Life: is good. Lots of unicycling when it isn't raining and disc golf with friends. BBQ's. Low-tide rides on the beach. Did I mention unicycling?
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I think it naturally progressed from cross-country mountain unicycling (off-road) October 2000 - met Andy Cotter after we finished the Mt Diablo challenge on unis and he invited me to do the EUT.
Unicycling:
  Summer 2001 - EUT 1,200 miles/3wks
  Sept. 2002 - CCC 500 miles/8 days
  Jan. 2003 - Tasmanian tour 700 miles/3wks
  Summer 2003 - NUT 600 miles/3wks
  Oct. 2004 - CCC 500 miles/8 days
  Aug. 2005 - AUT ?? Miles/3 weeks
Non-Unicycling: Eat, sleep, clean, it's a viscous cycle
Why go on the tour? To meet another culture and enjoy the beauty of traveling by cycle.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? To get in good shape while sharing a traveling experience w/other cyclists. Oh yeah, also lots of pictures.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? It's the non-verbal reactions which tell me the most about them.
Favorite Alps Stereotype: Yodeling
Favorite Alps food: Lederhosen beer
Favorite cheese: Where do the holes go when it melts?

Life: Besides helping organize and training for the tour I’m working at General Mills and taking care of my farm. All three are time consuming and if I manage them all correctly, I can still get enough sleep at night.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I have done several bike tours when attending college and found that I enjoyed that type of lifestyle. In 1999, I decided that I would organize my first unicycle tour across Minnesota, Unicycle Across Minnesota. Even though there was some rough times on that tour (and on every tour since), I found that unicycle touring is a great way to see the world.
Unicycling: Besides some coaching with the Hutchinson One Wheelers and the Twin Cities Unicycle Club, I have moved out of the artistic freestyle side of unicycling. I have been getting more into MUni and still play as much unicycle hockey as I can. Of course, I have unicycle touring on the brain.
Non-Unicycling: Travel, taking care of the farm, petting my dog, staying healthy, etc.
Why go on the tour? It would be a shame to spend all the time helping organize the tour and not participate on the tour. Also, I will be able to add Lichtenstein to my list of countries.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? An understanding and appreciation for the Alps.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? Aren’t there mountains in the Alps?
WebPage: AUT.UniTours.org
Favorite Alps Stereotype: Lush Alpine meadows with hikers wearing old German clothes using a wooden walking stick. Yodeling also comes to mind.
Favorite Alps food: Fondue. It isn't actually my favorite, it is the only thing I can think of.
Favorite cheese: Sharp and old.

Life: student at the University of Washington
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? It is the best way I can think of to get exercise and see new places.
Unicycling: I went on the UAM (Unicycle Across Minnesota) and NUT (Norwegian Unicycle Tour). I have been to two UNICONs (Seattle 2002 and Tokyo 2004) and earned first place for females in Standard Skill Competition at both. I have been to all of the National Unicycle Conventions since 1996 in Iowa. I also did my first 24-hour unicycle ride last May in Mansfield, Ontario.
Non-Unicycling: I am a runner, photographer, occasional climber and I am employed in the Undergraduate Advising Center on campus.
Why go on the tour? I have never been to Switzerland, Austria, Italy or Lichtenstein before. Going on this tour is one of the hardest things I can think of to do, and I know by doing it I will learn more about myself.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? I hope to enjoy a new country with a group of cyclists and learn about new cultures.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? Most people are surprised and then say something to the effect of, "There are some pretty big mountains there you know..."
WebPage: Unirene.TextAmerica.com
Favorite Alps Stereotype: I think of a blond girl with two pigtails, overalls and a horn. I also picture her being stronger than any man I have ever met.
Favorite Alps food: Goat cheese...?
Favorite cheese: Gouda

