Ring ring?

General
21

John Foss wisely advised
> Until you’re able to idle, I highly don’t recommend you ride near
> pedestrians. As you have probably experienced, they can never be counted
> on to do such mundane things as walk in straight, predictable lines.
> Especially when you “achoo!”
>
It’s ok, I can stop and dismount quite instantaneously just fine. I just
can’t stop, then idle, then continue forward. I consider myself pretty
safe (Note: I’m not saying “very” safe! Cuz it’s a darn unicycle, which is
the most unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus ever invented; even ice
climbing is more secure!)

Let’s take a look at the numbers. I’ve taken over 500 rides and passed at
least 200 people each time, over 100,000 (lucky) people total. (Let’s see:
If I do a 1000 rides and I pass a thousand people each time that would be
a million people…) The main risk to the pedestrian seems to be the risk
of amazement with its associated stun of emotional and psychical release,
especially for children who are more susceptable to this.

There hasn’t been a single fatality, ambulance ride, broken bone (not even
my own!) or even a scrape (well, except my own!), and with only three
minor incidents of body contact, although one was a big basketball player
who picked me right out of the air as I rode by on the sidewalk, (he had
the reach), he was fearing a collision. (Hey, I can stop AND turn,
although usually in the reverse order!) This was pretty strange! He put me
down, said sorry because it was sort of clear I wasn’t about to have any
sort of coincidental interception with him after all, and I continued on
my journey. (I had even caught the uni from going any further when he
caught me!)

Anyway I think the authorities should pay me to ride around and entertain
people! Let them feast on my positive unikarma energy. Speaking of
authorities, in Britain with its zillions of government operated closed
circuit TV cameras lining all the streets in every town, one can apply to
receive a copy of a tape from a camera that recorded you. So you can get a
government-provided tape of your uni sidewalk tour. Just a thought, for
you UK urban uni folk.

But I digress. My wise advise is to not do as I say, and especially do not
do as I do! Because too much uni-instigated bliss on this planet would be
bad for the economy! Actually, My uni’s name is prozac.

Salut!

P ublicHazard

PS. I may move on from body-function sounds to the animal kingdom, the
roar(?) of the elephant? The anguish of a gnu? (??) Could I maybe stop
being a clown for just one e-mail? Not likely! Have fun every one!

22

— tigerwithatailbox@yahoo.com (Tiger Cub)
> wrote: pretty safe (Note: I’m not saying “very” safe! Cuz it’s a darn
> unicycle, which is the most unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus ever
> invented; even ice climbing is more secure!)

You can upset a lot of people by saying a thing such as that. I most
certainly disagree with your contention. Sure, there are plenty of things
that I feel safer doing then riding a unicylce (walking, sitting, etc.)
but there are plenty of times when I feel safer on a unicycle.

When I go cycling, only on the best kept roads and trails do I ride my
bicycle. When things get rough, it’s time to take out the easier to
control, more maneuverable, and lighter unicycle.

Of course, it is even harder to convince non-riders of this. People see me
riding along the road. I am maintaining a very constant distance from the
curb, only turning as the road turns. Still, I am apparently on this
unstable contrivance, so anyone near me will dart out of (or often into)
my way in fear that I could suddenly fall onto them.

jl

Free e-Mail and Webspace - http://Unicyclist.com

23

lutkus@unicyclist.com (Jeff Lutkus) wrote in message
news:<20010619140012.51E9336FA@sitemail.everyone.net>…
> — tigerwithatailbox@yahoo.com (Tiger Cub)
> > wrote: pretty safe (Note: I’m not saying “very” safe! Cuz it’s a darn
> > unicycle, which is the most unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus ever
> > invented; even ice climbing is more secure!)
>
> You can upset a lot of people by saying a thing such as that

You are completely correct.

