A unicycle is a vehicle that is made of only one wheel, a saddle, and a pedal that allows it to be driven but controlled by body balance. Unicycles looks dangerous and unsafe upfront, since it lacks handles, that enable support, and the rider more control but is it really as dangerous as it seems? Definitely not, they are a good example of ‘do not judge a book by its cover’. Can you ride one? Or you want to own one instead, to help you get around things at a shorter time. Also, you might have already owner, done and have it packed away somewhere because you didn’t know how to ride it, here are free and safe steps to ride your unicycle.
Unicycles are actually saddled with a lot of advantages, such as better fit for small spaces, traffic jams or road block, they require less maintenance, they are almost as fast as a bicycle, they come in great colors too to fit our taste. Unicycles are good choices to catch up with time, instead of walking or getting locked up in a traffic.
Safe Places for Unicycle Coaching
A tennis court or outdoor concrete floor that is free stones, gravels. sharp objects etc and has no bumps or cracks. A firm handrail or fence is helpful.
A narrow hallway is also a good choice giving you balance and support with both walls.
The gym with a smooth wooden floors setting and a handrail about elbow height is almost just perfect.
Tips: Riding a unicycle properly, may take a few days or weeks to master the handrail grip depending on how fast a learner you are and how much time and commitment you put into learning it. It shouldn't be rushed, you may attempt new styles in the next couple of days such as - holding on with one hand. For a more desirable result, follow the tips below.
- Sit up straight, relaxed and your chest puffed up, and your bum stuck out the back
- Keep your weight on the seat.
- Avoid too much weight on the pedals else the unicycle will wobble
- Use a support to lean, but reduce needing it assistance as you go, replacing it with running your hand along the rail for extra balance.
- Practice going along the handrail at a fast-walk speed.
- When you reach the end of the handrail, just keep doing the things you have been doing beside the handrail and ride.
- Note: When the unicycle begins to fall, allow it. Stay on your feet and let it fall. you can have the seat replaced later.
- Continue to hold onto the handrail until you’ve practiced steps 1-4 at least three hours.
How To Ride A Unicycle
Mastering Mounting A Unicycle
To master how to ride a unicycle, entails a few steps, such as appropriate mounting technique, pedaling style, making steers and turns etc.
- Stand with both feet flat on the ground, legs apart.
- Pull the seat in place, that is astride your legs
- Walk forward and step on the pedal in the 4:00 position. Note: for the unicycle, it rolls away if you attempt to stand on the front pedal, step on to the lowest pedal instead and hold onto the handrail.
- As you step up the wheel will rotate 1/4-turn backwards, compared to a bicycle. Now on the seat, pedal backwards 1/4 and turn to get your feet horizontal, coming out of the dead spot where your cranks lie vertically.
- To make turns etc, point your knees / swivel your hips the way you want to go, as directions while pedaling slowly.
Rocking on A Unicycle
Rocking otherwise called idling is a useful basic skill most unicyclers like to practice and flaunt.
- Saddle at the right height (leg almost straight at the bottom of the stroke)
- Lots of weight on the bottom pedal, it does most of the work.
- Keep in mind, that this is a pendulum action, NOT riding back and forwards.
- Since your shoulders do not move forwards and backwards, you can use them to give balance guidance while learning.
