NAUCC 2005
Workshop and Special Events Schedule

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The table shows what will happen when. The locations are a little sketchy, and will be finalized when we've had a better look at the facilities for each day's events. Please note, all information is subject to change, and may be updated here until Saturday, July 23.

Workshop Locations
Some workshops will take place at or around the dorms, where air-conditioned lounge areas should work well for classroom-type workshops. Dorm parking lot areas may also be used. For Tuesday evening we will also have access to the gym until 10:00pm, and riding workshops should be located there. Friday evening's workshops will probably be at the dorms as no gym is available. Skill level testing, in both the current and new systems, will be available during the day, as well as chances to train as a tester in either system. The Other column is for events happening outside the day's main riding venue.

Workshop descriptions
Are found below the table, so just scroll down.

WORKSHOP LEADERS AND IDEAS NEEDED! Please note there is still room for more. Get involved! Want to show something? Want to attend a workshop you don't see listed? Please and I will put out a request for it.

Skill Level Testing, Current system — Carol McLean
Carol will coordinate a group of level testing volunteers that will be available throughout the convention. You can test on the current 10 levels, and also be a field tester in the new skills system (below). if you have any questions.

Stationary Skills, Beginner and Advanced — Constance Cotter
Learn skills on your unicycle that can be done in a small area. Includes idling, hopping and more. In the beginner version, all riders are welcome. The advanced workshop includes leg around, hopping on wheel, crank idling and more. The ability to idle and hop are required skills for this workshop.

Adults Beginner Workshop — Kathy Susanka
Kathy is an adult, beginner-level rider. What better a person to help you with basic skills, and coping with other issues faced by new riders? This should be a great place to get answers to those questions you may have been afraid to ask of more experienced riders.

Audience Appeal — Bill Gilbertson
Most unicycle competitors pay too much attention to the Difficulty portion of their performances, and not enough on the Presentation side, where the entertainment part occurs. Making your performance better for your audience is actually easier to learn than new tricks! Bill can show you how. The techniques of this workshop are intended for any type of performing environment, competition or not.

Introducing the New USA Skills System — Carol McLean
The USA, Inc. Skills Development Committee is developing a much broader, more challenging skills system. We'll explain what we have so far and what still needs to be done. This session will provide an overview for anyone who isn't familiar with the new approach. For discussion on the background of the committee's work, please see other workshops listed. , Skills Development Committee Chair, if you have any questions.

B.C. Wheels — Hosted by Darren Bedford
Darren and other riders will demonstrate and offer tips on riding the B.C., also inaccurately known as "Impossible" wheel.

Balloon Sculpturing — Paul Fox
Paul Fox has been around unicycling longer than almost all of us. He learned to ride in 1953, and attended the "first American unicycle convention" in 1971. Then he hosted conventions in 1974, 76 and 77. Now he likes to perform as a clown and make balloon animals and sculptures. This one's all about the balloons!

New USA Unicycling Handbook — Carol McLean
The USA, Inc. Skills Development Committee is developing a new, comprehensive Unicycling Handbook that will list all the new testing divisions and rules and will provide lots of learning tips. See what we have so far and what we still need to get the Handbook printed and posted. , Skills Development Committee Chair, if you have any questions.

"Do My Mount" Workshop — Diane (Geitzen) Jett
Got an interesting mount, or want to try others? Participants form a circle, someone demonstrates a mount and everyone tries it. After a suitable time, next demo. Diane is a member of the Redford Township Unicycle Club and has a few mounts up her sleeve. It's up to you to bring the rest.

Future Conventions, Promotion, and Growth; Discussion — John Foss
Where will our next conventions be? What will they be like? What should they be like? More competition? More other stuff and less competition? What about age groups and awards? How much time should be devoted to competitive events? How can we get more people involved in the USA and promoting unicycling? What should the USA do as our sport grows and changes?

Skills Testing in the (in development) New Skills System — Carol McLean
The USA's Skill Development Committee has been working two years on an improved and expanded skills system. It will start with a common base, then split off into areas like Artistic, Tall, Ultimate Wheel, Juggling, and maybe more. We'll be using the field test version of the new skills system. This system is not yet official, so changes may happen before it is finalized. Start by coming to the overview workshop first for details. Any USA member is welcome to try out the new system. Kelsey McLean (MN) and Bill Hamilton (PA) will be two of the riders helping with testing and training new testers. Testing will be available Wednesday through Sunday for the new skills system. And, if you don't pass a skill test, you may try again the next day (Special rules are in effect during NAUCC that allow more testing opportunities than at other times during the year). , Skills Development Committee Chair, if you have any questions.

New USA Skills System Training for Testers — Carol McLean
The USA, Inc. Skills Development Committee will be on hand to train skill testers for the new skills system (in development), field test version. Be sure to attend the overview workshop first!

Swap Meet — Carol McLean
Bring your t-shirts, DVDs, videos, club fundraisers, unis, old tires, airseats, or anything else you'd like to swap -- for cash or other treasures. Questions: .

NAUCC 2005 Photo — Carol McLean
Right after the Parade competition we'll gather for a large group photo. Friday, approximately 7:45pm. Come and bring your camera! Questions: .

Additional Bedford workshop(s) — Darren Bedford
Darren is coming up with ideas for some more workshops or demos! Contact Darren to make requests or ask questions.

"Do My Trick" Workshop — John Foss
Got a cool trick or technique you'd like to show off or share? This workshop is for you. Show us what you've got, then tell a little bit about how to learn it. Then other people will try it, and we'll move on to the next one. We can also cover tricks at any level, that people want to learn.

Finalizing the USA FAQ on How to Start a Club — Carol McLean
Several people have helped to create a basic document that will be available to anyone who is interested in starting a unicycling group. If you'd like to help get this FAQ ready to post, please attend. , Skills Development Committee Chair, if you have any questions.

Unicycle Sumo, Fun Game and Informal Tournament — John Foss
Learn the unwritten rules of our basic wrestling sport on unicycles, and give it a try! It's a great way to increase basic riding skills for people of any ability level. The rules we have developed over the years make for a fun, safe game with low risk of hurt or clothing damage. You may also learn about variations on the game, such as Demolition Derby. Of course we will play, and an informal tournament may be possible if there is help to run it.

Stomach on the Seat — Dave Holden
We get requests for more beginner-friendly workshops, so here's another. Dave Holden, from the Redford Township Unicycle Club, has helped people try lots of different skills. He's great at breaking things down step by step to explain what to do first, second, etc. If Stomach on Seat doesn't fill the whole hour, Dave may be able to help you with some other skills as well.

Development and Future of the New Skills System — Carol McLean
The USA, Inc. Skills Development Committee will provide background and rationale on the new skills system, which is in development. (Attend the overview workshop first.) We'll talk about the connection to NAUCC events, the future possibilities for the system, and other topics such as how to use the new system to recruit and keep riders. , Skills Development Committee Chair, if you have any questions.

We Still Haven't Heard From...
So far, we have no workshops from representatives of Wood One Wheelers, which is okay, we understand they may be busy! But what of Panther Pride, or other big unicycle clubs? Come on and get involved! Plus TCUC is such a huge club I'm sure there is room for more workshop hosts. Show us what you've got!

If you would like to get involved, or make a workshop/demo request, please .

Intro page | Workshops | The Bedford Experience | MUni and Trials info | Cedar Point | Main NAUCC Site

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