News

February 2010

Third place for Tri-Sled Fresh Racing at Casey Cycling Festival

The Tri-Sled Fresh Racing team eased their way into the season with a third place at the Casey Cycling Festival. The event was a bit like dejavu, with the top three placings exactly the same as last year. The Tri-Sled Fresh team was even racing the same Son of the Tiger vehicle they raced at the 2009 event. Now that really is history repeating itself!

However, we get the sense that it won't stay that way for long. The team are in for a year of tough competition, as all open teams seek to raise the racing bar another level. Tri-Sled is working on a new Aquila prototype vehicle for the team, and the riders are turning up the heat at training. Only one thing's for sure. It's going to be an exciting season! Congrats to TruBlu and Expats Racing for holding their first and second placings.

The team is SUPER excited about this year's racing!

Support Jeff’s Pedal for Heart Record Attempts!

There must be something in Tri-Sled rider Jeff Nielsen’s water. The Australian 12-hour, 200 meter flying sprint and world trike low altitude one hour records are not enough for this HPV nutter! This year Jeff hopes to put two new records under his belt, knocking off the daunting world 24-hour and mega meter (1000 meter) records. Greg Kolodziejzyk currently holds both records, travelling 1041 km in 24 hours and completing the 1000km time trial in 23 hours and two minutes in 2006. If Jeff takes the 24-hour record he will travel further than any other human in one day using his own power.

Unlike Greg, who achieved the record in a two-wheeled speed bike, Jeff will be attempting the record in a scaled-down Tri-Sled Sorcerer Series II vehicle. This three-wheeled HPV will take Tri-Sled’s real-world testing to another level, giving us a unique opportunity to discover the ultimate endurance potential of practical road-going HPVs.

As Jeff ramps up for the challenge, he is seeking donations for those with hearts a little weaker than his. Jeff has decided to support the Heart Foundation because of his personal experience with this silent killer. In his own words, Jeff tells us his story about why he asks for our support: ‘I lost my mother to heart disease, it’s something that I can only really describe as unfair. I say unfair because up until the night she passed away I never thought that there was anything wrong with my mother, in fact due to my father suffering from cancer she had been talking to me about the possibility of him passing away not the other way around.’

Find out more about Jeff’s record attempt and support his worthy cause at his website.

Formula Tri-Sled Category expands at the AIPP Super Series!

Tri-Sled HPVs and AIPP Inc. are pleased to announce the expansion of the Formula Tri-Sled (FT) Category in 2010 at the AIPP Super Series. While last year’s category was only open to owners of FT vehicles purchased in 2009, this year it’s expanding to include any team racing in a FT machine.

Tri-Sled HPVs, who is sponsoring the category, will award a prize to the winners of rounds one two and three, as well as to the first, second and third place holders of the series. Entry is open to owners of FT vehicles from all categories, and does not preclude entry in an additional category (such as junior, secondary etc.) Teams are ranked based on their relative finishing place within their category.

Congratulations to last year’s FT Category winners, the Crafers Comets team from Crafers Primary School (pictured here). Larry Edge, Manager of the pedal prix team, said that they were 'very proud to have finally won something!'.

'We have been involved in the Australian HPV Super Series since 2002 and look on it as the best opportunity in the school year for students, parents and staff to get together, socialise and take on a real physical challenge. With the purchase of the Tri-Sled this is the first year in which we have been really competitive', said Mr Edge.

Tri-Sled Director, Ben Goodall, said the class offered an opportunity for teams to compete against each other on an even playing field. 'Like formula car racing, the FT Category offers teams the chance to compete against each other based on their racing tactics and riding skills, rather than their vehicle performance. This means that you don’t have the best or highest performing vehicle to get a win!'

All teams racing an unmodified FT vehicle in rounds one, two and/or three are invited to register for this category via the AIPP office. Please email the AIPP office at office@pedalprix.com.au to register.

Tri-Sled manufacturers several racing vehicles, so if you are unsure whether you own a FT vehicle, please check the Formula Tri-Sled web page or contact us.

January 2010

Aquila goes full circle

Tri-Sled HPV development has come full cicle with our latest model, Aquila. After many years of developing and racing HPVs with a focus on practical real-world outcomes, Aquila represents a return to our earlier focus on machines designed purely for the racing circuit. As such, Aquila differs from our Sorcerer and Avatar HPVs, which have been developed into road-going velomobiles.

Our decision to develop a vehicle designed specifically for racing was driven by the increased interest and competition in HPV racing. Furthermore, returning to a purely racing focus was a natural progression on where we left off in the late 90s. Aquila builds on Tri-Sled's decade-old FastBack series and, in particular shares many similarities with our 1999 FastBack model (pictured right).

However, Aquila doesn't signal the end of the road for Tri-Sled's velomobile development, but rather a fork in the road, where we will begin to further specialise our racing and velomobile vehicles.

Aquila was raced for the first time at an informal Casey 12-hour race late last year. We'll be developing its potential in the new year and trialing it at several races before offering it as a commercial racing vehicle.

2010 Tri-Sled Speed Trials: register now!

Tri-Sled is proudly sponsoring this year's OzHPV Speed Trials at the Holden Lang Lang Proving Ground over the Easter (2-5 April) long weekend. Last year's Easter Speed Trial was a great success which resulted in a number of new Australian and world land speed records. Tri-Sled rider Jeff Nielsen put down a new world low altitude trike hour record (61.81 km) and Australian low-altitude land speed record (82.66 km/h) in our 'overzealous' Sorcerer Series II time trial vehicle. This year we have a few surprises in store to improve our existing records and attempt some new ones!

