Unicycling is no longer just for the circus. It can now be considered a long-distance sport.Matthew Huber, geology graduate student, plans to ride his unicycle 105 miles from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on Saturday.”I want to prove to myself that I can make the distance,” Huber said. “This is going to be one of the most challenging physical activities that I’ve ever attempted. I’m prepared, and I’m capable. It’s a physical and mental challenge to me.”Huber said he anticipates his trip to take 16 hours at a cruising speed of 8 to 10 mph. He will leave the Louisiana State Capitol building at 5 a.m. and plans to end his ride at the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter.”When riding a unicycle, your legs have to stay in constant motion,” he said. “There’s no coasting like riding a bike.”Huber plans to take a break every 10 miles or so to relax, refuel and rest his knees. He said one of his biggest concerns, besides the passing cars, is his nutrition throughout the day.”I’m planning a big breakfast heavy in carbs, and I’m taking along snacks to eat [that are] high in carbs, salt and protein,” Huber said. “I’m going to be     concerned with staying hydrated.”Huber said his cycling backpack has a 3-liter bladder in it for water, and he plans to stop at gas stations to buy Gatorade.Kathryn Saichuk, wellness education coordinator, said Huber should wear protective gear in case of a fall or an accident with an automobile. “Hopefully he’s being supplied with water and nutrients [on his breaks] because he’ll be burning a lot of calories by peddling that type of distance,” Saichuk said. “If he does get exhausted, it could affect his balance and concentration, and he could take a spill.”Saichuk said dehydration can result in cramping leg and abdominal muscles, problems with kidney function, potassium problems and cardiac problems.Huber will be riding his newest unicycle, which cost him $400. This unicycle has a 36-inch wheel, handlebars, an odometer, a speedometer and a seat that hits Huber’s chest when standing.”I got a bigger unicycle to go faster and keep up with people who have bikes,” Huber said. Huber rides with Critical Mass, a local bicycling group. He said he was inspired to make his journey and train long distances when a bicyclist mentioned the route.Huber said the longest ride he has made was 70 miles from Bakersville, Calif., to Wasco, Calif., and back.”Most people who do long-distance unicycling have done long-distance biking before,” he said. “I haven’t.”Huber said a friend will drive to New Orleans to meet him after his epic journey, but he will be on his own during the actual ride.He said he doesn’t know if he’ll jump for joy when he finishes or if he’ll crash and run to bed right away. “I’ll probably have a nice beer,” he said.—–Contact Mary Walker Baus at [email protected]