We are not GEEKS! or WEIRDOS!

General Unicycling Discussions
#1

I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2 milk cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my ears!!!, called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years now and find this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think it is the kids these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t see how cool it is. Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also telling me to “get a skate”. I can do any sport but find this sport to be awesome!

Do you guys have these issues also?

#2

word up man!!

i am from spokane and everyone here is either a roller blader or a razor cutter. why can’t people see the pure genuis in the unicycles. i mean, cavemen, duh! like the other day my brother’s friends told me to pick up another wheel and then laughed. i was like, geez! if i wanted a bicycle i think i’d know where to get one, ***holes!! i don’t mean to get so steamed but, gosh, there is some real gift in me that helps me on this wheel.

btw…does anyone one know about a move called “the backside houdini”? i have heard of it on a few message boards but can’t find a schematic.

peace and karats, yall!

#3

> I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2
> milk cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my
> ears!!!, called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years
> now and find this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think
> it is the kids these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t
> see how cool it is. Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also
> telling me to “get a skate”.

They can say what they want. You can ride the unicycle and they can’t. You
can skate their skates, board their boards, slice their razors, etc. They
still can’t ride your unicycle. They know this, so they taunt you.

Sounds like your local ice cream man needs a new job. Tell your story to
his supervisor and he’ll probably be looking for one real soon…

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

“Our time is a most precious commodity, but it’s how we spend it that
makes us rich.” - John Foss

#4

Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The
latter cannot understand it when a person does not thoughtlessly submit to
hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his/her
intelligence.

  • Albert Einstein

jimmyjimmy wrote:

> I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2
> milk cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my
> ears!!!, called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years
> now and find this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think
> it is the kids these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t
> see how cool it is. Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also
> telling me to “get a skate”. I can do any sport but find this sport to
> be awesome!
>
> Do you guys have these issues also?
>
> –
> jimmyjimmy Posted via the Unicyclist Community -
> http://unicyclist.com/forums

#5

jimmyjimmy wrote:
>
> I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2
> milk cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my
> ears!!!, called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years
> now and find this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think
> it is the kids these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t
> see how cool it is. Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also
> telling me to “get a skate”. I can do any sport but find this sport to
> be awesome!
>
> Do you guys have these issues also?

I’m just a beginner and can only go 50 yards before I’m launched off of my
uni but so far I’ve only found it a source of fun conversation. Being 41 I
get into long conversations about how great exercise it is. I’m really
good advertising for John Drummond or John Foss as I say “Next time you
are online just go to ‘unicycle.com’ or ‘unicycling.org’ and there are
some great links there to tell you all about it.”

I figure sooner or later I can get someone else in my neighbourhood to
get a MUni.

Which brings me to this: If you ride in groups then you can beat some of
them up! hehe Tag team unicycling!

Christopher Grove

“Be Bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.” -Basil King (Anyone who
can give me more info on THIS Basil King please email
me.)

#6

In general, I’ve had good luck with comments. I think, though, some of
thiss just depends on where, and how I am riding. If, for example, I’m on
a public road, or park, chances are, I’m riding my coker. When I’m on the
coker, I’m in full bicycle outfit – helmet, biker shorts, etc. I look
like I know what I’m doing, and where I’m going. (Also, I’m going fast
enough someone would need a pretty quick wit to make fun of me.)

When I’m working on tricks on my 20" unicycle, chances are it’s on campus.
Here are lots of people the same age as I am, and for whatever reason, I
think that helps. There a reasonable amount of skateboarders around, but
most of them are actually working at developing skills on their boards,
and are therefore more likley to appreciate the skill involved in riding.
In fact, I’ve been stopped by skateboarders quite a few times, and asked
questions about riding which expressed genuine interest. (Probably also
helps when I try to ride the same obstacles they’re using.)

Incidently, I also have a shirt which reads “I hate clowns.” I think this
helps express to people I am not there to entertain them.

As for dealing with people yelling at you, I don’t have much advice to
offer. For the usual “where’s the other wheel,” and such, just remember
the comeback lines “what, you mean the training wheel?” Um, as for the
others, “I’m rubber, you’re glue”

Jeff Lutkus

> I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2
> milk cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my
> ears!!!, called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years
> now and find this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think
> it is the kids these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t
> see how cool it is. Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also
> telling me to “get a skate”. I can do any sport but find this sport to
> be awesome!
>
> Do you guys have these issues also?
>
>
>
>
> –
> jimmyjimmy Posted via the Unicyclist Community -
> http://unicyclist.com/forums
>
_________________________________________________________________________-
__
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Sent via the Unicyclist Community - http://Unicyclist.com

#7

I have been riding a Cocker off and on for a couple of years. I cant remember of ever hearing a bad or negative comment. However, I constantly hear encouragement. " Alright dude!" and " awesome!" just ot mention a few.