Participating in the Tri-Sled Speed Trials is subject to approval by OzHPV. A limited number of record contenders and spectators will be allowed into the event due to high security measures. The application form and further information is available here.

September 2009

AIPP championship win for the Tri-Sled Fresh Racing Team

The Tri-Sled Fresh Racing Team's Son of Tiger vehicle achieved second place at Round 3 of the AIPP Super Series 24-hour race, making them the champions of this year's three round Super Series. The team were racing a seven year-old model, the Tri-Sled Sorcerer Racing HPV, which was orginally designed to prove the practical possibilities and speed potential of human power. Racing against vehicles designed specficially for Australian HPV racing, the Sorcerer proved it could still hold its own amongst the best of the field.

Tri-Sled's recently retired racing team vehicle, Easy Tiger, had a busy breeding program this year resulting in a second Son of Tiger vehicle for the Tri-Sled Fresh racing crew. With just six riders, the second team pulled out a massive effort, achieving seventh place in the race.

Unlike previous years, the top three teams in Round 3 of the series were only separated by five to ten laps for the entire 24 hours, making it an exciting and intensive race! In the end, there were seven laps separating the top contenders, BYR Racing, from the Tri-Sled Fresh team, and just two laps between Tri-Sled and TruBlue Racing. Congratulations to BYR and TruBlu for their first and third places in Round 3, and to TafeSA (BlueShift) and DUSA (S-Chair) for their second and third placings in the overall Super Series championship. Thanks also to Schwalbe for their tyre sponsorship and race-day support.

From left: The Tri-Sled Fresh Racing Team with their two Son of Tiger vehicles; at the podium accepting their award.

Crafers Primary School win the Formula Tri-Sled AIPP Championship

Congratulations to Crafers Primary School's Crafers Comets team, for their Formula Tri-Sled Category win at Rounds 1, 2 and 3 of the AIPP Super Series. Based on a percentage based award system against their class (Category 1), the Crafers Comets bet a number of other primary and secondary Formula Tri-Sled Category teams. What a great achievement at one of the toughest HPV events in Australia! Stay tuned for announcements regarding changes to the 2010 Formula Tri-Sled Category later this year.

Top three finish for Tri-Sled at Technology Challenge Maryborough

Tri-Sled vehicles blitzed the field at the Technology Challenge Maryborough (TCM) in Queensland on 12-13 September, placing first, second and third in the Open Boys category (overall win). Nanango State High School's Slipstreamers team took home the bacon for the third year in a row in their Tri-Sled FastBack machine. The Slipstreamers pulled out a massive effort over the 24-hour race, travelling close to 750 kilometers (the distance between Melbourne and Canberra) with just six riders. Hot on their heels was St Mary's College's Rough Riders team, just two laps behind in their Formula Tri-Sled vehicle. Four laps behind them in third position was another St Mary's team, Fast Forward, also racing a Formula Tri-Sled.

Tri-Sled vehicles also did well in other categories with Cool Runnings, also from St Mary's College, winning the Open Girls category in another Formula Tri-Sled vehicle, a massive 96 laps ahead of second place. Nanango State High School's Junior Boys team, Supermen, also blitzed their category in a Tri-Sled Sorcerer vehicle.

Tri-Sled ran a service tent at TCM for the first time this year, freighting a box of goodies all the way from Melbourne. While Ben and Yolande enjoyed a few days of sunshine in the north, they had to rush back to prepare for Round 3 of the AIPP Super Series in Murray Bridge the following weekend!

Congratulations to all teams for their fantastic effort, and good luck for next year!

July 2009

Formula Tri-Sled class takes off at Round 2 of the AIPP Super Series

Contenders in the Australian International Pedal Prix's (AIPP) new Formula Tri-Sled class (pictured above) took to the field at Round 2 of the Super Series to battle it out for nine hours in sunshine, rain and darkness. Tri-Sled is sponsoring the new AIPP class, which aims to get new or struggling teams competing in the event at an affordable cost. The class is based on Tri-Sled's popular Formula Tri-Sled model, which involves students and team members in the assembly of a corflute fairing kit. The winner of the class will be announced at Round 3 of the Super Series following the 24-hour race at Murray Bridge.

Formula Tri-Sled teams weren't the only ones doing well in the rain at Round 2. Ahead of the main field was the Tri-Sled Fresh Racing Team in their Son of Tiger Sorcerer Series II racing vehicle. After dropping slightly behind the top four contenders during the middle of the race, a few late showers saw Son of Tiger come back in the final hours. The team held onto their first placing in the overall series, taking home second place in the event behind Tru Blue Racing.

May 2009

When the going gets tough, get a Tri-Sled!

Tri-Sled's 'all-weather' Sorcerer Series II racing vehicle took home first place at Round 1 of the Adelaide HPV Super Series, demonstrating that this seven-year old design is still at the top of the game.

The Tri-Sled Fresh racing team achieved the win in their Son of Tiger 2009 racing vehicle, which was raced at the Wonthaggi 24-hour event earlier this year. Despite the rainy and muddy conditions, Son of Tiger performed faultlessly throughout the event, with the head-out format providing riders with good visiblity and competitive track speed.

However, the team was not without its share of problems. Increased debris on the track from the high number of crashes left Tri-Sled with three tyre punctures. The vehicle also took a mud bath when one of the riders rolled off the side the track in the slippery conditions. Nonetheless, Son of Tiger left the race in excellent condition and is ready for the next round of the super series in July!

Congratulations to the other top competitors, Expats Racing and Blue Shift, for their second and third placings.

