Convention kicks off
ZELIENOPLE — Unicyclists from all over the world who are competing in Butler County this week not only see the sport as a hobby, but a way of life.
More than 300 unicyclists from the United States and from as far away as New Zealand and Australia are competing at the North American Unicycling Convention and Championship. Activities kicked off Sunday with a Criterion race at Zelienople Community Park, and a 10K race starting at the Center of Harmony.
Jim Sowers, 51, of Oakland, Calif., made the drive to Western Pennsylvania over six days. Having just wrapped up the Criterion race, also called the Crit, he sat in the grass among other racers and spectators.
“I learned (to unicycle) when I was 44,” he said. “It's going to feel impossible when you first try to get on one. But people forget … when you started riding a bike, you have training wheels … It's persistence.”
Sowers had always loved to play basketball, but the sport began to wear on his knees. So when he heard about unicycle basketball, it was something he wanted to try.
Seven years later, he's won national championships and placed second in world championships in basketball unicycling. He showed his unicycle spirit with a unique buzz cut, sporting the shape of a unicycle on the back of his head.
“Once you learn the basics, it's a slow, steady climb of increasing skills,” Sowers said.
About 100 racers and fans cheered on others participating in the Criterion race Sunday afternoon. Racers made multiple laps around the course, speeding up hills and around tight corners.
Josh Meeder, owner of the Center of Harmony community center, recorded videos of unicyclists racing. He's hosting several events at the repurposed opera house building, and is excited to help.
While he has hosted past Shamrock Shuffles, concerts and wellness events, he's never hosted an event that's lasted almost a week. He said things so far have been going well.
Some racers use the sport not only to compete, but to travel to different places and meet new people.
Jamey Mossengren, who came across the Pacific Ocean from Sydney, Australia, has been involved in the sport from a young age. He began learning with his brother when they were at their grandmother's house. They had the unicycle there for something to do when they visited.
That led to national championships in mountain unicycle competitions, called MUNI among racers.
“It's a great excuse to see the world and travel,” said Mossengren, 33, who's originally from Minnesota.
He's also ranked sixth best in the world in the MUNI category. Having been to almost every national event in the past 20 years, he's made many friends, and has seen many places.
The same can be said for Rachel Sindelar of Shakopee, Minn. While she's only 14, she's been competing in unicycling races since she was 6.
Like Mossengren, she specializes in MUNI racing.
“It's just fun to socialize with people from around the country and learn what they know,” she said.
The event continues through Friday.
This afternoon, there will be hockey unicycling from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Seneca Valley Middle School gymnasium. Events on Tuesday include a marathon ride at Moraine State Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and freestyle novice, intermediate and adult, both individual and pairs, at the Seneca Valley Middle School gymnasium from noon to 3:30 p.m.
