Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Unicycling

Losing 90 lbs has really opened my eyes, and made almost anything seem possible. So, I bought a unicycle today... and so far it's winning. I know, I just got it, and it takes time, but wow.

I have been reading and researching before I ever bought one, so I didn't go into it blind, but this is going to take some work. :)

http://fatguy.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dscf0548.jpg

Well, what worked for me...first off, get the seat on it as high as you can. Then I started off going up and down the hall. Then I went over to a long bridge near the house that has a bike lane and a handrail, where I could hold on to that handrail and pedal along. Then it was riding in front of the house, using the SUV for support to get started. Ride 5 feet, fall off. Ride 6 feet, fall off. But after about a month, I was able to ride down to the end of the block.

I'm 48, that was a year ago. My son learned at the same time, and it seems being lighter and younger helps the process, as he took to it more naturally than I did.

Most of the time, when I fell ("UPD", unplanned dismount), I just hopped off. But there were a few times when the wheel just stopped and I didn't, and I skinned a knee and palm in the process. I wore knee pads and wrist protectors for a good while after that, then finally quit using them.

Is that a 24"? I learned on a 20", now have a 28", but haven't ridden any at all in the last couple of months. I did manage to ride around White Rock Lake, 10 miles, with numerous stops.

I ride a uni once in a while too =)

Fun little thing!

I started with the hallway in my house... which is a bit short. I fell backwards on my butt.

I decided to take it outside in the grass. My yard is too lumpy, so I switched to the driveway. I fell forward. It stung a little, but no injury.

I had a lot of UPDs. Just landed on my feet.

I don't have a bridge near my house, but there is one I can drive to. I'll have to ride on the sidewalk while holding the guardrail. It's almost a mile long, so should be good for lots of practice.

It is a 24". I almost bought the 20", but I liked the feel of the 24" better.

I have found that mounting it is the first tough hurdle. Staying on it is the second. I haven't found the third. :)

I assume that your ten mile ride was on the 28"? What kind of pace can you average?


Well, what worked for me...first off, get the seat on it as high as you can. Then I started off going up and down the hall. Then I went over to a long bridge near the house that has a bike lane and a handrail, where I could hold on to that handrail and pedal along. Then it was riding in front of the house, using the SUV for support to get started. Ride 5 feet, fall off. Ride 6 feet, fall off. But after about a month, I was able to ride down to the end of the block.

I'm 48, that was a year ago. My son learned at the same time, and it seems being lighter and younger helps the process, as he took to it more naturally than I did.

Most of the time, when I fell ("UPD", unplanned dismount), I just hopped off. But there were a few times when the wheel just stopped and I didn't, and I skinned a knee and palm in the process. I wore knee pads and wrist protectors for a good while after that, then finally quit using them.

Is that a 24"? I learned on a 20", now have a 28", but haven't ridden any at all in the last couple of months. I did manage to ride around White Rock Lake, 10 miles, with numerous stops.

I learned to ride first, but always used the wall, the car, or something fixed for support while mounting, then learned to freemount later.
The ten mile ride was on the 28". Not sure of the pace- faster than most joggers, but slower than some- probably 5- 7 mph or so. I could spin it up a lot faster, but start losing control if I do that.
Compared to the 20", the 28" is a little harder to balance on, but also rides a lot smoother, so it sort of equals out.

something to strive for:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uPznTbus3g

I learned to ride a Uni when I was fourteen... Took a two year break from it, and just started riding again. It's a great variation to cycling. I started the same way everyone else did: hallways, driveways... The best is when you learn to free-mount, then you feel like you've mastered it!

http://www.krisholm.com/khu/

Kris is the off road/urban/trick unicyclist expert. I would try to do what he did... and fail! :)