DeKALB | One is the loneliest number to many people, but not to Derek “The Unicycle Guy” Weider.

Since his arrival on campus last September, Weider has gained publicity and popularity for his unique choice of transportation: the unicycle. But why one wheel, and not two?

“[Unicycles] are a lot more fun to ride,” Weider said. “And, you have a lot more control with a unicycle than a bike.”

Easily identified by his gigantic hair and constant smile, Weider rolled onto campus and into the hearts of those around him. Fellow students have taken notice of Weider’s special talent – many trying it themselves.

“He’s talented and he’s got guts. I tried the unicycle thing once, and I can’t do it,” said Gilbert Lloyd, a freshman computer science major.

Weider has even taken it upon himself to teach his skills to the students on his floor in Grant Tower B. For anyone interested in picking up the crafty hobby, Weider has some advice.

“Just keep trying; you’re not going to pick it up very fast,” Weider said. “I think riding a unicycle has more of a learning curve than riding a bike.”

Though he has overcome the obstacle of learning how to ride the unicycle, Weider is faced with another: the weather. With winter still in full effect and snow still on the ground, several students have shown concern for his reckless abandon in the frigid temperatures.

“I’ve seen him riding around in the winter, and I get a little scared for the guy because of the ice,” said Patrick Rozum, a junior business administration major.

Weider admits he will continue to ride despite what the calendar reads.

He also admits that, aside from people honking their horns at him every now and then, the feedback has been mostly positive.

Such a distinguishable talent has led to comparisons to another campus celebrity: Bike Man. Known for his eccentric tweaking of an everyday bicycle, including the application of rims and a boom box, Chris “Bike Man” Daniels graduated this past December, leaving the status of “campus celebrity student” up for grabs. Weider, however, has no plans on picking up where Daniels left off.

“I don’t want to be intruding on Bike Man’s ride,” Weider said. “I don’t want to encroach on his territory.”

Even though there are no red-laser rims or stereo speakers in his future, Weider admits that the comparisons are inevitable. Still, he takes it all in stride, even if his motives aren’t based on celebrity.

“Part of the reason I’m doing it is to see everybody’s looks and stuff,” Weider said. “The main reason I’m doing it is because it’s so much fun.”