Unicon XII in Japan, July 23-Aug 8, 2004

Breakfast in the cafeteria the first morning.

2009-02-21T17:09:21Z

Nathan Hoover
Breakfast in the cafeteria the first morning.

Let's pump up these tires and get out riding!

2009-06-05T09:05:13Z

Nathan Hoover
Let's pump up these tires and get out riding!

First ride: a mile or so over to the National Stadium for the opening ceremony.

2009-02-21T17:09:01Z

Nathan Hoover
First ride: a mile or so over to the National Stadium for the opening ceremony.

Opening Ceremony. Japan on right, then USA, UK, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Israel, Germany etc.

2009-06-05T09:06:35Z

Nathan Hoover
Opening Ceremony. Japan on right, then USA, UK, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Israel, Germany etc.

Close-up. Foss photographing as usual

2009-02-21T17:09:55Z

Nathan Hoover
Close-up. Foss photographing as usual

Group Freestyle competition. I liked these costumes

2009-06-05T08:58:16Z

Nathan Hoover
Group Freestyle competition. I liked these costumes

Another Japanese Group act

2009-06-05T09:08:07Z

Nathan Hoover
Another Japanese Group act

Lots of speculation about the rider on the left. He was the lone guy in a large group of girls but wore a sort of skirt and pink hat...

2009-06-05T08:56:52Z

Nathan Hoover
Lots of speculation about the rider on the left. He was the lone guy in a large group of girls but wore a sort of skirt and pink hat...

More Japanese Group routines - 38 groups in all!

2009-02-21T17:06:57Z

Nathan Hoover
More Japanese Group routines - 38 groups in all!

Beau and Nathan leaving the stadium after a marathon of watching amazing group routines

2009-06-05T09:10:42Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau and Nathan leaving the stadium after a marathon of watching amazing group routines

Trey and Beau in Shibuya the first night

2009-06-05T08:57:15Z

Nathan Hoover
Trey and Beau in Shibuya the first night

Shibuya at night

2009-06-05T09:01:40Z

Nathan Hoover
Shibuya at night

One of many awesome dinners. With John Hooten

2009-06-05T09:00:21Z

Nathan Hoover
One of many awesome dinners. With John Hooten

Yoggi's Trials cycle with drilled out rim. He dropped 4 meters 6 times on it.

2009-06-05T09:05:58Z

Nathan Hoover
Yoggi's Trials cycle with drilled out rim. He dropped 4 meters 6 times on it.

Beau and Trey practicing kick-up mounts in the gym

2009-06-05T20:09:02Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau and Trey practicing kick-up mounts in the gym

Debbie Hyder's Team Australia (with 3 American imports: Trey, Jess and Beau)

2009-06-05T13:10:16Z

Nathan Hoover
Debbie Hyder's Team Australia (with 3 American imports: Trey, Jess and Beau)

Jess goes for a shot

2009-06-05T12:29:25Z

Nathan Hoover
Jess goes for a shot

Playing against much larger and very skillful opponents

2009-06-05T09:14:27Z

Nathan Hoover
Playing against much larger and very skillful opponents

Jack Hughes chases the puck - Team Troopizi lives again!

2009-02-21T17:08:02Z

Nathan Hoover
Jack Hughes chases the puck - Team Troopizi lives again!

Beau and Trey ready for Unicycle Hockey

2009-02-21T17:11:28Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau and Trey ready for Unicycle Hockey

Team Troopizi after a game

2009-06-05T14:45:25Z

Nathan Hoover
Team Troopizi after a game

Beau on the move

2009-06-05T09:03:01Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau on the move

Team Troopizi with the Swiss Power Team - yes they are powerful

2009-06-05T09:10:19Z

Nathan Hoover
Team Troopizi with the Swiss Power Team - yes they are powerful

Beau and Jack say: 'GETS!!!!' (you had to be there)

2009-06-05T09:19:06Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau and Jack say: 'GETS!!!!' (you had to be there)

On the bus at 6am to Fujimi, for a day of Muni and Trials

2009-06-05T09:14:58Z

Nathan Hoover
On the bus at 6am to Fujimi, for a day of Muni and Trials

Trey, Beau and Nathan after the Cross Country Race (Beau won the under 15 race)

2009-06-05T09:22:26Z

Nathan Hoover
Trey, Beau and Nathan after the Cross Country Race (Beau won the under 15 race)

