Today's webpage brought to you by Tammy Marsh
Today's ride was a mere 80 km. It was a surprise because it was exactly what was projected! We started riding late morning and reached Pierrelatte around 6 p.m. The ride was relatively flat. Since Christian wanted more hills, he took a different route to entertain himself! Once in Pierrelatte, a quiet little town, we all ate supper together at a Vietnamese restaurant.
Javier has been unicycling since age 11, but this is the first time he has attempted long distance riding. "This is one of the few disciplines that I have not tried before," he said. "I really like Europe, and this was a more fun way of tourism." Prior to this trip, he was not into distance at all. "I've always thought that I suck at long distances. All my life I've avoided the 1500 meter race. I remember once I was racing and my shoelace got caught, and I was like, 'yes! I get to stop now!'"
So why is he doing this tour?? "It's like a challenge for myself. I needed to prove to myself that if I ever need to do something, I can do it. This trip includes training, fund raising, promotion and a lot of time."
Javier has three world titles: racing champion in 1991 and 1994, and freestyle champion in 1991. From 91 to 96, he received the expert silver medal for Standard Skill.
So how is it going? It's been hard and grueling, but it's fun. At the end of the day I feel proud.
What's your favorite part of the trip so far? My favorite part was the arrival to Luxembourg. After being lost for several hours, after asking several people how to get there, and having the people tell me that it's impossible, I met the support vehicle past 10 p.m. at about 30 k away from my destination, I decided to finish the ride with Elijah. When we arrived at the hotel, everybody congratulated us.
Moment of the Day: Getting lost in the very beginning of the day.
Have you wiped out yet? Well, yesterday I fell four times but always landed on my feet. Hopefully I will always land on my feet if I have to fall again. I am immortal; I won't get hurt.
Little-known Fact: He has survived a ferris wheel crash, a car accident where the car tipped, and a drowning accident where he was "dead" for about 15 minutes. He is a civil engineer, a massage therapist and a web designer. He has been arrested only once, for protesting in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Average speed: 17 kph
Max speed: 37 kph
Today's distance: 80 km
