Wow, Rick. Although you were one on the "Unicycle in the Clouds," it was MY adrenaline and MY cortisol that jacked up into the red zone – and I was just sitting in front of my laptop reading about your experience. If that was your intention, you succeeded quite well! But I also liked your message about the human experience being about taking risks, honoring Life by going for it. Well done, as always!
You teased something epic out of my phone. What a story. Epic. It’s fabulous.
“Zen and the Art of Unicycle Maintenance” is brilliant. The Motorcycle version enthralled me. I love this word magic of yours.
You’re a wordsmith extraordinaire. But what you write about is also extraordinary. This was unique and dare-devilish and so entertaining. MasterClass in storytelling.
You keep unfolding amazing stories. Such a gift you have.
Thanks Kathy. I hadn't thought of that book in a long time until writing this. I'm probably due for a re-read. But it would be fun to do a full parody on it with the unicycle angle.
Oh yes! With premise of how far into madness a brilliant scientist’s search for “quality” can take him—to the point of institutionalized lobotomy—a unicycle parody would be interesting. Unicycle. Me first. Sign of the times nowadays.
Splendid. I have been waiting to read this story. Thank you for sending it out into the world, where I could read it safely in front of my computer while making coffee.
I left a like and a teensy comment on your X post. It took a few tries. X seems to be a bit clunky. Perhaps it was because I haven't logged in for a few weeks.
Unlike X, your performance was smooth and cool—and in a lovely setting in front of the Empress Hotel!
Ha, yes, I’m with you on that. Hadn’t logged in there in many months. Only just did to retrieve that clip I remembered adding there. Thanks for watching it.
Oh, and another thing... your parents, Nancy and Richard... they didn't like you very much, did they? Standing there waiting for you to fall from 16 feet onto your head... they remind me of my parents... can't remembe either of them ever saying, "Don't do that." Indeed, for that we are blessed.
I eventually had another unicycle built for me by someone who did customize builds of racing bikes and I went up to 14 feet originally, but after riding it once I decided 12 feet was high enough. The 14 foot one just felt stupid, though the memory of riding any of these now, looking back, make me wonder what I was thinking.
Whoa! Incredible story. I'm still trying to get my head around how a taller unicycle is easier to manage than a regular-sized one. Love that you describe it as continuous falling, which is the same description I've heard for orbit. Such a visceral, visual opener to this. It almost—ALMOST—makes me want to try a regular unicycle. Even if it's harder, I like being closer to the ground. Great stuff, man.
I'm so happy this seed has been planted. The next step is going to be you casually stopping by some garage sale and seeing a dusty unicycle sitting in a corner that you'll inquire about, the owner admitting they never got the hang of, and then you'll go home with it and get hooked. If you try to balance a pencil on your finger and then try to balance a broomstick on our finger you'll instantly understand why the taller unicycle is easier.
“Zen and the Art of Unicycle Maintenance” is a deep cut 😂 and I’m not going to lie, I’d read that book. Always enjoy these stories and lessons from you! You’ve lived such an interesting life!
So genius Rick. There were so many quotable turns of phrase worth writing down, let alone quoting. I landed on this one since Claire took the other one I chose:
“As it turned out, it wasn’t a tall unicycle I had to tame. It was my own mind. Pride and bravado might get us started, but it’s the willingness to shake and tremble in the dark corridor of uncertainty that fuels follow through.”
I echo everything Kathy said. So many stories, beautifully told, with such key takeaways. 👏
…that picture for the wind at the end…i was taught to snowboard by falling down a double black diamond in a blizzard (twice)…truly one of the worst and scariest hardest experiences in my life at the time but the next day i could go anywhere on the mountain w/o fear…you have to learn to fall (without hurting yourself too much)…
That's so cool. Who threw down the mountain? A parent, friend, mentor? These things are so scary but it's such a damn good feeling to be initiated that way with the freedom it affords one going forward.
Oddly, I have watched a lot of unicycle riders (in the neighborhood on the small variety and on tall ones on the Santa Monica pier or in San Francisco).
The thought that someone eventually would have to jump down from that 12-foot perch at the end of their ride never occurred to me as I walked by.
But then, that's likely the case with many of the professions we casually witness in passing. Someone's daredevil feat might not be jumping from a unicycle seat or out of a plane (hopefully with a parachute), but whatever it is that someone does that pushes them past self-imposed limits (in a healthy way), my hat goes off to them (and to you Rick, for constantly pushing your boundaries, stepping out of your comfort zone, and inspiring a whole lot of others (including me) to do the same.
