Memphis Unicycle Club

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Thursday rides
Memphis Unicycle Club meets almost every Thursday throughout the year. Thursday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm. (April through October) Weather permitting, Veteran's Plaza in Overton Park is a great place to ride and practice. In addition to the plaza, there are some great riding opportunities at the park, including the trails of the forest and the steps of the Brooks Museum and the Memphis College of Art. Come out and play in the MUC! Exception: On the third Thursday, we will be at Shelby Farms. Thursday, 6:00pm to 8:00pm (November through March) During the cold and dark months, we meet every Thursday at First Congregational Church in the Cooper - Young Neighborhood (1000 South Cooper). This indoor practice is currently focusing on developing freestyle and basic riding skills. Come on out and play and share your excitement about unicycling with others in our uni-community.
Welcome
Welcome to the Memphis Unicycle Club website, home of the MUCsters! The Memphis Unicycle Club is a great place to learn about unicycles and how to ride a unicycle. Experience is not necessary. We enjoy the opportunity to introduce new riders to the sport. We are interested in sharing our excitement for unicycling and expanding our Memphis area unicycling community. Whether you are hoping to learn how to unicycle in your driveway, or want to go urban uni-touring, doing tricks, or off-road unicycling, the Memphis Unicycle Club may be just the place for you. Our current favorite places to ride are Veteran's Plaza in Overton Park and First Congregational Church in the Cooper - Young Neighborhood (1000 South Cooper). The club is a diverse group with diverse interests. Here on this web site you will find lots of information about our club, photos and scheduled events. Please feel free to contact us and we'll gladly get back to you. The Memphis Unicycle Club is an informal group of Memphis area unicycling enthusiasts who ride unicycles for fun, fellowship and fitness. There is much more to unicycling than just riding around. Unicycling includes: Freestyle – challenging movement skills usually indoors on a 20-inch wheel, Trials – riding on man made obstacles such as stairs and ramps indoors or outdoors usually on a 20-inch or 24-inch wheel with a fat tire, MUni or Mountain Unicycling – riding on bicycle trails in the woods or other outdoor natural obstacles usually on a 24-inch or 26-inch wheel, Distance – going the distance on a 29-inch or 36-inch wheel. You might learn to idle, ride backwards, ride one-footed, hop, spin, walk-the-wheel, coast or much more. You can test your abilities using the Unicycling Society of America’s “10 Skill Levels of Unicycling”. There is no cost to become a member of the Memphis Unicycle Club. However, members are encouraged to join the Unicycling Society of America. Information about the Unicycling Society of America can be found online at www.unicyclingusa.org or by writing to: Unicycling Society of America, Inc. PO Box 530518 Livonia, MI 48153-0518 To join the Memphis Unicycle Club, please download the Request for Membership Form. Print the form then bring the completed form with you or mail it to the address given on the form. There is no cost for membership. As with most sports and activities, unicycling presents risks of accident or personal injury. Members must agree to accept those risks and accept responsibility for any injuries they may incur. Members must agree to accept responsibility for any damages they may cause. Members provide their own unicycle(s) and other riding equipment. MUC has a couple of unicycles to loan if you would like to come by and give unicycling a try before buying. Safety equipment is recommended. Safety equipment includes but is not limited to helmets, wrist protectors and shin protectors. MUC does not provide safety equipment. Members are responsible for providing their own safety equipment. If you have any questions let us know or just drop by at a weekly practice session.
NAUCC 2006
North American Unicycling Championships and Convention NAUCC 2006 has come and gone Look here for details Look here for links to photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Unicycling
Carol McClean has an excellent FAQ website. Please visit Carol's site at Unicycle Central
MUC News - Information about Past Events
Germantown, Tennessee Christmas Parade Saturday, December 9, 2006 << Marquise trying to jump rope the hard way and Tom the "tinselman" riding the giraffe. >> Members of the Memphis Unicycle Club and the St. George's School Unicycle Club at the 2006 Germantown, Tennessee Christmas Parade. On Saturday, December 9th, the MUCsters gathered for our annual Germantown Christmas Parade. The weather was perfect - bright, blue and in the lower fifties. As you can see from the photos, this was our first year that we were wearing our new MUC warm-up suits. They look even better in person. Tom Maxwell served as our shuttle-master as he used his van and trailer to carry most of us to the start from the Germantown Performing Arts Center. A few of us used the opportunity to get in some extra riding and rode to the starting position. The idea of casual riding and waving that is normally found on parade routes was shattered. The chit-chat among some of our newer riders was that giraffes should be banned form our parade riding - because the giraffe gets ALL the attention! Tom Maxwell, with his tensile-laden giraffe and clothes was, as always, the hit of our parade presentation. One of the interesting things is that while some of riders are doing truly incredible riding feats (seat dragging, one-foot-stand-up-wheel walking, etc.) the crowd goes nuts when they see a giraffe. Tom does us all well by wearing his normal broad smile with his best royal wave. The crowd, too, enjoyed our demonstration of uni jumping rope. At the end of the parade Joanne surprised us all by offering us all cookies for that well-deserved snack. I'm already looking forward to our next parade. If you hear of a parade in our area just send one of our club officers an e-mail and we can try to put together another MUC gathering.
Current News - Information about Current and Future Events
Current MUC news and ride update information will be posted here. Photos from our trip to NAUCC 2007. Photos from 2007 Christmas parades. Photos from our trip to NAUCC 2008. Photos from 2008 Christmas parades. 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.
MUC Postings
MUC warm-up suits: The Memphis Unicycle Club has customized warm-up suits for sale. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact us. Unicycles and santa hats not included. We have the following items available: 1 Jacket - size adult medium 1 Jacket - size adult extra-large 2 Pants - size adult medium 1 Jacket - size youth extra-large 1 pants - size youth extra-large
Uni Doctor: One of the great things about the unicycle is that they generally require very little maintenance. However, sometimes there are things that need to be done to keep your precious unicycle rolling smoothly. If you don’t want to do the work, rather than taking your unicycle to a bike shop (who generally know nothing about unicycles), you can bring it to us – for free. Just ask. We are happy to help you enjoy riding a well maintained unicycle. Register with the Unicycling Society of America: We want to remind everybody to go to www.unicyclingusa.org and register with the Unicycling Society of America. MUC Stuff For Sale: Don’t forget that we are still selling our t-shirts, stickers, and patches to pay for the operation of the club. Please consider updating your wardrobe and a new bumper sticker for your vehicle or a cloth patch for your backpack or jacket.