Taking Advantage of Failure

I hadn't ridden this particular hill in a few years.  Probably four years ago.  At that time, I had a 24" unicycle.  My daily rider now is a 29".  It is much better for me to ride, being a bit larger, but a little more difficult to push up the longer hills.  I've been in the mindset to push myself lately, so I figured what the heck, I'll tackle the hill, see how I do.

Every hill is a long hill when you just started riding after a few years break.  At the end of the summer, it won't be so long.   Its also on a busy street.  Boston Road in Wilbraham is THE main road, and there are sidewalks in only a few places.  The long hill has none.  So not only is it taxing on the body, but traffic is right there to encourage me to be careful.

To get to the long hill, I rode to Friendly's.  Walked it across the intersection, where an old gentleman stood and watched me try to mount, along with all the diners inside Friendly's.  I actually fell on my back once.  Don't ride a unicycle if you can't handle public displays of humiliation.  Got going, past the Ford dealership, walked across the street, rode through Home Depot and Big Y parking lots.  Hello, long hill.

Most of the ride up was fine.  Legs started to feel it about half way up, but I was good.  Then, out of nowhere, upd.  Unplanned dismount.  I was able to run it out, so no ground contact, but even then, a car stopped and asked if I was ok.  Thanks.  Then the disappointment hit.  I know, it was only my first attempt in four years.  I was crazy to think I could make it up the first time, but hey, I am crazy like that.  That split-second of dejection started to grow, and then I heard a commotion...

Three-fourths the way up this long hill, where I fell, is a daycare.  As it happens, there were a few kids standing at the fence, watching me ride.  They started shouting.  Other kids came running, and a few teachers as well.  My heart smiled, and I walked the unicycle to a level spot in the parking lot entry.  After a few attempts to mount, I was able to ride a short distance in the parking lot.  My legs were still burning from the hill.  The kids all cheered!  As they were scooted inside for lunch, they all yelled goodbye to Mr. Unicycle Man.  I waved and yelled back at them as I rode off into the sunset.  Well, into traffic, at least.

The rest of the ride was uneventful.  I finished with wobbly legs, the signature of a good unicycle ride.  I didn't make it up the long hill, and couldn't be happier about it.

3.04 miles
PS:  Without realizing it, I made my 3 mile goal quite easily.  The hilly 5 miles, not so easy.

"Knowledge is power, and action is powerful."