Meet Downey's unicycle man

DOWNEY – Many might say that “two is better than one,” however Downey resident Kayvon Hoveyda might disagree.

While the sight of a man riding around on a unicycle might be reserved to the circus or sideshow, Hoveyda has made it commonplace for the City of Downey.

Hoveyda’s unicycling journey began during his high school years at Warren, however his inspiration to start riding on one wheel would probably surprise most.

“I saw a Sponge Bob episode where he was riding a unicycle to his boating school," said Hoveyda. "At the time I was still in high school. But I really started unicycling when I was a junior in high school. So the main reason I really got into unicycling was because of Sponge Bob. 

"I thought it was just so cool how he was riding a unicycle, and you know I’m really like – if I see something really cool and unique, I would really like to try it – I like trying new things. 
After purchasing his first unicycle, a 24 inch wheeler, Hoveyda practiced a few hours every day in his back alley. He said it took him about a week to start going short distances.

Now a seasoned unicycling veteran, Hoveyda rides a much bigger wheel, 36 inches, for much longer distances. 

“I’ve done some pretty long trips here and there,” said Hoveyda. “I would say my two longest trips was from my house, which is here in Downey, to Bolsa Chica and back. And if that wasn’t my longest I would say the Metro Green Line Station to Wilshire, Korea Town.”

However, most of Hoveyda’s rides are to Pico Rivera’s In-N-Out location where he works, and a portion of his route to Santa Monica College, where he studies chemical engineering. He does own a car, but admits that his 36 inch unicycle, custom ordered to be his favorite color of orange, is his primary source of travel. 

“It’s a great way to burn off the In-N-out in my stomach,” laughed Hoveyda. “I just love it because it burns off calories, [and] it’s really fun.”