Who’s given someone else a piggyback ride on the unicycle?
It seems to me like it’s more difficult than it should be. I find it hard to ride smoothly, and harder still just to mount. Is it just me? (if so, any tips?)
Edit: Oops! Apparently this has been discussed before: http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38287
Hey Stew.
That was from 2005, we have an indemnity for repeating threads from 2005, so you’re good.
I haven’t tried piggyback, but have ridden with people on my shoulders and have juggled three ball Mills Mess while on the shoulders of another unicyclist.
I suspect piggyback is more difficult because it moves the balance point so far back, while on the shoulders keeps it pretty much in the same place.
I never actually thought about carrying someone on the shoulders. I suppose that makes though – I’ll go out and try it right now!
I guess I just assumed riding higher would be more dangerous, but if it really is easier, than that would make it safer, right?
I have done it several times, it makes for a LOT of weight in the seat, but as long as you are a good rider and the person doesn’t squirm too much, it is do-able.
Having not tried the piggy-back method vs. riding-on-shoulders, my guess would be that piggy-back would be difficult due to having your arms holding onto the person, and not free to move around. Riding on the shoulders looks better, is bigger/taller, and overall safer except maybe for the top person. 
As for all “weird” riding (with an instrument or a person on your shoulders), I think the watchword is just being sensible.
Step off as soon as you feel unstable, don’t “ride to failure”.
It also can’t hurt to have one (or two) people walking alongside to offer the top rider and arm or two in the event of a UPD.
Once you and your passenger locks into the riding position, you’ll be pretty much good to go.
What about double riding with the passenger standing on the cranks as an intermediate step? I’ve tried this (as the passenger) and I wonder if it would help both people get better used to the weight and balance before moving up to piggy back or shoulder riding.
How could someone stand on the cranks as you’re riding? 
Oops, make that standing on the crown. I have cranks on the brain since I’ve been working in my new 75mm ones. 
Standing on the crown makes the riding somewhat easier, and somewhat harder. Easier because the passenger has a solid foothold, and because the overall package is not as top-heavy. Harder though, because the extra weight is lateral to your center of mass. Instead of stacking weight on the top, it has to be swung side to side for any steering corrections. So the riding is sluggish and may involve more arm waving.
But it’s still probably a good way to prepare for piggyback or shoulders riding because it’s a lot easier to UPD! When the passenger is above, as in sitting on your shoulders, turning/steering is easier.