Learn to Ride

HOW IS IT EVER GOING TO WORK

Actually, you should be sporty and a little bit clever. The first few times is usually quite frustrating, but then, the unicycling fever will get you! Unicycling is addictive, so watch out... By riding a unicycle, it will be easier to learn skiing, surfing, boarding and all kinds of sports that require coordination skills.

Remember, this is different from a horse... you cannot identify front and rear at first glance. But don't worry, you will find out. When you approach this strange item, make sure you wear protective gear like a helmet or kneepads.

If you have a good friend, ask him to help you with the first step. If you want to keep your exercising a secret, you need to hold on to a trolly or handrail. A good idea is to do it at a door, you can hold on to the doorframe with both hands. A telephone box is also a nice place for the first try.

And now: let's go. Rest one hand on the handrail or on your friend. Try to keep the saddle between your legs and the right pedal on the position 4 o'clock. As soon as you push down on the pedal, the unicycle will move automatically under your body. Now you are sitting in an upright position on the bike...

The next aim should be to find the right balance. Very important is that your body is always in an upright position; never look down to the wheel.

FIRST STEP TO GET UP AND FIND THE BALANCE

The next step would be to ride forward. With one hand, hold on to the handrail or your friend and try to move forward carefully. If you feel you'd like to try it, do it for a little while without support. Another important hint, if you feel like tipping over, do not care about the bike - it is designed to tolerate crashes, (it won't cry) but what about you?

Now the journey is he reward! Suddenly you will ride 1 meter then 2... and then you won't understand that the first step was so difficult.

Now you can finish with your secret training and then go public. If people will see you, they will think - seems to be a very clever one... - Very important, always look cool. If you crash, relax and try to find a tree to cry under and then start over...

I FEEL I CAN FLY

Your riding will not always be smooth or round, but don't worry; this is typical for a unicycle. During riding you will find out that if you move with your hips or the upper part of your body, the bike will try to change direction, you already feel that you can steer your bike. If you feel you will fall forwards, pedal a little faster and the bike will move back to an upright position.

Next will be to start cycling without help. The pedal should be in position 4 o'clock. Try to find something that prevents your wheel to move forward abruptly. Try to reach an upright position. Now you can try to get on without help. You have to practice this a thousand times, but then you are ready for take off, you will feel like you can fly!!!

Always remember, keep cool! The best way to learn more is to join a club or to ride with some friends. Contact us and we will gladly help you at our meetings and get together's etc...