Hi everyone,
I am very proud of the Memphis Unicycle Club, through our collective efforts, for all that we brought to our families, numerous kids and adults, and the extended Memphis area community. We have had an amazing run of media coverage over the last six years. However, the true and most important legacy of our efforts has been the direct and positive impact on the lives of those who shared an interest in this quirky activity of unicycling. I have watched kids go from being angry and disenfranchised to being focused, engaged, motivated, and successful. I have seen families share activities such as camping, traveling, and unicycling while most families grew further apart and parents watched their kids slide away from them into the abyss of adolescence. I have met many of my Central Gardens neighbors at 5:00 a.m., as I practiced riding up and down stairs - on their front porch - and state police officers on 21 state capitol building steps. It has been a great run for me and for those who were willing to be a little different, a little more active, and willing to grow in unforeseen ways through this unusual sport.
As most of you know, I am moving from Memphis by early summer. Richard has generously agreed to take over the leadership of the MUC to ensure that the club does not die on the vine. This club will undoubtedly change its character with my departure but I would hope that the club will evolve to reflect the interests of those who are currently and actively engaged. The club's infrastructure is sound with Richard's three years as our creative and tireless webmaster and the national and international relationships that we have established. It is my hope that there will be a growing interest in unicycling here in the Memphis area. I am certain that the joys of unicycling, sharing, and just plain ole having fun together will continue.
I have been so consumed with the MUC through these years that my only personal e-mail address was a MUC account. I have since created another e-mail account that reflects my weaning from Memphis and the Memphis Unicycle Club. (If you would like Tommy's new email address, please drop us a note and we'll forward your message to Tommy.)
With great fondness and sincerity,
Tommy