Street View – 5 Questions
Ruben Porras | Jan 04, 2012 | Comments 0
Modesto's Robert House
Five Questions w/ Robert House by ModestoFamous
This is the first article in a series that we have planned that will feature local folks that we see almost daily but do not know much about.
Robert House is the madman that rides his unicycle on McHenry Avenue every day. It was nice to chat with him a bit. There is a storied history behind this single-wheeled street pirate that is quite interesting.
MF: How long have you been doing this? Some people remember you doing this as far back as the 90s. What got you started and motivated to really never want to stop?
House: I have been riding daily in Modesto for 15 years. I was trained by an old friend and as soon as he showed me the ropes I knew that I would want to keep on riding for as long as I could. Learning to ride and balance was like getting set on fire. I was hot for it right away! My firstride was from Yosemite to Briggsmore on a unicycle I bought for $5 at a yard sale.
MF: What is the craziest thing that has happened to you on the road?
House: People are crazy! I have things thrown at me all the time. I have been soaked with Big Gulps, coated in egg yolk and almost knocked over by shoes. I really hate classic Converse Chuck Taylor’s. They seem to be thrown at me the most.
MF: How many unicycles have you ridden over the years? Do you have a fantasy cycle that you would love to own one day? House: I have ridden six different unicycles over the last 15 years. I would love to own a Torker unicycle if I can sav
e the $280 to makethat happen. I’d like to have a shot at the 96 mile record one of these days.
MF: People are curious to know more about you. What is the one thing that you would really like them to know?
House: I carry a photo of my friend, mentor and teacher, Terry Don Vanaman in my wallet wherever I go. I ride for Terry more than I ride for myself. He died this year on April 20th after a battle with Cancer. I miss him but I plan to honor his memory every day that I can.
MF: Give it to me in one line. Tell me what really keeps you motivated to keep riding in the heat, cold and rain. Tell me why you don’t stop.
House: It’s pretty simple- McHenry Ave is my stage and I want to dance all over it.
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