Unicycle - Tips for the Beginner and Things Importante'

Hi one and all - thought I would pop this on line as these few things I have discovered in my uni practice sessions have made a world of difference to my competence and move into enjoying the riding I do as opposed to a constant battle with the one wheeled beast.

To follow are just a couple of hints and tips that have helped me to become free from the dreaded wall and get out onto the open road.

I know you guys and girls don't want a load of bla bla and waffle but I do just want to say that nothing here is in any way meant to disrespect those great folks on Youtube and other resources that  helped me so much when I decided to to take up unicycling - Megan Rouch and good ole Unigeezer to name just two (my hero's).

The thing is this  - I have found that tutorials by really great riders can miss the subtle things that really slow ya progress - only because - when ya know how to do something - wellllll ya just kinda do it, not think so much - you know what I mean.

OK, off we go.

Oh yeah!!! - no laughing at what I am wearing and the dodgy duds, plus the look of an old Quasimodod - it was cold, I need a shave and I suffer from extreme spontaneity - meaning when I get an urge I just gotta do it or try it - - jeez I look like the fella off SAW - just before he dies - ho hum. 

Step 1: OK - -

Most of this instructable centers around the picture you see and how much progress ya can make by buying/using an adjustable walking pole/stick.

Try the usual practice to get ya started against a wall,fence or many of the other tutorial methods, they all work great - but if you keep finding ya just cannot master free mounting or want to be riding and enjoying doing so without needing to be near a wall or curb this little fella will SET YOU FREE - no really - you'll see.

Practice mounting with the stick and soon you will be hopping up onto cycles large or small (36ers maybe not - dunno) - your just one step away from free mounting and your confidence will take such a boost.

Unicycling is a crazy sport - what other is easier to do (riding) but mounting sooo bloomin frustrating - the stick gives you a starting point no matter where you are - no curbs, no walls and once ya get the hang of it no one else needed for that helping hand - - off ya go - as far as you want - you can step on and off as many times as ya need, get right back on again and be on your way - once your doing this the distance you cover will grow really quickly - once your riding and starting to enjoy it ya wonder what all the fuss was about and anything else (mounting,going up and down curbs etc etc) is just other stuff to try out and practice - your riding - your doing it .

Following on from above - your probably thinking "riding while holding a cane is hard" - nope! and it has other benefits - you'll see.

Get sore nuts when practicing - mount up with the cane - be stable - arrange yourself - - ok lets go.

Put your pedals in a good starting position - mount up - take your time.

A truly brill thing about this aid that might mean ya decide to keep it no matter how good you become is - - your riding along, come to a point where ya want to stop (road junction,have a rest,look at something,talk to someone) - you can slow right down - put the stick back onto the road/floor and just stop! and stand - no need to idle, that will come, no need to put your feet down unless you want to - plus if you do want to dismount and your not really happy about that part yet, you are stopped,stable and in control.

Step 2: Push Off!

There are few times in life when to be off balance or leaning forward is a good thing but unicycling has that as part of it's necessity.
To get yourself going from a static position (untill ya can do those fancy mounts etc) is tricky - - aha! but now with the staff of power your task young jedi is just a tad easier.
Check out the different pictures (no giggling at the back - mocking the afflicted is rude) and you will see that by using an adjustable walking cane or pole you can dial just the right angle for pushing off - when your starting out I know how weird leaning forward over one wheel is, no matter how large or small your uni is.
This tool allows you to set up the degree needed to allow for you/me to put ourselves into a position where that first push off does not make us immediately crash and burn.
As you get better and can judge how your first thrust effects things you can dial the stick higher and start to ride off with much more poise.

Two things - when you push off - push/pedal - now I know you have seen the videos that say keep pedaling bla bla but it is not so easy, yes?. What I mean is - know where you need to push - learn the point that keeps you going but does not throw your balance, just pedaling can slip into panic - you are in control but your uni is trying to tell you how to ride, ya just gotta listen.

And - and this is important - videos will tell you to lean forward (more than we all thought - ok) what they don't mention is that you need to get upright and balanced pretty quickly - not in a panic but up and finding the sweet spot for proper distance.
The thing is this - we need to be off balance to push off but not to ride, that point is just a smidge off center - depending upon gradient - stay scrunched up and your gut (skinny or a lardy like me) gets in the way of your legs, until you get better and begin to ride off in a more upright position - you'll see.

Step 3: Looking Ahead

Looking - looking ahead is the single most important and bloomin hardest things to master - sounds easy but as many a good vid will tell ya - where you look is where you go - - and if your looking down well you know the rest.

Looking ahead is the thing that automatically puts your body in the right riding position - get your eyes up and you will be stepping off the uni a lot lot less - - but it is hard when your startin - I know brutha, I hear ya. Your worried about falling, making sure your feet are in the right position, wondering if you'll crash into stuff etc - the staff of power will put you right and keep you safe.
With practice you'll be mobile but if you can get that cane up in front of ya - comfy distance and balance - put it where you want to go and keep it there - look around, check stuff out but return to the tip of the stick, if ya look and see uneven ground ahead, ok slow down, deal with it, then eyes up.
I know I look like a plonker but when your doing it and riding, with folks saying how cool it is to be doing that and they never could - well it's worth it - - aaannnd when the kids are making funny noises or shouting at ya - keep looking, stay focused and you will keep on truckin and not fall, I promise, I promise.

Also - when you get used to this extra appendage you can of course - push in the button on the side of the cane while riding and retract the inner shaft into the outer, making the whole thing a lot smaller if you want.

Step 4: Lastly

And finally for now as your probably tired of my jabberin on.

Depending upon the staff etc you decide to use, when you get comfy with your riding and balance you can always hold the stick in a different position or even put into a device for holding it should that be preferable - be aware - if you fall off, step off or generally come a cropper will the place your keeping the cane smash you in the mouth or break a rib - just a thought.

This one tool has made soo much difference to my enjoyment and freedom - as always I hope you find these instructabites helpful - have fun.

Extra note - it is now 2020.
It has been a while since I was around - the old uni has gone to a new home and my new modified uni is being used, thought I would drop in a pik and some features.
Comfy saddle
Extra locking for the seat post to stop twisting
Floating handlebars
Custom brakes - yup side pulls, cos that's what I wanted
Wheel locking strap - for parking and back pack mode
Custom made back pack straps for travel by foot or bike

DZ