Fredericton man's daily commute a real balancing act

NB man unicycles to work every day Fredericton resident Erik Nielsen rides his unicycle to work every day, no matter the weather.

Erik Nielsen's daily commute is a real balancing act.

"No handlebars mean you have to use your core to shift direction, and that's the most difficult part," said hobby unicyclist Erik Nielsen.

He started with the sport of unicycling when his son, Max, was learning to ride a tricycle.

"I was bored watching him around the court doing circles, so I decided I'd learn something, too," Nielsen said.

It's a hobby he has since shared with his son.

"It's pretty cool," said Max Nielsen, Erik's son. "I like it because we can do it together and it's a good father-son thing to do."

Max says it's never boring and their dog Oscar often comes along for the ride -- or run.

After having traveled across Canada to purchase custom unicycles and ride with the pros, Nielsen hopes to grow the sport locally. He says many are first attracted to it by the customization and optimization of the gear.

A self-professed unicycling nerd and gearhead, he's always equipped to withstand the elements.

"Whether it's in middle of summer or the middle of winter with ice, I've got a few different wheels I can choose from, based on the terrain I'm going to be riding or the conditions I'm riding in," Erik Nielsen said.