Dusted off the Unicycle today

Spent half of the morning to drool over the pictures and stories of NUT the Norwegian Unicycle Tour. They did a 20 day adventure in Norway cycling up to 100km per day. That is quite an accomplishment. If you have never ridden a unicycle, there is no freewheel, no relaxing of your legs when going downhill, some muscles are always engaged.

The Bernal Heights hills aren’t really inviting for the cycling on one wheel. That is one of the reasons that my unicycle was nothing more then a nice chrome sculpture in the kitchen corner for the last year or so.

I pulled myself away from the internet and was pumped to find out whether I still can keep my balance and get on it without wall. Unfortunately the unicycle tire wasn’t as pumped as I was. Short trip to the Garage where I found the pump that fit the European valve and shortly after me and my Unicycle were ready to go.

I am happy to report, that I can still do it: Downhill as well as uphill. Getting on it without support is still a bit wobbly, but I managed even with my weaker foot once. It’s a great exercise and I totally forgot that you put a smile on peoples face just cruising by. 

With my 24 inch wheel I am just as fast as a brisk walker,  but with the Coker that the NUTers were using, you can keep up with some of the people powered two wheelers.

Update(August 3rd): This morning my legs were hurting a bit and it took me a while to realize that it is ‘Muskelkater’ (Great German word: Tomcat in your muscles) from biking yesterday. Haven’t felt that in so long.