Unicyclist Interview

[fluffinator007]

Hey, I'm supposed to interview a fellow unicyclist for an advanced composition paper - if you could all answer these questions or even just some of them it would be quite helpful. Thank you Much.

1) How long have you been unicycling
2) What style of unicycling do you most enjoy, what are some examples of skills you know.
3) What was the reason you began unicycling
4) How has unicycling effected your life.
5) Have you met any new good friends through unicycling
6) Do you feel there is anything different or special about unicyclists
7) Would you rather unicycle by yourself or with others - why is this more beneficial.
8) how much money have you invested in unicycling - is it worth it?
9) Will you someday or have you already taught your kids to unicycle.
10) What benefits do you feel have come from unicycling

Feel free to give any other information about yourself or interesting facts about unicycling, yourself, or anything.

Thanks a lot to those who reply - you dont have to answer every question, just put the number the question is by your answer (or don't).

Cole Chapman

[muniracer]

sorry but my enter key isnt working too hot 1) 1 year. 2) trials- hopping, seat out, pedal grab, 1 foot stuff, working on 1 foot ww but still stink like crazy at it. 3) my bro and friends were doing it. 4) it has become an obsession. it supplements my physical strength as well as my balance. it gives me something to do competitively. 5) i have met a lot of people, that i talk to often, and it has strengthened relationships with unicyclists i already knew. 6) we are superior . no really, i think different people are naturally attracted to the sport. 7) rather with others but always do it by myself. its fun either way. 8) personally, 300, but i recieved more from gifts and stuff. 9) yes. 10) see #4. about me: i like to read classic literature, like dostoevsky, tolstoy, nabokov, gogol, kafka, camus, mishima, etc. etc. etc. i like electronic music like aphex twin and squarepusher. if you want more thorough answers, PM me. -Trip

[elmer]

1.) 2yrs. 3 mos.
2.)Mountain unicycling is the favorite. I put the fattest tire I could find on mine not long after learning to ride. I learned to ride off-road and still prefer it over any other type of riding. I can go up and down pretty steep hills, hop about a foot into the air, drop off of ledges up to about 2 ft.(afraid of breaking equipment) do several styles of mounts including suicide, idle in place and ride backwards.
3.)I wanted to do it to prove that I could do it. An incredible personal challenge for a middle aged man!
4.)Unicycling has literally changed my life! It has taken front seat as a hobby over motorcycling, boogie boarding, camping, fishing etc.
5.)I've made a few new friends unicycling, but mostly improved friendships that already existed. I've taught several people how to ride.
6.)Yes, I do think that unicyclists are a unique lot! It appeals to people with real personality. It does not seem to appeal to dull people!
7.)There is a place for both, but my favorite is usually with my kids.
8.)Probably about $3000.00 including 15 unicycles and a trip to Moab recently. Of course it's been worth it! I just sold my Ducati 916 motorcycle because I want to upgrade our equipment!
9.)They all(5 of them) know how to ride, but I can't really say I taught them. They learned at my house, but on their own!
10.)My physical conditioning and balance have certainly improved, but the biggest benefit has been an improved relationship with each of my kids! We've always ben a close family but this common interest has pulled us even closer together. We encourage each other without being too competetive. We invariably end up getting positive strokes when we go out as a group in public, and as our riding improves so does the praise. Nobody wants to miss out on that, so everyone is eager to go out and ride almost every day! Momma doesn't ride but is very aware of all the benefits to our family

[one wheeled stallion]

