Who invented Kick-up mount? I asked John Foss (unifoss), present IUF
President and many times World Champion in both artistic and Racing on
unicycles. John credited Daniel Dumeng from Puerto Rico.
I found Daniel, who now lives in NYC, and asked him about the origin of the
kick-up mount. He credited Jack Halpern, also known to all of you thru this
Mailing List.
During UNICON VII, at Minneapolis, I asked Jack Halpern. He credited Daniel
Dumeng. I told him Daniel credited him. Apparently, Jack thought of the idea,
but had not been able to do it. During a convention he asked Daniel to try
it, and after some minor adjustments on the positions of the pedals, Daniel
was able to master it.
I hope that Jack will write something on the genesis of this great trick on
the near future.
Daniel Dumeng is the first rider from Puerto Rico to be internationally
recognized. His father started organized unicycling in Puerto Rico around
1969. Daniel was an outstanding artistic rider, a good fast rider and a few
years ago may have been the best basketball on unicycle player on the world.
Although he is retired, he still is only around 30, so I hope he makes a
comeback.
Jack Halpern wrires often to the list. He was President of the IUF for many
years. An accomplished rider himself. Older than Daniel. Always beats me on
the Master's category.
Somebody else thought of the idea of a two-wheeler, but Jack was the first
one to do it. With kick-up mount, Jack designed the idea, but coulsn't do it,
until he gave the idea to Daniel. Afterwards, Jack learned the trick. That is
how important communication is.