Trikking gives you time to think...

I do not recommend Trikking while listening to music. I realize that some people really like to roll along listening to music but, frankly, I think it's unsafe. If you are Trikking on a path, you need to hear people calling out to you. "On your left" or "Watch out!" would be good to hear when you need to hear it. A simple "Hi" is nice too. When I am Trikking on the street, it is essential to hear cars behind me so I don't listen to music when on the Trikke. A byproduct is that it gives me time to think. I also notice my neighbors and exchange greetings. I help build community in the process.

Today I was thinking about how Trikking is like life in general in that it is about rhythm, balance and knowing when to change up. When you find a rhythm you can build momentum by keeping the rhythm going and, after a bit, increasing the pace and then maintaining that new level. That works in Trikking as in daily life.

Everything should be in balance, whether you're talking about your body position on the Trikke or anything else in your life. You have to balance your needs with others' on bike paths or negotiating passing cars or in your interpersonal relationships. You have to balance using upper body with lower body and how much time you spend on each. When you find that balance, your core is getting a good workout. You are in the Trikke "sweet spot".

Life is about changes and you will find that the road in front of you will require you to adjust as you go along. Knowing when to change the rhythm can save you in the end. I am a definite believer in "when it hurts, stop what you are doing". When I feel a twinge in my body that just doesn't feel right, I listen to it and either change pace or take it easy and head for home. I can always get back out there later and pick it up again.

One plus about Trikke Heaven is that I know the surface I am rolling on pretty well. There are only a couple of spots that could cause me trouble if I am not careful. Also, when I run over a rock or stick I usually stop and kick it out of the way. I have tried steering around them a couple of times and that can work, but why not just stop a minute and remove the obstacle? As in life, removing small obstacles that you know about and can predict just makes sense. Things work better that way.