1) About a year
2) I love doing off-road, freestyle and trials (I say trials- I suck at it!) I can crank grab, pedal grab on a good day, wheelwalk, 270- (not 720, but 3/4s!), hop on the tyre, 180 unispin, a few mounts, one footed, seat out stuff etc etc.
3) Got bored and wanted a random skill so my girlfriend bought me a uni!
4) Have a serious hobby now, love to ride, to atttempt new terrain and tricks, what I'm gonna buy blah blah blah!
5) Well, I know a couple of part-time unicyclists a bit better than I did, but no-one who rides seriously.
6) Definately, I've only got forum stuff to go on really, but everyone is always ready to help you out, talk about their own experiences and really make an effort. I don't no if that is because it's a minority sport, but there seems to be a real sense of community amongst uniyclists. Plus of course the physical side of things- super strong legs, better balance, x-ray vision etc.
7) Well, I've only ever ridden with the guys I mentioned above and they're not too great, but I still like riding with them as I get a chance to improve my tequnique on things with a bit of critisism from others who can uni. I ride mostly alone, so that may make me bias, as I do enjoy riding with others- I feel more motivated to try things and push myself a buit harder.
8) ...Far too much. About £1500 on unicycle related things I would have thought. I'm constantly buying things I don't need, but what the hey! It's most definately worth it, I haven't regretted a penny. I think that building your unicycles up the way you want them is a big part of the addiction.
9) Yes I will, and my girlfriend one day!
10) Strong legs, super balance, makes you a bit different, I've benefitted unicycle.com no end. Makes me a happier even more well rounded individual than I was before! ;-)

[johnfoss]

1) Almost 25 years.
2) MUni. Skills in MUni? Riding rough stuff. Other skills? Most of what there is in unicycling, including (in the past) being a top racer and Freestyler.
3) I thought it would be cool to be able to do it.
4) The affect has been profound. My entire life is different as a result of my involvement in this sport. The state where I live, the things I've done, the people I know, all have something to do with my involvement in unicycling.
5) Lots.
6) We like challenges. Unicycling seems to attract lots of smart people, and people who like to think outside the box.
7) With others. This is not necessarily more beneficial, but it's more interesting. If I'm practicing new tricks, or training for the track, I'll do that by myself to get more accomplished.
8) Thousands of dollars over the years, for equipment alone, not counting travel. All dirt cheap in my mind.
9) No kids, but I've taught many others, including some nieces and nephews.
10) #1 is better heath and conditioning. #2 is probably a much more positive mental attitude about myself. Confidence. Everything else is gravy.

[tennisgh22]

1) How long have you been unicycling

11 years

2) What style of unicycling do you most enjoy, what are some examples of skills you know.

muni; skills? not dying. but seriously, um...ability to have long standstills before drops or jumps.

3) What was the reason you began unicycling

my cousin could do it and i wanted to be as cool as him. also, wanted to impress the neighbors.

4) How has unicycling effected your life.

something to fall back on when im bored. always something new to learn, keeps me interested.

5) Have you met any new good friends through unicycling

not exactly, but i plan to.

6) Do you feel there is anything different or special about unicyclists

we dont care what other people think of us. we're rebels! well, some of us. we dont conform with society.

7) Would you rather unicycle by yourself or with others - why is this more beneficial.

i've never ridden with anyone else, as there is nobody else in my area. however, it does get lonely riding alone so i wish there were someone.

8) how much money have you invested in unicycling - is it worth it?

about $1000, not including medical bills ; ) No, the money i spent on my savages was not worth it. i wish i had just bought a kh24 and a summit. no point in buying a uni you will break.

9) Will you someday or have you already taught your kids to unicycle.

only if they show interest. im not gonna push them.

10) What benefits do you feel have come from unicycling

u get recognition, which gives u confidence. if you can hop up onto a picnic table, by gosh you can do ANYTHING!

(no, i can't yet hop onto a picnic table)

-Grant

[paul.selwood]

1) 10 years or so
2) Hockey and Muni - skills? Nah - you've got me confused with someone else (although I failed to fail my level 1 test despite trying to).
3) A club I belonged to had a uni - I was curious.
4) Met my wife!
5) See above. Plenty of others too (though not *quite* as good friends :-)
6) Not particularly. Most of them are just normal people with a passion for 1 wheel.
7) With others. Try playing hockey on your own..
8) No idea. Lots though.
9) Don't have kids - might never have kids.
10) A fun hobby, different conversation topic, good friends.

Paul

1) Half a year.

2) I don't have a favorite style. I enjoy both long distance riding (on a
28") as well as mountain unicycling. Skills? I now how to ride a unicycle.

