Last weekend Bike around the Bay, this weekend Festival of the Wheel! Could any unicycle rider resist an event celebrating the wheel? Not me!

The festival was held in Castlemaine, Victoria and organized by the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group. About 70 riders fronted up on Saturday for the inaugural FOV ride, which headed off from Castlemaine along scenic undulating country back roads through Muckleford, Walmer and then onto Maldon.

The ride out was great fun, the KH36/125mm crank setup suited the terrain and cruisey pace. The company was great too, even the one guy who while struggling up a hill on his bicycle scolded “You’re cheating, you only have one wheel!” as I rolled past. HA!

I had hoped to ride up Mount Tarrengower at Maldon, but the road was closed due to a Hillclimb event. Next time!

After a snack at Maldon a small group of us decided that rather than return to Maldon via the same route we’d head back along the dirt ‘Rail Trail’ back to Castlemaine. Even though the 125 cranks weren’t ideal for off road it turned out to be a great ride back, lots of fun, and great company. Everyone seemed to enjoy the term UPD (unplanned dismount) and after the shock of my first UPD the bicycle guys all got in the UPD groove!

The last section of trail leading back into Castlemaine was especially enjoyable, with the 36″ really in the groove. I’d highly recommend the Castlemaine/Maldon Rail Trail, especially for larger unicycles.

All up it was a great day, only 42km, but lots of fun.