Memphis Unicycle Club Calendar

Longtime director and founder of the Memphis Unicycle Club, Tommy Thompson, has moved away from the Memphis area. We really miss Tommy. Read Tommy's farewell message.

FUTURE EVENTS

We will be moving back to Overton Park on Thursday, April 1, 2010.

Most Saturday mornings, we have a group that rides outdoors. Let us know if you are interested.

LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening Parade - Tuesday, June 15, 2010

CURRENT EVENTS

June 15, 2010 - Activity Update

Memphis Unicycle Club participated in the Grand Opening Parade for the new LeBonheur Children's Hospital. Despite the heat, everyone had a great time.

MUCsters waited with Rocky the Redbird
for the parade to start.

Box lunches were provided after the parade.

Woodrow hopping over a speed bump in front of the new hospital.
Woodrow completed the hop with a 180 twist.

Riders present were Matt, Woodrow, Cal, Wendi, Barret and Richard.

Photos from Pete

May 31, 2010 - Activity Update

Memphis Unicycle Club has gone international. Hugh and Julie just returned from a trip to Europe and while there, Hugh did some unicycling.

Hugh riding in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Photo from Hugh

May 21, 2010 - Activity Update

Memphis Unicycle Club participated in the national Ride-to-Work activity at Court Square in downtown Memphis.

Riders present were Woodrow, Cal and Richard. Barbara was our support crew again.

MUCsters in Court Square.

Richard next to our banner.

Richard and a young lady who was
handing out free energy drinks.
Cal thinks unicycles are chick magnets.

Mayor AC Wharton with Richard and Cal.

Photos from Cal

May 16, 2010 - Activity update

Several members of Memphis Unicycle Club participated in a bicycle oriented activity at Mud Island River Park. They were joined by Mandy and her parents Aly and Brian from near Little Rock, Ark. Even though we did not have many "customers", we had a great time riding around the park and sharing unicycling tips with Mandy. Mandy has been riding about 6 months and was able to ride every unicycle we had, all the way up to Woodrow's 36-inch Nimbus.

Riders present were Woodrow, Pete, Derrick and Richard. Geneva came with her new unicycle that she is learning to ride. Barbara was our support crew.

Mandy and her parents at left.

Posing for the camera.

We setup in the shade at the north end of Mud Island River Park.

Photos from Richard

April 14, 2010 - Activity update

Seven members of Memphis Unicycle Club were at Shelby Farms for a video shoot by Tom Dees from WHBQ Fox 13. Channel 13 is going to do a report about Mountain Unicycling featuring members of MUC. We rode around and back-and-forth for about an hour while the videographer did his job. We got a great workout.

Riders present were Hugh, Cal, Carl, Tom, Woodrow, Derrick and Richard.

Woodrow being filmed as he rode on the log. Derrick being interviewed by Tom Dees.

Photos from Richard

March 20, 2010 - Saturday ride update

For our first trail ride in awhile, we headed out to Herb Parsons Lake. The old guys are out-of-shape with winter-itis of the knees. The young guys did fine.

Woodrow riding over an old log. Joseph did a great job on his first trail ride.

Today's group. Woodrow, Joseph and Hugh.
Richard took the picture. Hugh rode over the log too.

Photos from Richard

March 18, 2010 - Thursday update

We had a crowd at First Congregational Church on Thursday. It was great to see everyone there.

Riders present were Joseph, Sarah, Woodrow, Derrick, Pete, Hugh, Julie, Cal and Richard. Our support crew consisted of Geneva and Barbara. Marquise even dropped in for a few minutes.

New MUC member, Joseph,
riding a 12-inch unicycle. Not so new MUC member, Hugh,
riding a 12-inch unicycle.

Tonight's crowd. We had 9 people on unicycles. Young Sarah riding with her dad and Cal.

Photos from Richard

March 6, 2010 - Saturday ride update

It was a great day for a ride at Shelby Farms. The sun was shining and tons of people were gathered at the park.

Woodrow flying across a small gulley. Woodrow riding on an old tree.

Today's group. Woodrow, Hugh and Carl.
Richard took the picture. Woodrow resting near the lake.

Photos from Richard

February 20, 2010 - Saturday ride update

MUC members rode the Wolf River Natural Area trail today.

Riders present were Hugh, Carl, Derrick,
Woodrow and Richard. Joseph was our support crew again.

Photo from Richard

February 13, 2010 - Saturday ride update

The snow stopped long enough for an urban ride at the University of Memphis campus. The sun came out and that helped make it a good day for riding.

Woodrow gapping across a ramp. Woodrow doing a still-stand.

Today's group. Joseph was our pit crew,
Woodrow showing off his injured
elbow and Richard. Woodrow can hop up about 24 inches now.