April 2009

Spezi show presents new European opportunities for Tri-Sled

Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall visited the 'Spezi' bicycle show in Germany at the end of April to pursue future developments and opportunities in the region. Around 10,000 people attended this unique show which showcases 'special' bicycles such as recumbents, velomobiles, handcycles, and folding and electric bicycles.

During the show, Ben met with Tri-Sled's European suppliers and identified products that may be of interest to the Australian market. Ben also discussed the results of Tri-Sled's HPV tyre testing with Schwalbe's product manager.

New Australian and world records for Tri-Sled's speed machine

This Easter, while others were at home breaking into their chocolate eggs, Tri-Sled was at the General Motors Holden Lang Lang proving ground breaking records. On Easter Friday, rider Jeff Nielsen set a new low altitude trike world hour record of 61.81km. This is the second fastest trike mark ever recorded, exceeded only by a distance of 65km/h achieved at high altitude.

On Easter Saturday Jeff set a new Australian human powered land speed record of 82.66km/h. This record overthrows Steele Bishop's 25 year old mark of 78.94km/h. Jeff put down a second attempt of 77km/h which backs up his record run.

Jeff achieved both records in Tri-Sled's 'Overzealous' Sorcerer Series II machine, which was specifically built for record setting attempts. The same vehicle was used to set a new 12-hour and 24-hour record in 2008.

Many thanks to Tim Marquardt from OzHPV for arranging this opportunity and to the OzHPV volunteers who officiated these records.

March 2009

Tri-Sled takes a 'Fresh' approach to racing at Wonthaggi 2009

The newly formed Tri-Sled–Fresh partnership team went to the Wonthaggi 24-hour HPV race with three specific goals: to get the group working as a team; to demonstrate the reliability of Tri-Sled's machines; and to get through the race at a competitive speed with no crash damage. And we achieved all three!

The team was racing the 'fresh-ly' built 'Son of tiger' vehicle, which, as the name implies, is a second generation version of our now infamous 'Easy Tiger' Sorcerer Racing HPV. Sporting some F1-style stationary wheel covers and an improved aero-profiled roll bar, Son of Tiger has proven to be a worthy replacement for his much older and semi-retired father. With the exception of some tyre problems experienced by many teams on the track, the vehicle had a completely trouble-free run.

When asked why he opted to build the team a Sorcerer Racing HPV instead of the new Avatar HPV model, Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall responded as follows: "Our R&D resources are really focused on developing the velomobile version of Avatar at the moment and I just wanted to give this exciting new team a proven product. And it payed off! We could pump the tyres up and she'd be ready to race next weekend!"

The new team achieved a third place finish and is feeling optimistic for future races. Many thanks to the fabulous Tri-Sled–Fresh support crew and congratulations to the top competitors.

February 2009

Fresh start for Tri-Sled Racing

Tri-Sled's new partnership with Fresh Racing got off to a relaxed start at the first race of the season. The new team took to the Casey Fields track with veteran Tri-Sled vehicle, 'Easy Tiger', placing third overall in the race, just a whisker short of second. After a few 'nips 'n tucks', and with Fresh riders, Easy Tiger was moving ten seconds faster than its on-track speed at last year's event.

Tri-Sled's girls team also took to the track in their 'She'll be Right' FB10 vehicle, placing 11th overall in the race. Tri-Sled and Fresh are now busy preparing for the Wonthaggi 24-hour HPV event in mid-March. Congratulations to first and second place holders, TruBlu and Expats.

Flying Ethel takes a load off

Tri-Sled's newest load-carrying vehicle – a custom-built Dutch-style bakers bike – has found its way onto Melbourne's streets under the name 'Flying Ethel'. Watch out for this stylish chariot carrying just about anything around the northern suburbs, and let us know what you think!

December 2008

Santa says, 'all I want for Christmas is a rickshaw ride'

This year some enlightened event organisers asked Santa what he wanted for Christmas and he responded with, 'a rickshaw ride!'. Santa said he wanted to 'meet the nice girls and boys' and really engage with his fans in a way that fire engines, cars and horse carriages didn't allow him to do.

Luckily Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall and long-time rider Jeff Nielsen were on hand to bring Santa a bit of well-deserved Christmas cheer. Being the true role model that he is, Santa also inspired a bunch of Mornington youngsters to follow his lead and enjoy a rickshaw ride around Mornington Park. Santa expressed his gratitude to Tri-Sled and the Mornington Chamber of Commerce for 'bringing him to the people', then he said he was hungry and disappeared into a cafe somewhere for a snack.

November 2008

Tri-Sled's 'Ute' Bike fully loaded!

Tri-Sled's new Ute Bike took home first prize for its load capacity at the Commuter Cycles load bike competition in November. Chris Mosley (Moz) entered our Ute Bike in the competition, and successfully carried ten people on the back tray (that's 11 people including him!)

Our new Ute Bike was intended as a one-off model for the factory, and is designed to pick up and drop off large materials around the Dromana industrial estate instead of using the Tri-Sled van. It demonstrates yet again the enormous possibilities of human power!

October 2008

New model and velomobile page

Check out our new velomobile page and the new Avatar velomobile!

September 2008

New racing models now available!

Fast Back Tenth Generation

Avatar

Murray Bridge: New model, old tricks

Tri-Sled's new Avatar racing vehicle turned heads (and its own tail) at Murray Bridge on the weekend. The team's 'Chic a Chow' vehicle sustained several heavy collisions throughout the race, resulting in a respectable sixth place at Australia's most competitive HPV race.

The team was testing the product of a year of research and development culminating in Tri-Sled's first CAD-designed and machined set of composite molds.

