Anybody ride one? How hard is it for a grownup to learn to ride one?
I used to be able to do it, decades ago.
I had a 4’ high circus one, which is easier to learn on, but scary as hell. The reason it’s easier is that it takes a longer time to tip over, so there’s more chance to recover. Kind of like why tight rope walkers use a heavy balance pole, to change the inertial momemtum.
You really have to practice with a guide bar, however, or in a confined alley or chute of some kind. And even with padding and a helmet, you will get scraped up a bit at first.
It’s easier for kids, I think, like pogo sticks and stilts.
I know a young man who is top-notch at it. One night after youth group he pulled it out of his trunk and wheeled up and down the parking lot to everyones’ amazement and admiration. He’s also fond of mountain biking, rock climbing, etc; he’s a very physically fit guy who works at the Y when not careening wildly down the mountainous Montreat NC campus on his unicycle.
If you’re going to try, make sure you get one with an inflatable tire, not solid hard rubber. We had one of those when I was younger and it was impossible to learn to ride. I’ve had some luck with the inflated ones.
Thanks for the replies. I think I’ll get one and try it out, just because it’s something I’ve always wanted to be able to do.
I still don’t understand the mechanics of a unicycle though. When you start to fall over forward, I assume you pedal forward to put the wheel under you. And if you are falling backwards, pedal back a bit. So what stops you from falling to the side? Just moving your upper body?
I’ve never ridden one myself, but they’re very popular at my college. Typically, newcomers can learn in a few weeks. Most people will place the unicycle against a wall and then try to cycle forward a few feet without falling, then gradually move to longer distances. At first, they usually have a friend who will help them step down by holding the unicycle.
I’ve never ridden one, but I have one hanging in my garage. Mrs. D had and rode it as a kid, and it recently resurfaced in some of her dad’s old junk. She had the local bike shop order a unicycle seat (instead of the bike seat that had been put on it.) The guys at the store got a real kick out of it, and she was able to pick it up again with little difficulty. Ain’t getting me on the thing, tho!
Unicycling is a lot closer to walking than bicycle riding. Your weight is directly over the wheel, and it’s a question of developing some new reflexes.
Here’s a web site with some good instructions:
http://www.teachcircus.com/