I work at UC Berkeley, managing an information technology group. I originally learned to unicycle for practical reasons; I wanted a way to get around to my meetings on the Berkeley campus faster. Skateboards and scooters only help you going downhill. Now I can get from one side of campus to the other in just 5 minutes. My athletic background is in bicycle touring; I've done multi-day rides all over the US, and also in Italy and Tasmania. I've never done bicycle racing, but I've done a bit of unicycle racing; I participated on Team Cyclops at the 24 Hours of Adrenaline mountain bike rice at Laguna Seca, and also came in sixth (and first in the Old Enough To Know Better age group) in the mountain unicycle cross-country race at California Mountain Unicycle weekend 2007. I haven't done any big-wheel road racing, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity!
Tom Holub, Santa Cruz, California, USA, December 2007, Photo by Nancy Finkle
Tom Holub, Devil's Slide, Pacifica, California, USA, December 2007, Photo by Nancy Finkle
Tom Holub, Cyclops in Arcata Town Square, Arcata, California, USA, May 2006, Photo by Nancy Finkle
Chris LaBonte
Born 50 years to the day after the Angelo Fausto Coppi, the 2 time winner of the Tour de Franc and 5 time winner of the the Giro d'Italia, perhaps I was predestined to become a unicycling racing phenomon. If so, I missed my calling. Instead I'm a mid-level administrator at a school in Phoenix Arizona where I live with my spouse and 2 dogs. When not punishing children I ride my unicycle over the flora and fauna of this pristine desert environment encouraging others to take dangerous risks with the cry ""Dude, that's totally doable!""
Chris LaBonte, Oakland, California, USA, June 2007, Photo by Tom Holub
Chris LaBonte, Highway 1, Half Moon Bay, California, USA, December 2007, Photo by Nancy Finkle
Chris LaBonte, Moab, Utah, USA, April 2005, Photo by Tom Holub
Michael Scalisi
People often ask me how I got into unicycling. The truth is, it was kind of random. I saw a unicyclist riding in Berkeley and was drawn to speak to him. Several months later, I was compelled to buy a unicycle. Through the power of the internet, I discovered that people were riding unicycles offroad (what??!!) and riding long distance. I had to try it. Now, five years and god knows how many thousands of miles later, I can say with confidence that I've put more miles on a unicycle in the last 1/2 decade than I did the first 30 years of my life. While I may not know what exactly drew me into unicycling in the first palce, I do know why I'm still doing it. I'm tempted to say it's the zen-like focus that's required while riding a technical line or exceeding 20mph down a steep hill. The truth is, I'm still here because of the unicycling community. The best part about my unicycling journey is the friends I've made and the people I've met along the way.
Mike Scalisi, Moab, Utah, USA, March 2008, Photo by Tom Holub
Mike Scalisi, Crissy Field, San Francisco, California, USA, November 2007, Photo by Tom Holub
Mike Scalisi, Old Tunnel Road, Oakland, California, USA, November 2007, Photo by Tom Holub
Nancy Finkle
Hi, Everyone! I'm married to a unicycle-crazy man (Tom Holub), and have therefore become crazy myself. I am not yet a rider, but truly enjoy walking/riding along with my beloved on his adventures. We have brought along unis on vacations in the USA and several other countries. And here we get to add on another one - Canada! By profession I am a student advisor at UC Berkeley, and I delight in working with people. To be honest, unicyclist people are some of the most flexible, friendly, fun-loving folks I've met. Without exception, all of Tom's Uni Buddies are great people. I'm proud to join Ride The Lobster in support of all of them, in support of the wholesome pastime and sport they represent. And if you're thinking of learning to ride, think of us and say: ""It's Totally Doable!""
Nancy Finkle, Vernazza, Italy, November, 2004, Photo by Tom Holub
Nancy Finkle, Sundown Terrace, Lafayette, California, USA, April 2007, Photo by Tom Holub
Nancy Finkle, Outside Portland, Oregon, USA, July 2007, Photo by Tom Holub