posted
I'm so excited! (And so spoiled!) My parents just came down to visit, and brought me a unicycle! I've been wanting to learn for years, and they saw a relatively low-cost one in a bike shop and got it for me! I've been practicing on our balcony all day and I can go about 4 pedals now without falling or holding on to something (although the bruises all over my legs might lead one to believe differently).
Now, my question is whether anyone knows if I'm supposed to sit on it while I ride or not. Silly question, you're saying. What I mean is do you sit on the seat with all your weight, or do you sort of just rest on the seat and put a lot of the weight on the pedals? It seems much easier the latter way, but more tiring on the legs. And what's the secret to turning? How do you get it to come with you when you hop to turn? Any advice from resident unicyclists?
Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
It's been years since I rode one, but I believe I kept my weight on the seat. Then again, I never really thought about it at the time.
I learned from someone in my hometown that taught a lot of us kids. He had made a PVC frame on wheels. You got on the unicycle in the frame and held onto it. The frame moved with you as you rode.
Posts: 4625 | Registered: Jul 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
We have an engine powered unicycle in our garage. My dad had an extra small dirtbike motor and a unicycle he bought second hand, so he made it. I don't think anyone's ever ridden it, I'm not quite dumb enough to. This is the sort of thing my dad does pretty often, I'm waiting on him to make a push-me-pull-you motorcycle (if that's possible).
Posts: 5362 | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Keep it upright? And don't fall down? Man, you guys are *full* of good advice. I *knew* I was doing something wrong!
And funny, Dag, that's what my mother's face looked like too when I told her I'd practice on the balcony... Anyway, yup, there's good sturdy railings a little higher than the seat. I suppose I could flip over the end railings if I tried, but I'm sure that won't happen. (Read: If I suddenly don't post for a couple weeks, I'm likely broken in the hospital).
And an engine-powered unicycle!??? I'd try it! Well, after I learn how to balance, that is. You know, sometimes I wonder where my self-preservation sense is.
Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
I've been meaning to learn to ride for years also, and I've tried it once in a while, but never enough to really get the hang of it. It's on my list for this month, though. Actually, I think I'll post my progress in this thread.
Here are some resources on learning to ride.
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks, Mike! Good luck to you too. We can hand off other tips to each other as we learn. Personally, that frame zgator had sounds like a good idea to me. If only I had carpentry skills and an excess of building materials and time... That's a handy website you linked too. Turns out you are supposed to put your weight on the seat.
Okay, tip #1 from my end: Don't ride towards a wall/object so you're close enough for the wheel to hit it and jam if it slips forward out from under you. It really hurts. Probably moreso for you.
Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
PVC pipe you don't really need building skills... you just buy elbow joints and a little jar of plastic cement. Not sure how you would attach the wheels, but the frame would be pretty easy...
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
From the website (the juggling.org link), it seems a very common piece of advice is to lean forward more than you think you should. And faster is easier, which makes sense.
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I didn't actually learn that tip today, thankfully. It was a while ago when I was first trying out a unicycle, but I've never forgotten! I think that was around the same time I learned that while juggling facing a wall works really well for balls (stops you from throwing forward), it's a *very bad* idea for learning clubs. Especially ones with rubber ends that bounce back. Say, straight into your eye... So there's another offhand tip for you!
As for the frame, I guess it wouldn't be too hard to build. I'm almost to the point of riding a bit without help though, and knowing me I'd fall and hurt myself on the frame somehow. Hmm. Maybe I could just make a sort of wheeled cane that I could hold on to beside me and lean on when needed instead...
Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
But it's hollow pipe, what are you going to screw into? I suppose you could buy end caps for the pipe, attach the wheels with nuts and bolts, and then cement the end caps onto the pipe.
Astaril, if you were going to do that, I'd use two canes. Otherwise you might develop a habit of leaning in one direction.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
One of the best things, if you've got a friend and a flat surface, is to have them hold out a broom horizontally in front of you for you to use to find your balance. Or so I'm told. I was never really into the unicycle and always found something else to be doing during my circus arts classes.
