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Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)



 
 
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  #11  
Old January 6th 09, 08:32 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
Straightarrow
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


Ducttape, Thanks for taking the time to hook up the link. I hope you do
the STP in 2009.

Bungeejoe, Congratulations. I will look up the details of your STP
ride. I hope you come out this year and set the pace for some of us that
ride the STP in 2009.

Bruce, I am familiar with your STP ride. I heard from some friends that
they saw a guy doing the STP on a unicycle and your story popped up on
the first search. I read your story. You write well. Began surfing
around and saw some video with Kris Holm and Dan Heaton, really
impressive atheletes. I rode alot when I was younger, actually did a
paper route on my Schwinn unicycle. Still have an original Schwinn
Giraffe. I was completely unaware so much was going on with unicycles. I
saw a lot of extreme sports and who is not impressed by those athletes?
Extreme sports guys were making the line between what was possible and
impossible pretty thin. After seeing top unicycle riders like Kris Holm
and Dan Heaton it seemed like the line, at times, no longer existed
between possible and impossible. Amazing athletes and good people I am
told by some acquaintances that saw Dan Heaton in December at the new
downton Seattle Columbia Store opening where he did a unicycle demo.

I loved those videos with Kris Holm and Dan Heaton and other top
riders. I loved watching Air Jordan launch from the top of the key and
owning the net. He never faked the funk on a nasty dunk. Never once did
I suffer the delusion I would ride a unicycle at their level or school
Jordan at B-Ball. Your story Bruce, kind of struck a chord. The idea of
a road trip on a unicycle had appealed to me since I was 14. You made
it seem possible. Have'nt been able to shake the idea loose. So it's
your fault. See how ya are?

I know the desire to succeed is only as great as a persons desire to
prepare. I know it's not a race. I know my life is'nt some halcyon
moment that will occur when I connect Point A to Point B. I've been
riding alot lately and enjoying it. This thing feels possible.

When I found your article on the STP, I was on the mend from a
significant physical hurdle. Repercussions from that struggle will
figure into this challenge as the distance stretches.

At this point, it feels like the only failure for me would be to not
ride the STP.

Thanks again for the thoughtful responses...What is your preference for
a saddle now? Air or gel, which model?


--
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  #12  
Old January 6th 09, 10:52 PM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
siafirede
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


Straightarrow;1165217 wrote:


Thanks again for the thoughtful responses...What is your preference for
a saddle now? Air or gel, which model?




The KH fusion freeride is general regarded as the best stock distance
seat you can get and I agree. I have tried an air seat and a gel seat,
but they are not as nice as the fusion freeride with the center cutout.
A good handlebar helps too - most riders go with a T7 handle, which will
help with hills and taking some weight off your crotch.

As far as a unicycle choice...you will want to get a Nimbus Nightrider
Pro Isis or a KH 36er OR if you have the funds get a geared 29er or a
geared 36er.


--
siafirede

'DCuni' (http://www.dcuni.com/blog) - my blog about Unicycling in
Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland
*James* = my name
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  #13  
Old January 7th 09, 06:44 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
tomblackwood
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


Hey straightarrow, where are you based? If you're anywhere near the
Seattle area, there's a good possibility of connecting with folks in the
local group for some training rides. Sounds like Joe is in, I'm giving
serious thought, and even some of the locals not riding it would get out
and do some long rides just 'cause.

Hey ducttape: just remember that stopping to talk to other riders while
on your quest will break your concentration and undermine your goal.
Seriously though, if you are seriously thinking about going for it, good
luck to you. You'll enter a pretty small club, even if the other uni
riders will miss the benefit of your company during the ride. One thing
you might do in prep is read all the posts by Ken Looi and Sam Wakling
on their 24 hour records, and try to calculate how many hours in they
were when they hit the 200 mile mark. Or PM them with the question. I
can't remember reading that level of hour-by-hour breakdown, but knowing
it would give you an idea of how long it took world class riders in peak
condition who knew they were going for a world record to do it, and you
could then figure out the do-ability for you, and what it would take to
prep for a successful run at it.

TB


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Tailgate at your own risk...
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  #14  
Old January 7th 09, 06:59 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
Ducttape
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


tomblackwood;1166024 wrote:
Hey straightarrow, where are you based? If you're anywhere near the
Seattle area, there's a good possibility of connecting with folks in the
local group for some training rides. Sounds like Joe is in, I'm giving
serious thought, and even some of the locals not riding it would get out
and do some long rides just 'cause.

Hey ducttape: just remember that stopping to talk to other riders while
on your quest will break your concentration and undermine your goal.
Seriously though, if you are seriously thinking about going for it, good
luck to you. You'll enter a pretty small club, even if the other uni
riders will miss the benefit of your company during the ride. One thing
you might do in prep is read all the posts by Ken Looi and Sam Wakling
on their 24 hour records, and try to calculate how many hours in they
were when they hit the 200 mile mark. Or PM them with the question. I
can't remember reading that level of hour-by-hour breakdown, but knowing
it would give you an idea of how long it took world class riders in peak
condition who knew they were going for a world record to do it, and you
could then figure out the do-ability for you, and what it would take to
prep for a successful run at it.

TB



Thanks for the encouragement Tom. I was just about to see if I could
find Ken's 24 record report, I'm going to be doing A LOT more riding now
that's for sure. I'm no where near peak condition at the moment.


--
Ducttape

'-*buy my shirts*-'
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'*watch my videos*'
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'*uniman comics*'
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'*original thread for uniman*'
(http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49862)
*'sigged quotes' (http://tinyurl.com/29b744)*
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  #15  
Old January 8th 09, 04:32 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
bungeejoe
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


I feel one day is certainly possible. That was my goal last year, then
I fractured my tibia plateau and went through reconstructive knee
surgery at the end of June. Wheel chair and crutches for three months.

