Re: Uni for 7 yr old
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)–O GARAGE ORNAMENTS O–(
Hey Mike And Troy,
You’ve both opened a great topic of DI-scussion of UNI-versal interest; that of
“Garage Ornaments.”
Think first about WHY the 7 year old wants a unicycle? Was it HIS idea, or was
it YOUR’s dad? You said Troy that you bought (and most likely rode) a unicycle
25 years ago. Do you STILL have a unicycle (or as in John Foss’ case …
“THAT UNICYCLE”)? Do you still ride?
Does your kid think you’re the “Coolest Dad on The Block” as a result, and now
desperately wants his own? Does he see it as a circus prop or as potential fun
transportation? Or do you just think it would be cool for him to have one as you
had as a youth? We all had “Pogo Sticks” too once and mine still IS a garage
ornament!!! By the way, EVERYONE likes it and remembers how they too had one
… ONCE.
Either way, the kid should realize from the beginning that a unicycle is NOT a
circus prop, a toy, or a passing fad, to be used later as a “Garage Ornament.”
It should be explained to him instead (if he doesn’t already know) that a
unicycle is a “UNI-fectious Hobby” which, once contracted, will affect him in
unforseen creative and positive ways for the rest of his life! If the unicycle
purchase decision is handled properly wherein the kid participate
enthusiastically in the search process, perhaps even foregoes some of his
allowance to get it, and is then coached by an even more enthusiastic and proud
Dad, he’ll most likely go on to UNI-fect OTHERS throughout the course of his
enlightened existence.
Then one day, he might even pull a dusty old Taiwanese 20" off the wall of HIS
OWN GARAGE, and introduce it enthusiastically to his OWN 7 year old kid!
Incidentally, I was a late bloomer at the age of 9, and wish that I could have
started at a more proper age like 4 … like they do in Mainland Chinese
Acrobatic Troupes!
Finally, All my unicycle “Eagles” in Hong Kong learned happily, and even
UNI-fected classmates and friends on 20" Taiwanese Cycle Pro’s which held up
fine during the learning “Cycle -Pro” phase. Only later, did they get hungry for
a nice Miyata like the one I (their terminally UNI-fected Coach) ride and teach
upon. I’ve observed from among my 20+ students that the ones who went on to the
“Miyata-Phase” (aka “Schwinn Phase”) of this affliction did so willingly,
enthusiastically, and with THEIR OWN MONEY! Of the 9 who bought Miyatas in this
way, 7 are now “IUF Level 5” riders, and 6 are going to UNICON IX!
By the way, Troy … I’m curious to know what other “Ornaments” adorn
your garage?
Good luck to the both of you …Maybe you’ll one day ride
together in your local parade!
S.G. Dressler - The Unicycling Society of Hong Kong
)–/==============================================O
such as neighborscontinue to , and ! If you A first unicycle should be like any
first thing to a kid, something in which he has interest and desire, and
therefore something for which he would exert enthusiasm and effort to obtain,
and value later on.
would him, something which he
At 07:44 PM 7/10/98 -0700, Mike Payne wrote:
>Hey Troy, don’t be fooled, there are good uni’s around. You just have to look.
>Try running an ad in your local paper, “Used Unicycles Wanted”. Check out your
>local swap meets. For app: $80 you can purchase a new Taiwanese (I think that’s
>how you spell it) uni from most any bicycle shop. They go under the name Cycle
>Pro. There’'re by no means the best but will be more than adequate to learn on.
>It’s much better than that department store thing, which is just too much
>torcher for the youngster! The inflatable 20" wheel is a good size and the seat
>will take the abuse of being pounded into the ground (as will inevitably happen
>- many times). If you teach him not to be too abusive with it (throwing it into
>the wall in fustration), it will get him through that tough stage. About 15
>years ago I found one just like this at a garage sale for $10, taught myself
>how to ride it, and it’s still perfectly rideable. The cottered cranks aren’t
>even loose! After he learns to ride, you can purchase a better one for him. It
>would be a great thing for both of you to do together (uni hunting). Be patiant
>and keep your eyes and ears open. If your buying a used one check that the
>frame’s not bent, check that the wheel is relatively still round, and most
>importantly make sure the cranks are tight and not walloed loose. If the cranks
>are loose, and it’s been ridden much, skip it and go on to the next one (too
>expensive of a repair). Hope some of this helps, Mike
>
>
>
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> -0500 Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 10:02:37 -0500 (CDT) From: Troy Harding
> <troyh@diamond.kwu.edu> To: Unicycling mailing list
> <unicycling@winternet.com> Subject: Uni for 7 yr old Message-ID:
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>My son wants to learn how to ride a unicycle. I hate to spend too much until I
>know its something he will stick with. The last thing I need is an expensive
>garage ornament. So far, I haven’t had any luck at local garage sales or bike
>stores. I did find a new 20" Schwinn at a bike store, but they wanted something
>like $150. There was an almost new 16" uni advertised on this list for $110 a
>couple of days ago, but that is still more than I planned to pay. Tell me if
>I’m being unrealistic thinking I can get a used kids unicycle for under $50. It
>has been 25 years since I bought a unicycle…
>
>Anybody have a kids unicycle they would like to get out of their garage or know
>of a place where I can find one cheap?
>
>Another option might be if someone had one I could borrow or rent for a few
>weeks. We live near Salina, Kansas.
>
>Any suggestions are welcomed!
>
>Thanks.
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