Key Takeaways
- Norm Joe, a man from Stratford, New Zealand, is attempting to break a Guinness World Record by unicycling around the world.
- He will start by unicycling the length of New Zealand, from Bluff to Cape Reinga, and then continue his journey across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia.
- Joe learned how to unicycle during the Covid-19 lockdown and has been commuting to work on his unicycle.
- He will be raising money for the charity WaterAid, which provides water, sanitation, and hygiene to the world’s poorest communities.
- Joe’s journey is not only about breaking a record, but also about raising awareness and funds for a good cause.
Introduction to Norm Joe’s Journey
Norm Joe, a man from the Taranaki town of Stratford, is embarking on an incredible adventure to unicycle around the world. He began his journey on January 16, setting off from Bluff with the goal of reaching Cape Reinga by May. From there, he will fly to Alaska and continue his journey east across Canada and the United States, before flying to Portugal to cycle across Europe and Asia. Joe’s ultimate goal is to break a Guinness World Record by unicycling an impressive 29,000 kilometers.
The Origins of Joe’s Unicycling Hobby
Joe’s unicycling journey began during the Covid-19 lockdown, when he stumbled upon a 20-inch unicycle at a council clean-up. He took it home and started playing around with it in his backyard, and before long, he was hooked. As he progressed, Joe started commuting to work on his unicycle, finding that it felt more like an appendage or a prosthetic limb than a bike. He describes the experience of unicycling as similar to skiing or surfing, where the rider becomes one with the vehicle. Joe’s passion for unicycling has taken him on a journey he never could have imagined, and he is now using his hobby to raise money for a good cause.
Raising Money for WaterAid
Joe has chosen to raise money for the charity WaterAid, which provides water, sanitation, and hygiene to the world’s poorest communities. He was inspired to support this charity due to his work as a draftsman for Sydney Water, where he was involved in rebuilding the city’s infrastructure. Joe’s journey is not only about breaking a record, but also about raising awareness and funds for a cause that is close to his heart. He is excited to see the reaction of people as he travels through different countries and communities, and he hopes to inspire others to support WaterAid’s mission.
The Journey So Far
It has only been a week since Joe began his journey, but he has already experienced the thrill of unicycling through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. He has been enjoying the reaction of people who have seen him riding on his unicycle, and he finds that it is a great conversation starter. As he continues on his journey, Joe is looking forward to meeting new people, trying new foods, and experiencing different cultures. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Joe is confident and determined to reach his goal, and he is excited to see where his journey will take him.
The Road Ahead
As Joe continues on his journey, he will face many challenges, from navigating difficult terrain to dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. However, he is well-prepared and has a strong support team behind him. Joe’s family and friends are following his progress closely, and he is also receiving support from his employer and the charity WaterAid. With his determination and passion for unicycling, Joe is sure to inspire others to pursue their own adventures and make a difference in the world. As he rides through the countryside, Joe is not only breaking a record, but also spreading joy and awareness about the importance of access to clean water and sanitation.