Jack and others in one of the Uphill Race heats

2009-06-05T09:05:42Z

Nathan Hoover
Jack and others in one of the Uphill Race heats

Heat 4 of the Uphill race about to start

2009-06-05T08:56:41Z

Nathan Hoover
Heat 4 of the Uphill race about to start

Beau and Nathan after the Downhill race 0.8 seconds apart, both winning age group bronze medals

2009-06-05T08:56:13Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau and Nathan after the Downhill race 0.8 seconds apart, both winning age group bronze medals

Yoggi in the Trials Comp - Later Lars was injured on this section

2009-06-05T09:12:12Z

Nathan Hoover
Yoggi in the Trials Comp - Later Lars was injured on this section

Jess bouncing over the big tires

2009-06-05T08:56:53Z

Nathan Hoover
Jess bouncing over the big tires

Yoggi gets it first try and is photographed by a cell phone

2009-06-05T09:42:29Z

Nathan Hoover
Yoggi gets it first try and is photographed by a cell phone

Zack makes it look easy - he ended up winning the competition

2009-06-05T09:17:36Z

Nathan Hoover
Zack makes it look easy - he ended up winning the competition

Zack bags this section in 3 seconds. Ground to here, pedal grab on top, to rubber, down.

2009-06-05T09:00:20Z

Nathan Hoover
Zack bags this section in 3 seconds. Ground to here, pedal grab on top, to rubber, down.

ack on a hard section. After landing this bouncy tire, you have to turn right and gap a long way

2009-06-05T09:20:12Z

Nathan Hoover
ack on a hard section. After landing this bouncy tire, you have to turn right and gap a long way

Jack going up over the big spool

2009-06-05T09:14:26Z

Nathan Hoover
Jack going up over the big spool

The grinding rail

2009-06-05T09:11:11Z

Nathan Hoover
The grinding rail

The scene from the shade where many spectators sat

2009-06-05T09:14:32Z

Nathan Hoover
The scene from the shade where many spectators sat

Injured Lars about to take off for 16 stiches

2009-06-05T09:01:21Z

Nathan Hoover
Injured Lars about to take off for 16 stiches

Some of the buses getting ready for the Marathon

2009-06-05T12:49:32Z

Nathan Hoover
Some of the buses getting ready for the Marathon

The Unlimited 10km race. Most riders are on 24 inch wheels with VERY short cranks. Few cokers.

2009-02-21T17:10:15Z

Nathan Hoover
The Unlimited 10km race. Most riders are on 24 inch wheels with VERY short cranks. Few cokers.

And we're off. Temperature: Hot. Humidity: Very wet. But at least the rain stopped momentarily

2009-02-21T17:10:16Z

Nathan Hoover
And we're off. Temperature: Hot. Humidity: Very wet. But at least the rain stopped momentarily

ESPN interview after the race. They covered the Muni events the day before too.

2009-06-05T09:06:27Z

Nathan Hoover
ESPN interview after the race. They covered the Muni events the day before too.

'Standard' 10km race. I can't imagine a worse race - the Wrong cycles for the distance

2009-06-05T09:03:14Z

Nathan Hoover
'Standard' 10km race. I can't imagine a worse race - the Wrong cycles for the distance

Sato-san and his AWESOME shaved-ice maker. He saved the day with this machine.

2009-02-21T17:10:14Z

Nathan Hoover
Sato-san and his AWESOME shaved-ice maker. He saved the day with this machine.

'Standard' 10km race.The amazing thing is Roger racing after just taking 2nd in the real race!

2009-06-05T09:02:38Z

Nathan Hoover
'Standard' 10km race.The amazing thing is Roger racing after just taking 2nd in the real race!

Instead of watching gliding/coasting in the rain, we visitBeau's birthplace.

2009-06-05T20:28:01Z

Nathan Hoover
Instead of watching gliding/coasting in the rain, we visitBeau's birthplace.

Trey and Beau gain 3 wheels each for a drive around the park

2009-06-05T09:19:00Z

Nathan Hoover
Trey and Beau gain 3 wheels each for a drive around the park

6am scene at Tsukiji, the world's largest fish market

2009-06-05T09:06:43Z

Nathan Hoover
6am scene at Tsukiji, the world's largest fish market

The largest tuna sell for $14,000.

2009-06-05T09:12:51Z

Nathan Hoover
The largest tuna sell for $14,000.

