I remember reading an article where Tara VanDerveer, the legendary Stanford Women's basketball coach, learned to play piano. She said it was hard, but it gave her a greater appreciation for the frustrations players have when learning something new. It takes time and dedication, but if they stick at it, they'll pick it up.

During the pandemic, I knew I wanted to do something exciting and challenging. I had time, I mean, we all did. And stuck watching youtube videos. My mother never wanted us to ride motorcycles, and the way drivers were driving during the pandemic was suicidal.

So after watching a lot of videos, I took up the electric unicycle. Out of the "personal electric vehicles", (electric skatebord, OneWheel, electric scooter), I read it was the hardest to learn. But it looked fun. I saw older guys than me riding them down the street. I honestly don't know if I would ever want to try to learn this at 60 or 70 years old, so now is the time.

I bought one and practiced in the backyard. It is heavy than expected. 70 lbs. Standing on it and balancing was hard. I did it five minutes one night. The next, 10 minutes. Just holding the fence and standing on it, trying to balance. Each night, a little longer. Then out on the basketball court. Letting it fall, but determined to learn. My muscles ached. I banged up my shins. Spent more money on protective gear.

Then started down the sidewalk one night. I did this at night as I was too embarrassed to try it during the day. Then eventually around the block. Then through the residential streets around home.

NextDoor immediately was suspicious of this guy, riding this thing at night. Wondering if I was casing their house.

I eventually took it to a trail down the road. I rode out and back. Got a little farther, and then a little farther.

That was two years ago. Now I confidently (and safely . . . Mom. You aren't still hear, but I will forever hear your voice!) ride down quiet streets, or down trails.

Most importantly, when I see people of my generation on their bikes or hiking, I almost always get positive feedback. I always smile and wave when I go past. Partly, because our generation was taught to put on a "do not mess with me" face. But also, because I'm happy riding and vibing on this wonderful thing.

It's the closest thing to flying I'll ever personally feel. I move with my mind. Like walking, but with less effort. I wear full safety gear (helmet, riding jacket, wrist protecting gloves, knee/shin protection, sliding shorts, motorcycle boots). I have had one fall where I caught a speed wobble, but didn't fight the fall and slid safely to a stop. I did get a thorn in my finger. And a sore shoulder days later. But nothing else.

Most importantly, it gives me something to look forward to doing. I'm looking for places and trails to ride (away from cars as much as possible). For me, this has been the most rewarding "pandemic project" I could have picked up.