Please replace “unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus” with “unstable
mobility enhancement apparatus”, which is what I think I meant to say,
unsafe would be dumb, while unstable only requires skill and practice to
master. (For instance, I eventualy managed to stay on top of a
two-cylinder rola-bola, a vastly more unstable beast than the uni,
although I did not manage that plus juggling.)

I agree that there is a poor evaluation of “risk perception” vs “risk
reality” going on in the heads of our spectators. If it looks dangerous,
therefore it is dangerous. I try to smile and be friendly! (Then they
think, if he is harmless, then the unicycle must also be harmless!)

I think the unicycle is completely optimized for low speed travel, so I
encourage everyone to use it for short errands and trips. It is better
than car, bicycle, and inline skates. Just be sure to be able to ride
safely and in control!

Don’t be shy, your uni doesn’t attract nearly the attention of, a
recumbent bicycle, which I have noticed is like having my own parade!

P.U.

24

Just curious - have you done much ice climbing? I’ve done some and at
least for me, unicycling is much safer and more secure. Especially if we
are talking about riding along a sidewalk. Or did you mean walking on a
glacier with crampons maybe?

I did a ride last weekend on my unicycle that had a 2500’ descent with
lots of rocky slippery twisty technical drops. I managed to ride every bit
of it by taking multiple tries on the hardest sections. I’ve been riding
mountain bikes since 1983 and have logged over 50,000 miles in that time,
including lots of hard singletrack riding, but there’s no way I would
attempt riding my bike down that particular trail! It’s just not as stable
and secure and safe as my unicycle.

That being said, I completely agree with John that unless you can really
control the unicycle, idling comfortably in a small area with VERY low
chance of losing control, then you shouldn’t ride very close to people,
pedestrians or otherwise.

Just my 2 cents, speaking up for the unicycle,

Nathan

“Tiger Cub” <tigerwithatailbox@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6f16e4d2.0106181739.420a8743@posting.google.com…
> John Foss wisely advised
> > Until you’re able to idle, I highly don’t recommend you ride near
pedestrians. As
> > you have probably experienced, they can never be counted on to do such
> > mundane things as walk in straight, predictable lines. Especially when
you
> > “achoo!”
> >
> It’s ok, I can stop and dismount quite instantaneously just fine. I just
> can’t stop, then idle, then continue forward. I consider myself pretty
> safe (Note: I’m not saying “very” safe! Cuz it’s a darn unicycle, which
> is the most unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus ever invented; even
> ice climbing is more secure!)
[snip]

25

Just curious - have you done much ice climbing? I’ve done some and at
least for me, unicycling is much safer and more secure. Especially if we
are talking about riding along a sidewalk. Or did you mean walking on a
glacier with crampons maybe?

I did a ride last weekend on my unicycle that had a 2500’ descent with
lots of rocky slippery twisty technical drops. I managed to ride every bit
of it by taking multiple tries on the hardest sections. I’ve been riding
mountain bikes since 1983 and have logged over 50,000 miles in that time,
including lots of hard singletrack riding, but there’s no way I would
attempt riding my bike down that particular trail! It’s just not as stable
and secure and safe as my unicycle.

That being said, I completely agree with John that unless you can really
control the unicycle, idling comfortably in a small area with VERY low
chance of losing control, then you shouldn’t ride very close to people,
pedestrians or otherwise.

Just my 2 cents, speaking up for the unicycle,

Nathan

“Tiger Cub” <tigerwithatailbox@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6f16e4d2.0106181739.420a8743@posting.google.com…
> John Foss wisely advised
> > Until you’re able to idle, I highly don’t recommend you ride near
pedestrians. As
> > you have probably experienced, they can never be counted on to do such
> > mundane things as walk in straight, predictable lines. Especially when
you
> > “achoo!”
> >
> It’s ok, I can stop and dismount quite instantaneously just fine. I just
> can’t stop, then idle, then continue forward. I consider myself pretty
> safe (Note: I’m not saying “very” safe! Cuz it’s a darn unicycle, which
> is the most unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus ever invented; even
> ice climbing is more secure!)
[snip]

26

Just curious - have you done much ice climbing? I’ve done some and at
least for me, unicycling is much safer and more secure. Especially if we
are talking about riding along a sidewalk. Or did you mean walking on a
glacier with crampons maybe?