Photos from Richard

January 16, 2010 - Saturday ride update

The weather finally cleared up enough that we could get outside for a ride. It had been really COLD then wet but Saturday rain held off until we completed a ride to the National Ornamental Metal Museum south of downtown Memphis. Part of the fun is just getting there. Some members of the group also made a side trip to Arkansas. While at the Metal Museum forge we met a unicyclist from Selmer, Tennessee.

Pete and Woodrow on the
Memphis & Arkansas bridge. Hugh and Woodrow over the
Arkansas side of the Mississippi River.

Woodrow, Hugh, Cal, Derrick and Richard
at the Metal Museum. Woodrow riding in our favorite
ancient magnolia tree.

Photos from Cal

December 19, 2009 - Saturday ride update

Cold, brisk weather did not keep several MUCsters from hitting the trail at Shelby Farms. A later than usual start time still found temperatures in the upper 30's. The good news is we had the park almost to ourselves. It was great to be outdoors.

Carl and Hugh riding over a log.

Carl riding down a steep hill. Richard riding along the trail.

Photos from Hugh

December 12, 2009 - Germantown Holiday Parade

It was a cold and rainy day but the Memphis Unicycle Club had a hot time at the Germantown Holiday Parade.

Riders present were little Sarah, big Sarah, Derrick, Duke, Woodrow, Ronnie, Ellen, Tom, Marquis C, Marquise F, Hugh and Richard. Helpers present were Joyce, Lucas, Emily, Julie, and Pete.

Members of the Memphis Unicycle Club had their parade rained on.

Rain reduced the crowd size. Julie, little Sarah and Derrick.

(L to R) Marquise (seat dragging), Ronnie (in yellow), Lucas, Ellen and Duke.

Photos from Hugh and Derrick

December 5, 2009 - Bartlett Christmas Parade

Memphis Unicycle Club had a good turnout for the Bartlett Christmas Parade. Everyone put on a good show including 6-year-old Sarah who rode a considerable portion of the mile-long parade route.

Riders present were Sarah, Derrick, Duke, Woodrow, Ronnie, Ellen, Tom, Marquis C, Marquise F, Hugh and Richard. Helpers present were Joyce, Lucas, Emily, Julie, Barbara, Geneva and Pete.

Members of the Memphis Unicycle Club waiting for the parade to start.

Photos from Hugh

December 3, 2009 - Thursday update

We had a crowd in the basement at the First Congregational Church tonight - nine riders getting warmed up for the Bartlett Christmas Parade on Saturday. Riders present were Duke, Marquis C., Marquise F., Ronnie, Derrick, Richard, Pete and Marquise's brother.

November 28, 2009 - Saturday ride update

Saturday was a crisp, cool, clear day to burn off some Thanksgiving dinner calories on the Wolf River Trails. We are always amazed at Tom as he speeds down the trail on his 36-inch Coker unicycle. Riders present were Tom, Carl, Hugh and Richard.

Tom speeding by as Richard and Carl watch. Tom making his way down a bumpy hill.

Carl taking on the challenge of a steep hill climb. Tom riding round a curve at full speed.

Photos from Hugh

November 21, 2009 - Saturday ride update

We had 5 riders on the 6-mile trail at Herb Parsons Lake. As usual, Hugh was taking pictures so he did not get his picture taken. Participating riders were Woodrow, Derrick, Carl, Hugh and Richard. Woodrow continues to impress us with his improving trail riding skills.

Woodrow flying over a log. Woodrow riding on a log.

Woodrow rolling hopped up onto the log. Not even Woodrow makes it every time.

Derrick looking on while Carl has
some technical problems. Carl taking on the challenge of getting over a tree.

Photos from Hugh

November 19, 2009 - weekly update

Sarah and Emily had a great time tonight.

Sarah's riding continues to
improve. Sarah managed a couple of
tentative freemounts.

Emily showed a lot of
interest tonight. Emily wanted to practice when it
came time to go home.

Derrick is showing improvements
in hopping and trail riding. Richard still trying to multi-task.

Photos from Hugh

November 14, 2009 - Saturday ride update

Because of rainy weather and the numerous other events we have participated in recently, it had been a long time since we rode at Nesbit Park, aka Stanky Creek, so we loaded up our unicycles and headed north to Bartlett. It was a great fall day for a ride in the forest. Leaves were coming down like big brown snowflakes. Saturday riders were Woodrow, Cal, Carl, Hugh and Richard. Cherry came along for an autumn walk in the woods.

At one point, Woodrow was speeding down the trail and almost ran into a deer. We are not sure which one was more surprised.