Thank you Chris. Your comment makes me think about what a wonderful book or interview series that would be to ask high level professionals, "What's the biggest hidden risk that no one realizes you face in your job?" What would your answer be if I asked that of you?
This is wonderful, Rick: “To be human is to stand on the edge of some next brave and beckoning step. Where is your edge right now? Are you happily off kilter, or suffering the safety of some familiar stability? There are innumerable ways to sacrifice our balance in favor of possibility. You don’t need to risk life and limb to enjoy a new freedom of motion.”
Fed into the conversation we had yesterday. The bravery within the stories you tell is always beautiful to read. Appreciate the constant reminder to live a bold life.
Your feedback in that conversation about the value of hearing about stories that involve risk made me think along these lines Claire and remember this moment. So thank you for that. I have bunches more of these, as many others likely do, and I agree, it's inspiring to hear about anyone who faces the edge and proceeds.
Hi Rick! Thank you for the beautiful reminder to be willing to "shake and tremble in the dark corridor of uncertainty" while we forge ahead on our hopeful intentions! It is quite encouraging to consider uncertainty as the fuel that propels us forward.
I love your spirit of willingness - to go for something you want despite new heights of fear. It can be easy to forget to trust our own abilities when instead, we should embrace the energy of trying something new.
Wow, Rick. Although you were one on the "Unicycle in the Clouds," it was MY adrenaline and MY cortisol that jacked up into the red zone – and I was just sitting in front of my laptop reading about your experience. If that was your intention, you succeeded quite well! But I also liked your message about the human experience being about taking risks, honoring Life by going for it. Well done, as always!
Thank you Larry. Sorry about the cortisol spike. I'm sending you a puppy now for de-escalation.
Larry said it. Man, story + insight—you've mastered this style Rick. Fantastic piece!
Thanks Ishan.
“Tease the waiting magic out of an ordinary day.”
You teased something epic out of my phone. What a story. Epic. It’s fabulous.
“Zen and the Art of Unicycle Maintenance” is brilliant. The Motorcycle version enthralled me. I love this word magic of yours.
You’re a wordsmith extraordinaire. But what you write about is also extraordinary. This was unique and dare-devilish and so entertaining. MasterClass in storytelling.
You keep unfolding amazing stories. Such a gift you have.
Thanks Kathy. I hadn't thought of that book in a long time until writing this. I'm probably due for a re-read. But it would be fun to do a full parody on it with the unicycle angle.
Oh yes! With premise of how far into madness a brilliant scientist’s search for “quality” can take him—to the point of institutionalized lobotomy—a unicycle parody would be interesting. Unicycle. Me first. Sign of the times nowadays.
But your take might be less cynical.
Splendid. I have been waiting to read this story. Thank you for sending it out into the world, where I could read it safely in front of my computer while making coffee.
ha ha, thanks John. I once served somebody coffee from a unicycle! https://x.com/ricklewisco/status/1686108306140717057/video/1
I left a like and a teensy comment on your X post. It took a few tries. X seems to be a bit clunky. Perhaps it was because I haven't logged in for a few weeks.
Unlike X, your performance was smooth and cool—and in a lovely setting in front of the Empress Hotel!
Ha, yes, I’m with you on that. Hadn’t logged in there in many months. Only just did to retrieve that clip I remembered adding there. Thanks for watching it.
Oh, and another thing... your parents, Nancy and Richard... they didn't like you very much, did they? Standing there waiting for you to fall from 16 feet onto your head... they remind me of my parents... can't remembe either of them ever saying, "Don't do that." Indeed, for that we are blessed.
Yes, I think we both had enlightened parents. Huge blessing to have that kind of support for taking interesting risks.
Omigosh that is one tall unicycle
I eventually had another unicycle built for me by someone who did customize builds of racing bikes and I went up to 14 feet originally, but after riding it once I decided 12 feet was high enough. The 14 foot one just felt stupid, though the memory of riding any of these now, looking back, make me wonder what I was thinking.
This made me 😁😁😁
Thank you Rick!
PS you have a new follower!
Yay! Thanks for the supportive note.
Whoa! Incredible story. I'm still trying to get my head around how a taller unicycle is easier to manage than a regular-sized one. Love that you describe it as continuous falling, which is the same description I've heard for orbit. Such a visceral, visual opener to this. It almost—ALMOST—makes me want to try a regular unicycle. Even if it's harder, I like being closer to the ground. Great stuff, man.
