IT was a trip to the circus that unlocked the passion for riding a unicycle in Summer Lewis, and the now the eight year is taking her whole family for the ride.
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Summer, 8, recently won two titles at the Australian Unicycle Society’s titles held in Geelong.
She won both the 100m sprint and also the downhill event in the female under 10s category.
“I saw a unicycle at a circus and I really wanted to give it a go,” Summer said.
Summer was given a unicycle from her dad Ben for her 8th birthday, and he also borrowed one from a friend so they can learn together.
Now the whole family is getting involved with 10 year old sister Suraya and mum Crystal also learning to ride.
Mrs Lewis said Summer and her dad have been training at Black Hill Mountain Bike track for the Muni race- which involves racing a unicycle down a mountain bike track.
“Unicycling is family friendly and promotes persistence, resilience, grit and the acceptance that getting hurt is sometimes a normal part of life,” she said.
“You cant take yourself to seriously when you look like a clown constantly falling off.”
The Australian Unicycle Society runs an annual national competition called Uninats every year. Next year’s event will be held in Canberra and it’s hoped that both girls will compete.
The family is also starting the Ballarat Unicycle Club on Thursday nights which will meet throughout term four, at the Canadian Lead Primary School grounds. New members are welcome to come along to the first night on October 11 from 6-7pm.
For full details, a Facebook page has also been set up to promote the club.