Hugh, Richard, Woodrow and Cal
at the Air Zone. Five riders discussing the meaning
of the trail sign.

Woodrow spent a lot of time
hopping over logs. Hugh did not quite get over the log.

Photos from Cal

Woodrow wanted a challenge so he rode up
the skinny bridge... ... and down the other side

Carl coming over the big bridge as Woodrow
makes another run up the skinny bridge. Cal made it over the bridge too.

Woodrow hopping over another log. Cal showing off his skill.

Photos from Hugh

November 12, 2009 - Weekly ride update

We had a great time in the basement at First Congregational Church. We had a total of 10 club riders plus a guest who stopped in to see if he could still ride. MUCsters present were Sarah, Emily, Julie, Hugh, Derrick, Woodrow, Pete, Marquis C., Cal and Richard.

Pete made it across the room several times. Julie rode across the room several times.

Derrick is working on some new skills. Sarah is becoming more and more confident.

Emily even gave it a try again.
The girls setup a practice area. Woodrow riding, Geneva taking pictures.

Photos by Hugh

November 7, 2009 - Saturday ride update

Members of the Memphis Unicycle Club went downtown to participate in the annual Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk. However, before and after the walk there was time for some extracuricular riding. Unfortunately, we did not get any pictures of the Memory Walk activities.

Riders present were Derrick, Woodrow, Hugh and Richard.

Woodrow getting ready to side hop
down the stairs. Woodrow getting ready to rolling hop
down the stairs.

Woodrow in mid-air. Richard and Woodrow riding down the street.

Photos by Hugh

October 31, 2009 - Saturday ride update

After days of heavy rain, MUC decided to try riding the Wolf River Wildlife Area Trail near Collierville, Tennessee. The gravel covered path and the gravel roads were a bit damp but otherwise were in great shape for a big wheel ride on a crisp, clear Saturday morning with bright blue skies and colorful fall foliage.

As usual, Hugh was taking the pictures and nobody took his picture.

Woodrow rode a 36-inch Coker unicycle. Woodrow riding across one of several
creek crossings.

Richard riding along the path beside Wolf River. Richard and Woodrow riding down the road.

Photos by Hugh

October 17, 2009 - Saturday - Girls Inc 5K race/run/walk

Members of MUC participated at the Girls, Inc. 5K race. The original plan was for MUCsters to kick-off the race then ride the race route. However, plans got changed at the last minute. Instead, the MUCsters had about 45 minutes of free time to get in some urban riding then they returned to offer unicycle rides to anyone who was interested. About 2 dozen brave people of all sizes and ages stopped by to get on a unicycle. The temperature was cool and the wind was brisk but we had a good time.

MUCsters participating were Woodrow, Derrick, Hugh and Richard.

October 10, 2009 - Saturday demo update

Members of the Memphis Unicycle Club had a FUN time on Saturday while participating at a circus skills workshop hosted by Jennifer Dempsey of the Salida Circus from Salida, Colorado. Members of MUC gave a unicycle demonstration then let the circus students try a unicycle. After we were finished we became the audience while the students ran through a performance of the skills they had learned.

MUC members present were Woodrow, Derrick, Hugh and Richard. Barbara, Pete, Geneva and Joseph were also there.

The backdrop for our demonstration was Wolf River Harbor and downtown Memphis. We can't do much better than that!!

After the demo was over we went for an urban ride at Mud Island River Park.

Did I mention we had a GREAT time?!!

Woodrow demonstrated a variety of unicycling skills which included
hopping down through the seating area of the amphitheater.

The big finale was Woodrow riding along the
wall surrounding the stage. Woodrow also hopped
up onto the stage which is about 2 feet high. Our audience. The workshop students were
mostly 6 and 7 years old.

Jennifer had to try the 29-inch
unicycle after our demo. Today was Woodrow's birthday and he was invited
to learn some circus skills with the other students.
Woodrow was the star of our show and
signed autographs afterwards.

Jennifer and her assistant demonstrated some of their balancing skills.

The circus skills students had the opportunity
to try a unicycle. While the students were practicing
their circus skills, Richard was clowning
around with the juggling clubs.

Photos by Hugh

September 12, 2009 - Saturday ride update

We had 5 riders at Shelby Farms on Saturday. Hugh, Carl, Richard and Woodrow were joined by Tom who rode his 36-inch Coker unicycle from home to Shelby Farms then rode home again after riding the trails.

Carl riding down a fun hill. Woodrow found a very challenging
route up this hill and made it.

Richard riding down the hill. Tom and Woodrow challenged each other
to get up this tough spot.

