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MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
I recently got my grubby little hands on a unicycle. Woo, except I'm rather rubbish. So far I have:



fallen off lots

fallen off lots more and worked out that if I grab the seat, the uni doesn't clatter to the ground

managed ride forward somewhat unsteadily, furthest being about 15 metres

managed twice to stop and ride backwards for a couple of revolutions before falling off

idle (more by luck than anything else) for a couple of seconds

bruised my shins lots trying to mount the damn thing

fallen off some more

learnt that a 2 x 1.5 metre patio isn't the ideal place to try to learn



Given the lack of space (meaning I can't really practice going forwards smoothly, as I run out of space before I get going), what is best to attempt to learn next? Idling or mounting?



J

EDITED_BY: MrConfused (1110309471)

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


SkulduggeryGOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales


Posted:
I feel lost without handle bars to cling onto.

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
thats what the seat is for, try learning to ride holding the seat with one hand, you will find an element of control!

Devilstick_RussellBRONZE Member
I like devilstick...
196 posts
Location: Falmouth, United Kingdom


Posted:
where i live ('used to live' freudian slip) amounst the young kids unicycles are more popular than normal bikes its really strange they go to the shops on thier unicycles and stuff. I was all started by this one little kid who was absolultly mental he'd ride his 5 footer stright at walls and then leap off on to the wall to climb over and get foot balls back and stuff.

Does this site actually exist? Or am i talking to all my other personalities?


NateBRONZE Member
Groovy ga watashi no namae desu!
1,530 posts
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England


Posted:
lol sounds quite insane

oi russel come and spin in exeter, i gotta see that crazy stuff you do with your sticks in real life

you know you wanna wink

I like Languages.

Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />


GoblinBRONZE Member
newbie
15 posts
Location: Rochdale, United Kingdom


Posted:
Written by: Devilstick_Russell


where i live ('used to live' freudian slip) amounst the young kids unicycles are more popular than normal bikes its really strange they go to the shops on thier unicycles and stuff. I was all started by this one little kid who was absolultly mental he'd ride his 5 footer stright at walls and then leap off on to the wall to climb over and get foot balls back and stuff.




Actually a damn good plan....

MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
biggrin < me
Made loads of progress last sunday! Hadn't even sat on the thing for about a week and a half (damn that bug that's going around!), then had a play on sunday for a few hours. Managed to move a decent distance about 80% of the time and figured out how to turn! Doesn't sound like a lot, I know, but I was pleased. I'm putting myself at level 0.66!

J

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


MissEgyptologyBRONZE Member
officially expelled from BYU
195 posts
Location: Southern California, USA


Posted:
congrats on your progress! It's always fun to see people unicycling instead of gawking and saying stupid things hug

"So Miss, I think you win the prize... A mormon egyptologist in a firespinning chat room... that's gotta be a record of some kind"
-NYC

Thanks, NYC,but I quit mormonism now XD


EveishGOLD Member
*Tickles pretty strangers*
610 posts
Location: Australia


Posted:
Ooh! haven't been on here in ages and just logged on to find this thread! Yeps, I'm another HOPper who is terribly good at splatting off a uni biggrin I got one late last year (it's pretty with a pink seat and everything!) But have not yet mastered the art of not falling off... I have been wanting to spend some time with it, maybe this thread will kick my arse into year to learn!
thanks HOPpers! hug

What if I should fall right through the centre of the Earth and come out the other side where people walk upside-down?!


MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
bounce
Managed to mount and keep cycling!

Bring on level 10 biggrin

J

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
Written by: MrConfused


bounce
Managed to mount and keep cycling!

Bring on level 10 biggrin

J




ubblol

CharlesBRONZE Member
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand


Posted:
Hi PK.

I'd be wary about recommending holding onto the seat for people learning.

While it is a great way to help stablise yourself when doing tricks and going off-road, holding th eseat while learining can end up in people injuring themselves when falling off, rather than landing on both feet if their arms were free when come off...

In my opinion, of course...

HoP Posting Guidelines
* Is it the Truth?
* Is it Fair to all concerned?
* Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
* Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
is a very good point there charles, thank you.