The previous year it took me 22 hours of riding and breaks over two
days. Shorten the breaks and start early enough and it is possible if
every thing goes well. You have your youth. Both an advantage and a
disadvantage.

My training two weeks prior to the 2007 STP had me up to doing 110 mile
one day followed by 70 miles the next. I knew I could do it if no big
problems came up.

This year I would like to see if I might be able to build up to
attempting the STP in one day. Today my surgeon released me to ride
with only self imposed common sense limits and a few warnings. (I think
my surgeon already realizes that every body classifies me as crazy.) I
had already stepped up my daily routine. I have a long way to build up
to the STP in one day. I have to see where I get to by July.

It would be nice if for once, more than one unicyclist was attempting
the STP. We should keep each other posted on the progress we are making
and problems to overcome. Should help us stay motivated through the
long rides and bad weather.

JM


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  #16  
Old January 8th 09, 06:48 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
Ducttape
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


I had planned to do 50 miles today in the 3 hours I had between day
school and night school(pushing my limits for what I think I could do in
that time limit right now) but the rain shortened my ride to around 25
miles because I stopped a few times to warm up and dry off.


--
Ducttape

'-*buy my shirts*-'
(www.zazzle.com/ducttapesunicycle*)
'*watch my videos*'
(http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ducttapesunicycle)
'*uniman comics*'
(http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53444)
'*original thread for uniman*'
(http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49862)
*'sigged quotes' (http://tinyurl.com/29b744)*
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  #17  
Old January 9th 09, 09:34 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
Straightarrow
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Posts: 4
Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


Siafirede, Thanks for the info. It helps. I want to make the best
decision I can. My sixth sense tells me you are considering the STP in
2009? Maybe?

tomblackwood, Hello. I live 15 minutes south of Seattle. Definitely
would ride with the locals, so, yeah, count me in. Thanks for asking by
the way, I appreciate the inclusiveness. I have a 26 inch Yuni with a 2
inch plus change street tire till I decide on a mount for STP. I been
riding a 24 inch 07 Torker DX everywhere for more challenge. I am hoping
you do the STP.

Bungeejoe, Some good advice. Be certain I am listening. That two of the
veterans of the STP (Bruce and yourself) take the to time respond makes
a pretty big statement about the value of this event.The biggest
liability for me is the left knee. I had an agressive 10 cm tumor( A
ripe peach is about 10 cm) removed from that knee. Unfortunately the
tumor had attached to the bone. Thankfully it had not yet breached the
bone, or it would have been game over for that leg from above the knee
down. They flipped over the kneecap (patella) severed the quad tendon,
manipulated muscle, connective tissue, cut out the tumor and scraped the
tumor off the bone and out of the joint. Then I did radiation at
Overlake. Radiation is really hard on a knee joint and basically baked
the lymphatic system, nerves, compromised the muscles and attenuates the
range of motion and vitality. I look at the Caring Bridge sites of some
of the people I met during that month of radiation and I feel very
fortunate. More than 70 percent of the most decent, beautiful, vibrant
people you could ever hope to meet are just gone. I have some permanent
lifelong challenges but life is really, really good. I feel strong. I
can do 15 miles of mixed terrain on the DX-24 with the stock saddle. My
heart rate is around 54 BPM, not overweight. If I make good decisions
and apply myself the STP could happen.


--
Straightarrow
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  #18  
Old January 11th 09, 12:10 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
bungeejoe
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


Straightarrow;1167384 wrote:
The biggest liability for me is the left knee. I had an aggressive 10 cm
tumor( A ripe peach is about 10 cm) removed from that knee... I have
some permanent lifelong challenges but life is really, really good. I
feel strong... If I make good decisions and apply myself the STP could
happen.




I like your attitude. And some days I think I have problems. Then I
am reminded that I'm still above the grass and can still spit the dirt
out.

You may want to join who ever may be doing the Chilly Hilly
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/chilly/index.cfm
I have booked a room in Winslow and am looking forward to finally doing
this one after several years of conflicts. It should give you a feel
for what it is like to do a long event, but chilly and shorter.

Tom may be able to find some one from the SAR who might be willing to
loan you a Coker so you can try it. Some complain about the mounting
after a long day but if set up right the ride is totally different than
on a 28. At the Chilly Hilly we could trade or work out a way for you
to ride mine if nothing else is available.

JM


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  #19  
Old January 11th 09, 07:57 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
Ducttape
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


I injured my right ankle, knee and hip, 2 days ago in a running dismount
at 18mph. I hit the ground heel first in a running dismount because the
large backpack I was wearing made a rolling dismount too difficult and
jammed everything back mashing my achilles, bending my knee the wrong
way, and jamming my leg into my hip bone luckily I didn't break
anything, but that's not what I decided to post today though it leads
into my story haha. I was bored today because i couldn't ride due to
that injury and I wiki'd the STP and it turns out that this years ride
will be the STP's 3rd decade in existence! Ain't that cool?


--
Ducttape

'-*buy my shirts*-'
(www.zazzle.com/ducttapesunicycle*)
'*watch my videos*'
(http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ducttapesunicycle)
'*uniman comics*'
(http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53444)
'*original thread for uniman*'
(http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49862)
*'sigged quotes' (http://tinyurl.com/29b744)*
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  #20  
Old January 12th 09, 02:40 AM posted to rec.sport.unicycling
Straightarrow
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Default Seattle To Portland On A Unicycle (July 2009)


Be back on the grid on 1-17-2oo9,


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