BLOG 273— DO YOU RIDE A UNICYCLE?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 273— DO YOU RIDE A UNICYCLE?

Don’t sleepwalk through life.   
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!         

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about?

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I hope I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. Remember that it is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire. 

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.  

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.      

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — RIDING A UNICYCLE!

Riding a Unicycle
The unicycle is the highest symbol of freedom—with the adversity of only having one wheel, there is a struggle to keep moving forward. When you grow more comfortable with your knowledge of the mechanics of the cycle and the lay of the land, you learn to maneuver gracefully on any terrain life can throw at you.

“UNI”
The Latin prefix “uni” gives you a clue about the meaning of this word since “uni” means “one,” as in one wheel. In unicycle, it’s combined with “cycle,” which comes from the Greek word kyklos, circle, or wheel. And–below is the hard part — learning to ride the thing.
   
Uni, bi, tri
The prefix “uni” is one, as in unicycle.
Then “bi” is two, which is a bicycle.
And “tri” is three, tricycle.
 
1973
In 1973, at age 13, I saw someone riding a unicycle. It looked like so much fun. I talked my mom into getting me one, so we bought one at Sears. I rode this unicycle hard and learned, but the unicycle could have looked better after I learned. Sears had a good return policy, so I could return the cycle and get all the money back. It’s free to learn that way.
   
Big Driveway
I learned in a big, flat driveway. I also practiced on a basketball court, which led to riding further around the area. Everyone in Ocean Beach, San Diego, knew me and my unicycle. Riding up and down hills, through parks, to school—it was my first passion. Later, I rode my 7-foot unicycle around OB and to high school.
   
One-Foot?
As I was really into mastering the single wheel, I learned to ride backward, lifted off the seat, ride with one foot, and worked on using my hands on the peddles. 
 
The Builder
While in high school, I built many different unicycles in my metal shop class. One was chain-driven and had a four-inch wheel. Another was 14 feet tall! I rode this much–way up there. Yet, after the third time I fell, I gave it to someone else. I hope he survived any falls.
   
24 Hours?
Also, in high school, the track team was set up to do a 24-hour distance relay while running with ten people. I talked with my friend, Jon Held, and we decided to do the relay on a unicycle I built—just the two of us. This cycle was geared up, chain-driven, and about five feet tall. You could go very fast on it.
 
Jon Held
One rode for a time, then a trade-off. Because of the tire, a trail was formed on the dirt track. We talked later and discovered that we each stuck to this track when we rode. Jon and I completed 231.5 miles in 24 hours and were pleased.
 
Toe Clips?
I put toe clips on my pedals (very dangerous) so that I could jump rope on the uni. I did this in many, many shows. If needed, I could quickly pull my foot out of the clip, and the jumping rope on the unicycle added much to the show. While performing at Ballys, my crank broke once; I made it funny after it happened.
     

Down the steps?

Mentally
Surprisingly, riding a unicycle is excellent exercise. It mainly works the quad muscle group, located in the thigh area. Physically, unicyclists need strong legs, a sense of balance, and quick reflexes. Mentally, you will need the will to try and try again. Keep practicing–Focus–You can do it!

Jon Held, John Jenack, Kit Summers in 1977

Benefits
Unicycles are relatively inexpensive, suitable for exercise, compact, and can be taken anywhere. Furthermore, recent scientific research has demonstrated that unicyclists improve their concentration, balance, and motor coordination. This activity plays a vital role in physical and mental development.
    

Just know that, at any age,
“YOU”
Can learn to ride a unicycle! 

Lisa
My friend, Lisa Polinari, has been riding and performing on unicycles for many years.
Learn more about Lisa here >>    https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/1992/07/05/what-a-wheelie/9f35a911-9db5-4f2e-ac04-63d5457ebb4f/
 
Learning
Learning to ride the unicycle was difficult for me, but I persisted. The average time needed to learn unicycling is 10-15 hours, about an hour a day for two weeks. Unicycling is generally not dangerous; I did no damage to myself or anything. As with any physical activity, like riding a bike, expect to fall now and again, especially while learning.
   
Jasmine and April
I taught my daughters, April and Jasmine, to ride when they were young.
They got to be pretty good and stopped advancing because of many other things.
       
A Video for You
Here is one video on how to learn >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6NT8upwdMQo
YouTube has many videos on learning to ride on one wheel.
Search for riding a unicycle and unicycle tricks.
   
Getting Ready
Once you obtain a unicycle, adjust the seat height so that your knee on the down pedal is slightly bent while on the seat. A seat that is too high or low makes it very difficult to ride. A 20” wheel is the easiest to learn to ride. Many quickly give up, so there are used unicycles you can find for cheap.
   
Balance
To maintain balance, you must keep the wheel moving under you–SO keep moving! Finally, after many attempts and one week after starting (practicing about 30 minutes per day), I managed to keep my balance and move forward. It was exhilarating and a lot of fun.
   
Your Life
I discovered that unicycling is indeed an excellent metaphor for life. You must also get out of your comfort zone and fail again as you learn. You also need to adjust and try different positions. Most importantly, you must keep moving to keep your balance.
   
Learning Again?
Learning again after my accident was quite challenging. I am an exception in that respect. After over twenty years, I still can’t ride like before my accident. But don’t let that stop you from trying. There is so much to learn besides just riding forward. Check out YouTube videos to learn more.
   
How to Balance
No matter what age you are — you CAN learn to ride! There is no handlebar; the cycle is steered by gripping the seat with the legs and twisting the body. Riders keep their balance by moving their arms and controlling their speed while peddling.
 
Your Core
Riding a unicycle engages your whole body. Once you start riding a unicycle, you will likely be surprised by how much it engages your core. There is a misconception that unicycle riding is mainly about your legs. Besides adjusting backward and forward progress, it’s about your core muscles.
 
Around the World?
You may have seen his videos on YouTube.  A British man is celebrating after becoming the first person to unicycle around the world. Ed Pratt left Curry Rivel, near Taunton, Somerset, in March 2015 to embark on a 21,000-mile one-wheeled adventure when he was only 19.
Watch this video of Ed, invigorating, I must say >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWfoZKOmLfs
   
The Challenge
Some of these challenges will be obvious, like balancing on shifting surfaces. Some might need to be more prominent, like how much more difficult it is to crank a unicycle than to ride a bike. Not all of those challenges are physical—some are mental.
   
4” Wheel?
It was quite fun. I rode another cycle I built in high school—a chain-drive uni with a four-inch wheel. I used this in many performances. I finally sold it when I knew I would be traveling. I wish I still had it, but it’s too late.
 
WHEN YOU RIDE >>
Keep your chin up and back straight, look ahead, and SMILE!
Remember to use your hips and thighs on the seat to steer.
Control your forward and back pedaling.
Know that a battle of wits accounts for the physicality of it all,
Look forward and not down.
Keep your weight on the seat.
If you stand up or put too much weight on the pedals, the unicycle wobbles as you ride.
   
How about This >>
That I may fall,
Flat on my face
And it’ll be ok
I’ll be fine—trust me.
Because equilibrium’s non-static state
Ends sooner—Rather than later.
What’s Balance but a second before falling?
What’s Balance?
But a second before needing more Balance. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
 
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
BE POSITIVE!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
 
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
   
“Why be a third wheel, like on a tricycle?
When can you be number one — unicycle?”   Kit Summers
   
“Murray sounds like a blindfolded man riding a unicycle on the rim of the pit of doom; the men facing the danger are all so taciturn that you might as well try interviewing the cars themselves.” Clive James
 
“A person riding a unicycle on a tightrope doesn’t worry about being likable; they’re doing something amazing that very few people can do.”  Ted Alexandro
 
“Owned a unicycle with one pedal and a missing seat. It was stolen by a one-legged man, with no butt, and an incredible sense of balance.”     David Hammons
 
“I wonder if Harley-Davidson makes a unicycle.”  Michael Hedges
 
“A person riding a unicycle on a tightrope doesn’t worry about being likable; they’re doing something unique that very few people can do.”   Ted Alexandro
 
“I love motor learning because it’s elementary and primal—much of what I like to learn correlates with the opposite of what gets you laid. I can ride a unicycle, and I can juggle. These are unimpressive things to know.”    Demetri Martin
 
“Yes, okay, it’s cool to be quirky. Do some puzzles, make puzzles, or learn how to ride a unicycle. That’s cool when it’s on the side, and you have a plan. What happens when you remove the plan? What you’re left with is a guy who likes to do anagrams. And doesn’t have a job… Sweet, that’s a catch.”    Demetri Martin

“If something is too hard, it’s not worth doing. You just stick that guitar in the closet next to your shortwave radio, your karate outfit, and your unicycle, and we’ll go inside and watch TV.”  Matt Groening
   
“I love motor learning because it’s elementary and primal—a lot of what I like to learn correlates with the opposite of what gets you laid. I can ride a unicycle, and I can juggle. These are unimpressive things to know.”      Demetri Martin
 
“Everyone stops for a giant on a unicycle.”   Kimberly Willis Holt
 
“So here we are, talking about Roman unicycles and alien sandwiches and my sister’s Italian misfortunes, while hanging in between us is: MY EPIC FAILURE TO CARPE. What’s wrong with me?”    Laini Taylor
   
“I used to entertain myself – I taught myself to use stilts and juggle and ride a unicycle. But I was never immediately interested in theatre.”        Tobias Segal

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you remember what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
5/18–Still cloudy, tiny drops of rain. Not a very nice day.
     
We went to see the puppies! Tiffany lives somewhat close; she took three of the pups. What a wonderful thing; they each seemed to remember us. I lay on the ground, and they could not stop licking my face. What fabulous torture it was.
   
5/19—For some reason, I thought today was Monday. It is Sunday, and now I have an extra day—what to do, what to do?

Beth got a turtle!
She is always looking for something.
I’m glad to be her only human.
And, the next week she got another bunny!
The bunny and turtle are helping to take the place of the puppies we had.
 
THE CICADAS–For some time, we heard the constant hum of a bug called “Cicada.” Whenever you went outside, you heard them–they were everywhere. For some reason, at the time of the cicadas, birds did not come to our bird feeders, but now birds are back, and the bugs are gone.
 
A constant hum-noise for weeks, not hearing it anymore. They have mated and are back underground. Depending on the species, they spend most of their lives—13 or 17 years—in larval form, burrowed beneath the soil and feeding on fluids from plant roots (do they have a calendar, or what?).
     
They emerge from the soil in springtime and complete their final molt into adulthood. Each individual in a brood emerges within weeks of one another.
Watch this to learn more >>
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjLiWy2nT7U  
       
5/20/24--I aim to get as much done as possible each day when I awake. It does not happen, but it is my aim. Today, I finished some writing and saw Gary in his land at Steven’s Creek. I was not there long but improved paths and helped Gary carry up some things from his vehicle.
 
Contact Gary if you would like to visit >>
https://www.facebook.com/gary.duteau.10
 
Beth made a dish tonight with freshly picked green beans from our garden. Garbanzo beans, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and tomato were mixed in. Tastes great, and good for you, too.
   
5/21–Woke at about 2am, yet again. I am all alright with limited sleep, though. A quick stop visit with Gary on his land. Gary had made some lasagna, which was a quick meal for me.
     
5/22–Tending to the gardens today. Much growth in the plants. As I train them when they are young, I can have them grow how I want before they produce the produce (why are those two words the same, yet mean different things?)
 
And because I am writing this blog, I have to get on my unicycle and see what I can do on it.
   
I did a lot of work on the bathroom today. I had to put some drywall where the old medicine cabinet was and put in the Joint Compound to seal things up. Tomorrow, I will touch up where necessary and paint the job I did. Lastly, I will put up the new medicine cabinet. You will see photos.
       
I’ve done this kind of work before; I learn as I go. I’ve written before that you can do anything another person can do; you just have to find a way. Successful people are no different from me and you; they just find ways that work for them.
 
You do not need to call a home repair person to do the work for you—it is very expensive. You can do it yourself and do a better job for much less. First, you must trust yourself and what you can do.
   
5/23–I slept in until about 4 a.m., which is late sleep for me. It’s a bright sunny day today, so I expect to get much accomplished.

We found a gob of worms today.
Have a look at the photo.

The worm are great for the gardens, so in they went.

I thoroughly cleaned my van today. Some cars I see have the backseat and front seats packed full of stuff. Take the time to organize your vehicle. Once you have your car of truck clean, you will feel better.
This only took an hour or two, do yours this week.
Took everything out.
Vacuumed well.
Wiped the dash and all.
Used a hose to wash the outside.
Cleaned the windows.
Smiled.
 
We went to see one of the puppies today. This one (there were seven) lives with David deep in the woods in a house with three other large dogs. They all get along great in the gated yard and continue to give each other licks and kisses, as well as us.
 
5/24–The main part of the bathroom is complete. But I shouldn’t write that because I am always making improvements to my work. It looks good right now, but I like to improve. We still need to put in a floor and a ceiling. You will find some photos of how it looks right now.

THIS IS YOUR LIFE — MAKE YOUR LEGACY HAPPEN!
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY,
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE. 

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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
The vegetable plants grow each week. You can see more photos every Friday. The tomatoes should get very large; we await. We’re still not sure how Jerusalem Artichokes will be. I’ve read that they taste like artichokes, hence the name. You eat the tuber, like the root. You will learn later, then you can grow some next summer.

It will be a massive tomato harvest!

Amaranth.
I have never consumed this plant.
I will let you know.
It’s a beautiful plant.
Do you eat the seeds?
Do you know?
   
There has been plenty of rain this week, so adding more water is unnecessary. I have a rainwater collector that I use to water the garden when it needs it. I also have three rainwater collectors I could use. These are always full; we get enough rain.
 

Cucumbers Galore

Do you have a rainwater collector yet?
It may be necessary for your future.
The price has gone way down.
Take a look >>
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vingli+rainwater&crid=1EWFZVASAC0RJ&sprefix=vingli+rainwater+%2Caps%2C140&ref=nb_sb_noss
 
Go from your rainwater gutters and direct the downspout pipes to feed into your rainwater collector.  Have a screen on your container to filter out leaves and debris. I built a stand and put my collectors five feet up so that gravity could release water from a hose.
   
I have two 100-gallon collectors, one 50-gallon rainwater collector, and a tote that holds 375 gallons. Eventually, I want to get another 375-gallon tote to hold water. We plan on filtering the rainwater to drink it. Are you thirsty?
   
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.
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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>Don’t give up on juggling this week. 

This week, learn to ride a unicycle!

If you can already ride, learn to ride backward! 

If you can already ride backward, learn to ride sideways!

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES! 

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NEXT BLOG >>
Beth is going to a wedding this weekend, I will be here alone.
You will learn about the wedding. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?