UPD's ... always unexpected else they wouldnt be UPD's huh!".. would be much easier to control so to speak with both hands free to break ones fall, i have to admit that i tend to ride not holding on to the seat, just personal preference to me but it is just a little addition to help with stability as and when needed only, majority will only ever come into play with off road like you say.


are you still riding as much these days charles?... i remember your friends were looking pretty hardcore a few years back from photos you once posted... now some where in the depths of the board.

MissEgyptologyBRONZE Member
officially expelled from BYU
195 posts
Location: Southern California, USA


Posted:
This is not a link to something cool. NOT AT ALL juggle

"So Miss, I think you win the prize... A mormon egyptologist in a firespinning chat room... that's gotta be a record of some kind"
-NYC

Thanks, NYC,but I quit mormonism now XD


onewheeldaveGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom


Posted:
Concerning seat holding, it's a good habit to get into as it protects the seat and also the unicycle in general (as it doesn't hit the ground and bounce around), and, in 99% of my falls I'll end up with the seat in my hand.

But, if it's a toss up between the seat and the rider landing badly, the seat is the lowest priority, particularly with beginners, who should focus on using their hands to protect themselves.

When I do a unicycle workshop, I generally mention the seat grabbing/protecting the seat, but stress that it's not as important as them using their hands to protect themselves.

At a certain point, they seem to start grabbing the seat in a fall, whereas, if I don't mention it, they'll tend not to think of it.

For me, I rarely have any UPD's (unplanned dismounts), but that's not due to any exceptional skill smile it's cos most of my riding is on terrain I can easily manage, purely for riding pleasure/distance, rather than attempting stunts/tricks/skills.

In any situation where I feel impending problems, I hold the seat anyway as it adds to stability, so in the event of a fall my hand will generally be near it.

Concerning seat holding, I've found that it also gives extra tactile feedback about the ground beneath, as well as its prime function of giving extra control.

I also find, when riding on roads with the big wheel, I tend to hold the seat if I feel that the roads getting dodgy, or when cars approach a bit too close- it makes me feel more secure.

Then again, it's also good to deliberatly not hold the seat sometimes, it's good practice for those situations where there's been a substantial disruption in balance on rough terrain and you're having to use both arms free to save your balance.

"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."

--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32


Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!


pyro15newbie
13 posts

Posted:
ive just lernedd to ride my uni and it took all in 5 weeks of practise in free time

Its Better To Burn out Than Fade Away


one wheeled blunderSILVER Member
newbie
2 posts
Location: Prestatyn, United Kingdom


Posted:
Never underestimate the power of practice!
I have been riding for 2 months now & it's getting smoother.
Freemounting is a killer tho. I'm up to about 1 in 5 mounts now.
I just reckon, the harder it is to learn, the more rewarding it is once you've learned.
Cathy

Don't mistake my anal retentiveness for affection.


UCOFSILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales


Posted:
Damn..

i thought OWD had changed his name then...

rolleyes

:rollsoff:

MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
Written by:

I just reckon, the harder it is to learn, the more rewarding it is once you've learned.





Oh, hell yes!! Up to about 7 freemounts in 10, quite happily riding to the local shops and back (only a few hundred metres or so), albeit with a look of intense concentration (confusion) on my face. Still can't get the hang of idling.
How're all the other newbies doing??

J

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


CharlesBRONZE Member
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand


Posted:
Well, I hesiitate to call myself a newbie, but I haven't seriously ridden any distance for about 2 years (oddly enough, that was when my son was born!)...

Rode home from work for the first time in that period and OW am I sore! I thought my muscles would be sore, but it was more chafing and saddle wear than weak muscles.

I guess we all buildup callouses where we didn;t even know they were...

eek

HoP Posting Guidelines
* Is it the Truth?
* Is it Fair to all concerned?
* Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
* Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
the last time i rode my uni weas my last trip in italy, i was a little bored one day so i went up the road for about 2 miles, unbeknown how steep this mountain is where sere's home is.... i have never been so ssore after a ride before, not even after riding up and down from the hights of abraham in matlock bath last summer, i thought that was a tough ride but this one on our road here in camaiore..... major sadle sore!"... glad i now have 1: my shinnies and 2: my lycra shorts for riding in. rolleyes

i havnt been on my uni now for over one month, i want so badly to go for a ride right now but not only is it night time there is also a huge storm out side and we keep suffering with black outs which is not good.
Tommorow i was planning on going to Lucca for a ride in the city but if the weather does not improve by the morning that will all go out of the window for another day frown boohoo.

