The How We Live section of today’s Oregonian features an article about Portland’s growing unicycling scene. In, It’s a whole new UNI-verse, reporter Melissa Navas introduces us to all manner of one-wheeled bike lovers and even gives it a go herself.
Navas calls unicycling “an emerging sport” and she includes a quote from the sport’s big superstar Kris Holm (of Vancouver B.C.) who says that Portland is perfect for unicycling because, “the area’s rugged landscapes and the weird image it likes to cultivate.”
race last year.
(Photo © J. Maus)
But beyond the sport (unicycles have been showing up at cyclocross events in ever-increasing numbers) and weirdness of it (Portland is home to the Unicycle Bastards and they’ve even been known to partake in unicycle jousting), did you know that some folks are even starting to commute by unicycle?
Navas profiles one such commuter in her article, and Yvette Beaumont, co-owner of local unicycle shop Serious Juggling (I profiled them in January 2007), says they’ve started carrying a commuter-specific unicycle model.
Yvette tells me they’ve also helped set up a Yahoo! Group for Portland unicyclists.
For another look at Portland’s unicycle scene, catch some unicycle polo action at Alberta Park compliments of this Oregonian video from back in June:
| Unicycle polo rides around Alberta Park |
Unicyclists unite!