I'm so happy this seed has been planted. The next step is going to be you casually stopping by some garage sale and seeing a dusty unicycle sitting in a corner that you'll inquire about, the owner admitting they never got the hang of, and then you'll go home with it and get hooked. If you try to balance a pencil on your finger and then try to balance a broomstick on our finger you'll instantly understand why the taller unicycle is easier.
Yes, I do always seem to need to learn everything the hard way. That's how things stick, though.
Let me know once you have it in hand and I'll share some tips that will bypass the need for you to self-administrate EMT in the process.
I'll just ride it in the emergency room parking lot to save time.
Everyone will think that you began your journey on a bicycle but lost half of it in the accident.
💙
I wish all hearts were represented in blue. Something about it makes sense.
Brilliant essay written by a true wordsmith.
Thank you Katherine!
“Zen and the Art of Unicycle Maintenance” is a deep cut 😂 and I’m not going to lie, I’d read that book. Always enjoy these stories and lessons from you! You’ve lived such an interesting life!
My wheels (wheel?) are turning with ideas for a unicycle based parable book. Thanks for planting the seed.
So genius Rick. There were so many quotable turns of phrase worth writing down, let alone quoting. I landed on this one since Claire took the other one I chose:
“As it turned out, it wasn’t a tall unicycle I had to tame. It was my own mind. Pride and bravado might get us started, but it’s the willingness to shake and tremble in the dark corridor of uncertainty that fuels follow through.”
I echo everything Kathy said. So many stories, beautifully told, with such key takeaways. 👏
It's such a joyful activity to unpack these life memories and I'm very appreciative that you give your time to read and enjoy them James.
my reading is the easy part compared to your writing :)
What a nail-biter of a story on this fine Sunday. And from now on, I won’t be able to see a unicycle without thinking of you, Rick!
ha ha, when is the last time you actually saw a unicycle?? I wouldn't imagine they're very common on the snowy streets of Minnesota.
…that picture for the wind at the end…i was taught to snowboard by falling down a double black diamond in a blizzard (twice)…truly one of the worst and scariest hardest experiences in my life at the time but the next day i could go anywhere on the mountain w/o fear…you have to learn to fall (without hurting yourself too much)…
That's so cool. Who threw down the mountain? A parent, friend, mentor? These things are so scary but it's such a damn good feeling to be initiated that way with the freedom it affords one going forward.
Oddly, I have watched a lot of unicycle riders (in the neighborhood on the small variety and on tall ones on the Santa Monica pier or in San Francisco).
The thought that someone eventually would have to jump down from that 12-foot perch at the end of their ride never occurred to me as I walked by.
But then, that's likely the case with many of the professions we casually witness in passing. Someone's daredevil feat might not be jumping from a unicycle seat or out of a plane (hopefully with a parachute), but whatever it is that someone does that pushes them past self-imposed limits (in a healthy way), my hat goes off to them (and to you Rick, for constantly pushing your boundaries, stepping out of your comfort zone, and inspiring a whole lot of others (including me) to do the same.
Thank you Chris. Your comment makes me think about what a wonderful book or interview series that would be to ask high level professionals, "What's the biggest hidden risk that no one realizes you face in your job?" What would your answer be if I asked that of you?
This is wonderful, Rick: “To be human is to stand on the edge of some next brave and beckoning step. Where is your edge right now? Are you happily off kilter, or suffering the safety of some familiar stability? There are innumerable ways to sacrifice our balance in favor of possibility. You don’t need to risk life and limb to enjoy a new freedom of motion.”
Fed into the conversation we had yesterday. The bravery within the stories you tell is always beautiful to read. Appreciate the constant reminder to live a bold life.
Your feedback in that conversation about the value of hearing about stories that involve risk made me think along these lines Claire and remember this moment. So thank you for that. I have bunches more of these, as many others likely do, and I agree, it's inspiring to hear about anyone who faces the edge and proceeds.
Can’t wait to read the rest of them
Thank you for the encouragement.
Hi Rick! Thank you for the beautiful reminder to be willing to "shake and tremble in the dark corridor of uncertainty" while we forge ahead on our hopeful intentions! It is quite encouraging to consider uncertainty as the fuel that propels us forward.
I love your spirit of willingness - to go for something you want despite new heights of fear. It can be easy to forget to trust our own abilities when instead, we should embrace the energy of trying something new.
Cheers to you!
Nancy! Thank you so much and great to hear from you! Let's catch up. I want to hear about your own new adventures these days.