I've been riding for 3 years now, and I never thought I would find anything to replace my bicycling habit. After spending most of my twenties riding bicycles, I decided that unicycling seemed crazy enough to be worth trying. Initially, I was inspired by video footage of Kris Holm riding intense North Shore trails on his mountain unicycle. Now, the constant challenge and variety of skills to master are what keep me riding. Besides distance riding, I also enjoy other unicycling disciplines like (offroad) mountain unicycling, unicycle basketball, and trials.
Kevin Chang, Santa Cruz California, USA, March 2008, Photo by Corbin Dunn
Kevin Chang, My first 100km ride at Strawberry Fields Forever, Santa Cruz, California, USA, May 2007, Photo by Nathan Hoover
Kevin Chang, Mountain Unicycling while not killing snakes, Berkeley, California, USA, October, 2007, Photo by Nathan Hoover
Corbin Dunn
About four years ago, I posted an ad on a personals website and met a girl who was into "mountain unicycling". I was living in a treehouse at the time, and she wanted to see my treehouse while I wanted to see her unicycle. I instantly was addicted to mountain unicycling (muni) and quickly took it up as full time hobby. This branched into other unicycling activities, including unicycle trials, and long distance unicycling. My partner in crime is the same girl I met four years ago, Louise, and we very much enjoy riding together.
Corbin Dunn, New York, New York, USA, May 2006, Photo by Louise Lovelle
Corbin Dunn at the California Mountain Unicycle Weekend, Santa Cruz, California, USA , October 2007, Photo by Louise Lovelle
Corbin Dunn Rock climbing with Jason, Red Rocks, Nevada, USA, December 2005, Photo by Jason Heimann
AJ Greig
I learned to ride a 20" unicycle in 1995. In 1999 I got into distance riding when the Coker brand unicycle came out. When it came out I took part in a lot of charity bike rides on the unicycle and from then on I didn't touch my bike. I sold my bike two years later. Whenever I'm having a bad day or something is bothering me all I need to do is go for a long ride and everything is fine. I love going fast. I love distance riding. How can you beat Ride The Lobster, going fast and going long distance?
AJ Greig, Mediterranean Unicycle Tour, Italy, June 2007, Photo by Tim Lee
AJ Greig, Mediterranean Unicycle Tour, Croatia, June 2007, Photo by Andy Cotter
AJ Greig, Mediterranean Unicycle Tour, Slovenia, June 2007, Photo by Andy Cotter
Sondra Grisham
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas with snow skis attached to my feet. I have spent about 20 years of my life on snow skis and it is because of my skiing experience that has helped me progress in unicycling. I was first introduced into the wonderful world of unicycling through my boyfriend, AJ Greig. He has been doing long-distance riding for about 9 years and he has been a major support through my learning process. For Christmas, this year, he bought me my very first unicycle: a Coker! Since AJ and I have been together, he has participated in quite a few long-distance rides; one of them being the MUT (or Mediterranean Unicycle Tour). It is my goal to one day have the ability to tour the world on my Coker. I feel like being a part of this event (though not riding) will get me a little bit closer to achieving that goal. A little side note: One of my earliest memories is of my dad sitting on a unicycle in the garage of the house that I was born in. We moved when I was four years old and the unicycle did not follow. A few years ago, my dad passed away, but I like to think that unicycling was in my blood. 20 years after that memory, I am able to ride a unicycle like he could.
Sondra Grisham, Austin, Texas, USA, March 30, 2008, self-portrait
Sondra Grisham, Austin, Texas, USA, June 2007, photo by Holly Kappner