Do U Uni?
Some eighteen years ago in Texas, I tried my hand at unicycling (below) on my friend Zjaleh's shiny wheels. (Umm...wheel?) I didn't get very far; I couldn't balance long enough to pry my hands off the fence. Zjaleh and I moved to opposite ends of the world shortly thereafter (me to New Zealand, she to Iran) and I haven't been on a unicycle since.
Me and a unicycle, Austin Texas, 1990
Last week, I took advantage of a business trip I had to make to Virginia, to look up my old unicycling friend, whom I haven't seen since the picture above was taken. I was tickled to learn that she was still unicycling -- and she gave me a second chance to try my unicycling skills. I'd be lying if I said that I mastered it this time. BUT! There was definitely improvement. This time, I could actually balance and make my way around the track while clutching the fence with only ONE hand. And my form is much better now, wouldn't you say? ;o)
Repeat performance: Virginia, 2008
There was even a split second when I managed to get BOTH hands off the fence...
...but the result wasn't pretty...
How the pros do it, in bare feet no less - my unicycle coach ZJ
Photographs by Zjaleh
Couldn't you have aged a little since 1990? I always envied people with
that kind of balance. I could never go hands free on a bicycle...nevermind
a unicycle. I think I have trust issues!! Go Basia!! Sharon
Congratulations on the obvious success of your latest attempt at
unicycling. Age clearly brought you the wisdom to finally pick an
appropriate type of fence for the sport! ;-)
A smile always crosses my face on these old and new comparison pictures you
conjure up! But Dale B has the best comment - your choice of fence
definitely improved your performance!
Good to see you after long time Basia, Been a moth since we saw your
picture in the blog. Nice to see you back you ways ( doing activities) that
no one dare attemopt . WOW !
Hi Basia, you have got long hair now! Do you get jasmines there?
Sharon: I can't do hands-free on a bicycle either...