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Welcome to the Ski Resort Committee
section of the USASBA. Our goal on this site is to educate
and inform Ski Resort operators on the safety aspects of
SkiBiking. This is a forum to share ideas in order to develop
a set of standards that will provide a safe environment
for all visitors to our resorts.
A Brief History
SkiBikes are not a new phenomenon,
they have been around for many years, although today they
are often called Ski Bobs or Snow Bikes. Many people credit
a Mr. J. Stevens, and American, for the invention of the
Skibob, as in 1892, he obtained a patent for an "Ice
Velocopide" - a Bicycle with skis fitted in place of
the wheels. However, this was only a patent, and did not
result in the starting of a new sport. The true origins
of modern Skibobbing were in the late 1940's, when a German
Engineer, Georg. Gfäller invented and obtained a patent
for a "single track steerable sledge", and an
Austrian Engineer, Engelbert Brenter invented and obtained
a patent for a "Sit Ski". When both designs were
combined, the result was a Skibob. During the 1950's and
1960's, the sport grew in popularity, and the Skibob became
a common method of winter transport for those living in
the Austrian and Swiss Alps.
A Brief Description
What is a SkiBike? It is a
steerable frame fitted with a saddle, suspension system,
handlebars and a pair of in-line skis.
Typically, the rider sits astride the SkiBike, just like
a bike, although there are several variations that resemble
more of a scooter than a bike. Since there are no wheels,
the seating position is much closer
to the ground. And since there are no pedals, the rider
either wears a short pair of foot skis to assist with their
balance or places their feet on footpegs.
SkiBikes come in various shapes
and sizes, and have evolved significantly since their invention
in the late 1940's. The terms Skibob and Ski-Bike and Snow
Bike are interchangeable, and all are in common use. A SkiBike
rider wears normal ski wear, although more water resistent
clothing is recommended as the rider is closer to the ground
than a typical skier and is more likely to pick up snow.
Discussions
Please see the links above.
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