Hilly terrain, poor roads, bad weather and life’s challenges breed hardcore Trikke rider in U.S. Northeast.
The first time I ever saw a Trikke was when one was delivered to my home, thanks to an online purchase made by my husband.
Wow, I said. No chain, no seat, no peddles. How is he going to make that go! How can that be fun or exercise? While he was learning and enjoying his new toy, I was clearly not interested.
Three months later, another box arrived, a T12 Roadster. My husband was excited. He began encouraging our children to ride the first Trikke, a T8 Air, but still, I wasn’t interested in trying or learning. For exercise, I was quite content with my dance classes and walking.
A short time later, I received bad news. My mom had terminal cancer. I found myself in need of another outlet, as well as something new on which to focus.
Since I enjoy being outdoors, I headed to my garage, went inside and found myself face to face with this Trikke T8 Air. I decided to give it a try.
Now … it’s important to know where I live: the Pocono Mountains, where there are no bike lanes and the roads are in poor condition, due to extreme weather (snow, ice, etc.). And there’s no flat ground. The terrain is quite challenging, especially for a beginner.
At first, I would take the Trikke out and spend an hour or two learning to ride, rain or shine, sleet or show (it was wintertime in the Northeast).
Many times, I found myself walking it, or jumping on and off, using the Trikke like a scooter — again due to the challenging terrain. Passersby would ask me, aren’t you supposed to be riding that thing, or, is that a new type of walker? That made me more determined than ever to learn to ride this thing!
Weeks went by, then months, then …WOW … I got it! I began riding anywhere and everywhere, uphill, downhill, sidewalks, parking lots, all the time not realizing the total transformation my body was undergoing until someone pointed out to me.
Life is funny. The Trikke was the last thing I thought would play such a large part in my life, helping me deal with stress and getting an amazing workout all at the same time!
UPDATE: After attending the Trikke Academy, Tara is now a certified Trikke Trainer.
Thanks for sharing your story, Tara. We have similar challenges here in the Lehigh Valley, but I think I have a few more flat trails here than you do in the Pocono Mountains. I ‘d love to get up there to ride with you and your family someday soon!