The unicycle, a single-wheeled vehicle with origins dating as far back as the late 18th century, is commonly associated with circus acts and side shows. However, this extremely challenging vehicle has been adapted to a variety of sports and activities. While unicycling certainly isn't for everyone, those who do have the ability to ride this unusual cycle often draw a crowd wherever they go.
Changes
Since the front wheel of the penny farthing was what did most of the work anyway, there were some people who viewed the rear wheel as unnecessary. As such, the unicycle was born, which was essentially a penny farthing with no balance wheel. These changes began before the end of the 19th century. The front wheel was eventually made smaller and more manageable as styles of unicycles adapted and changed.
Modern UniCycling
The unicycle, like its counterpart the bicycle, has evolved a great deal in the more than 100 years since its creation. Mountain unicycling, like mountain biking, is a sport with quite a devoted following. Off-road unicycling, though not for the faint of heart or weak of body, is thrilling but very dangerous. Freestyle unicycling, too, has become popular, where riders perform tricks on their cycles in a fashion similar to what might be found in the popular X Games.
The Circus
Perhaps the most memorable place to see a unicycle was at the circus. Clowns would ride them around in circles, using great feats of balance and dexterity to enhance their performances and humor. Another popular act was for an acrobat to ride a unicycle across a tightrope, making an already death-defying act doubly perilous as they wheeled out over empty space.
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