Bio
Terry “UniGeezer” Peterson: “Over 50…and not ‘2′ Tired! “
Terry “Unigeezer” Peterson has became one of the most accomplished and skilled Mountain unicyclists-at the age of 54! In fact, Terry is the only unicyclist IN THE WORLD at his age-or anywhere near his age-to have successfully jumped and cleared at full set of 9 stairs, a 6 foot phone booth and a 7 foot tractor!
His amazing story is an inspiration to all ages, and a testament to the power of will and determination! It also serves as a legitimate “how-to” guide for one of the most efficient and effective methods for weight loss and fitness that is 100% attainable for anyone with a basic sense of balance, can ride a bicycle, and has the determination to succeed!
Terry has been featured in “Master’s Athlete” magazine, profiled on several sports oriented websites, TV news segments, interviewed on radio, and appeared in various other media, including a major front page story in the Orange County Register.
Terry has also been the subject of two documentaries on extreme unicycling; “In Unison”, by filmmaker Joey Neigh is expected to be out before the end of 2010. Terry was also featured in a new book by Don McGrath called, “50 athletes over 50”, on sale now!
Most recently, Terry was featured in a major, national commercial for Ford Fiesta, and it has been running regularly on American Idol, which Ford is the sponsor!
Unicycling has come a long way from a simple pass time and novelty of the 1960’s, when Peterson began riding, to a serious and legitimate sport, that is gaining in recognition and notoriety, thanks in large part to the internet, where you can see more than 190 of Terry’s extreme unicycling videos! He also has his very own website, www.unigeezer.com.
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I am a 54 year-old guy (Born 1/15/56) who just happens to do an “Extreme” form of Unicycling, called “MUni”, which is short for Mountain Unicycling! There are several yearly events, from the “Moab MUni-fest”, to The California MUni Weekend, held annually in various venues in California.
You might imagine (and you’d be right!) when people see me riding hardcore mountain trails on a custom built One-wheeled cycle, (Complete with hydraulic brake!) they’re often shocked, dumbfounded, but always impressed! Unlike a mountain *bicycle*, Unicycles have no gears to help you climb steep hills, and you can’t coast back down when you reach the summit! You are pedaling every inch of the way! It takes heightened levels of strength, stamina, focus, and of course, an acute sense of balance.
I also do lots of “urban” riding, seeking out stair sets to hop down, or 7 foot structures to jump off of! For me, MUni and other forms of extreme unicycling has become an integral part of my everyday life, which also includes frequent 15-50 mile long-distance rides along the Beach bike path on my custom made 36″ touring unicycle!
I used to ride a small unicycle as a kid back in the late 60’s, (I even have vintage video of that!) but then quit around 1970, long before advances in unicycle technology could catch up with the hardcore demands I currently require for “extreme” unicycling.
Fast forward to the year 2005. On the eve of my 50th birthday, I stumbled upon a website, Unicyclist.com. It’s a forum dedicated to what’s now considered a serious sport, with over 20,000 members, and growing each day!
And in the tradition of the best mountain bike, skateboarding and surfing magazines, we now “Uni” magazine! With awesome full color photos, great profiles of the best and up & coming riders, listings for every unicycling event throughout the world, and of course the best resources for all things Uni! And keep yours eyes open for a “UniGeezer” feature appearing in an upcoming issue!
Since then, I’ve re-kindled my love for Unicycling, and in the last 4 years I have made over 230 extreme unicycling videos that can be seen on youtube, and I have become known as “UniGeezer”, a moniker that has stuck, and one that I won’t outgrow…unlike “Boy George”, lol! I’m also much older than the average unicyclist, especially those that do extreme, hardcore riding!
As a piano tuner/technician by trade-a mostly sedentary type of work-I can attest to the fact that MUni is no doubt the most amazing way to get fit, and stay in the greatest shape of your life! So if you are interested in learning to ride, join unicyclist.com and then when you’re ready to buy a uni, check out unicycle.com for all things uni! Happy Riding!
Terry “UniGeezer” Peterson