My biking evolution

[duff_duffy]

It all started with a big wheel, then:
BMX
Freestyle
Road bike
Mountain bike
Tri bike
fixed gear
Single speed
.....and now today, my first ever unicycle! The Facebook marketplace algorithms are getting really good at knowing what I wanted to buy, I did not know I even wanted one until I saw it;)

[cgolvin]

Finally, you found a way to render the Shimano v. SRAM v. Campy, rim v. disc, and all other debates Moot[s]. They've always looked like fun to me but I have no idea if I could ride one.

[kevinvc]

I look forward to pictures of your inevitable future adventures on a penny-farthing. BTW, do you wear full lycra on a unicycle?

[pdmtong]

That's great...here's an aspirational video to help set your goals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJYWFKQxmwE

[AngryScientist]

half the rolling resistance!:banana:

[kevinvc]

When I did the Reach the Beach ride 10 or so years ago, there was a guy who rode the entire century on a unicycle. He said it had 3-speed gearing, but it was still quite impressive considering a couple of the climbs and headwind. I chatted with him at the end and he said his legs weren't too tired but his core was sore and his undercarriage was in rough shape.

[paredown]

I got one for my birthday when I was 17 or 18--smartass that I was, when my mom asked me what I wanted I said "A unicycle!" And she found one somewhere...

I got so I could ride it somewhat--had trouble with the mount/dismount but if I started by hanging on to something I would do fine. We had a paved schoolyard across the street with a chainlink fence around it--it was ideal--hang on to fence, go, ride, fall off, rinse, repeat... Got so I could stop. balance and start again--like a track stand...

I ended up with renewed respect for the guys who could really ride them after I played around for a while!

[cgolvin]

When I did the Reach the Beach ride 10 or so years ago, there was a guy who rode the entire century on a unicycle. He said it had 3-speed gearing, but it was still quite impressive considering a couple of the climbs and headwind. I chatted with him at the end and he said his legs weren't too tired but his core was sore and his undercarriage was in rough shape.

A century on a unicycle? I think that's more impressive even than the video that Paul linked above. [Edit: bit of research answered my questions, and that this guy (https://randomascii.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/riding-faster-on-one-wheel-geared-unicycles/) says he rode Seattle to Portland on a unicycle.]

[kevinvc]

A century on a unicycle? I think that's more impressive even than the video that Paul linked above. [Edit: bit of research answered my questions, and that this guy (https://randomascii.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/riding-faster-on-one-wheel-geared-unicycles/) says he rode Seattle to Portland on a unicycle.]

That's interesting. When I rode Seattle to Portland there were rumors going around that someone was on a unicycle. I didn't talk to anyone who claimed to have seen it personally, just that the people at the rest stops were talking about it. I wonder if it was this guy or if there's a larger group of hardcore long-distance unicyclers out there who love hitting the organized rides.

[gbcoupe]

In her early 60's, my mother broke her hip while learning to ride a unicycle in the basement. My dad was out of the country on business and my dementia impaired grandmother was upstairs. Took hours to get my grandmothers attention and a phone.

Still curious to try one, but I'd rather do a pennyfarthing.

[EB]

There is a dude I've seen more than once descending Old Railroad Grade on Mt Tam on a unicycle.

With a big knobby tire. Naturally.

He has a very serious look on his face for a man doing something so unserious.

[kevinvc]

Of course, if we're going to talk unicyclist personality, the Unipiper, is the guy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnVjkE87FDY):

Not to name drop or anything, but he's my son's girlfriend's uncle. So, I'm Kevin Bacon close to someone really cool

[duff_duffy]

I just spent the last 2 hours pulling it apart, cleaning and reassembling...cleaning and polishing it up....too much time on my hands these days. Tomorrow I try to ride this bad boy. For the first time in many years I’m intimidated by going for a ride!!

[XXtwindad]

There is a dude I've seen more than once descending Old Railroad Grade on Mt Tam on a unicycle.

With a big knobby tire. Naturally.

He has a very serious look on his face for a man doing something so unserious.

I saw a couple dudes on single track on unis in Joaquin Miller Park. Pretty badass. Always wanted to interview them for a story. Hopefully, I will someday.

[Hakkalugi]

Local guy here rides trails, centuries, half-centuries, etc on his unicycle. He always asks me when I’m going to get rid of my training wheel. Last time I saw him, he was on his way back from a quick afternoon ride to the top of Independence Pass. Most years he does the Iron Horse and other regional Fondos/events/etc.

[biker72]

I work with this guy. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glY0w2IxcFg) He rides rain or shine.

[Elefantino]

Rode RAGBRAI in 2008 alongside a guy on a unicycle. He did the whole thing.

[David in Maine]

The elementary school where I teach has a unicycle club organized by the PE teacher. I often watch the kids learning to ride. They fall down...a lot! Most kids learn in a month or so.
https://woodsideonewheelers.org/

David