They say that you never forget how to ride a bicycle.  I guess “they” can add “Unicycling” to that list of unforgetable skills, because this 56-year-old guy apparently didn’t. 

The last time I rode a unicycle was before 1970, about 40 years ago.  I hung up my wheel after years of being labeled a weirdo and show off.  Since I don’t have any need to avoid such labels these days, I figured I’d make a go of it once again, especially since mentor Raymond Aaron gave me permission by publicly stating he was one of us weirdos.     

But this whole unicycle thing was harder than I thought.  First, I had to buy a new one because my old 24-inch Lizzie had (almost) breathed its last tire-breath.  A 29-inch one-eyed road warrior is my new ticket to adventure, and I wanted to take her out for a spin right away.  I had already made an outrageous goal of riding five miles before June 1st, and the month was almost over. 

The first thing I experienced after sharing my goal with Soma of riding the Cherohala Skyway on a unicycle next year was calmness.  Having spent years using the Logical Soul technique to process through all my “stuff” such as low self-esteem, fear, procrastination and other forms of self-sabotage, I felt really confident making such a bold declaration.  I know I can do it . . . and will! 

The first outing was unsensational, but rewarding.  Tuesday, May 19th I was able to keep my balance and tool on down the highway (in a local public park) with a minimum of spills.  One mile down, four to go.  So far so good. 

The next day I did my second mile, although I started to feel my age on the uphill grades.  My wife Soma took these pics of me after a full day’s work on a a house renovation.  I slept well that night, despite some throbbing in the left knee. 

Two miles down, three to go…

I worked a full day on Friday, then came home and hopped on my unicycle in front of my house, just to ride to the corner of the block as I did the first day. 

Big mistake.  I immediately felt wobbly and crashed after only 200 feet down the road, plowing my head into the asphalt.  It was REALLY good I had my helmet on . . . a blow like that would have sent me to the hospital for sure!

Needless to say, I didn’t continue the ride.  I figured out that a state of exhaustion where I can barely walk is not the best time to do a rolling balancing act!  Besides, I had quite a headache afterwards and decided to wimp out and head for the showers. I’ve got another week to log three more miles. 

 

I’ll be better prepared this weekend.