For those who have been to previous conventions, you can expect all the usual stuff, and perhaps a little more. There should be plenty for everybody:
The December 2001 unimeet (at the same venue as the Convention) included a Unicycle ceilidh with the dance band Herbal Remedy and caller Dave Hunt. This was great fun even for people with two left ... er ... pedals and no rhythm. They are returning for a repeat event on the evening of Friday 19 April, for all those who arrive by then. Open to non-unicyclists too! So get your dancing tyres or shoes out and come and have some fun! The ceilidh starts at 7:00pm and will finish at about 10:30pm. There will also be a bar available.
We are organising a treasure hunt around the centre of Kidderminster. This will give you a chance to see the place (i.e. all the carpet shops) and to invent new and interesting responses to "Where's your other wheel?". Of course, no actual treasure as such is involved.
The British Unicycle Convention would be incomplete without a good dose of hockey. If you've never played unicycle hockey before make sure you come along for this event. It's a bit like street hockey but played on one-wheel, of course. We'll split everybody into "scratch" teams of around five members (depending on how many want to play).The big hall we are using is very good for hockey.
The rules aren't complicated and the most important are just common sense regarding safety. It's worth having a look at them before you come along, but there will be a full briefing for beginners on the day. The rules can be found here.
For the daring among you there will be a session of unicycle quidditch. It's a lot like a mad combination of basketball, hockey and mayhem, and surprisingly similar to a game of the same name mentioned in the books by J K Rowling.
Workshops are your opportunity to learn new skills from old hands and experts. We hope to have a good range of workshops covering both basic skills and (what Alan considers to be) hard stuff. It all depends who is available and willing to take them. On the other hand, workshops are your opportunity to pass on what you have learned to others. Volunteers to take workshops of any kind will be greatly appreciated. Please don't be shy.
Workshops will be organised at the Convention. That is to say, skilled people who turn up will be nagged incessantly to volunteer a small amount of their time. You know who you are...
Silly games can be played by everyone and are always a lot of fun, even if you're hopeless (like the author). Some of the games we've played in the past are gladiators, bulldog, slow races, blind-fold relay races, jousting and stuck-in-the-mud. We should be able to play all of these and perhaps we can come up with some others - the sillier the better.
Mountain Unicycling, or more commonly "muni", is excellent fun. The terrain can be anything from a relatively flat forest trail to a rock-strewn cliff (experts only). Taking in the fresh air and scenery while bouncing over roots and rocks, and squelching through mud, certainly makes a change from perfectly smooth gym floors.
Kidderminster is very close to Habberley Valley and the Wyre Forest. Both of these locations provide good muni trails, whether you're a first-timer or an expert. For the more trials-oriented riders, Habberley Valley has some quite challenging rocky outcrops. We will probably divide the muni into two groups - easy and hard - so that beginners and experts can both enjoy the ride.
If there is sufficient time and interest, we can put on other events that people suggest. Perhaps a social ride into Kidderminster for a little shopping? What about basketball, races or quidditch?