Life: I'm in middle school right now and I have lots of work. I like playing disc golf and being with my friends.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I like seeing lots of things and going lots of places. And I can spend more time with my dad.
Unicycling: I attended the last 3 Unicons and thoroughly enjoyed each one, especially China. In Japan last summer I won the under-14 Muni cross country world championship race. I'm looking forward to getting better at the BC wheel. I'm also looking forward to the next Unicons.
Non-Unicycling: Disc golf, disc golf, baby!
Why go on the tour? A superb way to see the Alps at their finest with friends.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Getting better at climbing - and endurance. And to eat lots of good food.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? That's really cool but I know you can do it.
Favorite Alps Stereotype: I don't think I have one
Favorite Alps food: Do they have seafood pasta there do you think?
Favorite cheese: X-tra sharp chedder

Life: I am a juggler. I'm juggling demanding work at my 7-year old software company, Movaris and being a husband, dad, and fun-hog.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I've been interested since I got my first Coker, but it was the Norweigan Unicycle Tour in 2003 that really showed me how fun long distance unicycling can be.
Unicycling: Muni starting in 1998 including a number of foreign trips and a couple of films. Coker since 1999, and my personal favorite unicycle activity is "Coker Muni". In 2004, I completed four 24 Hour Mountain Bike races on unicycle in four different countries. One of these was solo and the rest were fun team relays. In 2006, I plan to ride down Aconcagua in Argentina, 22834'.
Non-Unicycling: We've been playing disc golf, juggling, hiking and even watching "a couple" of movies. In 2004, I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and am looking forward to the next 20 years and the next 20 after that.
Why go on the tour? Switzerland is my favorite country in Europe and I love the mountains and I love riding in the mountains. How could I not go on the tour?
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Besides the obvious benefit of getting in KILLER shape, I'm hoping to see more of Switzerland at a great pace.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? Most people don't seem all that surprised - probably because they know about the other trips I've been going on.
WebPage: www.nhoover.com/
Favorite Alps Stereotype: Paying $100 to take a train up to he Eiger. I will be paying that money to a dour Swiss guy wearing lederhosen and one of those Swiss hats.
Favorite Alps food: All I remember from previous trips is that the beer is pretty good.
Favorite cheese: I don't think I'll meet a cheese in Switzerland that I don't like.

Life:  I do computer support as a government contractor for the US Army Corp of Engineers. When not unicycling, I'm sleeping. Is there really time for anything else with this training schedule? This spring/summer any additional time is spent keeping our yard looking good. During the colder months I try to build things. I like to take things apart and make them more usefull. I probably spent too much time watching MacGyver as a child.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? It was probably the straight enthusiasm from all the other Minnesota unicyclists that were on NUT.
Unicycling:
First Coker ride in May 2004.
100k day on Coker in Sept 2004.
Training for AUT. Working on freestyle and Muni as forms of cross training.
Why go on the tour? Because it sounds impossible and/or insane.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? A pair of Italian shoes.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT?
Uhm, you do know there are mountains in Switzerland don't you?
Uhm, isn't a unicycle one of those things with only one wheel?
hehe, your going to die!
WebPage: www.kimandjoe.com
Favorite Alps food: Fondue
Favorite cheese: Melted

Life: I currently work as an audiologist for a large Ear,Nose, and Throat clinic. Otherwise, life is mostly about unicycling!
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I have always wanted to run a marathan, but due to limitations (i.e. inability to run long distances) will never experience that. I feel that long distance unicycling will give me the great sense of pride and accomplishment one feels at the completion of a marathon. ...especially since this is not contained to one day!
Unicycling: I learned how to ride around 1993, and was quite active for a few years. Attended a couple of Nationals, and even competed. I then took a few years off, and didn't seriously start riding again until after my husband (Joe) had a serious interest in getting involved. I'm enjoying a completely different part of unicycling (when I left the sport, 24" were considered different). The 'unicycling gene' runs in my family, so I think I'll always be around it.
Non-Unicycling: Joe and I just purchased our first house, so most of the non-unicycling part of my life revolves around that. Also greatly enjoy reading, and would love to get book recommendations!
Why go on the tour? A great personal challenge ... resulting in a sense of pride and accomplishment I'll have with me the rest of my life. When I'm 102 with Alzheimers I may not remember my children, but I'm expecting to remember this trip.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Good memories, great friends. Getting into the best shape of my life (thus far). And some sheep-sighting wouldn't hurt!
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? 'Do you realize how hard its going to be BIKING up those mountains?' or 'You'll be off work HOW long???' or ' < silence > Oh.' (inability to process)
WebPage: www.kimandjoe.com
Favorite Alps Stereotype: The Sound of Music! Twirling around on the top of a lush mountain with birds singing and warm breezes blowing
Favorite Alps food: Yet to be determined... Swiss chocolate, perhaps?
Favorite cheese: Gruyere