Just guessing, I think the positive responses I get are mainly for two reasons. I am old, and the Cocker looks pretty manly.

dan

#8

i have found while riding around boston that it is mainly younger/unmarried people that give you sh**, the colledge studdent favorite seems to be “hey dude, pop a wheely” and the teens think it is incredably original to ask me where my other wheel is, or did my bike brake, and the nice old people stop and smile. this brings me to a unicycle over bike piont.

if you are riding down the sidewalk on your bike people think, “blah blah blah i hate bikes cause they take up so much room on the side walk and the go to fast and he is going to kill himself or, gawd fa-bid, someone else,”

butttttttttt… when they see a unicyclist its more like “oooooo look at that, i will move out of the way, ooooooo and ahhhhhhhh”

i was once asked if if i could give sombody a ride, i found this quite amusing. plus when i got my new uni, i asked my brother if he liked my new set of wheel.
yes… i am done… i will go away now.

#9

I have also been asked " Where’s your other wheel?" thousands of times!
People would actually turn around their trucks, get out and say this to
me! At first I would pretend to laugh along with them, acting really
sarcastic, and now i find no reason to even give them the slightest bit of
a response. Some of the skaters at my school have actually tried
unicycling, or even own unicycles, and still aren’t any good at it. I
think that makes them realize what kind of skill us extreme unicyclers
actually have. When a BMXer punk at my school signed my guestbook with
something like: “Let’s see some big drops, racks, and broken bones. Too
bad two wheels rules over unicycling!” I simply replied: “Two wheels are
not a challenge, and are uneeded, let’s see some skil.” And it’s true.
Also other remarks I’ve heard from many skaters and bikers alike are,
“They should make a freewheel unicycle,” or “You should attach pegs to
your unicycle.” Both of which are not only stupid, but impossible.
(impossible wheel).

All I can say is: I unicycle because I enjoy doing what I do, and I dont
do it to fit in at school, or to please anyone else, but myself. You
should do the same, If you like what you do, then it shouldn’t matter what
anybody else says.

And, if they do say anything rude, it’s because they are jealous.

Well, there are my thoughts, (pretend that it all makes sense) and
happy trails.

)—(x) Dylan Wallinger Keep Riding
http://www.extremeunicycling-bcmat.cityslide.com

#10

In message “Re: We are not GEEKS! or WEIRDOS!”, Dylan Wallinger wrote…
> Also other remarks I’ve heard from many skaters and bikers alike
> are, “They should make a freewheel unicycle,” or "You should attach
> pegs to your unicycle." Both of which are not only stupid, but
> impossible. (impossible wheel).

Neither is impossible. Both have been done. The world of novelty unicycles
has more and breadth than you imagine.

Stay on top, Jack Halpern Executive Director for International Development
International Unicycling Federation, Inc. Website: http://www.kanji.org

#11

I received a “gay poof” comment from some boy just yesterday. This was a
first for me and came from someone I’ve seen hanging around the street
plenty times before and not doing very much while skaters and bladers of
his own age pass him by. Generally any negative comments I’ve ever been on
the sharp end of haven’t gone past “get a real bike” so this one was new
on me. He didn’t have much to say when I asked him why he thought I was
gay. If only this guy had seen us doing our “I’m a little teapot” routine
during the BMW this year he might have had some grounds for his words :wink:

Riding a uni is different and seems generally perceived as impossible
by a lot of folks. People exist out there that want to put down others
achievements - out of jealousy in most cases. I reckon my kid and your ice
cream man are just such people and uni riders by their unique status are
an easy target when riding in small groups. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure
there’s many more people who’ve seen you ride and been blown away.

As for skaters yelling profanities… I’ll wager they’re the ones who
aren’t very good on their boards. The ones who are dedicated enough to be
any good will surely recognise and appreciate when they see someone else
that’s put in the time - even if they’re on one wheel as opposed to four.

Alternatively… carry a big gun :wink:

Neil

----- Original Message ----- From: <forum.member@unicyclist.com> To:
<rec.sport.unicycling@kildrummy.co.uk>; <rsu@unicycling.org> Sent:
Tuesday, November 13, 2001 10:45 PM Subject: We are not GEEKS! or WEIRDOS!

> I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2
> milk cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my
> ears!!!, called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years
> now and find this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think
> it is the kids these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t
> see how cool it is. Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also
> telling me to “get a skate”. I can do any sport but find this sport to
> be awesome!
>
> Do you guys have these issues also?
>
>
>
>
> –
> jimmyjimmy Posted via the Unicyclist Community -
> http://unicyclist.com/forums
>
_________________________________________________________________________-
__
> rec.sport.unicycling mailing list -
www.unicycling.org/mailman/listinfo/rsu

#12

In article <9ss8cd$49s$1@laurel.tc.umn.edu>, jimmyjimmy
<forum.member@unicyclist.com> wrote: )I just was at the park recently
where i was really tormented! I had 2 )milk cartons thrown at me and the
ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my )ears!!!, called me gay! I have
enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years )now and find this to be the worst
harrassment i have ever had! I think )it is the kids these days or less
unicyclists out there so they don’t )see how cool it is. Skateboarders
constantly yell profanities also )telling me to “get a skate”. I can do
any sport but find this sport to )be awesome! ) )Do you guys have these
issues also?

