...while I was away...

[MarkB701]

Well, I haven't been here much of late. I got let go by my employer at the end of August and have been a bit lost as a result. Also, my wife got diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (not a fun disease that has played havoc on her life...and our life too).

So, it's been a challenging time.

Anyway, enough of my problems. I've been working hard to make some lemonade, so to speak, and an invention that I have had has now become something of a focus for me and my wife.

Basically, I started making prototypes of this thing earlier in the year, and have now tested it to the point where I am willing to share it with the world.

I'm not trying to be melodramatic, but this thing has genuinely changed my life, and I really believe in it. I have started a company and we are now producing these and I'm giving test rides to anyone brave enough.

Anyway, take a look at this YouTube and see what you think. I'm sure I'll start pimping this thing soon (in the right forum etc), but could use your help and advice too. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUeNDMo5BVE


cUeNDMo5BVE

[lynnifer]

That looks like fun!

I'm so sorry to hear about your employer and family troubles. I know you're strong though and will persevere.

So much for that woman at work who gave you a difficult time!

[MarkB701]

That looks like fun!

I'm so sorry to hear about your employer and family troubles. I know you're strong though and will persevere.

So much for that woman at work who gave you a difficult time!

:) Thanks.....yeah, in many ways I was very happy just to be out of that whole crappy situation. Although, the actual reason was because they wanted to move me to either NYC or Mexico, and I couldn't do either with my step-daughter not being able to move further from MS than she is.

I'm interviewing for more work, but being in a chair sure puts a fun slant on things.....my fingers are crossed, but for now the Power Pod is my job...:)

Honestly, its my wife who I miss the most....I could do with getting her back to some kind of normal.

[LindaT]

So good to see you Mark. You have been missed.
I knew you were inventing something-but not the other bad news.
Am going to peek at your video and look up Ankylosing Spondylitis right now.

[rdf]

Sorry to hear about your wife, Mark. And your job. But that thing looks like a blast! Your link isn't working at the moment, did you have a typo in there? Good to see ya back!

eta: Typing in the url into the address bar works.

Once you bet all the bugs worked out, you can contact the online dealers who sell handbikes. You should get a hold of patd, the FreeWheel man, and get some pointers from him on how best to manufacture and market your product. Best of luck.

[Geoffrey]

This looks like a great item for that extra help for guys like me that need it. I will keep an eye out for your progress.

[Patrick Madsen]

Hey Mark, really sorry to hear of your challenges. From thelooks of the powerpod, I think this will be great "Lemonaide". How soon before they are ready for sale? Tried going on the site but it wouldn't open.

Remember as some doors close, others open to better opprotunities. May your wife get back to normal and you seel a bagillion of the Powerpods.

[darkeyed_daisy]

Sorry to hear Mark. Hope your wife feels better soon and she gets back to normal. Good luck with your invention. It looks great.

[MarkB701]

Opps...fixed the link now:

www.roadracepowerpod.com (http://www.roadracepowerpod.com)

The kinks are basically ironed out now, it is ready for sale. But I plan to sell face to face first. I want to give maximum customer care. The bracket has been made to fit (almost) all handcycles (which was one of the biggest challenges to be sure). Anyway, thanks for the feedback guys.

I tell you what, this has been one of the most fun projects I have ever been involved in.....and losing my job has really given me the time and space to focus on it.

[MarkB701]

and thanks for the words about my wife. I would rather have my SCI than what she has.....she started taking Humira ($1100 per shot) and it wiped her out. She has lost so much weight, not eating, sick, weak....we are just learning about it all now.

[Scaper1]

Sorry for the lemons, but that bike looks really cool. Best wishes!

[MarkB701]

I'm mixing 2 separate things in the same thread....i'd better go start one in the equipment forum for the powerpod.

Anyone with experience of my wife's deal, would definitely appreciate talking to you.

[GL]

Hi Mark I wish you / your wife the best
Sincerely ;
GL

[SCIfor55yrs.]

Losing a job in today's economy really sucks. However, if you end up doing something you are passionate about, it truly can be lemonade. Wising you the best.

[flying]

Cool add on. Does it affect the steering of the hand cycle. Are there any liability issues. Sorry about the wife, sounds awful. Good luck with the power pod.

