So far, there are three Bike Powered Ferris Wheels–the two seater, then the stationary 3 seater, and finally the rolling 3 person Ferris Wheel AKA the Star Wheel.
2005 2 Seater. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction, custom bearings. Each approximately 14’x14’ footprint, 16’ tall. This ferris wheel was one of two bicycle powered carnival rides I built for New Belgium Brewery. The other was Bike to the Moon, a flying bike ride. Toured to nine cities as part of Tour de Fat, a brewery sponsored festival.
2001 Stationary 3 seater. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction, custom bearings. 28’ Diameter footprint, 13’ tall. This first carousel ride was commissioned for a Burning Man Art Festival 2001 playground along with a bike carousel. Playgrounds are where we develop mind and body. We connect with others and learn to play.
2004 Mobile 3 Seater AKA Star Wheel. Fabricated tube steel and sheet metal construction, steel gears, chains, and custom bearings. 22 foot vertical diameter wheel x 7’ wide. See the video.
The two seater is part of the traveling Cyclecide show and has elevated their show to new heights. See the video on bliptv. Video also at bottom of this page.
Next, there are was 3 seater stationary ferris wheel mounted on the back of a trailer. This was commissioned by New Belgium Brewery and has been a part of many Tour De Fat shows (a traveling drink-our-beer festival thrown by New Belgium).
The 3 person moving ferris wheel AKA Star Wheel had it’s debut in the 2004 Burning Man festival. Here are a couple of photos of it in action:
