By Sarah Newstead

Last updated at 10:54, Saturday, 31 May 2008

Three unicycling fans are preparing to tackle Arctic terrain in a tough and unusual adventure.

• Weblink: riding a unicycle

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Tim Hinson, 19, of Cumrew in the Eden Valley, along with brothers Jack King, 19, and 17-year-old Jo King, of nearby Ainstable, will jump on the saddle for a month-long trip through mountainous wilderness.

The three will travel through the Norwegian Arctic Circle and down through Sweden in August and aim to cover around 450 miles on one wheel.

Tim, a student at Oxford University’s Jesus College, is excited about the challenge. He said: “It’s going to be great. We’ve been planning this for a year and we’re really looking forward to it.”

The three unicycling pals will carry tents, clothing and supplies with them on the trail, navigating rough and ready terrain as they go.

Tim first picked up a unicycle at the age of 15 when his uncle showed him how. Since then, he’s taught brother Rob, 16, and introduced Jack and Jo to the sport when they were at William Howard School in Brampton together.

Tim said: “It is just a means of showing off, mainly. But it is a sport in that it is very tough. And I suppose once you know how to unicycle the obvious thing to do next is unicycle down mountains.”

Tim and Jack, now an engineering student at Cambridge University, have had plenty of practice haring down mountains in the Lake District and count Helvellyn among their conquests.

They have also unicycled down Ben Nevis in Scotland and feature in many a walker’s holiday snaps, according to Tim.

“People also say things like ‘you’ve lost a wheel’ or ask us if it’s hard,” he said.

“It does take about 20 hours to learn to ride in a straight line. It’s like learning to play an instrument – having to do all the tedious stuff before it gets interesting. But it is an accessible sport as you can buy a unicycle for £40 and just give it a go. It’s fun and really satisfying.”

The adventurers have never broken a bone on their unicycles, but count many bumps and bruises. However, Tim said his parents, Rosie, a nurse, and Frank, a doctor at the Cumberland Infirmary, are not worried about his passion.

“I think they like the idea of me exploring. They don’t worry about the danger – more about the cost,” he added.

Tim has his trusty unicycle with him at college to get in some practice but he draws the line at riding it to the shops. “I would sooner ride a horse down the street,” he said.

First published at 05:27, Friday, 30 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk