, the "Me-Mover" really moves! I was able to make a few laps around the Parking lot before departing for the CicLAvia. Watching David boogie on it was really cool. He can really move this thing! Our route took us through Cesar Chavez Blvd., there are hills there. David and his "Me-Mover" made them look flat. It's a really nice machine.

My thoughts?! Good quality build, good exercise. Easy to ride. Given time, anyone would be able step up and enjoy the ride. Mobility is pretty easy. Yes, you lean into the turns. For those who mentioned morphing this with a CV, Good Luck! My brain isn't wired mechanically. I can't seem to envision how the stepper motion is going to be attached to the trailing arms of a Trikke. For Me personally, I like my Trikke CV. I didn't like the tight stance on the "Me-Mover". Wider handlebars might help. Lifting this into the car will provide weigh-training to complete the workout. It's as heavy as a 48v Pon-e, I think. Overall, It's a nice machine! From a Trikker's POV, it doesn't come close. (Which might be a good thing for the marketplace). My opinion is slanted. I'm a carver!
I wish David of Latitude Trikkes well as an ambassador for the "Me-Mover". In the marketplace of niche personal transport and fitness machines, It looks like the pie just got smaller.

The Passion that is Trikke

(taken from my FB page, shared from TrikkeWorld Magazine

July 19, 2011 at 3:49am

PublicFriends of FriendsFriendsFriends except AcquaintancesOnly MeCustomFamilyTrikkeSee all lists...Los Angeles, California AreaAcquaintancesGo Back

   What is the passion all about when it comes to your Trikke? My friends and I have been, unknowingly, discussing our passions when it comes to Trikking. And I have come to my conclusion. I have a passion for trikking because it is me! Fun, Unique, Happy, Adventurous, inquisitive, helpful, outside of the box, on the edge. . . The list just goes on and on then one of us said we were Thugs! And as he explained his thoughts (you gotta read the post), we all chimed in and agreed, we're Thugs! And there in is where the passion starts. The Trikke amazing as it is, is drawing these qualities out of each and everyone of us trikkers.
   Let's get the facts out of the way. The Trikke is, Fun, a great way to get in shape, a great way to get around in, fun, easy to ride (with some helpful hints from trainers), economical (cheaper than a bike of the same quality, no need for a bike rack), did I mention it's FUN!
   Now it ignites within us, Like a Peacock showing off it's feathers, We trikke, we smile, we're showing off how awesome we are - oh, on a trikke! With each lean, each carve, each dip and groove, We smile! Why? Because this is who we are. The Trikke helps me out of my shell, makes me smile wider because I'm getting healthier and happier, helps me have fun! And with this new found joy, and we get each and every time we jump on and take that first carve, realize it's just too much to contain. We all say hello to the ones we pass by, whether on a bike, walking or jogging by, because we're happy! People who stare at us as we trikke by them dumbfounded by what we're doing, we rock by them and say hello. Then if by chance they ask us  . . . anything! We stop and rip out a can of everything you want to know about this wonderful thing that makes me happy and healthy to be on while having fun, if they let us. And not more than two thoughts said comes "wanna try it?" Not because it's healthy for you, no. Not because it'll help you lose weight, that's not it. Not because it easier than riding a bike. We want them to try it and discover the joy. It's fun!!! it's therapeutic!
One of the top notch riders I know said that 99% of the time we trikke, we trikke alone. Right now, that's because there isn't many of us out there. Another reason is because we want to! We're unique! We're out there shaking our tail feathers and having a great time. It's our time to get away, to be out letting go of our work day, that me time and that makes it fun and happy. We've all pretty much started this way, alone. Trying to figure out exactly how to make this thing carve. With or without a trainer, we learned and got happier. Then saw a video on-line and learned a little bit more, carving got a little easier, and we got a little happier. And it's this feeling of success that's contagious.
Now multiply this by 2, by 4, by 10! You discover a Group Ride! the thing that was with us when we first tried to trikke is back! The joys of discovery! how did you do that? Hey try this! when I come across that , I do this. what do you do?
   All along, no matter how well or not we were carving, still smiling! and still wanting to share the Trikke! and the joy, and smile, and the health benefits, and the fun we were all having! Because it's in us. The trikke is amazing because of what it can do to and for your life! And it is in us trikkers because we are amazing and we want to share.
I don't know if I explained it correctly. To do so, I think you need to get on my trikke and give it a try!

Happy Anniversary SouthBay Trikke

Double Dub Checking in ...

It's been five years of Trikking joy for me! Without revisiting my whole story, I like to share a big part of why it is. This "Last Saturday of the Month" will mark a very special anniversary.
Their names are Andy Pliska, Irene Tice, and Sean Tice. Collectively, you might know them as SouthBay Trikke . Me? I call them my friends. Five years ago, we met at Andy's garage, back then that was SouthBay Trikke. It was there that our conversations turned into a community builder. In our first meeting , I had asked about group rides. Five years later, we are still at it!