The Avatar head-pod is smaller than Tri-Sled's Sorcerer model and is designed to reduce the frontal area of the head-out format. This new model has extra room around the shoulders and knee area, making it more comfortable for road riding. The model offers improved vision with side windscreens and supports a range of easily-replaceable and adjustable windscreen options. Avatar is now available as a commercial racing model and will be offered in a road-going velomobile format in the near future.

Congratulations to the race winners and runners-up for an exciting and competitive race.

Photos courtesy of Chris Mozley

At your service

Tri-Sled's service tent was in full swing at Round 3 of the AIPP Super Series as part of our ongoing committment to the HPV community. Tri-Sled brought a range of HPV-specific parts and bargains to the event in an effort to help teams out as much as possible. We look forward to continuing the service tent at next year's AIPP series. Don't forget to send us any suggestions for next year!

Eight men, 24-hours, 1181kms

What do you get when eight men go around in circles for 24-hours? Lots of moaning, groaning, bad singing... oh, and a new world record!

Tri-Sled's eight-man team travelled further than any HPV in a period of 24-hours on 31st August – 1st September. Clocking 1181kms, the team averaged just over 50 km/hour on the track, with minimal stops. The Tri-Sled team conducted the record attempt at the DISC velodrome in Northcote under the watchful eye of six officiators.

The new record was set in Tri-Sled’s 'overzealous' machine, which is a refined version of the Sorcerer racing HPV. Overzealous performed faultlessly throughout the 24-hours – it’s only requirement being some chain lubricant about halfway through the attempt. Rider Jeff Neilsen set a solo Australian HPV 12-hour record in overzealous earlier in the year.

Until now, there was no HPV world record for an eight-man 24-hour team. The solo 24-hour HPV record is 1041kms, set by Greg Kolodziejzyk in California. The only precedent for an eight-man 24-hour record comes from the AIPP racing track in Murray Bridge, where the longest distance recorded is around 935kms. Tri-Sled looks forward to other teams challenging this new record in the near future!

Many thanks to our six officators: Alan Ball (OZHPV), Damian Harkin (OZHPV), Chris Mozley (OZHPV), John Perrin (CCHPVCC), Ken Houghton (OZHPV) and Tim Marquardt (OZHPV).

August 2008

It takes all sorts...

Tri-Sled proved three things at the Maroondah EIPP GP on the weekend. Firstly, that our new Fast Back Tenth Anniversary model takes all sorts of riders, as demonstrated by the Tri-Sled ‘She’ll be right’ all-girls team. Secondly, that the new kojak 16" tyres will survive all sorts of terrain, with zero flats on either racing bike despite the rough race track at this year's event. And thirdly, that it takes all sorts of rider determination and patience to survive a race track plagued by a perpetual yellow flag!

Fast Back Tenth Anniversary is Tri-Sled's latest addition to the legendary Fast Back series of models, which have been tearing around race tracks for a decade! The vehicle features a fibreglass fairing, a Tri-Sled blow-molded windscreen and PETG hatch. This model is a sleeker and slicker addition to our range of racing vehicles and is suitable for competitive race teams looking for a stable ride. Tri-Sled is still offering the original Fast Back model with a corflute fairing kit.

Photo credit: Slipstream Racing

Easy Tiger's Last Hurrahhhhh

Tri-Sled’s 'Easy Tiger' vehicle had its last hurrah at the Maroondah EIPP GP on the weekend, finishing first over the line at the event. Easy Tiger, a Sorcerer Racing HPV, also won the Tri-Sled team second place at this year's Casey Fields Cycling Festival and the overall community class championship award at the Wonthaggi Human Powered GP. Tri-Sled is now working on a new design and racing model for Round 3 of the AIPP Super Series, held in Murray Bridge later this year.

Congratulations to Expats Racing, the official winners of the Maroondah EIPP GP, for surviving the gauntlet!

Exclusive!
Kojak 16-inch tyres available now through Tri-Sled

Following the release of the 20-inch Kojak tyre earlier this year, the much-anticipated Schwalbe 16-inch Kojak tyre has arrived! Tri-Sled now has exclusive stock of this lightweight and high-performance tyre.

The Kojak has amazingly low rolling-resistance but maintains the impressive cornering performance of its predessor: the Schwalbe 16-inch Marathon Slick. Like all Schwalbe tyres, the Kojak features 'RaceGuard' protection which is a much-needed puncture barrier on the race track. The tyres can be purchased through our online store.

July 2008

New AIPP Formula Tri-Sled Class for 2009

Pictured left: AIPP Chairman Andrew McLauchlan and Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall

Tri-Sled and AIPP announced a new class of racing for 2009 which aims to help new and struggling teams become race ready and race savvy at a low cost.

The new class, which is based around Tri-Sled's Formula Tri-Sled model, was launched at Round Two of the 2008 Australian Super Series and will provide up to ten teams with a $2000 start-up subsidy towards their first or replacement machine. Teams have the option of purchasing the remainder of the vehicle at the end of the year, or returning it to AIPP.

As part of the Formula Tri-Sled class, Tri-Sled will provide a shared spares system for teams at the three rounds of racing and ongoing advice and race support aimed at empowering teams to get up to speed as fast as possible. The class also includes a prize, jointly sponsored by Tri-Sled and AIPP, which covers the remaining cost of the winner's Formula Tri-Sled vehicle.

Entry details for the Formula Tri-Sled class are still being established and will be announced soon. Any Interested schools should contact Tri-Sled to register their interest.

Harry Barber visits the Tri-Sled hub

CEO of Bicycle Victoria (BV), Harry Barber, visited the Tri-Sled factory on Wednesday 16 July for for an 'R&D' tour and update on Tri-Sled's recumbents, HPVs and racing achievements.

