photos by David Halterman

In the mid-1800s, James Starley invented the first mass-produced riding machine, the penny farthing. Characterized by its large front wheel with pedals and cranks, followed by a small wheel in the back, penny farthing riders began dispensing with the superfluous rear wheel altogether, and voila, the unicycle was born. A century and half later and you can find riders on these inverted pendulums from the street to the trail, and even touring across the country. Durango is no exception, and in keeping with its wheeled legacy, a club has emerged for those who prefer one wheel to two. One wheel is better, meets every Friday at 6 p.m. at various locales thorughout town. The next meeting is this Friday, on the Animas River Trail, behind Holiday Inn. All ages and abilities welcome, helmet and extreme patience required.