Unicon, the Olympics of unicycling, kicks off in Bemidji

BEMIDJI — The land of 10,000 lakes is for the next two weeks the land of 1,000 unicycles as athletes from around the globe descend on Bemidji for the 21st Unicon world convention.

“This is the coolest sport I never knew existed,” said Alex Braun, who is working the concession stand at Sanford Center, now the epicenter of unicycling.

Unicon is the largest unicycling gathering on the planet. About 1,200 participants are expected in Bemidji for the biennial event that kicked off Sunday and runs through July 26.

“It’s the Olympics of unicycling,” said Unicon co-director Kirsten Goldstein. “What I love about niche communities like this is that while we’re tight knit, we’re not exclusive. We welcome anyone and everyone into the fold.”

Beginner lessons are available every day at 1 p.m. at Sanford Center where many of the events take place. But activities span Bemidji High School, Bemidji State University and Buena Vista ski area.

Events are open to the public and include competitions like basketball, racing, obstacle courses, freestyle and figure skating — all while atop one wheel. On Tuesday, unicyclists will compete in a 10K around Lake Bemidji. And on July 23 there’s flaming puck hockey (yes, the puck is actually on fire) outside City Hall at 9 p.m.

Goldstein said there are world champions and novices alike at Unicon. Many athletes hail from the Twin Cities, but Germany is the most represented.

“I’ve been to Canada, I’ve been close to the border, but I’ve never crossed it. So this is my first time in this country,” said Ian Dylewski of Germany. “So far, so good. Nice people, that’s what I found out. The people are really nice and forthcoming and inviting.”

Dylewski said unicyclists are a collection of people “who didn’t find another sport appealing and found something weird that they can all agree on.” All the disciplines of unicycling are on display in Bemidji from dancing to doing tricks comparable to BMX or skateboarding.

“It’s a very diverse kind of sport, and a very diverse community,” he said. “I think the community is the best part about unicycling.”

Don’t be surprised to see mobs of unicyclists riding the 3-mile stretch of shoreline along Lake Bemidji from campus to Sanford Center. Unicyclists are staying in the dorms at BSU throughout the convention. The athletes will also take day trips to Itasca State Park and Duluth.

“Unicon is a chance for the host to show off their area,” Goldstein said. “The headwaters of the Mississippi, we might take it for granted up here, but for someone from France or Australia, they might know about the Mississippi from their elementary geography classes.”

Goldstein said when Unicon was in Italy, athletes rode a section of the Tour de France and did wine tastings. In Bemidji, she said, they are highlighting the culture of the Anishinaabe and Dakota people, of Paul Bunyan folklore and the vast outdoors.

The last time Unicon landed in Minnesota was 30 years ago. In 1994, Minneapolis hosted 250 of the world’s best unicyclists, who competed at the seventh annual Unicon at the University of Minnesota.

“Why are all these one-wheelers coming to Minnesota?” reported the Star Tribune back then. “It turns out that we have something of a reputation in unicycling circles. With about 400 unicycles, we probably have more than any other state — and certainly the most per capita.”

That reputation holds true three decades later. But Bemidji?

Unicon said it was hand-picked as “the perfect little host city you’ve never heard of!” Organizers were asked “Why Bemidji?” so often that it’s included in the FAQ section of its website.

Goldstein said when planning for Unicon, she noticed co-director Connie Cotter had on a ‘94 Unicon sweatshirt. The unicycle wheel in Goldstein’s mind started spinning. “We’re due to host again,” she thought.

“When you look at where are the focal points of unicycling around the world, Minneapolis is one of the center points,” she said.

Over a decade ago while attending Bemidji State University, Goldstein rode around campus and Lake Bemidji on her unicycle, drawing confused looks. She’s been unicycling since she was 10 years old. It’s a pillar of her identity along with being from the Northwoods.

“I’m rendered pretty speechless about how it feels to to have everyone here,” she said. “My heart can’t be fuller than it is right now.”

To see a full schedule of events and detailed information, visit unicon21.us.