Mr Barber met with Tri-Sled Director, Ben Goodall, to discuss opportunities for broadening out common perceptions of human powered transport, and more closely aligning BV's school and educational riding programs with school HPV racing.

Tri-Sled looks forward to working more closely with Bicycle Victoria in the future.

June 2008

Over-zealous first home at Eastlink Challenge Ride

Despite starting halfway down a pack of 12,000 cyclists, Australia's 12-hour HPV record-holder was first home from Bicycle Victoria's (BV) 65 kilometre Eastlink Challenge Ride on 15 June. Jeff Nielsen, who was riding Tri-Sled's 'over-zealous' time trial vehicle on the newly surfaced road, recorded an average speed of 55 km per hour, despite the heavy 'traffic'. Once Jeff was safely clear of the main bunch he let loose, recording a top speed of 78 km per hour, passing the front-running bunch of road cyclists to finish in just over an hour. Not far behind Jeff was a number of other Tri-Sled and community HPVs.

The event was organised prior to the opening of the much-anticipated Eastlink tollroad. BV estimated that the event attracted 45,000 cyclists - 21,000 more than were originally anticipated.

Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall said Jeff Nielsen's achievements provided the community with an example of the potential of human power, but expressed disappointment at the lack of commuting bikeways along the Eastlink stretch.

'This shouldn't just be a one-off', he said. 'If we are serious about climate change and congestion, we should get serious about human power and encouraging diversity on our roads. Like most things in our society, we have the solutions on hand, but lack the political will and impetus to provide the infrastructure and support necessary for change to occur.'

May 2008

New Australian 12-hour record

Well it's been a long time between record-setting drinks for Tri-Sled, but rider Jeff Nielsen managed to score another round in the wee hours of the morning on 26 May.

In what was meant to be a 'trial run', Jeff Nielsen set a new Australian distance record of 490.25 km in twelve hours. The attempt was made in Tri-Sled's time trial vehicle, 'over-zealous', at the DISC indoor velodrome in Northcote. 'Over-zealous' is based on the Sorcerer series 2 racing vehicle. Jeff began his trial at 8pm on 25 May and rode through the night, finishing up at 8am on 26 May.

The Tri-Sled team was there to watch the action, which one enthusiastic onlooker described as 'the HPV equivalent of watching paint dry', and another as 'twelve hours of circles'. Nevertheless, team members were in high spirits and are optimistic about future attempts. Jeff's record follows on from Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall's (still undefeated!) Australian hour record of 58.8km set in 2003 in a Tri-Sled Sorcerer (series 2 vehicle).

Jeff's journey: from pleasure to coma... (thanks to Moz for the happy snaps).

April 2008

Over-zealous blitzes the field at Grand Prix Time Trial

Tri-Sled's 'over-zealous' time trial HPV gave spectators something to think about at this year's Grand Prix Time Trial, held during the Melbourne Cycling Festival. Tri-Sled team rider Brock Mills completed the course in just 25 minutes, three and a half minutes faster than the best UCI time trial cyclist. The course was a quick 22km up and down one side of the Grand Prix track at Albert Park lake. A U-turn at each end hindered over-zealous from achieving its full speed potential.

Brock was following on from his impressive effort at the Maryborough time trial held earlier in the year. Team members Matt and Ed, and Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall, also came along to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Tri-Sled participated in the time trial to raise awareness about HPVs and their speed potential for road-going applications. As always, our 'speed machine' R&D feeds into our velomobile projects and model updates.

Many thanks to John Stevens from Transplant Australia for the photos pictured here. Transplant Australia supports those who have received organs and lobbies the rest of us to register our organs for donation so that many others can be helped. Tri-Sled supports this organisation and we encourage you to visit their website.

Tri-Sled goes global at Taipei Cycle 2008

Tri-Sled Director Ben Goodall and partner, Yolande Strengers, went on a four-day sourcing mission at the Taipei International Bike Show in March to track down a range of HPV and recumbent products and parts. The Taipei show is renowned as the biggest sourcing event of the year for the bicycle industry, with everything from 7kg mountain bikes through the the latest and greatest in small tyres. We are now in the process of sorting through a range of samples and catalogues to provide you with more options for building and accessorising recumbents and HPVs.

There was some confusion from Tri-Sled customers about the one-week disappearance of Ben and Yolande, with many thinking the couple were relaxing in Thailand, instead of roaming bicycle stands in Taiwan. We assure you that we were deep in the land of derailleurs and large chain rings (although we would have preferred thai food and cocktails on a beach somewhere!)

Second place for Easy Tiger at Casey Fields Cycling Festival

Tri-Sled Racing's Easy Tiger team took home second place at the Casey Fields Cycling Festival on 12 April. Following closely behind in fifth place was Tri-Sled's 'come and try' team, racing the veteran bike, 'Yee Ol' Yellow Beast'.

This year's six-hour race was tight from beginning to end, with only a lap separating the top three contenders. A flat rear wheel at the beginning of the race put the Easy Tiger team behind, but the riders fought back to second place, finishing less than a lap behind the winners, Tru Blu Racing.

Tri-Sled is now focused on preparing new models for the 2008 AIPP Super Series in Adelaide and the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough event held later in the year. Tri-Sled is developing a new top-end racing vehicle for its own racing team, as well as a tenth aniversary Fast Back racing fairing, to commemorate the tenth year since this pioneering model won the AIPP Super Series in 1998.

