Unicycling is a growing sport in Sisters

Local unicyclists “shredded it up” last weekend at Sisters’ first unicycle workshop. Avid unicyclist Eugene Cathcart of Bend brought his expertise to the group of about 15 people who gathered at SOAR. He was impressed with the skills of Sisters riders.

“Some of the kids out there are pretty talented,” said Cathcart.

Rick Geraths of Sisters organized the event. Geraths is a lifelong cyclist who goes mountain biking, road biking, and volunteers for Cycle Oregon. He took up unicycling with the goal of mastering it before he turned 50 – a goal he beat by several years.

“Now I’m working on riding the thing backwards,” said Geraths. “It’s challenging!”

Geraths said it can take weeks to simply mount the unicycle and stay up.

Mark Keel, who coaches mountain bike racing in Sisters, impressed the crowd by trying a unicycle for the first time and actually riding it.

After being able to stay up, beginners learn to ride in a straight line and make turns. Then riders can try tricks such as going down stairs, riding on tall unicycles, or riding with one foot. Experienced unicyclists can ride on mountain bike trails.

With interest growing in the sport, Geraths would like to organize local riders and start a weekly ride.

“We’re talking about starting a unicycle club in Sisters,” said Geraths. He adds all ages and genders are welcome. While there were mostly guys at Saturday’s workshop, Geraths adds, “It’s not just a guy sport.”

Cathcart agrees that women “tend to have really good balance naturally.” He said people with a background in either cycling or balance sports such as kayaking do well when they try unicycling.

“Anyone who has a passion for challenging themselves physically,” should try the sport, said the 23-year-old Cathcart.

Cathcart has been an avid cyclist since he can remember. He owns Dirt Uni, which is a company that hand crafts top-quality unicycles, some costing as much as $900. The “unis” are built to be tough yet light.

The Bend company’s mission is to build unicycles “that inspire you to ride.”

Cathcart was glad to see the sport “gaining momentum” in Central Oregon and offered riding tips to enthusiasts of all levels at the workshop. Also, he covered safety and stressed wearing gear such as a helmet, gloves and shin guards.

One Sisters family who came to the event found the sport through their interest in mountain biking. Kelly Freeland’s two teenage sons and husband enjoy the challenge of unicycling.

“All three guys are very much into mountain biking, and hope this will improve their balance and skills on the trails,” said Freeland. She added the workshop was fun.

“It was interesting — they had some good tips,” said Freeland.