[MarkB701]

Cool add on. Does it affect the steering of the hand cycle. Are there any liability issues. Sorry about the wife, sounds awful. Good luck with the power pod.

Thanks...no effect on handling. According to Krige Schabort it actually improves the handling of his bike. Always liability issues, with anything you sell. And this thing can kill you, so I will have to be careful to do it all right. I'm only selling the 36v battery, since the additional 12v option will take it up to 30mph and in some states that makes it need registering etc. Looks like I'll be getting an LLC tho.....and a safety cut off too...!!

[My395]

Cool looking device Mark.

Other than my signature, I try not to promote the forums I run here. But you should head over and sign up and post info. The AdaptiveSportsForums.com is completely non commercial but welcome companies sharing info on their products.

[MarkB701]

Cool looking device Mark.

Other than my signature, I try not to promote the forums I run here. But you should head over and sign up and post info. The AdaptiveSportsForums.com is completely non commercial but welcome companies sharing info on their products.

Thanks man, just signed up and posted....:)

[MarkB701]

.......i noticed the thread i started in Equipment got deleted, and I guess I understand.

[DaleB]

.......i noticed the thread i started in Equipment got deleted, and I guess I understand.

??????

I don't understand.

Because it was a 'dupe' or because it was a commercial post?

I know the rules says we can't make commercial posts or link to commercial sites in our signature, but it is allowed all the time in the Equipment forum. Patd, JeffAdams, totoL1, pattherat, et al are allowed to make posts about products they have a commercial interest in. Some link to more info on their products in their sigs.

I hope you're not being treated differently!

[peterf]

Hi Mark

i remember you because i was impressed by your technical skills
i have spent my whole working life in construction sites and workshops so i can appreciate your work.

[Curt Leatherbee]

.......i noticed the thread i started in Equipment got deleted, and I guess I understand.

Looks like it was moved to Equipment and services (not by me) I'll look into it. I think the reason it was moved was because it is something for sale. Heres the link where it's at in Equipment and Services. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=167895

[MarkB701]

Looks like it was moved to Equipment and services (not by me) I'll look into it. I think the reason it was moved was because it is something for sale and not just a review. Heres the link where it's at in Equipment and Services. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=167895

Well yes....I see it has been buried in Exchanges/Equipment and Services....never to be seen again


Just to be clear.....this is not for sale yet. I have a product that I am trying to work out wether it will sell or not. It has a price, because I want to see what peoples' reaction to that price is. I know there are rules, but enthusiastically applying them against commercial interests, before I have even got this thing off the ground, is not gonna help. But....I understand that rules is rules too.

[Curt Leatherbee]

Mark, I have a lot of respect for what you are doing!!! Don't take this personally. I have a opened a discussion with other mods and will let you know what is going on with this. I think theres gotta be a way to work around this, even if somebody else posted something like "hey look at this video of this cool motor for handcycles".

[MarkB701]

Mark, I have a lot of respect for what you are doing!!! Don't take this personally. I have a opened a discussion with other mods and will let you know what is going on with this. I think theres gotta be a way to work around this, even if somebody else posted something like "hey look at this video of this cool motor for handcycles".

Well thanks Curt....not taking it personally, I definitely understand rules. :)

Well, I'm off for another 30 mile ride on a beautiful Fall day......I would really like other people just to try this thing and then take things from there.

[DaleB]

Mark, I have a lot of respect for what you are doing!!! Don't take this personally. I have a opened a discussion with other mods and will let you know what is going on with this. I think theres gotta be a way to work around this, even if somebody else posted something like "hey look at this video of this cool motor for handcycles".

I sincerely hope the conversation includes why some people post about their products with zero repercussion, and other can't, as well as who is actually responsible for mod'ing the Equipment form, so they can be left to it. I can link to a half dozen recent posts advertising products by people with a commercial interest in them. A 'review' by someone making money off the sale of the product in question is still a commercial and undermines the usefulness of the info posted, IMO. The rules are sound, but appear to be subjectively enforced, and this time not even by the subsections moderator. Mod'ing is a tough and thankless job, but crucial for a sense of community and consistency. Thanks for listening to my feedback, since what happened here is an open discussion right now between the Mods, I felt it germane.

