Anyone ride a unicycle?

[Magnumcharger]

Don't ask me why...but I just bought one.
And when I tell people I'm going to learn to ride it, they always make "circus" comments.
Or that "circus music".

Now just because I already know how to juggle and want to ride a unicycle....doesn't mean anything. (I think)

There's actually an event I want to enter, a long distance unicycle relay race for charity: ridethelobster.com

So if anybody knows how to start riding a unicycle, I'd appreciate your input in how to begin.

[UFO]

Step one---Buy a cup.

[Magnumcharger]

First thing I found out....the "boys" are being squished....so "protection" is in the works.

[moparnole]

Keeping your balance would probably be a necesity for a unicycle, after that figure out how to do a burnout, or pop a wheelie with it!!!!!!!!!!!

[71_Charger_R/T]

I learned how to ride a unicycle when I was a little kid. I would steady myself on a tree next to the driveway and try to pedal away....  I was able to get farther and farther down the driveway until I finally could get my balance and go for ever.  I would not recommend this method as the front and back of your seat will be all torn up by the time you learn how to do it. I built a 6 footer a few years ago and taught my kids how to ride by tying a rope very tightly between two trees over the driveway above their heads while seated on the unicycle, this way they could hold themselves up by holding the rope. By having something to hold onto, the cycle very seldom hit the ground and they had time to grab the seat as they came down or dismounted. A 6 footer is a little different to ride than a standard height ( it's actually a little easier in some ways since you have a little more time to react.)  but this should still work. the only problem with this is you have at least one hand above your head so you don't really learn how to balance side to side but you can get the forward and aft control down pat. Another method to try is to use ski poles, but again be ready to buy a new seat by the time you learn. Good luck! I hope this helps in some small way. Keep us updated on your progress.

[royt440]

As posted, the seat will get torn up   I recommend several layers of duct tape as soon as possible.
When I learned 40 years ago, the cycle came with two polls (like ski polls) but don't strap them to your wrists.  You will be surprised how fast the ground comes up and smacks you so wear a helmet and wrist guards.

The tree and rope methods sound interesting as well.

Good luck

[dodgecharger-fan]

 

http://www.unicycling.org/unicycling/standuni/

[moparstuart]

yeah        get the training wheels

[Magnumcharger]

 

[Charger_Fan]

I've always thought it would be fun to learn to ride one of those. Let us know how you make out.

[teamroth]

I actually saw a guy riding one down the street in NYC last week. Thing was about 8feet tall. I tried to snap a pic, but was caught in traffic. It was pretty cool.