Photos by Hugh

September 10, 2009 - Weekly Update

We had 6 riders in Overton Park tonight. Josh was back for his second try and was making great progress. Pete surprised us with a couple rides of about 20 feet and young Sarah was doing well on her own. Woodrow had fun cruising around Overton Park on a 36-inch wheeled Coker unicycle. Hugh and Richard were there too.

September 5, 2009 Saturday ride update

Hugh, Derrick, Woodrow and Richard rode at Nesbit "Stanky Creek" Park on Saturday. With his new mountain unicycle, Woodrow is able to ride up some incredible hills. The group even experienced some of the "stank" in Stanky Creek.

Hugh has been keeping GPS records of his rides. Hugh reports that he has passed the 500 mile mark on his mountain unicycle.

Woodrow with his new mountain unicycle
and his new shoe laces. Woodrow riding over the remains of a huge fallen tree.

Photos by Hugh

August 29, 2009 Saturday update

Woodrow's family planned a surprise pre-birthday bash for him so he could receive his new MUni. The food and the fellowship were great. A good time was had by all.

Woodrow with his old and new unicycles.
The new one has a 24-inch GB4 frame with carbon
fiber seat base and a mammoth Gazzaloddi tire.

Photo by Richard

August 22, 2009 Saturday evening update

Derrick, Woodrow and Richard attended the Midnight Classic Bike Tour along with about 1500 of their closest 2-wheeled friends. The bike tour started at midnight and traveled 17 miles through east Memphis and midtown. It was amazing to see that many bicyclists together in one spot.

Richard, Derrick and Woodrow. Hundreds and hundreds of 2-wheelers.

Photos by Richard

August 22, 2009 Saturday ride update

The Saturday morning riders were Tom, Hugh, Carl, Woodrow and Richard.

Carl riding up a small hill we like to play on. Woodrow flying down the small hill.

Richard Carl riding over a log.

Photos by Hugh

August 15, 2009 Saturday ride update

Derrick, Hugh, Carl, Woodrow and Richard rode the Wolf River Trails.

Carl riding down the trail. Woodrow hopping over a log on his 20" unicycle.

Woodrow practicing on a 24" unicycle Woodrow riding on a log.

Photos by Hugh

August 8, 2009 Saturday ride update

The group rode the Yellow Trail at Stanky Creek. The White Trail was occupied by runners who were racing 30 to 50 miles.

Carl riding over a log. Carl

Hugh Richard

Woodrow riding high on a banked turn. Woodrow hopping down a small ledge.

Photos by Hugh

August 1, 2009 Saturday ride update

The group met at Johnson Park in Collierville.

Woodrow is hopping
higher and higher. Casey looking on. Woodrow riding down a hill.

Photos by Hugh

July 25, 2009 Saturday ride update

Tom and Ellen joined Hugh and Derrick for a ride at Shelby Farms.

Tom Ellen

Photos by Hugh

July 18, 2009 Saturday ride update

We rode at Nesbit "Stanky Creek" Park in Bartlett. The White Trail has a newly added loop which adds about 1.3 miles. The 325 acre woods in Bartlett now has about 11 miles of dirt trails.

Hugh Carl

Richard

Photos by Hugh

July 16, 2009 weekly update

It was a pleasant evening in Overton Park. Temperatures were very cool for a Thursday in July.

Woodrow trying out some leg armour. Woodrow working on a new skill.

Photos by Hugh

July 11, 2009 Saturday ride update

After taking a week off for the Fourth-of-July, we had a small group at Shelby Farms.

Woodrow trying to get up the hill
by hopping on some boards we found. Woodrow catches some air before riding
down a hill.

Richard riding down the hill. Tom riding up the hill with
Woodrow close behind.

Photos by Hugh

June 20, 2009 Saturday ride update

Riding at Stanky Creek (Nesbit Park).

Derrick is making great progess.
He joined us at Stanky Creek. Woodrow coming off a ramp then headed
down a steep hill.

Hugh riding over a pile of logs. Woodrow playing on some ramps with
Richard watching.

Photos by Hugh

June 13, 2009 Saturday ride update

Riding at Shelby Farms.

Woodrow on top of an old car.
No mom, he did not jump off. Carl and Woodrow coming down the trail.

Hugh coming down a hill. Richard trying to get up the hill.

Photos by Hugh

June 11, 2009 - Thursday evening in Overton Park

Thursday evening turned out to be a great time at Overton Park. The weather cleared up and there was a pleasant breeze. There was music at the nearby Levitt Shell and the usual crowd of Ultimate Frisbee players on the Greensward.

Riders in the park. Denzel, Marquise, Cal,
Woodrow and Richard. In the back row is Derrick
who is making great progress with learning to ride. Marquise riding down steps the hard way.

Unscheduled Events