Or build a PVC frame Knowing you, Asta, I'd go with the friend.
Posts: 3243 | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sit on it with the wheel slightly behind you, step on the pedal, and push forward. This makes the unicycle go forward, under you, and push you up into a sitting position (sort of the opposite of popping a wheelie).
Don't stop moving, keep rocking forward and back.
Fall down a lot, until you don't anymore.
Then start juggling...
Posts: 7790 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've tried to ride a unicycle three or four times, and almost got the hang of it once...
I really kinda like the wheeled frame idea. I might try it, and 'borrow' my dad's unicycle. Not like he rides it or anything. Of course, they also have a good, large flat paved surface for practicing on and I don't.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
ElJay, it'd be no different than a railing really, would it? I could just switch hands once in a while or when I turn. Eventually I won't need to lean at all so it won't matter. So I hope.
Chris, I've got that kickback mount thing down (with the railing). I don't even bash the other pedal into my leg anymore! And the juggling will come. I can already do that half...
And BtL, I've got a broomstick and flat surface - so get on over here then! Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I was never a big fan of the juggling-in-front-of-a-wall tactic. It helps for some people and not others, I suppose. Actually, I don't even remember whether I used it myself when I learned, it was so long ago. (I didn't use it when I learned clubs. I still have both eyes, thanks. My collarbones took a beating, though.)
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
See, with a railing, you're limited as to where you can go, so I don't think you'll keep using it for very long. With a cane, my concern would be you'd keep using it long enough to develop bad habits. But if you switched hands frequently, maybe not.
We have a circus school in town, but if I was going to take classes I think I'd take tightrope. I've always kinda wanted to. Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ah, I only went blind for about an hour or so with the club disaster. I found the wall really helped with balls though.
And I'm so jealous, ElJay. A circus school in your town? That's my greatest dream and my parents' worst nightmare all in one!
Anyway, I'm going to eat dinner and practice some more. A progress report can be expected later. Unless I don't make any. Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I just went and looked it up, and it's primarily for people under 21. But they do have a couple of adult classes, including Flying Trapeeze and "Circus Arts for Adults." Hmmmm.
Here's the link if you want to make yourself more jealous. It looks like fun.
It also looks like they'll be performing in a parade right outside my office in about 30 minutes. Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
ElJay, is it this one? One of my favorite coaches from Circus Smirkus teaches there. She's partly responsible for my love of handbalancing. Plus, she's one mean ping-pong player.
[Edit: yup, I guess so. You should totally take one of those classes.]
Tightwire is tough. There is a very steep learning curve, unlike juggling, and probably even unicycle. It takes a long, long time before anything you do on the wire looks impressive. I have the greatest respect for funambulists.
Astaril, I'm looking forward to the report. I probably won't have time to practice until the weekend, sadly. But after the end of next week I will have lots and lots of time, cause I quit my job. W00t! (Longish story, somewhat relevant to current discussion.)
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't necessarily need to look impressive. I'd be happy if I could just walk across the wire. But it's irrelevant, 'cause it's not one of the offered classes.
I probably won't be taking any this summer, as I want to spend most of my nice weather free time on my bike. But we'll see what adult classes they offer in the winter. If I remember. Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
If you make a frame, you probably don't need to attach the casters to it. Leave the bottom pieces open and slide the caster pins into them. As long as the frame stays on the ground, the casters won't come out. If you're using a large diameter PVC, like 1", you can get a reducer to fit inside to make the opening smaller and fit the caster pin a little better.
It wouldn't be hard or expensive to do since PVC is so cheap. The casters would be the most expensive part. I think a balcony rail is too short to really start getting the hang of it.
Dang, I want to buy one now.
Posts: 4625 | Registered: Jul 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Mike, I'm a little surprised you don't already know how. I thought that would be a required skills for you.
Posts: 4625 | Registered: Jul 2002
| IP: Logged |
quote: while juggling facing a wall works really well for balls (stops you from throwing forward), it's a *very bad* idea for learning clubs.
lol, I got black eyes without doing that, I can't imagine what your face must have looked like!