3) I got a unicycle for my birthday and started because I just had a
unicycle.

4) Life is more pleasant!

5) No, not yet. I ride most of the times with -before unicycling friends-

6) I don't think so.

7) I prefer riding with others, it's nice to see others unicycling and chat
a little while unicycling.

8) Enough.....It is worth it!

9) I don't have kids yet. But if I had, I hope they find a nice hobby
and/or sport. It doesn't have to be unicycling.

10) At the moment unicycling is my sport and it makes me feel good. I
unicycle very often, what keeps my body in shape. I like visiting nature
and do this a lot now with one of my unicycles. Maybe I am more in balance
now then before I could ride a unicycle.

[wentz]

1) How long have you been unicycling?
About eight months.

2) What style of unicycling do you most enjoy, what are some examples of skills you know?
Just a handful of mounts and some basic riding skills.

3) What was the reason you began unicycling?
Excercise (and spite for people who told me it was too hard or foolish)

4) How has unicycling effected your life?
I'm more confident, healthier, and I have a wide network of contacts around the globe (thanks to gilby and his forums).

5) Have you met any new good friends through unicycling?
I've met a few new friends through unicycling, and (for what it's worth), I tend to consider anyone who posts on these forums as a friend, even if I haven't 'met' them yet.

6) Do you feel there is anything different or special about unicyclists?
Yes, they tend to be more mature than they let on. It takes persistence to learn to ride, but it also takes a childlike joy in life to want to learn to ride.

7) Would you rather unicycle by yourself or with others - why is this more beneficial?
Both. Sometimes it's nice to ride alone and think about life, other times it's fun to ride with people and socialize.

8) how much money have you invested in unicycling - is it worth it?
$800 and yes.

9) Will you someday or have you already taught your kids to unicycle?
Viscount willing, I plan to teach any kids I have.

10) What benefits do you feel have come from unicycling?
Outside of the basic health benefits, it has improved my confidence around strangers, and it has introduced me to a group of hundreds (thousands?) of interesting people around the globe. It has also taught me the sad but important lesson that no matter what you do, someone else has already done it, and done it better. =)


Rob

[fluffinator007]

Thank you to everyone who left some stuff about themselves, definitly helpful... More are definitly still welcome - the more the merrier

[uniextreme]

1. About 2 years
2. I enjoy most styles of riding. Grainding, ww, hopping, gaps.
3. I found a uni so i learned how to ride.
4. Its changed my life by giving me a great sport to do, exercise, and stuff like that.
7. I enjoy riding alone when im trying to do something that takes me a billion tries. Although i would like to ride with someone to learn from them and just have fun with another rider.
8. About 800. Absolutely.

[nathan]

1) 6 1/2 years
2) Muni and Coker on and off road. I can climb efficiently and ride a long way. My absolute favorite thing to do on a unicycle is to ride in a foreign country in the high mountains.
3) Saw George Peck's RTU video - it was clear what I had to do.
4) I've met so many friends, traveled so far and had such a blast through unicycling. It has also been a great activity that I can share with my family.
5) TONS
6) How to generalize? But almost all unicyclists are the type of person who love a challenge and don't mind hard work for a good reward. Almost by definition, they are a cut above.
7) I like riding with others better, but solo training rides have an appeal too - I can go just the speed I want.
8) Uncountable, certainly well over $10000 including travel. No it wasn't worth it at all - NOT!
9) I taught my son to unicycle at age 6 (6 years ago). He now routinely pulls off stuff I can't do.
10) Besides #4 answers, my raw balance has increased which has helped me in a number of ways. It's always great to set a hard goal for yourself and then achieve it. I've done that many times with unicycling.

Unicycling is a great way to travel - showing up somewhere on a unicycle is the ultimate ice-breaker. You will be noticed and you will meet people and make friends you wouldn't otherwise.