 From our first group ride to sponsoring the LSM activities, They have always supported and helped with my ideas for the Passion of Trikke. They have been here supporting the So Cal Carvers.
I can safely say that without SouthBay Trikke, I would not be here. I would not have done the things I have done in the Trikke Community. I would not have had the opportunity to meet or make a connection with all of you.

I hope you all will join me this LSM in celebration. I hope you will join me in wishing SouthBay Tikke a Happy Anniversary! They have been around for six years (I have known them for 5) and this Saturday, they have been in their current location for the past three. 

Thank You Irene, Sean, and Andy! For all you do for the community, The So Cal Carvers, the LSM Movement, and for Me!!!
Happy Anniversary!!!
May you have many more filled with happy Customers, Passionate Trikkers, Good Health, Good Times, and prosperity!!! Love you, guys! Thank You!

Neverland Endurance Ride: a Dub Perspective

Double Dub Checking in . . . 

Getting back from a "Trikking" road trip, I had plenty of time for myself and my thoughts. It was a great time to get away and Neverland put me in my happy place - on my Trikke!

pre-ride at TrikkeTech

The route has been described in many ways, scenic, picturesque, Challenging, Fun ... I could go on and on. But I'm going to echo our host, Claudio Pagan's Sentiments - "It's hard to explain how beautiful this ride is, words and pictures can't even begin...you have to experience it!" I've been here twice. It's the same yet wonderfully different! My mindset was ready for a blazing hot day, just like last year and yet it wasn't. I was a little bummed that some folks didn't make the ride. And yet, it was completely awesome with the amazing people who were there! 

The route starts at Trikke Tech over to Ballard Canyon Road. Right off the bat, it's an uphill climb with really light traffic. Yup, get your skills up, if you can. Otherwise, enjoy the walk, like I did last year. This year, this stretch was a cruise. Right up to the next "hill". Last year, I had a ride or die attitude. I got frustrated at what I couldn't do, got mad at myself for the poor condition I was in, and beat myself up for the overall preparations I did or didn't do to get ready for this ride. This year, it just didn't matter. The weeks previous to this ride were  ... well, let's not revisit them. I haven't been carving, in fact the last two times I stepped up were ten and twenty days ago. So much has happened and so much is going on ... but I'm here and going to have a great day sharing with friends!
I probably walked as much as I did last year except this year I smartly stepped off. I did what I could. I challenged myself where I wanted. It was satisfying. I rode alone and knew folks were watching for me. I stopped as well because I watched for them. This, for me, makes it fun! We are together and in so many ways, on our own.

Towards the end of Ballard Canyon Road, after rolling hillsides of ranches and wineries, is a fairly steep and long hill to climb. There is a video from Dan Marazon capturing Gildo Beleski gracefully carving where so many of us have walked. The year before there was a Porsche Club videoed on this same hill. Upon reaching the top, there was a sigh of relief with a breath of excitement! We all know, what goes up must come down! Gildo calls us together and says let's race down together! He also pointed out that when we enter a turn we really need to commit to it and lean in. I'm not sure who asked but I heard "No Brakes?!" "No" I was like "What?!!! OK" And five of us take off! All I can say is you better trust, respect, and like who you're doing this with because it can get ugly and it can get ugly fast! We stayed pretty tight, which was intense. No room for any errors here. We all enter a turn together, picking a line and trying to hold it. It didn't seem like anyone was using their brakes, I sure wasn't. Speeding down like the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca,  we get into a hairpin, which "G" had warned us about (gotta commit!) I think Gildo was upfront with room, then it was Juan, Dan, Angjelko, and myself. I'm not sure if they had tapped their brakes or not but suddenly, I came up on Dan really quick! I tapped and adjusted my line. We all leaned in ! This was the closest I've ever carved at this speed. It was a rush! I'm not sure which wheel it was but I could feel my tires skipping. A little lean seemed to get me back in line. A few more turns and we were at the bottom with a hard left hander. When "G" mentions something about carving, Listen! I found myself on the heels of Dan again and we were both smiling! It was awesome! 

We then roll into Los Olivos, a small little town in the middle of our ride. Perfect for re-hydrating, refueling, and just havin' a seat! This is also the suggested half-way meeting spot where we met up with Rich to ride.

across the 154, just past Los Olivos

There's a section past Los Olivos on Figueroa Mountain Road where just like last year, we skipped from shady tree to shady tree. This year it wasn't due to the heat and exhaustion. More for not being in condition and cramping in my legs. We carve what we can and save what's left for the fun ride back. I don't know how long it took me to get to Neverland (the rest of the group was resting and waiting). But everyone who has trikked this route will tell you, Everything you endured during this ride to get here will be well worth the trip! For the past fifteen miles it's mostly been up hill. At Neverland, we turn around and head back, down hill! Some of the longest stretches of effortless carving  you'll enjoy is right here! There are a couple of hills but it's a lot easier on the return.