[MarkB701]

uh oh....not trying to cause problems here guys. Just want to grow this idea. tx mark

[DaleB]

uh oh....not trying to cause problems here guys. Just want to grow this idea. tx mark

I'm sorry, also, if providing feedback re: mod'ing is construed as causing problems. I love what you've built, Mark, and look forward to more info. Btw, what was the price point you were considering? PM is fine. Cheers!

[Timaru]

Well, I haven't been here much of late. I got let go by my employer at the end of August and have been a bit lost as a result. Also, my wife got diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (not a fun disease that has played havoc on her life...and our life too).

Oh bugger!

It never rains etc....

...... all the very best with your new venture Mark from what I've learned about you from your postings I know you have the tenacity to make it work.

[MarkB701]

Thanks Timaru...'preciate that:)

So....I have a question.

Since my beloved CCC is not as supportive of unemployed handicapped men with an idea as I had hoped (2 views since yesterday in the "sExchange" forum)....can anyone suggest some other sites where I could get eyeballs on this invention and some constructive feedback?

What are other good handicrap sites???

[marycsm77]

uh oh....not trying to cause problems here guys. Just want to grow this idea. tx mark

Oh you are just a big ole trouble maker from way back aren't you Mark:p

sorry to hear about your wife, hope she is feeling better soon.

[MarkB701]

Ok, this is the last youtube on this thread for this thing....but I think you will see the fun factor in all this. I figure this is not a commercial interest if I havent earned a dime off it yet ;)

Anyway, I went on a 30 mile ride on wednesday and shot some great footage with new GoPro camera......here it is

cpkAblWrYxQ



.....and thanks Mary.....she gets surgery on monday, Estim into her back, no bathing for 7 days. I've decided not to bathe for 7 days either to show solidarity and support for her.....

[Donno]

I've decided not to bathe for 7 days either to show solidarity and support for her.....

You're a hell of a guy Mark!!! She must be so touched :)

[LindaT]

Ok, this is the last youtube on this thread for this thing....but I think you will see the fun factor in all this. I figure this is not a commercial interest if I havent earned a dime off it yet ;)

Anyway, I went on a 30 mile ride on wednesday and shot some great footage with new GoPro camera......here it is

cpkAblWrYxQ



.....and thanks Mary.....she gets surgery on monday, Estim into her back, no bathing for 7 days. I've decided not to bathe for 7 days either to show solidarity and support for her.....

If she really loves you, she will double the favor.......

[Scorpion]

Well, I haven't been here much of late. I got let go by my employer at the end of August and have been a bit lost as a result. Also, my wife got diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (not a fun disease that has played havoc on her life...and our life too).

Mark - So sorry to hear this. But I'm glad to see you've got a positive focus and promising business! Cool video.

[MarkB701]

Mark - So sorry to hear this. But I'm glad to see you've got a positive focus and promising business! Cool video.


Thanks...'preciate that. She was up all night throwing up, but nothing in her stomach. Slept on the bathroom floor and I was oblivious to it. Some husband I turned out to be...

[Scorpion]

Thanks...'preciate that. She was up all night throwing up, but nothing in her stomach. Slept on the bathroom floor and I was oblivious to it. Some husband I turned out to be...

Oh, man. :( Sounds like she didn't want to wake you? I looked up Ankylosing Spondylitis, and it can't be easy to deal with.

[NoDecafPlz]

I don't see this as spam at all.
(confused)

Good on ya! Here's to the Mrs. feeling better.

[cass]

mark, this looks quite impressive. one question: at what point do you think the dmv might get involved? with those kinds of speeds (think i saw 30-40 mph) under power, seems like you should check your back with them.

big thumbs up!

sorry about your wife. i'm hoping she's feeling better.

[MarkB701]

mark, this looks quite impressive. one question: at what point do you think the dmv might get involved? with those kinds of speeds (think i saw 30-40 mph) under power, seems like you should check your back with them.

big thumbs up!

sorry about your wife. i'm hoping she's feeling better.

Hello cass, since she is couch-bound, the wife is a crochet machine at the moment....I"m wondering how to link the Power Pod with crochet somehow.....perhaps we can offer crocheted battery covers??? but thnaks for the good wishes.

