Creating a new cycle
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Our Mission
To develop a two person recumbent tricycle that uses pedaling, solar energy and wind energy to travel from the coast of North Carolina to the coast of California. The purpose of our journey is to raise awareness and resources for the needs of three rural schools in Sri Lanka and to promote the feasibility of alternative modes of transportation.
Our Goals
1.) Design and build a prototype of a multi-passenger mode of transportation capable of traveling long distances on human and renewable energy.
2.) Ride this vehicle from North Carolina to California to raise awareness and resources.
3.) Purchase and install new roofing, lab equipment and water tight shelving, and recycling bins at each of three schools in Sri Lanka.
Purpose
From a macro perspective there are three guiding purposes to this project: to raise awareness of Sri Lankas rural eduaction needs, to demonstate the potential for multipassenger human-electric modes of transportation, and to raise support and resources for the purchase of equipment for the schools. The vehicle was intentionally designed for two passengers in an effort to bridge the divide between bicycle transportation and current passenger car transportation. Furthermore, the solar component was integrated in response to the impracticality of continued fossil fuel use.
Outstanding Classic Country French
architecture, new constr w-superb quality thru-out in heart of HP. Walk to HP Village. Amenities include great flrpln, millwork, cabinetry, stonework, beamed ceilings, 2 wbfps & elevator. Outdr loggia w-wbfp & ss steel grill. Great rm, Gourmet kitchen, Library, Master w-vaulted ceilings, cvrd sitting balcony, climate controlled wine cellar, butlers pantry & 3-car garage.
We're almost there!
This project embodies a phrase commonly heard on college campuses: "Think globally, act locally." We have combined our resources to design a project with a broad public impact through specific localized goals. It is passionate, it is powerful, and it is only possible with your support.
Any contribution or support you can offer to The Trivelo Project is enormously appreciated. We've included a PayPal link to ensure security. All proceeds go directly to The Trivelo Project in full.
We are more than halfway to funding the following at our partner primary school in Sri Lanka:
-New Roofing
-Laboratory Supplies
-Recycling Bins
Donate Now
To develop a two person recumbent tricycle that uses pedaling, solar energy and wind energy to travel from the coast of North Carolina to the coast of California. The purpose of our journey is to raise awareness and resources for the energy needs of three rural schools in Sri Lanka and to promote the feasibility of alternative energy transportation.
2.) Ride this vehicle from North Carolina to California to raise awareness and resources
3.) Purchase and install 230 watts of solar panels and sufficient batteries for each of the three schools in Sri Lanka
Sponsors
Click on any logo to visit their site
Your company logo could be here too! Contact us about sponsorship opportunities.
TEVA
Triad Electric Vehicle Association
REFRESH
Rainforest Rescue International
January 2010 ed.
The Pendulum (Pg. 15)
Elon University
May 12, 2010
The Times News
Burlington, NC
May 24, 2010
The Intelligencer
Bucks & Montgomery County, PA
June 8, 2010
MSNBC
Local News, Delaware Valley
E-Net
Elon University, Elon NC
June 22, 2010
Performance (to date)
Top Speed: 32 mph
Range: Up to 150 miles
Furthest distance on a single charge: 81 miles
Efficiency: 300 miles per dollar of electricity
Expected battery lifespan: Over 100,000 miles
Specifications
Length: 8 feet
Width: 5 1/2 feet
Height: 4 feet
Weight without pack or riders: 320 lbs.
BREAKING NEWS: We experienced major motor failure, while also snapping our pedaling jackshaft in the mountains of Virginia after completing 450 miles across North Carolina. We've trailered the tandem trike back to the shop (Belmont Textile Machinery Inc.)
outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
We are redesigning the drivetrain to be more powerful and durable. Once complete, we plan to undergo heavy testing in the Blue Ridge Mountains at which point we will reassess the details of our next ride. Feel free to visit our updated blog for details.
The final phase involving our partner school in Sri Lanka will not be affected by these changes. All contributions that our supporters have
given or continue to give, will be directed to that portion of the project. We are almost there! Please visit the "Get Involved" tab to be a part of reaching our goals!
First take "North Line Trace" (Map provided by NC DOT) from Currituk North Carolina on the Atlantic Coast to Damascus Virginia.
-Distance: 400 Miles
Then follow TransAmerica (Map provided by the Adventure Cycling Association) from Damascus through to Pueblo, CO.
-Distance: 1,702 Miles
Finally, transfer to the Western Express (Map provided by the Adventure Cycling Association) in Pueblo, CO and follow that through to San Francisco, CA and the Pacific coast.
-Distance: 1,589 Miles
The story behind the names...
Trivelo Project: There are multiple connection points to the project within this name. The first piece is Tri to embody the common thread of three throughout the project: three wheels and an approximately three week ride. The second two parts are a combination of the Latin words protelo (to lead) and novus (new). Given our purpose and goals, these words are applicable because they combine to encompasses the overarching theme of leading to new knowledge through the power of innovation and renewable energy.
Model F: First, there is the tie to Fords Model T that changed the transportation industry into what it is today. Secondly, the F stands for the Flamingo Theory. This theory is explained as follows: There is one flamingo in a large flock. One day that flamingo starts to fly away. When it realizes no one is following, it turns around and comes back. The next day, the flamingo tries again. This time a few other flamingos follow, but the flock remains so they turn and come back. This continues day after day with more and more flamingos until one day the whole flock takes flight in unison and flies away. The Flamingo Theory symbolizes our effort to take leadership within the different focus areas of the Trivelo Project.
About Us
The Elon University Periclean Scholars Class of 2011 chose to focus on environmental education within their partner country of Sri Lanka. The three schools we have established partnerships with are Panagala Mahabodhi Maha Vidyalaya School, Komari Mahabodhi Maha Tamil School and Potuvil Mahabodhi Maha Vidyalaya School. Through our contact with these three schools, and our partnership with Rainforest Rescue International we had intially decided solar arrays would best benefit the schools. However, after reassessing more immediate needs, we have decided to focus on roofing, lab supplies, and recycling.
As Environmental Studies students in the Periclean Scholars class of 2011, Jesse and Molly have helped to define this project in a broader scope. As a third Environmental Studies major at Elon, David brought a strong desire for a tangible response to current energy usage.
The final pieces of the puzzle were Tommy- an Alternative Energy major at Appalachian State, and Daniel-an App. State graduate. They rapidly became an integral part of the team with their knowledge of renewables and Tommy's electric tricycle company FFR Trikes. Coupled with an advisory board comprised of a diverse set of faculty and community supporters the project has rapidly come to fruition.
"The Trivelo Project" on Facebook
