Learning Journal

[ru60hz]

Originally Posted by MissScooter

Idling just kinda clicked yesterday, I went from 1-2 idles generally, to being able to do over 10 without too much trouble. Going to start learning to bunny hop tomorrow I think, since riding circles and idling are getting a tad dull. Should I let some air out of my tire to learn bunny hops? The tire says 40-65 psi, and I generally keep it about in the center, a little below 55. Would it be easier to learn around say, 40?

I got better result in idling at 15 psi +/- 5 psi. the same with bunny hops.
At one time, I got a chance to try one of my friends unicycle which has I think more than 25 psi and it's so hard as rock. It slips on the floor during idling and a bit hard to hop because its not bouncing which I think could help a lot in doing a bunny hop.
What I did before when I was learning to bunny hop is to get hold on a post or wall, then hop 3 to 4 times and then I let go off the post, continue hopping counting how many times hops I make without holding on the post or wall. compare how many hops I did yesterday and today. Hope this helps you a bit.

Ruel

[jyngles]

I seem to like my tire pressure higher, around 50 psi. I find it easier to idle, hopping may be a bit more difficult because there is less bounce, but I want to be able to hop not bounce. This is my preference and everyone is different, you just need to find what works for you.

[TopHatPlus]

So for those of you who think i havent been busy... hehe iv been busy... I am now on 2 1/2 weeks holidays so i am working on all my little projects.

1. Get a set of speaker boxes made that would hold a set of alpine 6x9 speakers i have, with will also holster my unicycles in the back of my vehicle.

2. Disk brake for the unicycle.

So far all has been accomplished. I built the boxes and the brake installed on my unicycle. I will be test riding it tomorrow.

The way it worked out, i was able to use the fact that my head rests flip down to fold the seats down, so when folded down the tire of the 26" just rubs aginst it, put the cargo net up and it holds it securely in place. The seat of the unicycle perfectly replaces the head rest and makes a very lovely head rest. Plus it looks pretty cool =D

[jyngles]

Today I did my first static free mount with my right foot on the pedal. Last week it felt awkward just being in the position, today I did it. I guess learning to idle with my right foot at 6 o'clock is paying off.

Now I can static free mount with either foot on the pedal.

I am finally getting my brain to communicate to my right foot.

[Byc]

Congratulations TopHatPlus!

Nice setup you've got there, the car and the unis.

Greetings

Byc

[TopHatPlus]

Thanks BYC i have a habit of rolling in style >_<

I figure i can fit almost 6 unicycles in the back, and with 5 seats that a very good number =D

So i took my Muni out for her maiden voyage, walking paths, sidewalks and offroad vehicle trails do not count as "Muni" I got my brakes all done and everything ready to go, had an outstanding workout at the gym in the morning, so i decided to hit the trails! I did about 8 kms in total wich includes some road riding to jump from one trail section to the other. I would rate the section of the bruce trail that i did probably 2-3/10 in dificultie and some of the rock sections which i did not do were 8-9/10. I was absolutely loving it! I was flying accross the top of the escarpment, i was riding up and over rocks upto 6" tall and dropping of the other side with some serious speed, i was learning to keep good momentum and i was literally just bombing these runs, i would say i did 4x better then i had expected to. At the end of the ride i road down a fairly steep single track into the escarpemtn that was probably 1200 feet long on a really good pitch, used my brake for the first "real" use and the first time i have actually needed it. It performed flawlessly! Did a road climb once i hit the bottom back up and it was intense! STEEP! on a blind corner, under some train tracks, and probably 1/8 of a km long, KILLED IT! It was a great ride, my Muni is now a Muni and i am thuroughly looking forward to the next ride!

I have been reading on here some of the better Muni riders working on using the brake less, so i am trying not to develop bad habits from the start, make an attempt without the brake and slowly apply as need.

Time for some water, diablo 3 and a movie!

[Byc]

Sounds like you had a great ride!

It's nice to read about your improvements and the fun you have using your gear. And believe me, it keeps being that great to ride, at least for me i have to say that even when i'm not really "in the mood" a few rounds with the unicycle (better with the 26" Muni, but the 20" is fun as well) can brighten up the day very quick.

Greetings

Byc

[TopHatPlus]

Originally Posted by Byc

Sounds like you had a great ride!

