Cycling into work today, this kid in school uniform riding a unicycle comes whizzing past on the pavement. His jacket tail flails behind him as he pedals with some determination - eager to get to class on time? or focused on keeping upright? I tried to ride a uni once, in a hallway with the walls on either side as support. Just mounting the seat is a task, not to mention the dismount - tip forward. Figured, it just wasn't for me. Best stick to two wheels. (Pehaps even three after realizing just how poor my sense of balance was).
I missed the moment when the uni was transformed from a busker bike or a circus cycle to a trendy mode of transport and even a competitive sport. Or perhaps that transformation never occurred, as a bit of research reveals unicycle sport is nothing new. Downhill mountain uni has been around for decades and even team sports - uni hockey for one - are well established. The 2010 biennial UNICON is currently taking place in New Zealand - a circus of single-track superheros competing in artistic, track, off-road and team events.
Almost makes this unicyclist appear astray, heading along a solo swerve, a hazard on the pavement.