Gizmo proves its practicality at the OzHPV Challenge

Tri-Sled's Gizmo compact sports trike took home the practicality prize at this year's OzHPV Challenge held in Wodonga on April 5. Rider Jeff Neilson performed well in all eight races and won the shopping race, which involves riding around a tight and challenging course, stopping to collect and deliver a load of shopping. Jeff placed fifth in the event overall.

Tri-Sled HPVs is a proud sponsor of the OzHPV Challenge, which is an event consisting of a series of races designed to ascertain the practicality of HPVs. Any human powered vehicle can compete.

Fleet of Maxi Bikes hits Sydney city streets

Worsening congestion in inner-Sydney has prompted several courier companies to seek alternative tranpsort options. In response to this recent demand, we have 'courier-proofed' our existing Maxi Bike model.

Maxi Bike is designed to carry heavy and bulky loads in front of the handle bars while still offering riders a stable and smooth ride.

A bike that carries everything... including the kitchen sink!

In Spring 2007, RMIT University's Cultural Tranpsort Unit engaged the services of Tri-Sled's Director, Ben Goodall, to design and build a collapsable 'kitchen bike' in conjunction with RMIT's Industrial Design students. The project resulted from Ben's participation in the Cultural Unit's Pedal Powered Vehicle Workshop held in April last year.

This unique machine collapses to fit inside the large load-box it carries. The lid of the load-box also opens out to form a bench, transforming the bike into a moveable feast-producing kitchen!

The vehicle was used by the group for a festive 'Ride on Dinner' around Melbourne's inner suburbs. Ride on Dinner is an event-based arts project that takes place in public spaces. Each event typically involves a team of five hosting artists, up to one- hundred audience/participants with their own pedals, a set of cycle-based mobile props, a three- course meal from local organic produce and cycling through the city to pause in a range of locations. The hosts engage guests in the performative nature of their participation in ways that involve storytelling, digital technologies, sound and bike dancing over the course of a journey.

March 2008

All-girls Lynx team blitz the field at Wonthaggi Grand Prix

Congratulations to St Margaret’s 'Lynx' all-girls team, who finished 50 laps ahead of their competition at the 2008 Wonthaggi Human Powered Grand Prix with a Tri-Sled Series 4 Sorcerer fairing.

The secondary-level girls were racing their Tri-Sled 2007 Maryborough sponsorship vehicle. The team finished ten laps behind Bendigo Youth Racing’s (BYR) all-girls team, who were competing in the community category.

For full race results, click here.

Tri-Sled 2008 t-shirts now available

Rider Jeff Neilson and the Tri-Sled team model Tri-Sled’s 2008 'coolmax' t-shirt, available now through our online store.

Easy Tiger!

The youngest Tri-Sled team in history won the community class at the Wonthaggi Human Powered Grand Prix on 1-2 March.

The 'Easy Tiger!' team exceeded the track record for the event along with Bendigo Youth Racing (BYR), who finished just 6 laps ahead of Tri-Sled in the 24-hour trial. Tri-Sled tied for first place with Tru Blue Racing in the design and construction category, giving Tri-Sled the overall championship for the community class.

Following a summer of testing, the Tri-Sled team was racing a refined version of the Sorcerer Series 2 fairing with an Apex Racing Trike, decked out in a tiger-skin pattern.

Steve Taylor, the team’s slowest rider on a recent uphill training ride, put on an impressive show at the start of the event, wowing the crowd with a leopard skin 'boob tube' and skirt to 'unveil' the new vehicle. Although wearing the outfit was designed to be an incentive for riders to get up the training hill as fast as possible, we think Steve may have seen it as an opportunity to show a little leg.

The riders were 'fed and watered' by Tri-Sled’s largest-ever support crew of 20-plus people, who did a fantastic job at keeping the team on the track.

Rider Tristan Wright surprised the team by matching 'super-freak' Jeff Neilson’s first stint time of two hours, followed by a second one-and-a-half hour stint, all with lap times in the low 2:20s.

Tri-Sled’s Easy Tiger! team achieved second place in the trial with 599 laps. Congratulations to our competition, BYR (605 laps) and Tru Blue Racing (592 laps) for achieving first and third place respectively. Full race results from the event are available here.

From left: Tri-Sled’s 'grid girl' dazzles young and old with his feminine charm and allurement; rider Matt Leonard gets pushed off from the Tri-Sled pits; celebrity chef, Geoff Janz enjoys a brief moment in the Easy Tiger! HPV.

From left: Easy Tiger! zooms passed Tri-Sled HQ as a tired crew look on from their deck chairs; rider Matt Leonard on the track.

February 2008

A flying finish and fabulous 'fluff-up' at Maryborough Time Trial

Tri-Sled rider Brock Mills set an amazing time of one hour and nine minutes at the Maryborough Time Trial on 17 February, ranking him the second fastest rider for the course over the duration of the event. Broc was riding Tri-Sled’s latest speed machine – aptly named 'over-zealous'. Just 17 years old, Brock put down a faultless and very professional run. He was sitting at over 60 km/h for much of the course and descended one of the hills at over 90 km/h.

Three shady characters, from left: Broc Mills, Ben Goodall and Jeff Nielsen

On the other hand, Tri-Sled’s veteran rider, 'freakshow Jeff', lived up to the name of the bike by marginally avoiding the back of a horse float at over 70 km/h before missing a turnoff at Avoca. In a desperate attempt to make back time, Jeff enacted what can only be described as the U-turn of the century, pushing over-zealous’ 30 meter turning circle to its limit. As if that wasn’t enough drama for one time trial, Jeff dropped over-zealous’ chain on the fastest desent pulling off an emergency stop from around 80 km/h to prevent the chain jamming up in the rear wheel.