The Great Buddha at Kamakura

2009-06-05T09:23:48Z

Nathan Hoover
The Great Buddha at Kamakura

Many Jizo statues at the Kannon temple near Kamakura

2009-06-05T09:21:59Z

Nathan Hoover
Many Jizo statues at the Kannon temple near Kamakura

Andy likes bamboo forests

2009-02-21T17:08:45Z

Nathan Hoover
Andy likes bamboo forests

Nathan likes the beach - at Hase

2009-02-21T17:08:44Z

Nathan Hoover
Nathan likes the beach - at Hase

Karl getting busted by the lifeguard for going in deeper than his knees (due to Typhoon)

2009-06-05T09:00:15Z

Nathan Hoover
Karl getting busted by the lifeguard for going in deeper than his knees (due to Typhoon)

Darth Maul's dual Light Saber at a store in Akihabara. A steal at US$750.

2009-06-05T09:16:16Z

Nathan Hoover
Darth Maul's dual Light Saber at a store in Akihabara. A steal at US$750.

Last day of the convention: Basketball semi-final game

2009-06-05T09:06:24Z

Nathan Hoover
Last day of the convention: Basketball semi-final game

The Basketball final: Denmark vs defending champions Puerto Rico

2009-06-05T08:56:02Z

Nathan Hoover
The Basketball final: Denmark vs defending champions Puerto Rico

Javier Ruiz scores again

2009-06-05T09:10:42Z

Nathan Hoover
Javier Ruiz scores again

Final score - Denmark deserves huge credit for scoring 20 points against such an amazing team

2009-02-21T17:07:52Z

Nathan Hoover
Final score - Denmark deserves huge credit for scoring 20 points against such an amazing team

The Danes and the Puerto Ricans after the final game

2009-06-05T09:09:59Z

Nathan Hoover
The Danes and the Puerto Ricans after the final game

Standard Skills champion (2 times running) Irene Genelin makes it look easy

2009-06-05T15:04:42Z

Nathan Hoover
Standard Skills champion (2 times running) Irene Genelin makes it look easy

The new Trials Champion, 15 year old Zack Baldwin from California

2009-02-21T17:09:22Z

Nathan Hoover
The new Trials Champion, 15 year old Zack Baldwin from California

Beau with his grandmother and friend Watanabe-san with his Cross Country Gold medal

2009-06-05T09:12:28Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau with his grandmother and friend Watanabe-san with his Cross Country Gold medal

The incomparable Ozzie Simon Wells. He reprised his amazing artistic routine outdoors

2009-06-05T09:10:06Z

Nathan Hoover
The incomparable Ozzie Simon Wells. He reprised his amazing artistic routine outdoors

...a lycra-clad long-haired wildman (my highest compliment)

2009-02-21T17:10:14Z

Nathan Hoover
...a lycra-clad long-haired wildman (my highest compliment)

Check out his left big toe!

2009-06-05T09:04:04Z

Nathan Hoover
Check out his left big toe!

Beau and Trey with two of their new friends at the Farewell Party.

2009-02-21T17:03:03Z

Nathan Hoover
Beau and Trey with two of their new friends at the Farewell Party.

With Kimura-sensei, the choreographer responsible for the mind-boggling level of Japanese Unicyc

2009-06-05T09:13:30Z

Nathan Hoover
With Kimura-sensei, the choreographer responsible for the mind-boggling level of Japanese Unicyc

Sayaka Kan gave Beau a beautiful yukata to wear. She is a one-wheeled goddess

2009-06-05T09:08:31Z

Nathan Hoover
Sayaka Kan gave Beau a beautiful yukata to wear. She is a one-wheeled goddess

Sayaka on the left, Noriko her mother on the right. Saying 'See you in Switzerland!'

2009-06-05T08:57:47Z

Nathan Hoover
Sayaka on the left, Noriko her mother on the right. Saying 'See you in Switzerland!'

3 guys with pony tails and beards. Pick any two for a job in the next big budget Samurai movie.

2009-06-05T09:14:24Z

Nathan Hoover
3 guys with pony tails and beards. Pick any two for a job in the next big budget Samurai movie.

