One competitor in today's Contact Epic 90km classic mountain bike race around Lake Hawea will not be on a bicycle.
Richard Lees (58), of Sydney, hopes to complete the course on a mountain unicycle.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday before leaving Australia, Mr Lees admitted it was a "pretty crazy'' idea.
However, he had completed the distance on the road before.
"This is going to be more challenging because it's on metal and it's up and down.
"But I've got all day.''
Mr Lees, a computer software developer originally from Golden Bay, said he had no first-hand knowledge of the Epic course and had no expectation of being highly placed in the field of 203.
He took up riding unicycles about seven years ago, "as a bit of a joke between a couple of my sons and I'', and is a regular among the 50 or so riders who play unicycle hockey in Manly.
"I've given away my bicycle and if I go anywhere, it's on my unicycle.''
Mr Lees likened riding his big 914mm (36-inch) wheel to skiing.
His unicycle has two gears, which he changes by tapping a button on the hub with his heel.
