Driving a three wheeler has been nothing but fun since last spring. Its very stable and quick in the turns, able to cut corners close because the rear wheel tracks outside the track of the front wheel, while learning to back up in a straight line. Remarkably, parallel parking is easier than simply backing up.

But today, with the roads wet and icy, Dirigo really demonstrated how well tadpole trikes handle. We have a long steep dirt driveway and when its covered with ice and snow you have to get a good amount of speed on in order to make it to the top. There is one turn before the steepest part and generally I can get around it without going into a slide. It's where I taught my son how to put a car into a four wheel drift and come out in one piece. He learned the basics, but it cost me a broken tail light lens and a fine small maple.

I had to take Dirigo to town to get gas for my Saab guzzler, and on the way back I hit the turn quite fast and Dirigo went into a full blown three wheel drift. But it was very calm and predictable, and with just a bit of correction she straightened out, dug into the marginal road surface and made it to the top. With front wheel drive, the rear only has to follow along, and being so light there just isn't the inertia to cause problems. The car never ceases to amaze me, or to bring me joy when driving. Its been about two weeks since I last had driven it, but as soon as I got in and started it up (it Always starts!) I discovered a grin on my face.