Yes, the DMV will get interested around 30 mph, which is why I'm only ever going to offer the 36 volt option. If someone wants to put together the final 12volt booster pack, then I can supply the case and connections etc.

I've also stated on the website that it is up to the user to make sure their bike is road legal etc. Certainly here in Georgia the cops/dmv are not worried......too busy looking for meth labs

[Random]

Congratulations Mark - that looks like it has to be a winner. I'm so happy you got such exuberant access to that scenery and im sure others will jump at the chance as well.

All my best wishes for your wife.

[chick]

Wow. Cool!

I only had the patience to watch the first couple of minutes of the video, but I'm impressed!



If you ever re-soot the video, maybe insert more info and description (dialogue/narration/text) at the beginning, to help engage the viewer (or impatient people like moi) and let them know what they're watching. I'm still not sure how this thing works or how it's different from other cycles out there (yea yea yea, just watch the whole damn video, right? :p).



And... Sorry to hear about your wife. Hope she gets thru the surgery and recovers asap!

[MarkB701]

lol thanks chick....my wife is a tough cookie...but I miss her dearly. This thing has taken her away from me and I want her back....

The feedback is definitely appreciated. I am not a proffesional (anything right now), and definitely not a pro-ad man. If I was a pro then I would definitely have had the "BUT WAIT...call in the next 20 minutes....and we will give you the Booster Battery for FREE (just pay a small shipping and handling fee)...."

I figure the only people who are actualy going to buy these things are handcyclists who already know how difficult handcycling is. These people are very informed and educated folks. And the ones who might be serious about this thing are probably motivated to read all the info, watch the youtubes...and they will likely be waiting to hear some feedback from other real users before taking this kind of decision.....

[MarkB701]

BEST DAY SINCE MY ACCIDENT.....!!!

Ok, this is less about trying to sell this thing and ALL about wanting to show you guys one of the BEST DAYS I've had in a very very long time.

This is me riding with a large group of AB cyclists. It was amazing, and SOOOOOO much fun. I was comfortable at all times, and absolutely destroyed after a great 36 mile ride.

I did get a puncture, but 3 of them stuck with me to fix it.....it was still awesome riding with them. I am gonna do these rides every saturday morning with this group, they meet at the mall at 9am each saturday.

Anyway....I want to share this one....:high5: :)

(and no more videos after this I swear)

-jW-ftZ-ivM

[MarkB701]

btw....this is NOT an approved use of the Power Pod.....

http://www.roadracepowerpod.com/uploads/2/9/2/4/2924422/6046427.jpg?330

http://www.roadracepowerpod.com/uploads/2/9/2/4/2924422/6806119.jpg?330


....someones gonna try it, so I'd better cover my ass now....

[Patrick Madsen]

I am so looking forward to riding with a group again Mark. Cyclists are either egomaniacs or really nice guys. Looks like there were some good lads riding with you.

It cracked me up at around 4:47 as you were going up the hill, there was a young man who was not going to be out climbed. I can see how the powerpod would be an asset for other ab's riding with you. It'd push them harder not to get beat by a three wheeled bike.

I think this has the potential to revoluntionze handcycling much like the ZX-1 has the potential to change the powerchair world. Looking forward to riding fast again.

[Curt Leatherbee]

Hopefully you are going to continue on with this project Mark even though you got a new job? I think it is a great idea.

[MarkB701]

Hopefully you are going to continue on with this project Mark even though you got a new job? I think it is a great idea.


Yeah, for sure. I was working on the Power Pod long before losing my job......the plan was always to run the Power Pod with Sam....and with the surgery on Sam, I reckon she will be back in business within a few weeks. Thanks Curt

[Cherbears]

Mark, Congrats! This is a great idea! I guess it could work on a recumbent regular bicycle also? Cheryl

[MarkB701]

Okay....this is what I did today. Went on a proper training ride with some serious cyclists....just a small group, and it was a blast.
I'm not sure these guys knew what to make of me at first... 31 miles at 19.5mph.

Yh99TbFS_rs

I'm gonna join these guys every saturday now....and brrrr it was 38'f.....:)