The street luge story:
My Xtreme Wheelz street luge was built in 1997 a one off model hand built in Poway, California by Dynamo Transmissions for Xtreme Wheelz (owner) Rick Wilson. Was shipped freight from California. to Philly Airport, then by car to Bensalem, Pennsylvania via I-95 hanging 2 feet out of my car trunk at 9 feet long.
It was ridden 1 time at the X games by Marcus Rietema (IGSA Coordinator) in 1997 when Rick went to the race in search of a rider in need of a ride. Marcus Rietema rode it stating "it had alot of understeer", due to the 47lb weight (luges avg 24lbs).
It has 5 coats of "Dixler Holland Ferrari Red" paint. Cross member steel welds throughout the chassis for strength and stability. In the nose is a "ram air" ramp system (the small triangle hole seen on the nose). The hole in the front lets air pass from the small ramp where the adjustable foot pegs are. Take the panel off, and air flows more freely for higher speeds. Hand polished aluminum seat pan. Sits less than 1/2 inch from the ground! This has alot of innovations even to this days standards, with technology not yet incorperated in todays luges.
I emailed the owner of Xtreme Wheelz (Rick Wilson) who provided me with all the info. He said after it was built, it was used 1 time, then to be a gift some day. After being stored for years, was sold off when Xtreme Wheelz was no more.
I've been interested in the sport since 11/04, researching and talking to the pros for advise from Bob Swartz, Chris McBride, Steve Fernando, Dr. No, Abdil "Furlong" Mahdzan, Chris Chaput and others on streetluge message boards. It was 7 months before the purchase, and probably another month till I rode it. 8 months of research!
Sept 5 2005: Rode for the first time down a hill called "Flaming Hill" in Forsythia Gate, Levittown PA 7 Runs down over 1/4 mile, est 35mph
Sept 11: 7 times downhill, no problems, perfect!
Oct 2: Rode 4 times and finally tuned all around. Need bigger hills.
Nov 12: Have been testing the "limits" of the steering side to side at 35mph stable. I purposely broke the back wheels loose by sitting up while turning, was a controlled slide for a moment. Slipstream Racing created.
Jan 6 2006: Joined IGSA International Gravity Sports Association. World ranking 136
March 14: Bought my 2nd luge, the 'Bama' style race luge. Bought through Nick Meehan.
April 4:Bama luge arrives from California
April 30: Bama luge tuned
Oct 1: Est 55 mph Tyler Park...then got kicked out of the park!
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