Interview: Michael Maxfield
Color of America? Red, white, blue! Color of the Giants? Orange! Color of San Francisco? Hot Pink! Wearing a Unitard! Way back when SFist self-interviewed, we shared a special San Francisco moment that has been repeated many a happy time since. Walking down the street we hear a happy chirping noise and then spot a man wearing a hot pink unitard and riding a unicycle, flapping his hands and exhorting people to be happy. Trust us, there is absolutely no better introduction for out of towners than to have a Pink Man spotting, and then to point out that no one else is even staring at him. We love this town!
We’re proud to say that we’ve finally managed to track down Pink Man! Next time you see him out pinking, you’ll know he is the friendliest unicycle rider out there. He’d probably even be willing to pose for pictures, just the thing to send to the folks back at home!
Why the Unitard?
I thought it would be a great base for a funky spaceman costume.
Why Pink?
It was the brightest color they had.
Why the Unicycle?
Why walk when you can fly?
Best interaction you've had with someone while dressed up?
So many. Uh, one night in Santa Monica a women called out "Pink Man I love you!" She gave me a nice warm, consequently embarrassing hug- (skin tight suit) and a Hundred dollar bill.
Worst interaction you've had while dressed up
Drive-by punch in the head in Beverly Hills.
Best location for riding a unicycle
Flat. 73 degrees. Friendly people.
Had a Pink Man sighting? Share it in the comments.
Introduce yourself in one sentence
Pink Man is from the 13th dimension, dimension mmmm. He's here mostly to enjoy himself and to spread the pink joy. If I tickle you pink, mission accomplished.
Age and Occupation Age
None of your business. I'm your Super Folkin' Hero.
Home Town
Besides dimension mmm? I'd have to say Leominster, MA, home of both Johnny Apple seed and the Pink Flamingo ornament. (originally designed and manufactured there.)
How much time have you spent in the Bay Area?
Off and on probably about seven years. Mostly dancing and singing on the one-wheel and dodging close-minded slurs.
Favorite website
www.pinkman.net
Favorite local business
Couchsurfing.com
What I'm currently Reading
The Infinite Way by Joel Goldsmith
Best Deal in San Francisco
I like the BART
Favorite mode of transportation
Unicycle with BART
Best Band or Musician to come out of the Bay Area
I like Green Day
Favorite local hangout
For riding, I think Haight Street
SF has the BEST:
Mexicans
You've never lived in SF until:
I got tired of Leominster
Favorite Bay area politician of past or present:
Gavin Newsom
Now that Gavin Newsom is single, who are you going to set him up with?
Parker Posie
You can tell someone is a local here IF:
They don't balk at Pink Man
SF would be soooo much better if only:
There weren't as many hills.
Best Burrito:
Roasted Chicken with good veggies, for where, go to the Mission of course.
Best Restaurant:
I can't afford to eat out all that often, so I'm not a good one to ask.
Best movie scene filmed in or about SF:
Bullitt
Best thing to do in the city in the summer:
Go to the bars on Valencia
Place you always tell visitors to check out:
Golden Gate park
Favorite Bridge in the area:
Golden Gate
You have two hours and $15 bucks to kill in SF, what are you going to do?
Maybe get high and dance on the wheel.
I have found/sold/bought the following on craigslist:
Used unicycles.
I want all the SFists out there to know:
They can donate to their favorite Superhero with Paypal on my website.
Tell us a San Francisco Story:
Once upon a time, I was pinking on Valencia on a Saturday night. I gave this cute girl a ride on my shoulders on the wheel. Afterwards her and her entourage found me and put me in a cab and took me to a great party. Good drink,good time.