Life: I work in a hospital making sick people better. When I'm not working, I'm either MTBking, unicycling, roadbiking, running....or wasting time on the internet, posting useless rubbish on RSU
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I come from a mountain biking background, so feel obliged to ride twice the distance on half the wheels.
Unicycling:
Past and present:
-learned to unicycle 2000
-rode up the Worlds Steepest Street 2001
-Graduated Uni on my Uni in 2001
-Broke my ankle unicycling in Nepal 2002, got carted out on horseback and my ankle screwed back together in Kathmandu
-Hiked around the Iceland on crutches after breaking my ankle.
-Rode my first 24hr solo mountainbike event
-Rode my first Century 100miles around Lake Taupo 2003
-Rode across Vietnam and Cambodia to raise money for charity 2004
-Attended my first Unicon 2004
Future:
-The ALPS UNITOUR!!!!!!
-The 24hr and Century records
-More races, more places, more faces to do/see/meet
Why go on the tour? Unicycling is the only way to travel
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Fame and fortune. But the opportunity to ride with cool people in awesome places will be just fine.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? You're doing what?
WebPage: www.AdventureUnicyclist.com
Favorite Alps Stereotype: Euro Roadie cyclist types grinding up the alps, to the sound of cheering fans.
Favorite Alps food: Dunno- haven't tried any yet
Favorite cheese: I like all cheeses, especially the smelly ones

Life: I work with computers and software and seek challenges to keep it stimulating. When not working I spend time with my wife, two cats, and doing my many hobbies.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? Seeing a Coker and how much distance it can cover.
Unicycling: Did a lot of Muni and Full moon Muni rides in addition to a bunch of 24 hour events. I also commute to work on unicycle whenever the light permits it. The Tasmanian Unicycle Tour was challenging and fun.
Non-Unicycling: Robotics (electronics, programming, mechanics, etc.), machining, RC planes and helicopters, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (similar to Judo with less rules), and “normal” cycling
Why go on the tour? Cool way to see new places, nice people to hang out with, challenging, and one of those things that you will never forget.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Have fun.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? “WOW!”, “that is crazy”, “are you serious?”
WebPage: community.webshots.com/user/curriedgoat
Favorite Alps Stereotype: Those outfits with the suspenders
Favorite Alps food: I will have to figure out firsthand
Favorite cheese: Goat Cheese

Life: I'm a pianist and I compose music for theater, dance, and film, and write fiction and non-fiction as well. I'm the resident composer for The Paper Bag Players (A children's theater company) and Music Director of Ariane Anthony & Company (modern dance).
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? In 2000, I stumbled onto the website of Unicycle.com, and found the page with the early Cokers. I've been hooked ever since buying my first Coker and 29" Sem.
Unicycling: I took part in the EUT and NUT and loved virtually every second of those amazing tours (perhaps with the exception of a nasty fall in the South of France). I've been riding since the age of 9 or 10 (=25 years) and have always used unis for my commutes, whether in the city, college, or when I lived in England and France for a year each. I lost interest in perfecting skills and tricks a while back, but will never stop riding for exercise, fun, and the challenge and thrill of long distance tours. I'm also proud to be part of a unicycling family (brother, niece, and wife).
Non-Unicycling: I love travel, books, movies, dancing, classical music, and cats (not necessarily in that order). I enjoy good food (mainly bagels and strawberries), good pastries, good gelato, and good chocolate. Not a big fan of eggs and fish.
Why go on the tour? From experience, tours organized by this group are the perfect blend of college, camp, and sight seeing. The camaraderie is a chief draw, along with the challenge, the scenery, and the opportunity to make new friendships on the tour and along the way. Worldwide celebrity doesn't hurt, either.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? See the Alps in a new way, bond with good people from Minnesota and elsewhere, lose some baby fat, lightly bronze my flesh, take home countless memories.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? "What?! The Alps?! That's not possible. Not even Superman could do that, provided he could ride a unicycle."
WebPage: www.ArianeAnthony.org also www.kunstderfuge.com/theory/stone/library.htm#Stone
Favorite Alps Stereotype: All Alps are well-adjusted, friendly, and tidy mountains. Everyone knows that is just tourist brochure propaganda.
Favorite Alps food: Snow sausages
Favorite cheese: Non-pasteurized mountain goat or hoary marmot cheese.

