Plans were made, t-shirts were ordered, unicycles were tuned up, the truck was decorated, the music was ready, and the riders had been practicing.

Many community members noted and agreed that the Andover Fourth of July Parade, although always wonderful, had been missing a certain group the last couple of years. It had been a long-time tradition for the Andover One Wheelers (AOW) to perform some routines on Lawrence Street and then participate in their hometown parade. However, the team has been without a coach for the last couple of years, and parades were no longer a regular event for them.

The One Wheelers traveled extensively in past years: the Bahamas, Florida, West Virginia, New York City, Kansas, Arizona, California, Washington DC, and more. But I think all the riders will agree that the most important and special event for all was the Andover Fourth of July Parade. Nothing compares to performing in front of enthusiastic and proud family members and friends on Main Street, Andover.

Many riders from past years had planned to ride and walk in the parade this year. Interest and excitement was evident among the alumni.

Unicycle skills were still there! Riders who hadn’t mounted a unicycle in years were able to take right off and still balance well. There were practice laps around the gym. Younger students had the chance to watch riders from the original AOW team ride, laugh, and reminisce. Children saw their parents ride for the first time. It was a lot of fun!

Thank you to all the adults who worked behind the scenes preparing for the Reunion Ride. Many hours were spent blowing up tires, straightening seats, tuning up the sound system, locating decorations, contacting past One Wheelers, and coordinating the music.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and the AOW reunion ride will need to wait until July 4, 2015. Look for the AOW coaches, walkers, unicyclists, and supporters on Independence Day next year.