Hi unicyclists,
This is Jody talking. I’m a level 1 rider, and was thinking
yesterday that almost every unicycle convention I’ve gone to (this year was
our fifth) has resulted in a marked jump in my skills. Even at my level
(especially at my level?), the conventions inspire me to try things I don’t
think I would have tried on my own.
The example this year is riding longer distances. With much
trepidation I entered the 10K marathon at Unicon. I had never ridden over
3 miles, and was afraid I would finish two hours behind every one else, if
I finished at all. Thankfully another middle-aged mom rode with me, which
helped the miles to pass. I fell twice but was able (eventually) to
remount and continue. I took a long time (about 75 minutes) but did
it! Was my biggest accomplishment of the two weeks.
Since then, I started riding longer distances and am really
enjoying it. Our youngest, Simon, has a Karate class two days a week, and
his class is right next to Eugene’s extensive riverbank bike path
system. So I’m doing a 6 or 8 mile loop twice a week. My thighs and
calves are a lot stronger. It takes me 90 minutes for the 8 miles, twice
as long as Thad (our 13-year-old) takes, but it’s good exercise and a good
way to use the time.
I wanted to mention this for two reasons. First, to encourage
other level 1 riders to attend conventions and get-togethers. Especially
those, like me, who don’t have other unicyclists to ride with. Second, for
convention organizers to keep including events that are challenging but
possible for people like me.
Of course, this doesn’t begin to address the other convention
benefits, such as the awesome people and the jaw-dropping routines and
races…
Jody
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Scott, Jody, Vjera, Luke, Hope, Thad, and Simon Arnold:
The local unicycling family in Springfield, Oregon.
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This is absolutely true. I have, unfortunately, not yet been able to attend a unicycle convention, but have been to lots of juggling conventions. While there, the mere presence of so many jugglers raises the level of my own juggling. I always come away inspired with new ideas (not always stolen ones). And, yeah, the level of performance one gets to see is amazing to watch.
I can’t wait for the Unatics, perhaps in association with Scott Bridgman, to host NAUCC…hint, hint.
Eight miles in an hour and a half is faster than walking speed by 50% or more. If you’re on a 24" that’s a reasonable speed. If you’re on a 20" you’re cookin’ girl. Glad to hear you’re out spinning your wheels. And you’ve got a whole family of Arnolds to ride with if they’re not snubbing you.
It was nice to meet you and your entire delightful family this year.
Hey Arnold family!
I have to agree, the Nationals and Unicon had realy inpired me to try more stuff which i hadn’t before. I must have learned 12 new mounts and at least 4 new riding skills. It was quite an experience, expecialy getting to ride Harper’s Uni.5 and Sem’s Stilt Machine (looks like something from star wars). I totaly recomend going to any convention, its an oppotunity you dont want to pass up. And i cant forget all the off roading i went on with Dustin Kelm and Kris Holm, that day when Dustin folded his rim, and when Kris would land almost everything the first time when it took everyone else longer. It was great fun and i cant wait until the next conventions.
Scott and I experienced the pain of Air Seat Conversions first hand, trying to help Unicycle.com out…gee whiz.
Sup Thad!! lol
>Hey Arnold family!
>I have to agree, the Nationals and Unicon had realy inpired me to try
>more stuff which i hadn’t before. I must have learned 12 new mounts and
>at least 4 new riding skills. It was quite an experience, expecialy
>getting to ride Harper’s Uni.5 and Sem’s Stilt Machine (looks like
>something from star wars). I totaly recomend going to any convention,
>its an oppotunity you dont want to pass up. And i cant forget all the
>off roading i went on with Dustin Kelm and Kris Holm, that day when
>Dustin folded his rim, and when Kris would land almost everything the
>first time when it took everyone else longer. It was great fun and i
>cant wait until the next conventions.
Hey Jon, I was on the ride that day, I dont remember who you were, do you
remember me?
Yea i think so.
First i tried going off the same jump two different times, and then Dustin came and taco’ed his wheel and i decided not to do it again. Then Jack Hughes came and bent his schwinn frame. And then Kris came and landed it the first time. And then i think you came and landed it. Was there anyone else who was succesful?? Max tried it alot and i think got it once…Max, did ya? It was pretty funny watching the many ways a unicycle can crash and burn.
It was so early in the ride that i didn’t want to risk distroying my uni, cause Dustin had to carry his the whole way and borrow a uni from someone when we got to the cool stuff.
Hey John Foss and John Childs, do you guys have the pics you took on that ride??? that would be so cool!