What have you done lately?

There will always be questions and opinions of what can be done to help promote our beloved Trikke Carving Vehicles, our sport of carving, and the benefits we all feel, in one form or another,  when we ride. Most of this is directed towards the company's leadership. I'd like to look and examine this from a different point of view.

From what I know Trikke Tech isn't a large company. There doesn't seem to be a large amount of resources to draw from. I, like many others, were drawn to Trikke from the infomercial many years ago. Since then I can only imagine how much airtime costs have gone up. Many question the marketing plan or whether or not there even is one. I'll leave this for them to answer and care not to speculate. The question I do have is What can we do to help?

Many comparisons have been made from other sports or fitness equipment companies. Of how they market and how they support their communities. There were many events before I came along and a lot of history I know nothing about. Forgive me and correct me if I have this wrong. The cycling communities all have Clubs and Associations, why don't we? They have competitions, again, why don't we? These clubs and competitions are NOT company run events. They're from the Community! Not every sports or fitness equipment has a forum. But much of the Trikke Community history was lost with the closing of the Ridphoria Forum,(which was formerly Bloodsport which was Trikke Talk which somehow came from Yahoo Chat ... got it?). Then came TrikkeWorld Magazine, an on-line magazine for everything Trikke. It's three year run came to an end earlier this year. I know we can't go back in time but it seems, up to now, this history is gone.

So what of the Trikke Community? How do we communicate with others and find out what's going on? Times are moving along. Nowadays, it's Social Media. The main one that I'm familiar with is Facebook. TrikkeWorld Magazine's Sweet Spot Annex Group is alive and very active. Trikke Academy is another group page keeping us up to date and together. From there you'll be able to discover more, Trainer pages, Dealers, and riding groups. Other than Facebook, there's Google + and checkout Meetup.com for local groups. Also, do a search of the many Bloggers out there ~ (Trikker Chicks from Jeri Thompson, Lehigh Valley Trikke from Jamie Makin, The Carving Edge: the Blog of Trikke Tech, SouthBay Trikke is a Trikke Dealer who's very involved in the community. Trikke Andy, who leads the team has a lot of DIY and fun videos on You Tube. Please comment and let us know where to find your blogs on Carving and Trikke). I've heard whispers of another Media Site, Trikke Universe, which is the vision from Trikke-O-Babble, Elise Bennett. There's a team currently working to create a carver locator map.  We as a community continue to move on. There are many ways for people to connect with the community, if they wish.

Along with connecting with the community, like with other sports and activities. There are events, a gathering of like spirits enjoying a day filled with sharing and fun. I'm sure there are many out there that I know nothing about (but really wish to). I've seen groups with 400 + in membership. I know of many ride videos which have since been taken away along with the group itself. I know of this through stories being passed along. Events like that of Jimmy Evans' Cross-country Trikke ride. A feat completed three times, I believe. Mark C. in an attempt to carve as many different states as possible. I can't recall how many he did but this was inspiring! So much so, This was attempted this Summer by Jamie Makin. I wonder how many different states she was able to carve?

It's in this spirit, the Spirit of Community, that I engaged with SouthBay Trikke. What was a simple purchase of air tires for my T8 has blossomed into a passion. It has been through their work and efforts that I get to enjoy the Trikke community we have today. Our So Cal Carvers have been an awesome group to get to know. Their camaraderie is a treasure and a joy for anyone to come carve with. The Trikke Academy with Ann Pirone and Fred Welch are another team who have help shape our community. From Trikke Enthusiast turned Trikke Ambassadors, They developed a program, which I believe, has increase our exposure and passion. From this, We strengthened our community's bond and empowered more carvers to share. Their Passion for Carving and Trikke has offered more than the Academy Seminars, which teach proper carving techniques, simple maintenance and tech, and Trikke's History. Trikke Academy has also shared with some fun! Their fabled events include the National Riding Skkool, the Carving Clinikks Weekend, and for the past three years, The National Skki Inn.

Oh, don't get me wrong. There are many others, past and present. Far too many for me to name. It has been this group of carvers that have lead me to my current call of duty. I may be known for starting the LSM (Last Saturday/Sunday of the Month) Movement but I believe it belongs to the Community. Carvers from all over the World are stepping up and sharing. There is a Photo contest which is more of a give-away than contest that is sponsored by Trikke Tech, Trikke Academy, and My local Trikke Dealer, SouthBay Trikke being administered by me. I do what I can to help my local dealer. Not only because of our friendship but because I care and wish for them to do well. It also supports the growth and love of my sport, Carving. I was a founding member of So Cal Carvers. With our busy lives and schedules, the best we've done was develop a way to organize and support group rides, which we have many. It's still a developing factor and lots to learn.
I'm not here to claim any credit. I'm not sure if what I do matters to our sport/activity, except to say I really enjoy it!

I know there are others who are working with children, whether special needs or physical education programs. There was a charity started for autistic kids. I believe there was a program being looked into for alternative physical therapy. We heard stories of how the Carving Vehicles (CV's) has helped people stay active, rehab after injuries, and assist with them losing weight. What I've done pales compared to them.

You may be asking why am I presenting all of this? The question has been in my mind that with the economy that we're in, With the competition of other activities being available, What needs to be done to help? Yes, to help! You might see products in the cycling industry come and go. Their community is large enough to be sustained. There are multiple manufacturers and brands to keep the community going. We do not, plain and simple. We may have seen knock-off models but Trikke and Carving is unique. Gildo Beleski designed and developed something quite special. Unless the community grows and interest builds, it's safe to say that there won't be any competing companies. I believe the current line of CV's is top notch. Sure we may do things to personalize our vehicles but out of the box, It pretty darn awesome! I believe we should do what we can to share this with others, to help each other, to support each other.
As a community, What should we do? What can we do? Not to suggest to our beloved company, what they should do ... no. What can we do to help grow?  How can we support our local dealers, trainers, and local community ride organizers? There are many who wish to be a part of nothing. Left alone to enjoy their carve on their own. And that's fine. There may be others who just don't like a big group setting, I can understand that as well. How do we as a community help support you, the carver?