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8th Annual MUni Fest in Moab, Utah Ends on Slickrock

I never heard of MUni mania until I came to Utah. YIKES - imagine jumping off a slick rock with a 12-foot slope on a mountain unicycle. That's right - a one-wheeled daredevil machine, with no shock absorbers, some have no brakes, and some have no seats. That was the wild and crazy attraction during the 8th Annual MUni Fest held at the Sand Flats Recreation Area of Moab, Utah last weekend. The 2007 event welcomed more than 175 muniacs, aged 6 to 60, from 21 U.S. states, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, and Austria. MUni stands for Mountain Unicycling. It's also known as Rough Terrain Unicycling, All Terrain Unicycling, or even UMX. Like mountain biking, you don't need a mountain to do it. It's just the act of riding unicycles off road. John Foss, a MUniac, says, "There is just something satisfying about taking a unicycle, an inherently unstable vehicle, and riding it in places nobody thought it could go."

If you are considered a "pro" in this sport, you can compete in gap jumping from the steep slickrock slopes of the challenging terrain. Novices can compete to see who can ride the longest distance while pedalling with one foot. If you compete in the "Joker" category, you will win by riding the longest distance on an Ultimate Unicycle - one that has no seat. Winners of the Challenge Ride Competition receive chances at prize awards (swag). With up to 21 total challenges and 3 top competitors in each, a total of up to 63 people may receive winner vouchers. Traditionally, the remaining swag is given to other deserving participants.