Around here (Berkeley, CA), reactions of skateboarders are almost always
positive. I get called “hella tight” a lot–I assume that’s positive, at
least. Frat boys seem to be the only ones who make circus comments and
such. -Tom

#13

Don’t shoot anybody.
Don’t beat anybody up.
There will always be people like this.
You are not one of them.

#14

> i am from spokane and everyone here is either a roller blader or a razor
> cutter. why can’t people see the pure genuis in the unicycles. i

If those are those Razor scooters you should point out to them that razor
scooters are absolutely pointless pieces of crap. No-one can pull any
interesting tricks on them, I mean, bunny hops and bar spins are pretty
much the limit, they’re really badly balanced for 180s and they break if
you grind them. They’re like soooo last year, pretty much everyone I know
here seems to think they’re useless.

As for skaters, I’ve never had problems with the good ones, went past a
big group the other day who were like what are you doing that for, but
then I rode down a couple of dropoffs and steps and they calmed it. The
guys who stand around with boards but can’t pull any tricks are sometimes
a bit rude, maybe worth pointing out that you bothered to actually learn
to do something rather than just getting mummy to buy the big trousers and
the skateboard.

Bladers are all fine here, cos kids on blades has died down a lot so most
bladers are pretty good at tricks and spend hours practicing and stuff, so
appreciate difficult stuff.

One thing I hate is riding home at 11 o’clock (when pubs close in the UK)
as there’s always lots of drunk people out on the streets who chase after
you. Although I’ve never met anyone who could outrun a Coker yet.

Joe

#15

I’m in southampton (UK) and glad to say the kids here just say wow -
especially since I started riding at the skate-park

#16

Dylan Wallinger wrote:
>
> I have also been asked " Where’s your other wheel?" thousands of
> times! People would actually turn around their trucks, get out and
> say this to me! At first I would pretend to laugh along with them,
> acting really sarcastic, and now i find no reason to even give them
> the slightest bit of a response.

I think that it’s worth remembering that often the silly comments about
the missing wheel etc. are only attempts by socially unpracticed people
to make conversation. Guys that do a U-turn in their vehicles in order
to make a comment to you are likely simply interested, but in their
circles you always have to appear cool so the inroads to conversation
need to be sarcasm.

It is unfortunate that sarcasm is used as a conversation starter but there
you have it. Teens are notorious for this but often if you stop to chat
with them they’re just okay kids.

As far as drunks chasing Joe down the street maybe they just wanted a
lift home! :slight_smile:

I wonder what the very first people to ride bicycles (bone-shakers) had to
put up with.

Christopher The Unicentric <–takin’ it out for a spin… you like???

“Be Bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.” -Basil King (Anyone who
can give me more info on THIS Basil King please email
me.)

#17

Dylan Wallinger wrote:
>
> I have also been asked " Where’s your other wheel?" thousands of
> times! People would actually turn around their trucks, get out and
> say this to me! At first I would pretend to laugh along with them,
> acting really sarcastic, and now i find no reason to even give them
> the slightest bit of a response.

I think that it’s worth remembering that often the silly comments about
the missing wheel etc. are only attempts by socially unpracticed people
to make conversation. Guys that do a U-turn in their vehicles in order
to make a comment to you are likely simply interested, but in their
circles you always have to appear cool so the inroads to conversation
need to be sarcasm.

It is unfortunate that sarcasm is used as a conversation starter but there
you have it. Teens are notorious for this but often if you stop to chat
with them they’re just okay kids.

As far as drunks chasing Joe down the street maybe they just wanted a
lift home! :slight_smile:

I wonder what the very first people to ride bicycles (bone-shakers) had to
put up with.

Christopher The Unicentric <–takin’ it out for a spin… you like???

“Be Bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.” -Basil King (Anyone who
can give me more info on THIS Basil King please email
me.)

#18

On this thread has anyone got any good replies to the inevitable " Where’s
your other wheel?"

Joe Munitic extroadinaire

#19

I haven’t heard of any negative comments from are riders. In our town when
anyone sees a unicycle, you don’t rubber neck to see the unicycle but to
see who it is who is riding. We have so many who ride or have ridden in
past years. Barb K.

#20

About the closest experience I’ve had to this is when some kids in my
neighborhood threatened to shove a street hockey stick into my spokes.
This was several years ago and this harrassment stopped quite abruptly
after I told one of the kids’ father that he had better check the
liability limit on his insurance policy if he did not put a stop to it.

-----Original Message----- From: jimmyjimmy
["]mailto:forum.member@unicyclist.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 5:45
PM To: rsu@unicycling.org Subject: We are not GEEKS! or WEIRDOS!

I just was at the park recently where i was really tormented! I had 2 milk
cartons thrown at me and the ice cream man, I couldn’t beleive my ears!!!,
called me gay! I have enjoyed unicycling for almost 15 years now and find
this to be the worst harrassment i have ever had! I think it is the kids
these days or less unicyclists out there so they don’t see how cool it is.
Skateboarders constantly yell profanities also telling me to “get a
skate”. I can do any sport but find this sport to be awesome!

Do you guys have these issues also?

–
jimmyjimmy Posted via the Unicyclist Community -
http://unicyclist.com/forums
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