>I'm sorry, but I can't put my hands on my information, but the only
>'unlimited' speed record for unicycles was one set by Floyd BEATTIE in 1986.
>He rode his brand new 45" big wheel through a 200 meter speed trap set up by
>the IHPVA (International Human Powered Vehicle Association) at one of their
>meets in Indianapolis. His speed was equal to about 22 or 23 mph. Even at
>the time, he said with practice he could do better. Any takers?
Are you sure, John? That sounds very slow for a running start on a
45". I remember going so fast on my 56" wheel, there wasn't enough
time between pedal strokes to change foot pressure to slow down. I'm
sure I was going over 30 mph, but didn't have measure other than pedal
cadence which probably exceeded 200 full cycles per second.
However, I was going down a slight incline with the wind. What I
vividly remember though, is being very scared I'd wipe out before I
reached the bottom of the hill. Going down that slight slope, I was
barely able to avoid further acceleration!
Maybe I'll put on full protective gear and give it a go this summer
with a stop watch. I'm sure many others could go far faster though.
Stay on Top, at goal 55 mph,
Ken Fuchs <kfuchs@winternet.com>