Unicycle challenge
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Unicycle challenge
Okay, so it's half a bike but my 10 year old lad is preparing to unicycle 10 miles in the summer. Somehow I've got to try and keep up with him on mine which may result in me walking a lot!
He's done 5 already around the amazing cyclepath network of Milton Keynes, so I think he'll swallows it up easily!!
He's done 5 already around the amazing cyclepath network of Milton Keynes, so I think he'll swallows it up easily!!
#2
Senior Member
In my experience, the most critical part is to be able to stay on for just a few pedal revolutions. If you can make it down the driveway, you can go any distance.
Can either of you free mount? A more difficult problem may be mounting where there is nothing to hold on to.
Is the route flat? You might want a wheel larger than usual, perhaps 29". Even better might be a geared hub. Of course, you might not want anything larger than 24" if there are hills.
You probably already know all this. If you regularly go for miles, you no doubt have more experience than I do.
Can either of you free mount? A more difficult problem may be mounting where there is nothing to hold on to.
Is the route flat? You might want a wheel larger than usual, perhaps 29". Even better might be a geared hub. Of course, you might not want anything larger than 24" if there are hills.
You probably already know all this. If you regularly go for miles, you no doubt have more experience than I do.
#3
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Ironically for true distance rides, it's then necessary to revert back to that initial inefficient mistake and develop the ability to ride while effectively standing on the (still turning) pedals and hovering off the seat for a half minute to get some relief.
Can either of you free mount? A more difficult problem may be mounting where there is nothing to hold on to.
You might want a wheel larger than usual, perhaps 29". Even better might be a geared hub.
Anyway, it sounds like the event happened over the summer, how did it go?
#4
Junior Member
That's pretty ambitious, but it sounds like he's well on his way. I can't say I've ever had much success on a uni the few times I've tried it.
#5
Senior Member
Well, a unicycle is more efficient than walking. Maybe, best time for you also to learn how to ride one so you catch up easily with your lad.
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Go for it!
Just like bicycling, increasing distance slowly is the way to go. I worked my way up to 15 miles on my uni, a few years ago. It's manageable.
Just like bicycling, increasing distance slowly is the way to go. I worked my way up to 15 miles on my uni, a few years ago. It's manageable.
#10
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Ironically for true distance rides, it's then necessary to revert back to that initial inefficient mistake and develop the ability to ride while effectively standing on the (still turning) pedals and hovering off the seat for a half minute to get some relief.