2014 Neverland Endurance Trikkers

I did mention I was cramping up. The excitement and joy of knowing what laid ahead seemed to take it away (mostly). You can relax and enjoy or carve it up and pick up some crazy speed, either way is just smiles! In no time, you'll find yourself back at Los Olivos. We parted with Rich, again and with Live music playing, someone heard "Stella" calling. We had to stop.  . . . 





Come back and finish the ride 
WW

It's Not just another T-Shirt! . . .

original LSM Design by Randy Boyd

A few years ago, It started. The LSM Movement was born.  Our Passion called Trikke was going to be shared. This started early in 2011, Andy Pliska of SouthBay Trikke, Randy Body and Jeri Thompson of TrikkeWorld Magazine came up with the "Last Saturday of the Month" Ride. For a growing Carving Community, We felt there was a need to set up a regularly scheduled ride other than just Holidays. I called it the "LSM" and the movement was on!
My thoughts imagined a community coming together on these weekends, sharing our passion to carve and seeking others who were interested in the same. By November of that year, We had Seven different location. They were listed on our first T-shirt. 

first edition "LSM" T-shirt, logo design by SouthBay Trikke

For nearly two years, through the magazine, the growth would be chronicled. Now on this blog, We continue to step up and I have continued to record how many and where we are carving. It's truly amazing how the spirit of the LSM grown. Trikkers traveling to destination rides, Traveling and asking to join locals at their rides, and Coming together as a community, checking in and sharing our locales.
If you were to ask me where I planned on taking this movement, my answer would be the same now as it would have been a year ago and when we first started - "I don't know". But I've been enjoying the journey. Sure, there are ups and downs, what doesn't? But thanks to you and everyone in our Carving Community, we continue. 
The new T-shirt design is a celebration of this Spirit! A celebration of our passion to step up, carve, and share. A celebration of you. Without you, I would not be here. It's your passion we call Trikke that is the reason we are here. This T-shirt has a listing of most of the locations from 2012. One hundred fifty-seven carving trails to be exact and many more Trikkers. I believe there were more locations in 2013 and as the new season begins, I hope there will more in 2014.
This T-shirt means a lot more that I can't seem to put into words. I am grateful, Wow'ed, appreciative, and excited! It's not about who's image is on the hero. It's what it represents. We have many uphill battles, Never give up! It's Not just another T-Shirt! It represents the LSM Movement! It represents the Carving Community. I hope it represents US!

New "LSM" design listing locations from 2012, designed by Justin Tice

     

The "LSM" Movement

The "LSM" Movement is an on going event to grow the Carving Community. The "LSM" stands for the Last Saturday (or Sunday) of the Month. It's a weekend we have chosen to celebrate the gift of the ride. We encourage all Trikkers to step up during this weekend and share it with us by checking in. It's a regularly scheduled ride for local communities. So that on this weekend, no one carves alone. We are together in spirit and passion of the Trikke.
Checking in allows for us to do a monthly survey to share locales, trails, and the numbers of trikkers in the community. In doing so, we hope to grow and support our sport/activity.

Another aspect of the LSM involves traveling. To be able to share your trail or join in on a visiting location's ride. My personal desire is to see as many LSM rides around the World as possible.

Before you "Step Up"

With the seasonal changes, so should the routines. It's that time of year, again. While some always have their CV's ready to roll, we all face difficult and different weather conditions. Cooler temps, damp trails, fallen leaves and twigs, just to name the obvious. I always mention a Pre-ride Check. It's just a safe thing to do. In my opinion, when traction and grip may be an issue, my thought is to lower the tire pressure. More so up front than in the rear. This is not recommended by any means but in my experience (and possibly the personal opinion of the experienced carvers) lowering the tire pressure does give you better grip. The question is how much to drop. Two factors come in play - ease and comfort.
There's are some other factors to consider as well. Your Conditioning (strength) - With less Tire Pressure, there's more traction or grip. But it will also produce more friction and make each carve a little harder to turn, The terrain (debris - leaves, water, pebbles, twigs, branches, ...) We know all about obstacles but with bad weather, conditions can change quickly. Your knowledge of different techniques and balance will be tested. The results, hopefully,will be rewarded with smiles and miles. The alteration from Company specs, again, is not recommended! Please use your best judgements when you decide on stepping up.
The other suggestion is to have a better grip on your handles. In a better setting, try throwing around your CV with your handlebars. Test your ability to correct from a bad carve. I know the goal is to carve as many care-free miles as we can per ride. Sometimes, you can learn more about your CV and your abilities in a small tight space. During the Trikke Academy's National Riding Skkool, a class was taught and demonstrated by "G" (Gildo Beleski)! I believe it was called Practical tricks or something like that. With his instructions, he had us carving and maneuvering within a parking spot. It was awesome! Those of us who were less skilled, discovered a lot about the CV's handling and how our abilities were able to keep it in control.