Recumbent - Never been on a "bent" before

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but is there any special technique to actually getting your first push off and balance on the "bent". My balance isn't the greatest. I was thinking some day of just trying one. I love our tandem and my single and thought a bent would be a good all around cruising bike if I didn't need to do a lot of hills and if we move to another part of the country where there is less traffic. :rolleyes:

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but is there any special technique to actually getting your first push off and balance on the "bent". My balance isn't the greatest. I was thinking some day of just trying one. I love our tandem and my single and thought a bent would be a good all around cruising bike if I didn't need to do a lot of hills and if we move to another part of the country where there is less traffic. :rolleyes:I recently taught a youngster the noble art of riding a recumbent. He learnt his lesson in less than 30 minutes. This is what I taught him: Sit down on the bent while using the brakes. When you are in balance with your feet wide apart, lie down in the seat still in controll of your balance. Now that you are totally leaned back relax as though you were on a beach exposed to the sun. Lift one leg to the pedal and lean a bit to the other side in order to be in controll of your balance. Switch to the other leg and start the whole procedure again now supporting the weight with your other leg. When you have done this a couple of times and you still are in controll of your balance, push the pedal forward while looking at the horizon in front of you. If you tend to lose your balance put your feet to the ground and start over again until your are in cotroll of the vehicle. Repeat the whole procedure over and over again until you can ride your bike in full controll of it.

I learned the best by starting on a gentle downslope. That way the bike will start rolling some without you needing to provide all the power. Otherwise, I balance on my right foot, put the left onto the pedal and push hard! Be in an EASY gear. You look kinda foolish pulling yoursellf along with your feet if you're in the big chainring trying to start uphill :)

Or just get a trike. No balance required.