This subject started in "for sale" dragon fly carbon products. I thought it better found and discussed in "general chit chat".

Maybe I shouldn't put in my 2 cents here but this is just a thought that you big time buggy guys might want to think about.
I just got back from JIBE and was in awe of the Sysmic 17" disc wheels on Vans and Jeff's buggies and they sure did look cool. Although I didn't get a shot of piloting either of the spoke wheel buggies I did have a few questions regarding the ride, handling and such BUT this question was in the back of my mind. Here goes.

#1. Most of the public beach and land based buggy events have been well supervised and for the most part the worst things that have happened to spectators that I been aware of has been a kite drop on their heads and possibly some line rash. I haven't heard of anyone being injured by a buggy making contact with spectators and lets pray that will never happen But... let's face it, it is a possibility and we all should prepare to face that and keep our sport as safe as possible. The look of spoke wheels are really cool and all that but might I suggest that spoke wheels at public viewed events be covered with discs?

#2. If and when you big buggy guys in this sport, and you know who you all are, EVER GET SERIOUS about RACING and some SERIOUS COMPETITION, LIKE THE EUROPEANS DO, then I think that spoke wheel covers would be mandatory.

BTW. WHY is there not a racing competition program here in the USA ??????? Why can't you all start one and get to a World Cup competition eventually? I believe that there are several U.S. riders that can give Stephan van Bommel and the rest some serious runs for their money.
And....
What's the N.A.P.K.A. doing about being a real sanctioning body and get a buggy competition program started at all our events? Jeff (big Kid) said that someone in the US has started or has the paperwork necessary but hasn't moved forward with it. WHY NOT?

#1 - wheel covers are for protection of rider, not public so I would think it is a personal choice. You shouldn't be riding that close to spectators.

#2 - they are required in races

Van, knowing that your a dealer and use/sell spokes and have to defend your product, please understand that I really like what you sell/use. I hope you sell a lot of wheels.

I'm trying to visualize how a pilot could be hurt by having an accident (obe) with a buggy equipped with spokes?

I guess anything is possible like maybe being jerked out the back after releasing your handles or pulling your chicken loop and your arms and hands are flailing about, or a foot could get involved.

Can you give me any other scenarios?

And your right, we shouldn't be that close to spectators. But Sat. at Jekyll, the beach was not fully covered with people but there were many with small kids and dogs.

We've all seen tots running for the water with parents finally getting up but following back a few feet. I was there Sunday and saw this several times. Also many were digging holes and building what ever almost down to the waterline. And dogs.

So, I guess the bottom line is we have to be careful, even though we all know that sh#t happens. Like hit a hole, flip, airborne buggy and pilot landing on a beach towel. Could happen.
Not sure covers would really help with an airborne buggy but all types of chaos can happen.

As to #2. I'll ask you why are covers mandatory in races? Safety reasons? Because ?????

If it's good enough for racing shouldn't it be good for spectators?

And as to the question about an organized racing program?
What say you Van?

I'm all about safety actually .. I work for Shell ... lol .. we get fire if we are caught doing anything unsafe.

The covers are meant to be for safety so that the rider does not hurt themselve if they do get OBE towards the wheels. What I meant is that if you do want to get the covers, its for your personal safety, not the public. When I was a child, I got my foot caught in the spoke of a bicycle tire and scraped up my foot pretty good. So I see that there are potentials for the rider and passenger to get hurt. I have never heard of a bystander getting hurt by the spoke of a bicycle wheel as they go by. Not saying it can't happen. Just saying you can't protect against everything. We do risk assesment here at work all the times. You can't afford to protect against the low risk stuff.

I've been talking to the guy in europe about the carbon fiber covers. They are not cheap. People can barely afford to buy the buggy so they won't buy covers that will cost them another $200. Just like helmets, it's a good idea but not everyone will wear them. I personally do like the look of the covers and am looking for a source to get some that my customers can afford. So YES, I do support the use of covers but I still leave it up to the rider to decide the risk.

I've been looking at making plastic ones .. maybe clear ones so the BLING can still be shown?? :D


I would love to RACE!! We do need to get something going in the USA and Canada.

NAPKA started out as NAPKRA (North American Para Kart Racing Association). There was only 1 set of official races put on by Brad Rex at Galveston 5/3-5/4/2008 and sanctioned by NAPKRA. Membership was small and it was determined to re-brand and drop the stress on racing to acquire new members to allow being able to afford insurance.

There is lots of information on the NAPKA website regarding organizing races. Each area club would be in charge of running any races in their area.

It's up to you, the members, if you want to race. How many actually want to race in your area? How spreadout are we across the country?

Let's hear some discussion regarding this topic.

Well Morrie, it appears that no one wants to race. I don't believe it.
With all the alpha males I've met that are buggy pilots with a big investment in equipment to go fast, I'm sure that if you build it they will race.

The way I believe that the sport is growing, racing is going to have to be the next step to keep it alive and growing.

I love the fun runs and get together, meet and greets, lookin at everybody's rides and rip stop, the BS sessions and the fellowship.
BUT if there was racing at these events I'd compete. Why not! Now that's fun. Accumulate points, a national ranking like the Europeans do etc.. Get a dust collector trophy or two.

Look guys, there's all types of racing. Lawnmowers, Mud bogs, R/C airplanes, boats, go karts and many more that I haven't mentioned and those that compete travel miles and miles to race because it's in the blood. Nascar, Formula 1, 2S-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s 5S-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s, Tour de France, Monster trucks, so why not kite buggy?

I can't believe that all U.S. buggy guys and gals are just a bunch of laid back geeks that like to party and fly kites.

WE'VE GOT TO RACE TO GROW THE SPOT.

How many kite retailers are actually making money selling us stuff? I hear most are break even operations, supporting the operators buggy habit. Excuse me but the capitalist in me is showing.

And I know we've touched the edge of sponsorship before but there is $'s out there to help support some or most of a racing program, local, regional and national. We just got to ask for it. And, believe me sponsors got to spend money on advertising or give it to the IRS. I like this sound... "Red Bull is happy to sponsor the 2014 American Kite Buggy Championships."

What we do is unique and different, and people are interested in what we do. Every time I take a trip with my buggy on the back of my wagon people stop to ask me what it is, they smile and you can see a glint of amazement and wonder in there eyes. A potential sponsor will do the same thing and then write a check. Did someone say "Prize Money"? Gas bucks for show up's, trophies and stuff for winners, and a place in the "Kite Buggy Racing Hall of Fame."

Does any body out there eat red meat?

Baby steps to get started. Keep at it and it will grow.

I hope all will forgive me for asking, but all that record keeping, trophies, etc. don't you think it is all a little bit ..., for want of a better word, anal? Gotta wonder where that came from.
I am pretty sure Red Bull et al are looking to sponsor things that attract more 200 people to national events. It is a form of mass market advertising, not charity.
I wish you every success with your racing events, but I am too busy flying my kites, partying, and eating red meat, and hopefully oysters.

S