Five Carving Queries for the Director of the Trikke Academy

He’s the man who created the institution where Trikke trainers and dealers are made, thanks to his vision that the world needs an army of educators when it comes to Trikke's three-wheel carving vehicles.

That’s why, in 2007, Fred Welch dreamt up the Trikke Academy and its traveling seminars, or Academies, as they’re commonly known. The Academy’s schedule of Academies for 2012 has just been announced, so TrikkeWorld decided to take five with the head educator and father of one and ask him five questions about—what else?—the Academy:

TrikkeWorld Magazine: What factors go into choosing the cities that hosts Academies?

Fred Welch: Several factors are in play. Region is a big one. We try to make sure we hit all the basic territories in the country. If we have "boots on the ground,” that plays a role, since it's always good to have local help and support. We also like to pick "destination locations" as much as possible, but hey, we've done Midland, Michigan, before, too!

TWM: The last two Academies in 2011 (Utah and Los Angeles) included classes for the Trikke Tribred Pon-e, the electric Trikke. Will “Elekktrics” be on the menu for 2012?

FW: Our expansion into the world of personal electric transportation is a big deal these days, so we will certainly be doing our bonus "Elekktrics Mondays” next year. They’re a big hit. We may not be able to do one at every location, but we'll be including it for least three of the five locations on our agenda. We may also poll those who have signed up and add in the extra day, if there is demand.

TWM: Why did you choose Kansas City, Philadelphia and Charleston, SC, the new cities on the 2012 schedule?

FW: If we've had a good experience at a particular location, we like to go back. It's nice to not have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. But we also try to do at least two new locations each year. Our 2012 schedule has been particularly tough, since we're taking on three brand new cities. We've needed to get to the Northeast part of the country. We also wanted to hit the Southeast again. We've been to Florida twice now, soooo ... we figured we should probably pick another state in the region.

TWM: Will there be any Riding Clinikks this year?

FW: Absolutely! People have really enjoyed being able to take part in our riding portion of the Academy program. Our Clinikks are three hours and held during the Academy. Attendees also have the option of taking part in our Sunday Hill Climbing class, as well. It's a great deal.

TWM: How's the planning for the 2012 National Trikke Skki Inn going?

FW: Great! We currently have over 35 people registered, so it will be a major Trikke gathering. Both John Simpson [Trikke Tech CEO] and Gildo Beleski [Trikke Tech CTO and Trikke inventor] will be attending. Skki all day and socialize all evening in the comfort of a gorgeous, winter vacation home. Who wouldn't love that?

We've got a few parties scheduled and some great "Movie Night" options showing in two different theater rooms. Also, we'll hopefully be able to announce pretty soon as to whether we'll be able to pull off a Skki Competition or not. Keep your fingers crossed.

For a special offer for TrikkeWorld readers interesting in attending a 2012 Academy, click here.

Editor's Note: In our story, Trikke Academy To Announce 2012 Schedule Soon, it was incorrectly reported that TrikkeWorld readers would receive a special offer regarding the National Skki Inn. The actual deal offered to our readers will involve the seminars on the Trikke Academy's 2012 schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding.