Calling Mature Unicyclists (age 55+)

[monocyclism]

Originally Posted by olduniman

It would be great to find out how many mature unicyclists are active these days and to learn something about their challenges and achievements.

The name's Bond......Geoff Bond

I can usually hang quite a lot on that intro However now and again I have to reveal my true self and thats the purpose of this post.

Yup, I'm a beginner and started to unicycle last November after buying a 24" learner. I kind of got enthusiastic about recording progress and made videos of the first six hours. If you would like to see them go here:

http://uk.youtube.com/user/monocyclism

After that I submitted a video to the recent, 'A Day in the Life of a Unicyclist' on unicyclist.com and was very gratified to get some good feedback - and a little recognition. The theory is - video needs to be entertaining and the 'silver-screen' helps 'normal' people to become.....Presidents of countries, ordinary people to become celebrities and beginners to appear better than they actually are - hence my video, 'A Day in the Life of a Unicyclist'! that can be seen here is you didn't get it the first time:

A Day in the Life of a Unicyclist on Vimeo

Well folks, I have to say, there weren't many submissions to the competition from the 'mature crowd'. Were where you all? At present I am liaising with my idol Terry 'Unigeezer' Peterson and he is helping me with plans for another proposed movie entitled, 'A week in the Life of a Senior Unicyclist'.

Being 'mature' I have a semi-responsible attitude to getting things right .I am really interested to invite all seniors to seriously consider entering the 'competition' and I should put the details online by the weekend (GMT). Well!!! forget the definition of 'competition' thats just an excuse for a party - and the party is a celebration of what each of us is doing in our unicycling-lives.

As mentioned, full details are to follow, but the form of presentation is likely to be broad - so an organised show of photos may be as acceptable as a video. Depends on your skills, depends on your knowledge - but mostly depends on what you have done and are doing in unicycling.

To finish for now, my latest thrill is the imminent purchase of a 36er - because they exist Yup, I just have to experience the thrill of a 'high' ride. I am signed up to a local charity ride here in Wales. UK in March and intend to do it on the 'big wheel'

Hope my intro hasn't been too silly. You know how it is guys, When you get to our age you kinda don't worry about making a fool of yourself

[Into the blue]

Originally Posted by monocyclism

I am signed up to a local charity ride here in Wales. UK in March and intend to do it on the 'big wheel'.

What's the ride?

Fancy some company?

[monocyclism]

Originally Posted by Into the blue

What's the ride?

Fancy some company?

Hey 'Mr Blue' - nice to hear from you!!.
The ride is based on public roads in North Wales roughly in the Mount Snowden area - quite 'hilly', and as you know Snowden is the highest mountain peak in Wales Apparently there is a challenging downhill section - whatever that means However that doesn't stop one-wheelers eh? It is an annual non-competitive event for charity and apparently lasts anything up to 2 or 3 hours for recreational bi-cyclers. I have a work colleague connected with organising it and still need to get full details of the course etc from him.

I was planning to organise some sort of support vehicle for myself - drinks food etc. Also I am keen to video it as well as take other opportunities like getting the local newspaper to photograph the looney on the one-wheel After all, one has to do ones bit in promoting the healthy exercise of unicycling

Where are you based - North / Mid / South Wales? In the first instance I could send you some info if you like.

Cheers
Bond...

[Into the blue]

Originally Posted by monocyclism

as you know Snowden is the highest mountain peak in Wales Apparently there is a challenging downhill section - whatever that means

I know exactly what you mean.

Feel free to PM me the details and I'll get back to you if I can join you.

[monocyclism]

Originally Posted by Into the blue

I know exactly what you mean.

Feel free to PM me the details and I'll get back to you if I can join you.

Brilliant! What a laugh in the photo's and very appropriate I'll be in touch soon.

[Sanne.Kj]

Originally Posted by olduniman

BTW, are there any women out there who might join in??

I'm only 51, I hope you don't mind! I begun riding 2½ years ago, after that my family was in Switzerland to the Unicon 13. My (now ex-)husband and my two sons (at that time 13 and 15 years old) participated in different competitions, and I was looking at them and all the others ...

It all looked very funny, so I decided to learn to ride to be able to participate in Unicon 14, which was held in Denmark, where I live (very practically.) My personnal best result was to make the 10 km run without UPD's. I became no. 16 of 26, and as the age group for that competition was 18+, I find my placement rather satisfying.

I have a freestyle uni and a trials uni. I train once a week indoors in a club, where I rigth now try to hop, idle and ride backwards. Once a week I'm outdoors trying some very very easy downhill things. (Well, for others they would be easy. Not for me. )

Allthough I'm not that good, I find unicykling really fun - and I'm sure it is good for your back and your general well-being.

My sons and I have talked about participating in the Unicon 15 in New Zealand. It will be a lot of money, but I hope it will be possible. It would also be a nice holiday where we could do something in common.

Best Regards,
Sanne

[olduniman]

Originally Posted by Sanne.Kj

I'm only 51, I hope you don't mind!

No, not at all, glad to have you. You are doing very well. Level 2 is impressive since it means mounting with either left or right foot. A thing that is beyond me I fear.

[Sanne.Kj]

Originally Posted by olduniman

You are doing very well.

Thank you!

Level 2 is impressive since it means mounting with either left or right foot. A thing that is beyond me I fear.

Well, in fact I don't use my weak foot very much after I got level 2 - normally I just use my best foot it's the most easy ...

Best regards,
Sanne

[BurnerDave]

This past week has been the first time I've been outdoors for a few rides since the end of winter. I can't believe how much stamina I've lost over the winter! The first day I was pooped after only 15 minutes on my 29" ! Tell me it ain't so! So starting yesterday, I'm going out for a short lunchtime ride and a ride after work, switching between the 24" and the 29" too just for fun. My stamina is coming back slowly ... but ... jeez... I feel like I should have a portable defibrillator with me!

edit: btw Monocyclism, those are great videos.

[Wheel Rider]

Originally Posted by BurnerDave

This past week has been the first time I've been outdoors for a few rides since the end of winter. I can't believe how much stamina I've lost over the winter!

One of our members (Memphis Mud) calls it winteritis of the legs. Amazing how fast it sets in.

[mbalmer]

Whew! I'll be 50 in August. Good to know I don't qualify as mature yet. I'm enjoying my five weeks so far.

[trickcyclist]

I am 55, almost 56, and have a full four weeks of experience as a unicyclist. Here's my vid.

YouTube - Susan learns to Uni M

[Chrashing]

Originally Posted by trickcyclist

I am 55, almost 56, and have a full four weeks of experience as a unicyclist. Here's my vid.
YouTube - Susan learns to Uni M

WOW WOW WOW Susan you are so brave to learn to unicycle at 55. Congratulations, you learned so quickly. Your video is great. Nice rolling. You are my hero.

[Unibugg]

Originally Posted by trickcyclist

I am 55, almost 56, and have a full four weeks of experience as a unicyclist. Here's my vid.
YouTube - Susan learns to Uni M

Susan, that was great! I can't wait to show my classes on Monday. I love showing them new unicyclist vids that show what patience and persistance can bring! You'll be a hero to 40 fifth graders in Florida next week. They'll love the little snow in the vid too. An extra bonus for us.

Happy Riding,

Bug

[MuniAddict]

Originally Posted by trickcyclist

I am 55, almost 56, and have a full four weeks of experience as a unicyclist. Here's my vid.

It's so great to see so many people over 50 learning to uni! I love it. Btw, I'll be 55 in less than 2 years, but I still won't consider myself "mature" as the thread title states, lol!