When you see the POW block on your screen and its about to hit you, just do the function you would normally use for a trick to create a shockwave for youself to become immune to the spin out the POW block creates (Control panel on GCN controller, Shaking Wii wheel, etc.). This can be done on both bikes and carts. Even though you don't loose speed or spin out, you still will loose the items you were carrying.