Erik sent me a link a couple of months ago regarding a “drift trike” event at nearby Okemo mtn. I did a little youtube research and found it was an emerging sport using a vehicle like the Mattel “big wheel” toy of the 70’s. I might be mistaken but the sport seems to have originated in Malasia or perhaps New Zealand.

We hadn’t seen one up close but from the videos we had an idea how they worked. We built a prototype which worked somewhat but wasn’t very good, rebuilt that one as a better machine and Max began using it. I got on it and drifted a bit. It’s a hoot.

As the date of the event grew near we decided to dedicate some effort to making a nicer machine. We still didn’t know much about the bikes but we could see where we were lacking.

Most are built with parts from a BMX bike with a 20″ wheel but we chose a 16″ for a bit lower CG. We had tons of trouble with the rear wheels and at the last moment ended up making rims from aluminum and using polyethylene pipe for the “tires”.

We arrived at Okemo early during set up. It didn’t all that steep but I wasn’t riding. I was walking.

The event was run casually and the promoters did a god job dealing with all the things that come up during an event.

Jimmy rode the original machine which is very short and has a steeper steering geometry. Max rode the newer machine. In designing the machine, I didn’t factor in a required “drift angle” and focused on speed performance. We did a pretty good job and the vehicle was a bit too grippy. Max had to ride the hill “brakes off” and basically go as fast as he could to slide. In doing so his speed was far more noticeable than his drift.

What was impressive was the great diversity of machinery and people. It reminded me of the early days of MTB or even BMX. There are at least two pro-built brands currently available, one with the ability to pedal. There were also a lot of wheel options but few are easy to get at this point.

I am looking forward to trying PVC tires and building another frame in the next few weeks.

Here is a maker in Germany. Spleenworks.

I will try to find info for the builder we met at the event. I personally like that one.

here is a film I like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDUrKzx7cNE&feature=relmfu