I just learned how to unicycle this summer (44yr male).
I originally bought the 24" for the kids and I (knowing full well I REALLY
wanted to learn this.
I was working out of town, so I left the uni for them. After a month, they
still hadn’t practiced, so I took to work with me and learned (took well
over 30 hrs), but I got it.
Now my 11 and 13 yr old were interested, and started playing with it when I
got home, but I wouldn’t part with it, so I bought a second one (20", wife
thought it was a waste of money, we’ve already got one.)
Well once I got back home (laid off), my 13 yr old decide he wanted to learn
again, got on, and within 5hrs he’s riding with me around the blocks! What a
thrill. Just wish I would have picked this up when I was his age, but it’s
never too late to teach an old dog a new trick.
Congrats, soon you will have at least 5, then 8 Uni’s. It is the greatest family sport, besides kayaking, rafting, etc. that we have done so far. You will be riding stuff that will amaze you and your kids. Way to go!
Well, I’ve already mentioned to the wife that I wouldn’t mind a 29" uni now,
just to make riding a little faster, and she thinks there’s enough uni’s in
the carport now…oh well.
I’ve got 3 kayaks (one given by the neighbour 1 year after I bought the
second one), and think they’re the greatest thing for quick and easy
paddling.
I’ve got a good canoe, plus a Laser 2 sailboat (2 man, racing type), which
is a lot of fun when you can take it out.
I’m overwhelming her with my toys (we all have bikes), but they are all
inexpensive to use, good for us, and a lot of fun.
I just don’t think I can pull off another uni, and really have no interest
(right now) in giraffe type uni’s, or doing stunts…just riding right now
is great, but who knows.
Your at the beginning of a wonderful adventure with your children. When my kids were 5 and 11, we all learned to uni together and we’ve had some wonderful times together. My 13 year old daughter now rides only occasionally but my son who’s now 7 years old, mountain unicycles like a fiend rain, shine or snow.
As a parent my feeling is to try and connect with my kids in any way possible and unicycling is a fun way to achieve that. Have fun!
Cheers,
Jason
24 week countdown in progress (ACL recon and bone shaving)
“I WILL ride again!” he says, then blubbers like a baby.
Glad to hear your enjoying it.
As I’ve shared in the forum before, some of the best times I’ve ever had connecting with my son were during MUni rides. But he’s 15 now and his interest is waning. Girls, skateboarding, getting his learners driving permit, etc. have put the uni way down on his current list of things to do.
If i remember correctly, that’s about the age I was when my uni went into the closet too.
I’m going to have to work a little harder at getting him back out.
Good to hear stories about getting your kids engaged in riding. I’ve been a casual rider for a few years, and a year ago got my 8 year old son to learn. Since then we’ve had many great father/son riding days in our local woods, and I’ve watched him get get better and better. I think we’re almost at that point Nathan talks about, where he’ll surpass my riding skill (forever). I’m looking forward to it.
