Kris Holm and Unicycles

The most unusual sport of the century has come to life in the last 20 years. The unicycle was once known as a device used only in the circus; it has now developed into a tricky sport undertaken by many who are up for a challenge. A hundred years ago no one believed that balancing on one wheel is even humanly possible. Now, we see unicyclists all across the globe landing 15 foot drops, grinding rails, and descending rough mountainous terrain. What had to happen to give someone the idea of mountain biking with no gears, handlebars, and only one tire?

Kris Holm, the name which must be addressed when speaking of unicycle sport, is perhaps the leader of all unicyclists today.If it was not for Kris Holm the world would have never seen unicycles that are tough enough to survive mountainous terrain.Holm is currently doing things like filming in Mercedes commercials on his unicycle and attending various competitions across the world. Holm pioneered the engineering of skimpy circus unicycles into atough framework of genius that is able to withstand all sorts of abuse. He spent years creating blueprints of his unicycles which were analyzed and manufactured in other parts of the world. Each new design is then tested by Holm on the mountains of Vancouver BC. McClellan, a writer for Bicycle industry and retailer news described Holm as “a champion unicyclist who created an eponymous, high-end unicycle brand for serious riders.” Most professionally sponsored unicyclists today either ride or own a Kris Holm unicycle.

Holm is not as much a business man as he is a celebrity athlete and scientist. Not only does he manufacture unicycles, but he takes his sport seriously; he sponsors athletes who promote the sport as well as participate in it. His aim is not to have fun in itself but to show the world that downhill unicycling can be done by anyone who is motivated and is able to face up to the challenge. He spends some of his time inspiring and teaching younger athletes how to balance properly and apply adequate safety techniques. When describing the art of balance to Andrew Klein, a writer for “Science Wonder”, Holm says:"for humans, your center of gravity is near your hips” (Klein). Perhaps Holm is the perfect candidate to teach people how to unicycle and where to unicycle because he is a geologist that studies landslides. With his knowledge of land forms and mountains, he is able to determine where unicyling to the extreme is even a possibility. In order to remain unscathed after riding on dangerous land forms, Holm integrates his effort into designing safety equipment. Producing safety gear for serious riders is as much of a concern for Holm as is developing top notch unicycles. “Kris Holm” brand safety gear comes in the color blue and ranges from knee pads to elbow guards. When it comes to falling off a unicycle, perhaps the most common area of injury is in the hands and elbows. According to Kris Holm’s website, “falling on your hands happens frequently to everyone, regardless of ability, making wrist support an essential part of your protective gear” (Holm).Although Holm has risked his life many times by balancing on rails that overhang unthinkable drops, he still endeavors to promote safety. Extreme unicyclists consider safety obvious reasons like the prevention of broken bones and serious injuries. Riding a unicycle on mountain bike trails is a safe sport when it is done correctly; Holm demonstratessafety in his riding while informing the unicyclist community of proper balance.