Life: Work and unicycling - as usual.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? Riding in UAM was a life-altering experience. I swore never to do a long-distance uni tour again. I also discovered that I enjoyed supporting the riders.
Unicycling: TCUC President, IUF President, attending unicycling events world-wide (regional, national, international).
Non-Unicycling: All relates back to unicycling somehow!
Why go on the tour? See the Alps up close and personal. Best way to experience the culture of an area by travelling with a unicycle tour.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Hope to have a car that doesn't break down at all.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? My boss just sighs. Others ask me ahead of time where my next trip is.
Favorite Alps food: wine & cheese (in that order)
Favorite cheese: smoked gouda, gorgonzola
Mode of Support: Driving the support vehicle

Life: I work in web production at Target.com. I'm also an artist and photographer, and I spend any free moment outside of that doing "computer stuff."
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? I always wanted to do long distance riding, and when I was in high school had trained to do so, but unfortunately a week before the one big ride I had planned I broke my thumb when my bicycle hit a big rock.
Unicycling: I learned to unicycle about 3 years ago, which was inspired by all the unicyclist I was meeting at the time. I have been to 2 national conventions and I am more interested in trying to compete in the Track and Field events at the next nationals I go to (which won't be until next year). I am also the historian for Twin Cities Unicycle club.
Non-Unicycling: Photography, art, design, my kitties, flash, dancing, blogging, comic books, cooking, eating.
Why go on the tour? It's a great way to travel and see some places I've never seen.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? Lots of freaking awesome pictures!
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? Wow! That's so cool? Wait. You're cycling across?!
WebPage: grippingImage.com
What is your favorite animal? pigs(including similar animals, such as guinea pigs and pugs) and cute black cats.
Favorite Alps food: I'll let you know once I've tried them all.
Favorite cheese: Feta, Goat cheese, provolone, and sharp cheddar. Mmmmm, cheese. I need to find some Lactaid now.
Mode of Support: Bicycling with the unicyclists

Life: I am currently working at Medtronic and studying a lot to finish my masters. In my free time I enjoy time at the cabin and long, romantic walks on the beach or in the mountains.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? Nothing has triggered it yet, that’s why I’m on the support team.
Unicycling: I am a 9 time world champion but now I’m content with a few practices here and there.
Non-Unicycling: I enjoy traveling, nature and time with friends.
Why go on the tour? The first tour was too much fun to miss another one.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? New friends and good laughs.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? They say I’m very lucky but crazy for using all my vacation on one trip.
Favorite Alps Stereotype: The Swiss Speedo Team
Favorite Alps food: Fondue
Favorite cheese: Vacherin Mont d'Or-I don’t know, it looks interesting
Mode of Support: Hanging out in the support vehicle

Life: I work at an independent testing lab, breaking stuff.
What triggered your interest in long distance unicycling? The people I am traveling with and the interesting perspective traveling on a unicycle gives. But I am not all that interested in sitting on a seat that long.
Unicycling: Crossed over to the dark side from juggling and enjoyed the people and all the different activities and traveling involved in unicycling.
Non-Unicycling: Occasionally windsurfing on the lakes around the Twin Cities and when the water is hard, snowboarding and skiing.
Why go on the tour? Never done anything like it before.
What do you hope to get out of the tour? A great time and good stories.
What do people say when you tell them you are going on the AUT? "You're doing what???"
Favorite Alps Stereotype: Rieee-coaa-laaaaa
Favorite Alps food: To be determined
Favorite cheese: American Swiss mix
Mode of Support: Bicycling with the riders and laughing at the Unicyclers as I am costing down the hills.