It's nice to read about your improvements and the fun you have using your gear. And believe me, it keeps being that great to ride, at least for me i have to say that even when i'm not really "in the mood" a few rounds with the unicycle (better with the 26" Muni, but the 20" is fun as well) can brighten up the day very quick.

Greetings

Byc

On the days i am needing some stress relief i just go for a ride around the streets, ust seeing little kids light up and how excited everyone is about the unicycle is a very intoxicating feeling. Usually gets me ready for a ride.

I should note that i weighed my Muni, came in at 16 pounds 4 oz. with everything setup as you see in the pictures.

[Nurse Ben]

I have been reading on here some of the better Muni riders working on using the brake less, so i am trying not to develop bad habits from the start, make an attempt without the brake and slowly apply as need.

There's no such thing as using a brake to much, it's a tool you can use to control your speed. If anything, not using your brake enough will cause premature leg fatigue on downhills, so by using your brake you can ride harder and longer.

Brakes are also great for relaxing your legs as you spin down a hill, just apply the brake and pedal into the resistance until you can relax and go with the flow. On a long decline, even one that is fairly subtle, if you have to apply any pedal pressure to control your speed, a brake can do that with minimal exertion. On more technical terrain, use the brake to augment your leg power.

[Spectro]

Went for a small 10 minute ride yesterday which turned out to be hour and half in the end. So far i managed to go for a good time without UPDing when riding on street (short downhill no problem, uphill was really tiring but i managed it few times ), but yesterday i told myself i would try something different and went for a tiny bit of off-road alongside the local stream. It was difficult. Lot of small rocks, uneven terrain, bumps that were covered with grass. In total it was around 1km or so and i managed it with 4 upds. The greatest part was that when i returned back to road i noticed at least 30% increase in top speed I can manage without beeing uncomfortable. I was so excited. Can't wait for another ride tommorow (eventhoug my knees were killing me in the evening ).

[Davey]

Today i finally got some good idiling and riding backwards in...

I can now idle for maybe 30 - 40 seconds if i am relaxed and can travel about 1/2 a block backwards....

Got a challenge from a local shop when i went in that if i could give my order while riding the bike in the store they would give a discount .

[uncommitted]

Figure I aught to start posting in here.

I've got a 24" Nimbus MUNI, I've had it for a couple of months and am just starting to be able to be able to ride it a (very) little bit.

I usually try to get down to the school after work for about 30 - 45 minutes, it's been a pretty hectic week so I was only able to get out twice this week. I'll be out of town next week so I've got this weekend to try and get as much riding in as possible.

My progress so far, I can usually make it 20'-30' and I'm starting to get further. I've made it 100' or more several times, but haven't been able to manage a whole lot past that yet. Yet.

I figure if I can keep at the pace I'm going I should be able to get a little better and start in on either turning and/or free mounting soon.

[jyngles]

I feel like I am on a plateau. I cannot seem to break out of it. I put the uni down for a week and came back to it and felt pretty good, now I am back in the same funk. Any suggestions. At times I feel like I am digressing instead of progressing. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

[Davey]

Try doing some other stuff. I have been in a funk and had hit a plateau about idling for a while so i decided to try hopping up stairs / riding backwards and mixing things up.

That has helped a huge amount to keep things different. Also is there anyone else that you can ride with near by as that makes a huge difference.

Don't make it a chore remember that this is supposed to be fun.

Try doing things like riding through cones slalom etc...

Keep at it you will get through.

Davey

[jyngles]

Thanks for the input Davey, I do try to mix things up. I ride, idle, ride backwards, and also try hopping up and down curbs. Can't seem to get more than 6 inches off the ground though. It seems like I am stuck at a certain point with the riding backwards as well. I am trying to hop and spin, but that doesn't seem to be working out so well either. The unfortunate part is there are only a couple of kids in my area that ride and trying to get our schedules to match is like pulling teeth.

I will keep at it though, it can be frustrating, but I know what your saying about not making it a chore and that it is suppose to be fun. That is why I put it down for a week.

Thanks for the feed back, every little bit helps, especially where I am a newbie. It has only been 7 months since I learn how to ride and I have about 115 hours of time in.

Thanks again, happy riding...

jyngles