Players: 5 or more, Level 1 and up
Where: Indoors in a gym or outdoors
Equipment: Bandanas or fabric squares for each player; clothespins, one for each player; whistle or bell
Assistant: 1 person to signal
Object:
Riders try to grab as many bandana tails from other riders as possible.
Preparation:
All riders have a bandana attached to the middle of their back with a clothespin.
Play:
Play begins at a signal and riders chase each other trying to grab the bandana tails.
Riders may take tails only when both the chaser and the rider being chased are on their unicycles.
A rider being chased may dismount to protect his or her tail, but must remount again immediately.
The gamekeeper uses a whistle or bell to signal the change to safe riding times, when no one can grab a tail, and back to action riding times.
The round ends when all the tails have been captured. The rider who captured the most tails wins that round.
Level Adjustments:
Levels 1, 2 Ride
Levels 3, 4 Ride, one hand behind back
Levels 5, 6 Ride one-footed
Levels 7, 8 Ride one-footed, weaker foot
Levels 9, 10 Ride one-footed, weaker foot, one hand behind back
If there are many players, divide into groups by skill level, allowing all the newer riders to play one round and the faster riders to play one round.
Comments:
This game was played at Unicon 11. It was a lot of fun. Since we didn’t do level adjustments, it was easier for the advanced riders, who quickly grabbed bandanas. It was good to have breaks in the action, too. During the safe times, people were able to slow down and relax, making the game more fun and less intense.
Contact: Carol McLean, unicyclecentral@hotmail.com