Unicylcle tips: Imagine that your spine is an extension of the pole that holds up the seat. This keeps you in line with the unicycle and makes balancing easier. Another way of thinking about this is to imagine that someone is pulling you up and forward from the top of your head. The goal is to have a straight back, and stay in line with the unicycle.
Someone mentioned this before, but lean forward to ride forward. Its as if you are always falling and you ride to catch yourself. (But remember tip number one is very important while you're doing this.)
Look at your destination. If you want to ride to the other side of a room, look straight ahead at the wall in front of you. If you look down at the floor right in front of the wheel, you will end up on the floor.
You asked about turning. First, make sure that your seat is secure, because if it is loose you will not be able to turn. The general idea is the same as going forwards - you go where you look. So now, instead of looking in front of you, look to the side, turning your upper body and then your hips. (Its the turning of the hips that actually turns the unicycle, since your lower body is really the only thing touching it.)
ElJay: You live near Circus Juventas? SO cool! I was there 2 years ago for the American Youth Circus Festival. They've got a great space, and really awesome coaches. You should definately check them out. (And on a completely different subject, do you know anything about Macalester College?)
Posts: 3420 | Registered: Jun 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
But I'm too ooooooollllld to take the fun classes. A local charity used their space for a Halloween party last year, and I almost went, but ended up at a friend's instead.
I know a little about Macalester... it's in a great part of town, and has a great reputation. It is an extremely liberal environment, but I don't think that will bother you. Everyone I know who went there loved it, and felt like they got a lot of attention from their professors and got a good education.
And it's pretty near Circus Juventas.
Added: Oh, and Pixie is starting there this fall.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by ElJay: Added: to Midnight Blue.
But it's hollow pipe, what are you going to screw into? I suppose you could buy end caps for the pipe, attach the wheels with nuts and bolts, and then cement the end caps onto the pipe.
Astaril, if you were going to do that, I'd use two canes. Otherwise you might develop a habit of leaning in one direction.
I've screwed things to PVC before. You just have to go perpendicular to the pipe. Posts: 1547 | Registered: Jan 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
You could also probably put tennis balls on the bottom, but it wouldn't go as fast and I'm sure that's the fun part.
Posts: 1547 | Registered: Jan 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well, I'm happy to report the friend-broomstick method works very well, though BtL was hard put to avoid his toes being run over. I can go half the length of the balcony now though, without falling over!
Thanks for the turning tips, Dragon. I had thought at first you had to hop to turn, but I guess that's just the fancy way of turning.
Teshi, yes! Work on your juggling! You had it down in the bus station, you just need a little more practice! Then we can go be a busker act together somewhere.
ElJay, I'm still jealous. But couldn't you just teach yourself to walk a tightrope? String it up somewhere high to start with (no mats) and you'll have more incentive to learn quickly.
Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
The unicycle will hit the pavement hard many, many times. Put a couple of layers of duct tape on the ends of the seat. Else you will be buying a new seat soon.
Don't worry about getting on it in the open for a while. Practice leaving from a wall or post. Getting on unassisted will be much easier once you can ride it pretty well. Don't worry about learning to turn either. It will come pretty naturally once you get the balance under control. Practice staying still or going backwards after you have the going forward down well.
But most important: "Protect the Seat."
Posts: 1 | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Cool. I'll probably only be able to make it to one or two shows this summer. (Probably in South Burlington.) But two of my former students will be on tour, so I'm really looking forward to it. Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Easy, Elizabeth. Learn to rollerskate. Learn to downhill ski. Learn to use a GT (as in the toboggan things). Learn to belly dance. Stir all these together, add a helmet and a big hill. Push off. Pray.
Makes one Elizabeth Trikkeing merrily down a hill. Stopping not included.
Posts: 624 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Knowing you, Asta, I'd go with the friend.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
But they do have a couple of adult classes, including Flying Trapeeze and "Circus Arts for Adults." Hmmmm. ![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
