First Ride - Walnut Woods State Park, West Des Moines, Iowa

My first official ride took place on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day.  I chose this day in hopes that "the luck of the Irish" would help me through.  I also felt that some "Blarney Stone Eloquence" would help me explain things if I failed.  I was a bit surprised when neither were put into action.  My first long unicycle ride in many, many years was a disaster.  I rode less then 100 yards, when I fell hard to Mother Earth.  I cut both hands, one knee, and did a beautiful "full" forward roll.  Patty smiled with relief, when I was able to get up unassisted.  I immediately went to the car for leather gloves, a heavier coat, and anything else that would absorb the falls.  I completed the first mile commitment, after many falls, dismounts, and enduring much pain.  I was exhausted at the end, unable to practice the "eloquence" and wondered what I had gotten myself into.  Patty was very encouraging however, when she made comments about hospitals, broken bones, and medical insurance. She also mentioned that I only had 94 left.

                                                          THE JOURNEY BEGINS!

Note the GREAT form, leather gloves, heavy jacket, and NO helmet!