---Nathan

[ricmbenson]

1)a couple months
2)i just know some mounts and basic riding skills but hope to start offroad unicycling soon
3)i started because my uncle was
4)im healthier, i get out more, and people compliment me, and i get to meet other unicyclers
5)i have met others who r now my friends and this is baically a community of us/we r all friends
6)Yes, they tend to be more mature than they let on. It takes persistence to learn to ride, but it also takes a childlike joy in life to want to learn to ride, and it takes the want to not want to be like the rest of the cyclers
7)I like riding by myself at times i want to think, but many times r better with others
8)about $520 and yes
9)i am young only 13 but yes if i do i will try but they will decide if they want to continue after starting
10)Benifits from unicycling include a chance to get away from the norm, have fun, be healthy, have an amazing hobby, and have a confidence as well as getting to know others

On Sun, 4 Apr 2004 22:31:03 -0500, "fluffinator007" wrote:

>1) How long have you been unicycling
3.5 years.
>2) What style of unicycling do you most enjoy, what are some examples
>of skills you know.
MUni. I'm not very good at skills. I'm about level 3.
>3) What was the reason you began unicycling
Join my daughter who could ride, and have as much fun as she had.
>4) How has unicycling effected your life.
I finally found a sport I like.
>5) Have you met any new good friends through unicycling
Some.
>6) Do you feel there is anything different or special about
>unicyclists
In general, unicyclists are great people! Social, not too conformative
(if that is a word).
>7) Would you rather unicycle by yourself or with others - why is this
>more beneficial.
There is a time for both. I would like to ride more often with others
than I have an opportunity for. Beneficial for social reasons, and to
learn (mutual challenge).
>8) how much money have you invested in unicycling - is it worth it?
Maybe €1200. Absolutely worth it. About to spend more.
>9) Will you someday or have you already taught your kids to unicycle.
I taught both kids to ride. The oldest one before I could ride myself.
>10) What benefits do you feel have come from unicycling
Great hobby.
Something else to do with your kids.
Physical exercise - finally.
Meeting great people - online and in real life.

Klaas Bil - Newsgroup Addict
--
I think profile should make some stronger 145mm cranks - Ryan Atkins

[mgrant]

1) How long have you been unicycling
Over 25 years. You'd think that I'd be better than I am but only recently (last 2 years) did I learn that you can do more than basic stuff on a unicycle.

2) What style of unicycling do you most enjoy, what are some examples of skills you know.
I enjoy all types of riding. I especially enjoy riding trails and distance riding on the Coker. Freestyle is good too. I haven't really got any good "trials" skills but I'd like to. Examples of some skills: gliding, and I can almost stand-up wheel walk.

3) What was the reason you began unicycling
Hmm, I don't know. I was young (maybe about 8?) when I build my first unicycle. It was a real piece of junk. But, I learned to ride it and never stopped.

4) How has unicycling effected your life.
That's a tough one to answer as I don't know what my life would be if I did not unicycle. I think in a way unicycling defines me. That's probably a bad thing.

5) Have you met any new good friends through unicycling
Absolutely! My family and I attended UNICON11 in Washington where we met some of the nicest people on the planet. I had the great pleasure of seeing some of these people again recently at Moab. Additionally I met the "Uni Guy" Guy Hansen. It turns out he lives just a few miles from me. Funny that our paths never crossed until just a couple of years ago.

6) Do you feel there is anything different or special about unicyclists
I think that every individual is different and special. Because I share a common interest with other unicyclist I am able to relate to them more than I might with non-unicyclists. That doesn't make unicyclists better than others though.

7) Would you rather unicycle by yourself or with others - why is this more beneficial.
I like to ride with others more than alone. I do also enjoy the solitude of a singular one-wheel experience though.

8) how much money have you invested in unicycling - is it worth it?
Over the years I've had VERY limited resources to spend on unicycling. Despite this I've probably spent somewhere in the ballpark of $2000 (US). Is it worth it? Hmm, I doubt that someone responding in this forum could answer in the negative.

9) Will you someday or have you already taught your kids to unicycle.
I have three and a half children. Two ride now. The third has a unicycle and will probably be able to ride this summer. The fourth is on the way and I'll be working on her from the start. :-)

10) What benefits do you feel have come from unicycling
This is too hard to answer.

-mg