Six people. Six reflections on the institution where Trikke trainers are made.
The sun has set on the Trikke Academy’s first seminar of the year (over the weekend in Vegas), and a new class of Trikke trainers has been hatched. Will they be glad they enrolled? Only time and a little perspective will tell. But what about their predecessors, the last graduates of the Trikke Academy? Now that they’ve had more time to reflect, what are their thoughts about the experience?
For the answers, TrikkeWorld turned to six people who attended the Academy’s October, 2011 seminar in Los Angeles:
Michelle L. Dore, a Trikke rider since May, 2011, from Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
Keith Bathgate of Aqua Spas in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A rider for all of two weeks before the Academy.
Ethan Neuman, a young man from Everett, Washington, who chronicles his love of Trikke, as well as his challenges, in Ethan’s Story.
Margarita Rojas, Tucson, Arizona. Attended the 2012 Skki Inn and is also taking part in the global LSM movement.
Carol Jennet, Elkhart, Indiana. Author of the inspirational story, From Tragedy to triumph on a Trikke.
Michael Gwynn, Avon, Ohio, (near Cleveland). A Trikke rider for one year.
TrikkeWorld Magazine: Are you glad you attended the Academy? Why?
Michelle L. Dore: It was a great experience. I learned so many great riding skills, and also about safety, which is important.
Keith Bathgate: Very glad. It helps me make my dealership more successful and helps me take care of my customer in a very professional manner.
Ethan Neuman: Yes, I’m glad. Now I can follow my dream of helping people change their lives, the same way the Trikke has changed mine.
Margarita Rojas: Exceeded my expectations! I was looking for a new career venture in the health arena I could be passionate about. The Trikke is perfect!
Carol Jennet: Though I was already a certified Trikke trainer, I wanted to sit in on the technical parts of the Academy, presented by Andy Pliska of South Bay Trikke and the inventor of the Trikke, Gildo Beleski.
Michael Gwynn: What a great experience! Meeting riders from both the US and Canada for the first time — along with seeing friends from the Chicago National Riding School again — made it worthwhile.
TWM: What was the most surprising part of the Academy?
Michelle L. Dore: The great people I met.
Keith Bathgate: How much fun it was, learning with a great group of people.
Ethan Neuman: The fact that people had stories that just get you right in the heart.
Margarita Rojas: How reachable, friendly and laid back everyone in the company is, from Fred [Welch, Academy director] and Ann [Pirone, Academy coordinator], to the CEO and inventor! [John Simpson and Gildo Beleski].
Carol Jennet: Probably when John Simpson showed up and gave a great presentation. He is so personable and fun. One other surprise was watching Gildo climb the 16 degree hill. Another one: now I think I can actually fix a disc brake!
Michael Gwynn: Fred pushed us all to a higher level with patience and humor. I really appreciated his coaching style. You’ll still hear his voice in your head upon returning home, when you’re riding by yourself. Okay, that’s a little creepy but in a good way.
TWM: Any advice for someone who’s wondering whether or not to attend the Academy?
Michelle L. Dore: Attending made me feel like we are part of a big family, which is really important in any business.
Keith Bathgate: The best advice I can give someone: if you want to get the most enjoyment out of your Trikke, attend the Academy.
Ethan Neuman: If you want to share this amazing thing called a Trikke, or even just help people be healthy, then go to the Academy.
Margarita Rojas: For anyone ready for a life-changing, healthy activity, try this. If you are looking for a business you can have fun at and help people get healthy, try this!
Carol Jennet: If you are continually being asked: “What is that? Where can I get one? Can I ride that? How does that work? How much does it cost?” — and want to earn a little extra income as you spread the joy, the Academy is for you.
Michael Gwynn: It will be an experience you’ll always remember. Afterwards, you’ll ride stronger and faster, and you’ll know more about the company’s products than you thought possible. Go. Do it. Make the reservation now.
You might also like:
TrikkeWorld goes to the Trikke Academy
About Randy Boyd