I did a ride last weekend on my unicycle that had a 2500’ descent with
lots of rocky slippery twisty technical drops. I managed to ride every bit
of it by taking multiple tries on the hardest sections. I’ve been riding
mountain bikes since 1983 and have logged over 50,000 miles in that time,
including lots of hard singletrack riding, but there’s no way I would
attempt riding my bike down that particular trail! It’s just not as stable
and secure and safe as my unicycle.

That being said, I completely agree with John that unless you can really
control the unicycle, idling comfortably in a small area with VERY low
chance of losing control, then you shouldn’t ride very close to people,
pedestrians or otherwise.

Just my 2 cents, speaking up for the unicycle,

Nathan

“Tiger Cub” <tigerwithatailbox@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6f16e4d2.0106181739.420a8743@posting.google.com…
> John Foss wisely advised
> > Until you’re able to idle, I highly don’t recommend you ride near
pedestrians. As
> > you have probably experienced, they can never be counted on to do such
> > mundane things as walk in straight, predictable lines. Especially when
you
> > “achoo!”
> >
> It’s ok, I can stop and dismount quite instantaneously just fine. I just
> can’t stop, then idle, then continue forward. I consider myself pretty
> safe (Note: I’m not saying “very” safe! Cuz it’s a darn unicycle, which
> is the most unsafe mobility enhancement apparatus ever invented; even
> ice climbing is more secure!)
[snip]

27

> I agree that there is a poor evaluation of “risk perception” vs "risk
> reality" going on in the heads of our spectators. If it looks dangerous,
> therefore it is dangerous. I try to smile and be friendly! (Then they
> think, if he is harmless, then the unicycle must also be harmless!)

I know P.U. is just having fun here, but here’s a comment:

    Risk perception is equal to risk reality.

Example: If I point an unloaded gun at someone they are in no danger. But
if this someone doesn’t know the gun is unloaded, their reaction might be
as to a loaded weapon. They might pull theirs and fire before I get a
chance to say “Uh, it’s not–” Plus, what if I made a mistake and the gun
was not as unloaded as I thought it was…

[To the non-U.S. audience – of course we all have guns in our pockets!]

On the crowded sidewalk, the danger level is equal to the panic level of
the people who see you coming. A few people in any crowd will always
reflex-jump into your path. I suppose this supports some of Darwin’s
theories of evolution, in that people are related to squirrels.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com

“Someone who thinks logically is a nice contrast to the real world.”

28

In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling comfortably
in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control, then you
shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.

I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

29

In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling comfortably
in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control, then you
shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.

I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

30

In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling comfortably
in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control, then you
shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.

I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

31

In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling comfortably
in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control, then you
shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.

I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

32

Right you are - amend what I said to “idle or hop in place”. Nowadays I
sometimes do slow little hops in place instead of idling too. Hopping
takes even less room than idling, although it’s possible to idle in a tiny
space once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone intentionally pushed you
off the unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he say anything interesting
afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

—Nathan

“Tom Holub” <doosh@best.com> wrote in message
news:9goq1p$134$1@nntp1.ba.best.com…
> In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
> <nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
> John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling
> comfortably in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control,
> then you shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.
>
> I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
> heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
> think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
> pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
> pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
> except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

33

Right you are - amend what I said to “idle or hop in place”. Nowadays I
sometimes do slow little hops in place instead of idling too. Hopping
takes even less room than idling, although it’s possible to idle in a tiny
space once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone intentionally pushed you
off the unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he say anything interesting
afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

—Nathan

“Tom Holub” <doosh@best.com> wrote in message
news:9goq1p$134$1@nntp1.ba.best.com…
> In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
> <nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
> John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling
> comfortably in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control,
> then you shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.
>
> I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
> heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
> think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
> pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
> pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
> except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

