Wheelie Big Deal: Unicycle Convention Wraps Up in Harmony Area

For about a week, it was hard to drive through the Harmony, Zelienople and Portersville area without catching at least a glimpse of someone on a unicycle.

For the first time ever, The North American Unicycling Convention and Championship was held in Butler County.

Events, including a 10K race, wooden obstacle courses and a freestyle competition, took place at Zelienople Community Park, The Center of Harmony, the Seneca Valley secondary campus and other local venues July 20 through July 27.

“It’s been awesome,” said Josh Meeder, owner of The Center of Harmony on Mercer Street.

The Butler Wobble, a unicycle group founded by David and Lisa Krack, hosted this year’s gathering. The couple also owns theDarn Yarn Needles and Thread shop inside The Center of Harmony.

The event attracted hundreds of people to the area, including some from as far away as New Zealand. Competition judge Spencer Hochberg, who hails from Los Angeles, said the gathering didn’t fail to impress.

“The level of competition is way higher than I’ve ever seen before in North America,” he said.

Unicyclists at the event ranged in age from teens to baby boomers and beyond.

Hockberg, who learned how to ride a unicycle at age 13 while searching for "something to do", said the sport is a great family activity.

“It’s really addicting,” he said.

In case you missed out on the one-wheeled fun, check out video from the unicycle trials held Friday at the Seneca Valley campus.