After-party outdoor playing around: John Foss

2009-06-05T09:20:26Z

Nathan Hoover
After-party outdoor playing around: John Foss

Julien Monney

2009-06-05T09:07:44Z

Nathan Hoover
Julien Monney

Javier Ruiz

2009-02-21T17:09:10Z

Nathan Hoover
Javier Ruiz

And Steve Dressler having a fantastic wonderful time. 'It's ok to drink too much every 2 years'

2009-06-05T09:21:30Z

Nathan Hoover
And Steve Dressler having a fantastic wonderful time. 'It's ok to drink too much every 2 years'

First of many wonderful meals with the Ikeno family in Kyoto

2009-06-05T09:03:54Z

Nathan Hoover
First of many wonderful meals with the Ikeno family in Kyoto

Ouch! Getting up at 4:15am and packing the car for a trip to the Japan Alps

2009-06-05T09:15:30Z

Nathan Hoover
Ouch! Getting up at 4:15am and packing the car for a trip to the Japan Alps

4:45am - all is fun and games in the car: Trey, Kenji and Beau

2009-06-05T20:04:20Z

Nathan Hoover
4:45am - all is fun and games in the car: Trey, Kenji and Beau

A little later: Trey, Kenji and Beau

2009-02-21T17:09:26Z

Nathan Hoover
A little later: Trey, Kenji and Beau

By 11am, we are in beautiful Kamikochi, elevation 4,920'

2009-06-05T09:07:25Z

Nathan Hoover
By 11am, we are in beautiful Kamikochi, elevation 4,920'

Afternoon break on the hike the first day

2009-06-05T08:54:07Z

Nathan Hoover
Afternoon break on the hike the first day

Crossing another bridge

2009-06-05T09:11:41Z

Nathan Hoover
Crossing another bridge

And another one

2009-06-05T09:03:08Z

Nathan Hoover
And another one

View from the deck at the Karasawa hut - many people opt to camp. Elevation 7,710'

2009-06-05T09:12:38Z

Nathan Hoover
View from the deck at the Karasawa hut - many people opt to camp. Elevation 7,710'

The good thing about mountain huts is that they sell beer!

2009-06-05T09:00:22Z

Nathan Hoover
The good thing about mountain huts is that they sell beer!

Contrary to how Trey's face looks, he and Beau loved the Oden after a 17km hike with lots of up

2009-02-21T17:08:03Z

Nathan Hoover
Contrary to how Trey's face looks, he and Beau loved the Oden after a 17km hike with lots of up

Hanging out in the evening by the hut. Slippers on snow.

2009-06-05T09:30:19Z

Nathan Hoover
Hanging out in the evening by the hut. Slippers on snow.

Preparing the soup course for dinner

2009-02-21T17:10:31Z

Nathan Hoover
Preparing the soup course for dinner

Preparing sushi by flashlight

2009-06-05T09:16:15Z

Nathan Hoover
Preparing sushi by flashlight

Another good thing about mountain huts: you can sleep very comfortably

2009-06-05T14:21:03Z

Nathan Hoover
Another good thing about mountain huts: you can sleep very comfortably

2nd day: view way back down to the hut while climbing Hotaka-dake

2009-06-05T09:15:57Z

Nathan Hoover
2nd day: view way back down to the hut while climbing Hotaka-dake

View from Hotaka-sanso at 9,750' back to the hut - Megumi visible climbing up the trail

2009-06-05T09:12:00Z

Nathan Hoover
View from Hotaka-sanso at 9,750' back to the hut - Megumi visible climbing up the trail

Looking up to near the summit of Hotaka-dake

2009-06-05T20:16:16Z

Nathan Hoover
Looking up to near the summit of Hotaka-dake

Trey and Beau atop Hotaka-Dake, elevation 10,466'

2009-06-05T20:37:16Z

Nathan Hoover
Trey and Beau atop Hotaka-Dake, elevation 10,466'

The view over a mile down to Kamikochi

2009-02-21T17:06:10Z

Nathan Hoover
The view over a mile down to Kamikochi

Close up of a distant Mt Fuji (12,388')

2009-06-05T09:22:49Z

Nathan Hoover
Close up of a distant Mt Fuji (12,388')

The view with Mt Fuji in the distance

2009-06-05T09:01:38Z

Nathan Hoover
The view with Mt Fuji in the distance

Group photo on the summit: Nathan, Megumi, Beau, Kenji, Masakazu and Trey

2009-06-05T09:02:05Z

Nathan Hoover
Group photo on the summit: Nathan, Megumi, Beau, Kenji, Masakazu and Trey

Must juggle on every summit!

2009-06-05T08:54:46Z

Nathan Hoover
Must juggle on every summit!