I would like to, and it seems I have the possibility to, attend the Unicon 22.
But what is it like?
I am hoping for workshops where I can improve on my skills.
I am hoping to play some informal uni-basket matches where basketball experience is not required.
I am hoping to try some cool muni and downhill tracks.
I am hoping for lots of informal fooling around with a unicycle.
Will there be other participants aged 50+ unicyclists there?
I am going as a non participant
Great, then we will be two!
Did you participate in the 21st edition?
I’m going but will probably be going as a “competitor” to do some of the distance rides and hopefully get in on the hockey tournament (in a scratch team). Outside that I plan on doing some road rides in the area, some workshops and going off and being a tourist…
While I haven’t been to Unicon i’ve been to a number of juggling conventions and there is always a constant stream of workshops, group things and randomness going on around the main shows/events. Even if none of it is planned, it just coalesces from having lots of people in the same place with the same interests. If you get bored, volunteer to do something, it’s a great way to meet people and feel involved!
The results pages for Unicon 20 and 21 show there are quite a few over 50s still competing so there will certainly be even more there for the social side.
Workshops: yes, pretty sure every Unicon offers quite a few.
Basketball: not sure. I think there is a relatively new 4x4 basketball format that has been tried at the last few Unicons (I only played regular basketball). There was talk about making it a true competition, but I think it will likely still be only a “fun” activity (so probably open to non-competitors but not sure). I think last Unicon offered a basktball workshop in conjunction with the 4x4, but I couldn’t go. Otherwise might be hard, as they usually only have the gym for the official games.
Muni: Should be no problem to ride the beginner and expert courses whenever you want. You could probably also pay the €5 for the shuttle on the practice days. If you do the beginner courses you should easily find others of your level to ride with. Lots of people pre-ride the courses, so even on other days you won’t be completely alone.
There are also usually 1-2 organized social muni rides, although I’ve never been able to participate as I had conflicting events. But I have heard good things about them. Many of these also cater to older and more relaxed riders and are generally for all levels.
Informal riding: Yes! Lots of options for that.
50+: Yes, there will be quite a few of us.
Otherwise I can’t say what it’s like as a non-competitor as I’ve been to 2 Unicons as a competitor and do almost all events so little time for the workshops. My understanding is that this year there is an attempt to make more of a distinction between high-level “world champion” competitions and convention/social/fun while also offering both.
I’m just speculating based on the last 2 Unicons, so can’t promise all offerings will be at this one. But I think if your hope is to meet lots of other unicyclists and do lots of relaxed riding with others, then sounds like a good plan. It’s about the only time where you won’t feel like a freak and oddball as the lone unicyclist 
No, this is my first unicon
Thanks all!
It seems that Unicon will be just what I am hoping for 
There were no 4Ă—4 unicycle basketball activities. Unicon 20 in France (currently the top basketball country in the world) offered four basketball events:
Non‑competitive 3×3 basketball: Every registered competitor was able to join. There were officiated games, standings, and a champion, but no medals were issued. It was a hit — a really good alternative to a basketball open gym.
Convention style Tournament B: Group stage and playoffs only; every registered competitor could join. Age‑group equivalent medals were awarded. The winners are not world champions.
Competitive Youth Tournament (U‑18): Group stage, playoffs, finals, medals, and the Youth World Champion title (Anim’a Fond). Tom’s Ravet was the official MVP.
Competitive Tournament A — the actual World Championship: Only competitors on a pre‑registered team roster could participate. Group stage, double elimination playoffs, finals, medals, and the World Champion title (Woom).
Thanks and respect to David Ilcinkas, Julien Perrot, and all their helpers for a truly well‑organized event. They are the GOATs!
Unicon 21 somewhere far north Minnesota did not have any 4Ă—4 or 3Ă—3 games, nor did it include a Youth event. Only two events were offered:
Convention‑style Tournament B: Group stage, playoffs, and finals. Every registered competitor could join. Age‑group equivalent medals were awarded. The winners are not world champions. The finals were a very nice addition to the convention.
Competitive Tournament A — the actual World Championship: Only competitors on a pre‑registered team roster could participate. Because only six competitive teams registered, the group stage was a single round robin followed by semifinals and finals, with medals and the World Champion title (Cycl’as).
Huge thanks and respect to Cyril Ravet and Gaby Pompa Valdez for making it happen.
Please note that all these activities are limited to registered competitors only. Non‑competitors are welcome to watch but cannot participate.
The hockey situation in France was even more intense: without a team, a registered competitor could only play in the C tournament. The gap between first time players and seasoned experts in both team sports is huge. A single top level unicycle basketball player can beat a typical inexperienced team of 5. No kidding.
@UniKirk, do yourself a favor and spend a few bucks to upgrade your participation to competitor level. If you are going to spend significant money on travel and accommodations, do not limit yourself to a visitor role.
@ManiusTerentiusPullus, think twice about actually participating. There are many age group events where you can earn an age group medal. I am glad I registered my teenager as a competitor: he earned a few unexpected medals, including adult ones.
@one
Thanks! I am slightly worried that there are a few competitions that might regret not being able to participate in. Team sports is not likely to be one of them, I would only let the team down.
Playing around with a ball, a hockey stick or any fun activity in an informal way with other noobs is much more suitable for me.
@ManiusTerentiusPullus
Maybe you should listen to @one as you are young and even leader of a club. You probably have quite good skills.
I also agree. I would register as a competitor unless cost is a real problem (but the travel and accommodation costs are much more significant). Especially track is youth/beginner friendly, but also 10k and critierium and other events, maybe flat depending on what riding you do. X-style and trial I would say would benefit from some trick experience to not be intimidating.
I would love to participate, but my family is unwilling to take unicycles across the Atlantic into Europe, and I’m only there for the last 3 days. Next time, I might compete in Unicon 23 if it’s in the US or somewhere very close.