Ramona Nicolosi
Now her Trikke is her favorite zen master and most perfect dance partner.
In 2004, I was the victim of an attempted murder and received major trauma to my head, leaving me with severe vertigo. In 2008, my beloved 14½-year-old Dalmatian, Cynderella, died and I was lost without her. My depression worsened.
In 2010, I was diagnosed with a very large abdominal tumor which had attached itself to my ovaries. I had surgery immediately and began my convalescence. It was also wintertime and we had awesome snow, over five feet. All I could do was stare at it out of my window. Per doctor’s orders, I could not snowshoe, which I love, and became very depressed.
In March 2011, my daughter came to visit me from Florida and told me I needed a Trikke. Someone she worked with at a local hospital rode theirs in the basement hallways during work breaks.
Growing up in Southwestern Louisiana, my major mode of transportation was a big, wooden skateboard that was so big and long, it resembled a surfboard. I traveled so many miles on that thing and brought it with me when I joined the United States Air Force.
I remembered seeing the Trikke commercials years ago and arranged to meet my local dealer, North Shore Trikke, for a test-drive. Being a downhill skier made it so easy to learn. I hopped right on and took off. It was exhilarating! I ordered a T78 Air and my dealer gave me a loaner to ride until mine arrive. Two weeks later, we met to trade Trikkes. I have not stopped riding since.
For the first few months, I stayed close to home in order to get comfortable and build my stamina. Now I ride a loop from one town through another, along the bay, where I stop to pet the horses before heading home. The horses are curious about it, too. They even sniff the handlebars.
Since I’ve been riding, I haven’t experienced vertigo while on my Trikke, Bluebelle. Riding has helped me get better and now I only experience dizziness when closing my eyes in the shower.
I’m having the best time on my machine and cannot believe how a few pieces of metal have changed my life and my body. I average 8-11 miles per ride and have watched my weight drop and my body get firmer.
In September, I had my first wipe-out. I went flying so fast, I didn’t have time to be scared. One of the ladies who came to my rescue blamed it on my Trikke and, boy, did I ever defend my Bluebelle. I received three stitches in my left ankle and a huge gouge on my shin but would never consider not riding.
Hills in New England are a challenge, but they give you something to work for. North Shore Trikke organizes group rides during the spring and summer and I join when I can.
Ramona and Cynderella
On Halloween, a group of us went to Salem, Mass, and had a blast! I cannot begin to count how many people stopped to take our picture and film us. It was so much fun, I’m already planning what to wear for next Halloween! In the YouTube video (below), I’m the one in the pirate captain costume.
My depression is lifting and my body is feeling so much better. I set a goal for myself to ride 1449 miles, the exact distance from my house in New Hampshire to my daughter’s house in Florida. So far, I’ve done 900 miles.
When I hit 2,000 miles, I plan to upgrade to the T12 Roadster. I’m looking forward to riding the Cadillac of Trikkes, not to mention I’ll feel like I really earned it with all that mileage.
My vertigo is almost gone, my depression is lifting and most importantly, I am having so much fun. Recently, I watched an IMAX movie about the disappearing wetlands in Louisiana and there was a shot of a gator swimming. I immediately noticed his movements were exactly like those of a Trikke rider.
This little machine has taken over my heart, my thoughts and my life. Like [Trikke inventor] Gildo Beleski, I too, am an inventor and one day, it would be awesome to meet him. My inventions will also help people and Mr. Beleski is an inspiration on my journey to having my products in the marketplace.
Ramona and the Clarks
Well, Trikke, I needed you and you have given me so much more than just a couple of hundred dollars worth of fun. You’ve given me my health, happiness and my body back, and I will continue to ride you like the wind, smiling as I fly down the street.
You are my favorite zen master, my land-ski-vehicle. When we fly together, I feel such peace and know I am dancing with the most perfect dance partner, one that responds to my every whim and slightest move.
I feel so lucky!
I just ordered a T12 after 5 years on a T8. You will love the T12, I test rode one last week and it was great….