34

Right you are - amend what I said to “idle or hop in place”. Nowadays I
sometimes do slow little hops in place instead of idling too. Hopping
takes even less room than idling, although it’s possible to idle in a tiny
space once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone intentionally pushed you
off the unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he say anything interesting
afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

—Nathan

“Tom Holub” <doosh@best.com> wrote in message
news:9goq1p$134$1@nntp1.ba.best.com…
> In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
> <nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
> John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling
> comfortably in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control,
> then you shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.
>
> I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
> heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
> think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
> pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
> pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
> except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

35

Right you are - amend what I said to “idle or hop in place”. Nowadays I
sometimes do slow little hops in place instead of idling too. Hopping
takes even less room than idling, although it’s possible to idle in a tiny
space once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone intentionally pushed you
off the unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he say anything interesting
afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

—Nathan

“Tom Holub” <doosh@best.com> wrote in message
news:9goq1p$134$1@nntp1.ba.best.com…
> In article <tiveargt6r934@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
> <nathan@movaris.com> wrote: ) )That being said, I completely agree with
> John that unless you can really )control the unicycle, idling
> comfortably in a small area with VERY low )chance of losing control,
> then you shouldn’t ride very close to people, )pedestrians or otherwise.
>
> I don’t agree. I ride through Sproul Plaza at Berkeley all the time (a
> heavy pedestrian area), and I can’t idle, though I can hop in place. I
> think what’s important is being able to ride under control at walking
> pace; you can just get behind someone who’s going the way you are, and
> pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a problem with this,
> except last week when an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off. -Tom

36

In article <tivs37odsqok35@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: )once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone
intentionally pushed you off the )unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he
say anything interesting )afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

He was walking with a couple of friends of his, ran across the street and
into me, then went back laughing hysterically.

The best I could come up with at the time was “yeah, that’s real
funny.” -Tom

37

In article <tivs37odsqok35@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: )once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone
intentionally pushed you off the )unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he
say anything interesting )afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

He was walking with a couple of friends of his, ran across the street and
into me, then went back laughing hysterically.

The best I could come up with at the time was “yeah, that’s real
funny.” -Tom

38

In article <tivs37odsqok35@corp.supernews.com>, Nathan Hoover
<nathan@movaris.com> wrote: )once you’re comfortable. Amazing - someone
intentionally pushed you off the )unicycle?! That’s got to be rare. Did he
say anything interesting )afterwards? Did you have a come back line?

He was walking with a couple of friends of his, ran across the street and
into me, then went back laughing hysterically.

The best I could come up with at the time was “yeah, that’s real
funny.” -Tom

39

> you are, and pass them when you get an opening. I’ve never had a
> problem with this, except last week when an annoying kid intentionally
> pushed me off.

Annoying yes! But as you increase your riding and idling skills, you will
find this guy can push you, but he won’t get you off the unicycle unless
he really assaults you. This is something I’ve done with friends, to see
if they can push me off the unicycle. They usually start off way to
gentle, but few can get me down unless they really get drastic.

Of course we avoid doing this in crowded sidewalks… :slight_smile:

John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com www.unicycling.com

“Someone who thinks logically is a nice contrast to the real world.”

40

John Foss wrote:
> > an annoying kid intentionally pushed me off.
>
> Annoying yes! But as you increase your riding and idling skills, you
> will find this guy can push you, but he won’t get you off the unicycle
> unless he really assaults you.

True - if you’re expecting it. Not so easy when the element of surprise is
in the assailant’s favour.

Can’t say I’ve ever been assaulted while riding - I did have a kid
deliberately stand in front of me thinking I wouldn’t be able to steer
around him. I rode a full 360 around him and carried on smiling to myself.

> Of course we avoid doing this in crowded sidewalks… :slight_smile:

Spoilsport. :wink:

Regards, Mark.

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