I am in my early 50’s and starting to learn again. I was about 15 years old when I learned the first time. I don’t remember having so much soreness in my thigh muscles. Anyway last weekend I started from scratch. I spent about 3 hours getting my equilbrium back on track. Used my pick up truck as a wall. Very shaky on wheel. Greatest progress was riding from the back tire to the front of my pick up truck. Not afraid of falling off.
Yesterday I used the side of a house for the wall and on asphalt now. I pedal about 2 revs, lose speed and consistently fall to my left . I am right handed and right footed. I use my left foot to mount. 2 hours of learning. Most of shakiness gone. wheel inflated to 40lbs (recommendeded). Looks flat when I mount!!
Need to increase my speed. I don’t know if weight affects learning. I am 5’11" and weigh about 230lbs. tips are welcome.
Are you saying you were not afraid of falling off this particular moment. Or you are not afraid of falling off overall? Because If you mean that particular moment, you shouldnt be afraid of falling off because its not like rollerblades where they are strapped to your feet. You can depart from the unicycle and land on your feet. Anyways, welcome to the forums!
I remember falling off when I was 15. Not afraid now. I am relearning how to fall. Thanks for the reply. I remember how much fun it was riding the wheel at 15. rode everywhere.
Welcome to the fora. Please post threads like this in RSU because they are unicycling related. The pain in your thighs is no surprise. Those puppies work really hard. Jack the pressure of your tire up to about 60psig. We frequently run unicycles at 150% of the recommended pressure. People that weigh of order 200lbs like us need it. When learning (or re-learning) to ride remember the unicycling mantra.
Keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals.
Look ahead, not down at the wheel.
Keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals.
Maintain good posture.
Keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals.
Try not to chicken out, pedal until you fall, don’t step off.
Keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals.
Pedal in smooth, circular strokes.
Keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals.
Most of all, remember to keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals. There is a search function that you can use to find a variety of tips and technical help. Good luck in your venture to re-enter the world of one wheeling.
You are certainly not too old to be doing this. I never sat on a unicycle until I was 50-years-old.
As you get more comfortable with balancing and pedaling and riding in general, you will get more comfortable with resting your weight on the seat. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but you should keep your weight on the seat, not the pedals.
I remember how hard it was in my early days because of strain on my legs. Eventually, you learn to relax. Then it is just a matter of sitting on the seat and turning the pedals.
