Plus: Academy to expand “degree” options
Just when you thought it was safe to assume the 2012 Trikke Academy road tour would end with an October seminar in the Los Angeles area, as per usual, the institution where Trikke Trainers are made has instead opted for a Las Vegas weekend with a double billing: an Academy seminar and a full-blow weekend of riding lessons, both of which will happen simultaneously but separately, for the most part.
The announcement represents, not only a change in location but also the debut of what’s being called a Riding Clinikk Weekend, designed specifically for those who simply wish to become better Trikke riders.
“It’s the best riding space we’ve ever had,” cited Director Fred Welch as a reason for both announcements, but he also admitted: economics did play a major factor in foregoing a Southern California seminar for the first time in the nearly five-year history of the Academy.
“It’s economics, too, definitely — not only for us but for attendees, who have to deal with travel logistics, hotels, parking space,” said Welch.
Translation: since the financial downturn, getting a better bargain is easier in Vegas than it is LA.
To take advantage of the glitzy town known as Sin City — and to make use of the unprecedented riding space available at the Aliante Hotel (two floors of a parking structure, ramps for hill climbing and a roof for rain protection, included) — the Academy has created a weekend-long, series of riding classes where students can pick and choose courses based on times and subject matter, much like any institution of higher learning.
“For one [tuition] price, students can sign up for four different riding classes, then add
Aliante Hotel, Las Vegas
extra courses à la carte,” says Welch.
The actual names of the courses have not been made official, but imagine various classes that break down the sport of carving: Back to Basics; Leaning and Acceleration; Rhythm and Balance; Hill Climbing; Power Riding; Practical Tricks.
“We want people to come and knock out a really good hour of training, then go think about it, or go do another class,” said Welch, who noted that 5-6 people makes an ideal class size and that all teachers will be current Trikke Trainers.
And while school is session for riders at the Riding Clinikk, within that same Aliante Hotel space, others will be training to become certified Trikke Trainers at seminars, better known as Academies. And, as on any campus, the two groups of students will definitely interact. That’s a plus, according to Welch, who said social events are in the planning stage:
“Part of what we want to do is create a bonding experience, no matter where we go.”
Bringing together different Trikke enthusiasts for different reasons hasn’t been done often, but the Academy is out to make it part of their brand, especially in their new Vegas headquarters. But what about the desert heat?
The Academy also conducts Riding Skkools.
“October here is gorgeous,” says Welch. Another added attraction: Trikke inventor, Gildo Beleski — who’s attended the five previous western Academies — is scheduled to participate in the extravagant weekend and might even teach a tricks class.
All that, plus there’s an Electrickks Monday workshop, which focuses on the electric Trikke Tribred Pon-e.
In other news, beginning with their September seminar in historic Charleston, South Carolina, the Academy will offer a new level of certification different than that of Trikke Trainer.
Details are still forthcoming, but this new “degree,” as it were, is yet another response to fluid financial times, according to Welch:
“We’re really trying to make this happen to meet people’s needs. We hope to have more specifics in the next few weeks.”
For more on the Academy’s last two events of 2012, in South Carolina, September 7-9, and in Las Vegas, October 12-14, go here. For further developments and breaking news about changes at the Academy, stay tuned to Trikke Academy Tuesdays on TrikkeWorld.
NOTE: After this story was first published, the Trikke Academy announced through social media a special offer: $200 off the $850 registration fee for anyone who signs up for either the South Carolina or Las Vegas Academy seminar by Aug 15th.
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