Despite this incredible procession of fluff-ups, Jeff still achieved an impressive time of one hour 12 minutes and is keen to move on from the experience. Reflecting on his run, Jeff said, 'well I fluffed that one up good and proper. I’ll have another go next year though. This is Brock’s day and I’m not going to take anything away from what was an amazing run'.

Tri-Sled team riders Ed and Matt were also in attendance and rode the Tri-Sled yellow trainer to achieve impressive times. Thanks also to Tristan Wright who supported the riders at the event.

The Maryborough time trial started three years ago but this was the first year Tri-Sled has raced in the event.

January 2008

Online HPV store open for business!

Well it’s been a long time coming and a hard slog at that, but Tri-Sled is pleased to launch Australia’s first online HPV and recumbent specific store.

The site features Australia’s largest range of HPV parts all in one convenient shop. The online store is divided into two main categories for HPV and recumbent homebuilders and recumbent users. You can search or browse for products and save them in your profile for future reference. We’ll be continually adding products to the store over the coming months so make sure you keep your eye on it, and don’t forget the check out the latest specials!

Tri-Sled's online store accomodates all of our Australian customers with a range of payment options and delivery methods. School purchase orders are also accepted but official confirmation must be faxed through to our office.

Click here to enter the online store

November 2007

Top 10 for Tri-Sled machines at RACV Energy Breakthrough

A large number of teams racing both old and new Tri-Sled racing models achieved top ten in their class at the Maryborough RACV Energy Breakthrough on 23-25 November. Tri-Sled had a record 20 plus machines on the track in both the primary and secondary divisions and our emphasis on reliability and performance came through in the results.

Among the teams to make top ten was Tri-Sled’s sponsorship all-girls ’Lynx’ team from St. Margarets School (pictured left). The team was racing the new Tri-Sled Sorcerer Series 4 fairing on an Apex Racing Trike and achieved second place in the female class. Also racing the new Series 4 Sorcerer fairing was Woodleigh School’s ’Team CAT’, who achieved a solid sixth place in their class.

The new Formula Tri-Sled model was raced in both the primary and secondary divisions by Haileybury Primary School and first-time racers, Dromana High School. Dromana’s ’Eagle 1’ team achieved an impressive thirteenth place in their class - a fantastic first race effort!

Other top ten teams racing Tri-Sled vehicles included the ’Hot Wheels’ team from Caulfield Grammar School and Mornington Primary School’s ’Mornington Missiles’, both racing the Fast Back Racing Trike. Padua College's ’Surge’ team achieved third place in their class racing a Tri-Sled Apex Racing Trike with their own fairing design.

Congratulations to all teams who competed in this year’s RACV Energy Breakthrough!

October 2007

Racing page updated

We have just updated our racing page with new Tri-Sled models and our full range of fairings. Click here to check it out!

Go Bike, Go!

Ever wanted to try a recumbent? Well here’s your chance! Tri-Sled is hitting the streets of Melbourne on 19-21 October with Victoria's biggest range of recumbents at Bicycle Victoria’s Go Bike Expo.

The expo is at the heart of the Melbourne Cycling Festival, being held all weekend at Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne. The festival features the Jayco Herald Sun Tour (including a HPV race!) and the Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day.

Tri-Sled will be at the expo on Friday 19 October from 4-9pm and all weekend from 10-5pm each day. We will have a range of recumbents available for test rides and inspection at the expo.

Warm to a recumbent with a Rans

Not quite ready for a full-blown recumbent but interested in improving cycling comfort? Tri-Sled is now dealing Rans crank-forward and compact short-wheel base recumbents which retain a semi-upright position but take the pressure off problem cycling points.

The Rans Fusion and Rocket models both offer something different for the comfort cyclist. The crank- forward Fusion model is perfect for cyclist who prefer to ease themselves into the recumbent position. The compact short-wheel base Rocket is one of the most easy-to-ride two-wheeled recumbents on the market and is very fast to adjust for different riders. Both models are easily transportable and great value!

Further information will be available on our recumbent bikes web page in the near future.

Rans Fusion (left)
Rans Rocket (right)

September 2007

Racing season ramps up a notch

Just one weekend after a stellar all-girls effort at the Maroondah HPV Grand Prix, the Tri-Sled boys team took home second place in the AIPP Adelaide Super Series while new Tri-Sled owners, Nanango State High School, made Queensland HPV racing history at the Holden Maryborough (QLD)Technology Challenge. Full details below.

Mayhem and madness at Murray Bridge

Freakishly high winds and the winter flu were the only things holding back the Tri-Sled racing team at Round 3 of the Adelaide Super Series on 15-16 September. The team achieved a solid fourth place in the Murray Bridge 24-hour race, just five laps behind the third place holder, Tru Blu Racing, and twelve laps behind first place.

Tri-Sled Racing successfully held off the two other super series contenders, GT6 and Das Racing, to achieve second place overall in the AIPP super series. Tri-Sled’s Adelaide sponsorship team, Team Bluebird, also did well in the event, achieving 9th place in their category, despite a severe rider shortage.

Tri-Sled team members Gareth Hanks and Jeff Neilson pulled the long hours with Tri-Sled Director, Ben Goodall, to finish the new machine just in time for the event. The team raced the first complete next generation prototype of the Tri-Sled Sorcerer velomobile which is expected to be commercially available by Christmas.

The new Sorcerer machine is the result of a culmination of ideas and previous prototypes tested at HPV events throughout the year. Although at first the shape appears almost identical to previous Sorcerer prototypes, a close-up next to Team Bluebird’s version developed earlier in the year, highlights the machine’s smaller profile. Seasoned Tri-Sled riders described the HPV as feeling roomier compared with previous models, while younger team members described the riding experience as ’fully sick’.

