Community Spotlight: Bingen Unicyclist Shares Love for Unicycles, His Struggle for Sobriety, and the Joys of Learning Balance
Dalton Wake, poses with his Unicycle on Jewett St, in Bingen, Washington.
By Cole Goodwin
Dalton Wake, age 29 has had some struggles in his life.
But his unicycle has helped him find balance during even the toughest of times.
"In 5th grade, my Dad bought me this unicycle," said Dalton.
"Have you ever seen the guy that rides a Harley with the Santa Claus outfit? That's my Dad."
"This has been such a fun thing for me, said Dalton
"I've had a lot of struggles in my life, and it's been one thing that's helped me through so many of my struggles, and it definitely takes me to a new place and gets my mind off a lot of stupid stuff."
Dalton loves to share the joy of unicycling with others.
And teaching unicycling has allowed him to show his generosity. Over the years, he's given away several of his unicycles to his students, including the first ever one he got when he was a kid.
"I've lived here for 27 years," said Dalton "Over the course of 15 years or so, I've taught five or six people how to ride, and every time I do, I either go out and buy them one or give them one of my old ones."
Dalton said that he was glad to help bring some joy and levity to the community by giving them something different and fun to see.
Dalton can’t help but smile when he gets to ride.
On any given day, Dalton can be seen performing his balancing act as he cycles around Bingen and White Salmon, cycling from his Grandma Elise Wake's house in White Salmon to his Dad's house in Bingen and back again.
"I'm watching my Grandma's house," said Dalton "She raised me from the age of two until my parent's divorce when I was fourteen. She used to live in White Salmon, but she got really sick a few months back."
Despite his Grandma's illness and his recent struggles with addiction, he said he's trying to keep his chin up, and his face turned towards the sun.
"I've been sober for the last month and a half," said Dalton. "I've been struggling with methamphetamine since I was 19. And it's definitely not been easy."
Dalton had a message of hope for other people who may be struggling with addiction and sobriety.
"There are so many different outlets you can use," said Dalton, "including Unicycles; I mean, it might take a little bit longer to learn how to use this outlet, but it's a good thing to start with because it gets your brain wired right."
Unicycling has been a great outlet for Dalton, helping him boost his endorphins, get some exercise, and a new perspective on life.
"It's just been something that's so fun in my life," said Dalton. "I definitely enjoy it. It's taught me balance."
Things are turning around for him in love too.
"I met this girl on Tinder four years ago...I mean, like from day one, I knew she was the one, it was amazing, but the timing was off. It just never seemed to work out," said Dalton.
But it's finally working out.
"I've told her everything from the get-go. That girl saved my life."
It would seem that love, honesty, and unicycles heal all wounds.
Cycle on Dalton, CCC News wishes you the best of luck on your journey!
Dalton’s gotten pretty good at balancing on his unicycle while he takes a phone call.
Three Reasons to Try Unicycling
It's great exercise. It strengthens your core, your legs, boosts your endorphins. And it helps you find your balance.
You want to learn to ride a motorcycle or bike. Unicycles are a great training tool for learning to ride a motorcycle or a bike because it exercises similar muscle groups, keeps you fit, and helps you find your center of gravity.
It's unique and unusual. If you think it's fun to stand out in a crowd then unicycling is for you.
