Trials Competition: TOque Games 2005

Statistics Date: March 4 - 6, 2005 Location: Toronto Bike Show High Jump: 10cm Long Jump: 45cm Trials Competition: 8/24 UMX: Did Not Enter Photos: March 5 & 6, 2005

I wanted to do trials and street unicycling, from the moment I saw these styles of riding (at the time I was unable to distinguish between the two.) Trials unicycling is similar to trials bike riding, where certain obstacles are created for the purpose of a course, and the goal is to navigate through these obstacles either by riding and jumping onto or over them. Street unicycling is similar to skateboarding, where the city is your obstacle course. Using obstacles that are already in existence from buildings, empty lots and the streets, the concrete jungle is your playground. They share similar traits, qualities and skill-sets and are very exciting to watch and attempt.

The TOque Games this year were held, again, during the Toronto International Bike Show, March 4 – 6, 2005 at Exhibition Place. Since the previous summer when I first picked up a unicycle I knew I was going to be entering myself into the games, hosted by the Toronto Unicyclist Club. Phil Barbosa was already making fun of me before I could ride, because I first learned how to freemount and bunny-hop on my freestyle unicycle, and the first words out of my mouth was “I want to do trials!” which involves very little riding.

I did, eventually, learn how to ride a unicycle, but I was still entering the games, requiring equipment I did not own, mostly a trials unicycle and a helmet. Thankfully Phil was kind enough to lend me both of his, because he was to photograph as well as be an official during this time. I entered my first TOque Games on a 2003 Kris Holm (Orange) unicycle.

My results were definitely less than expected, scoring in the bottom quadrant for all events I had registered under. At the same time I must remind myself, and my audience, that I had only been riding a unicycle for, at most, four months, while others who also entered beginners obviously sandbagged the competition and had been riding for at least a year. (Sandbagging is the term used when you register as a lower level rider to guarantee a win.)

Besides riding and competing, (Friday was the beginner long jump and beginner high jump, while Saturday was the trials competition) there were also demonstrations held by various advanced level riders, as well as watching and studying the Sport/Intermediate and Advanced level riders. Also I assisted the crew in set-up the Thursday, as well as tear-down on the Sunday which was not exactly fun, but definitely enjoyable still. Also at night there were events planned for the unicyclists from DVD showings to dinners. It was great meeting so many unicyclists, especially trials unicyclists, all at once.

Next year I will definitely be entering again, and will likely enter Beginners again. My goals are to double this year’s scores, as well as entering the UMX race, that I was recommended to sit out this year.

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