The new machine proved to be very fast and reliable, as did the riders! Unfortunately the Tri-Sled team was on the backfoot having lost one rider to the flu. Ben took the place of the 8th rider and helped the team out with a quick 30 minute stint during the final hours of the race. The team ran several younger riders for the first time and adopted a sliding seat for the considerable height difference. The event was cancelled one hour early due to 80kmh winds ripping though the track, leaving the team's final rider hanging with a massive sugar high to burn off!

Tri-Sled’s commitment to the service tent resulted in Ben handing over the racing reins to the Tri-Sled team for the weekend. Despite everyone putting in a spectacular effort, he couldn't resist sticking his head in the pits every now and again for an update.

Congratulations to Blueshift (first place), Team Ballistic (second place), and Tru Blu Racing (third place) for a fantastic effort and an exciting race!

Queensland champs

New Tri-Sled owners, Nanango State High School, made Queensland HPV racing history on the weekend, comfortably defeating the home team, Maryborough College, and setting a new track record with their Slipstreamers team at the 2007 Holden Maryborough (QLD)Technology Challenge. This was only the second time the Maryborough team has been beaten in the history of the event.

The Nanango team finished with a 20 lap lead on the defending champions and a 30 lap lead on third place. While mechanical problems plagued other teams, the Slipstreamers sailed smoothly through the event with only minor horn problems holding them back.

Energy Breakthrough personality Nigel Preston was on hand to praise the team and offer them a wildcard slot in the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough in Victoria.

The team was racing the well-proven Tri-Sled Fast Back design. Team Leader Peter Cavallaro flew down from Queensland to visit the Tri-Sled factory and find out more about our racing machines before deciding on the Fast Back model. ’We thought that we could make gains with a narrower frame width, lighter aerodynamics, modest chamber, a lower centre of gravity and changing the seat postion to a lower angle,’ he said.

’We also wanted the simplest in steering, componentry and drive train possible. We somehow started discussion with the Tri-Sled people and found we spoke a similar language. I was impressed with their operation and dedication to HPVs in general and particularly racing.’

The team’s training schedule consisted of mountain biking, road biking, wrestling and boxing. Asked how it feels to win, Peter commented that ’winning feels better than losing’. We second that motion!

Tri-Sled Girls in a class of their own

Tri-Sled’s all-girls team achieved an impressive third place in the community class at the 2007 EIEP HPV Grand Prix held at Maroondah on Sunday 9 September.

The girls achieved eighth place overall in the event, competing against 42 other entrants, including hybrid motor-assisted vehicles. The team’s five riders were competing predominately against all-male teams. There is currently no female community class at Australian HPV events.

The team was made up of all shapes and sizes with a height difference of almost 30cm between the shortest and tallest rider. The renowned female trait of attention to detail along with the diversity in height proved to be a perfect testing ground for the prototype Formula Tri-Sled model raced by the team.

The Formula Tri-Sled model has been designed by Tri-Sled for first-time racing teams or those seeking a complete reliable and affordable machine. The model is based around a reworked version of Tri-Sled's longstanding Fast Back racing model and includes a computer designed and cut corflute fairing kit. The kit is intended for schools or home builders who wish to assemble themselves and further integrate HPV racing into the school curriculum.

Tri-Sled is now taking orders for the Formula Tri-Sled model. Pricing is still be finalised but is expected to remain within our $4000 target budget for the complete machine and fairing kit.

For results from this event, click here.

Spring stock at the Tri-Sled shop

Spring has arrived, and so has Tri-Sled’s new product range at our expanded shop front on the Mornington Peninsula. This season we are featuring Challenge, Hase and WizWheelz recumbent trikes and bikes, Birdy and Brompton folding bikes, and budget trailers. Of course, we're still selling and manufacturing our own Tri-Sled models too!

August 2007

Schwalbe Kojak tyres have arrived!

The bike geeks here at Tri-Sled are extremely excited by the arrival of the new ultra-slick, ultra- light and perfectly rounded 20-inch Schwalbe Kojak tyre.

The arrival has been MUCH anticipated so if you’re one of the many people who’s been patiently waiting for these tyres, we now have them in stock.

For a full list of HPV components available through Tri-Sled, email us your postal address to receive a CD copy of the 2007-08 HPV racing catalogue.

Moving house with a work bike

Can you do this with your bike?

Chris Mosley (Moz), a recent Tri-Sled work bike convert, is living proof that there’s more to human power than bike paths and Sunday morning rides. Moz has recently moved house using the energy contained in his own two legs, several loaves of bread and a large amount of vegetable matter.

Moz moved all his belongings to his new Sydney flat using a Tri-Sled work bike and his own self-built ’megatrailer’.

Tri-Sled folk are, as always, very impressed with Moz's insatiable desire for anything and everything human-powered, and his unwavering commitment to no-emission transport solutions.

Photos courtesy of Chris Mosley

Challenge and Hase recumbents arriving this Spring!

Tri-Sled is expanding its product range this Spring with high-quality European brands from The Netherlands and Germany.

First to arrive is the Challenge Hurricane short wheelbase low racer from The Netherlands. The Hurricane is a highly manoeuverable, lightweight, compact and fast machine! Keep checking our website for news on its arrival or contact us to express interest.

Next on the list of arrivals is the Hase Kettwiesel comfort delta trike from Germany. The Kettwiesel features an elevated adjustable seat, 'jump on and go' functionality, and stores upright for tight spaces. A Kettwiesel demo is due to arrive in September.

Tri-Sled also sells a range of budget trikes. Contact us to discuss your requirements.