CharlesBRONZE Member
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand


Posted:
Is it ok to travel short distances, PK?

Try going to a gym or school hall if one is accessible and oyu can practice your "flatland" techniques. (freemounting, riding backwards, seat out in front etc etc)...

HoP Posting Guidelines
* Is it the Truth?
* Is it Fair to all concerned?
* Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
* Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
when you live onm the side of a mountain is a little difficuolt to find some where nice and warm indoors to play, i have room in my bed room to play mounts etc.. but nothing more.
the nearest school is an hour away by coach frown not easily accessable unfortunatly.... though living here is good for offroad and muni and trails riding, the seafront over in viareggio is nice too there looks like there are some nice spots for trials there.

I dont think i will be able to ride now for another week maybe!, becvause of the storms last night i decided that i would go out on the motorbike and visit a few places but i had a stone hit my leg on the way to pick serena up from school and now have a gash in my shin thats hurting me like hell, i always ride with my shin pads on when i go out on my uni and i dont want that the cut gets all sweaty... maybe just hjave to do some more juggling for a while.... hold up i moved 3000 miles to be with a girl and im thinking about going off juggling eek *slaps self upside the head*.



So Camaiore... short distance rides.... looking away from our house... turn left... 2 mile uphill with a gradient of 1 in 6 (in places)... tough and you have to get past the house with the 2 dogs from hell (a great dane and a pitbull.. i also have fear of dogs).
From the house and turn right.... 2 mile ride in towards the village.... nothing much there unless like me you love coffee and you want to go to Saurino's. There are busy main roads, cobled streets... but some nice skinnies and walls to pratice on or just to go for a general nice ride even on a 20".

Is coming up to summer now so there will be plenty of time to go riding in warmer and less windy weather conditions. smile

ado-pGOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland


Posted:
I got my first unicyce lesson last week.

definatly hooked. much fun smile

Love is the law.


MissEgyptologyBRONZE Member
officially expelled from BYU
195 posts
Location: Southern California, USA


Posted:
Hurrah for unicycling! welcome to the club, lol

"So Miss, I think you win the prize... A mormon egyptologist in a firespinning chat room... that's gotta be a record of some kind"
-NYC

Thanks, NYC,but I quit mormonism now XD


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
.... i see what you mean about the soreness Mr Charles.

Today i thought sod it i am going for a ride anyway. So i rode from one end of Lido Di Camaiore to the other end of Viareggio following the sea front, then all the way back again and taking time out to muck around and ride some walls and take a few coffee's in Viareggio and see a friend. A total of 12.8 kilometers (7.9 miles)... ne a bad ride, sure am tired.


And welcome to the club Ado-P

MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
12.8 km eek! How long did that take you??
Tackling a few curb drops now, managed one slightly over a foot a few times now.
Just went for my first attempt at any sort of distance. Went a little over 3km, with only a couple of UPD's and the odd stop for roads. Took about 3/4 hour on a 16" uni.
Things I learnt - uphill freemounting is a serious [censored], and choice of underwear is crucial umm.

J

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
Written by: MrConfused

and choice of underwear is crucial




ubblol init just!


erm i was out for 4 hours i think... i dont keep track!| i know ui had to be back to pick sere up from school.

pricklyleafSILVER Member
with added berries
1,365 posts
Location: Manchester, England (UK)


Posted:
Had my first ride 5 days ago, already hooked! In the process of buying a uni. Can't wait till the next jugglig club, so I can have another go!

Live like there is no tomorrow,
dance like nobody is watching
and hula hoop like wiggling will save the world.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson


Mint SauceBRONZE Member
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England


Posted:
how you getting on now MrConfused

before i met those lot i thought they'd be a bunch of dreadlocked hippies that smoked, set things on fire ,and drank a lot of tea but then when i met them....oh wait (PyroWill)


MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
Reasonably well, thanks for asking. smile
Freemounting with either foot now, though left foot mounts are still a little sketchy. Beginning to learn bunny hops and gradually figuring out idling. Sharp turns (90 -180 degrees on the spot) in either direction are usually balanced if not exactly graceful. Falling down short flights of stairs is becoming my new hobby (feels like > spank).
Still getting weird looks around the village. ubbtickled

J

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


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