Hi, I’m from Scotland and I began unicycling in back in September. I had heard that anyone can learn the unicycle and I wanted to see if this was true!
I started on a 20” with 150mm cranks. It took me about a month before I could ride it 50 metres. I also bought a 24” with 125mm cranks as I wanted to experience how different wheel sizes and crank/wheel ratios feel.
I’m now able to do some basic turns and I can ride about 400 metres. I’ve also tackled some hills. My plan is to now learn freemounting and idling. I also plan to buy a 29” with 150mm cranks to see how it feels to ride. I’m hoping that if I can master freemounting and idling, then I will one day be able to try a giraffe.
Wellcome @esm!
Congratulations with the progress.
Your plans for the future are very sensible. Share your progress by posting photos from your rides once in a while.
Keep at it!
Hello @esm welcome. Your plan appears to be going well. Keep up the good work. You did not mention any safety gear. I would encourage you to get a helmet and wrist guards at minimum, if you had not considered it at this point. This is definitely my bent. (Xiphi aka Joe)
Freemounting is probably one of the most freeing skills (no pun intended) to have for anybody on a unicycle I learned to freemount with my cranks horizontal; it can be tricky at first but it works great for pretty much all wheel sizes.
Thanks for the replies folks. I was out on my 20” today and I managed my first free mount. I nailed it a second time but it definitely needs more practice until I can get it every time.
Where in Scotland are you? I’m in argyll near Dunoon.
I’m in the Central Belt. I’m trying to make the most of the dry-ish weather lately to get out and practice.
You did not mention any safety gear. I would encourage you get a helmet and wrist guards at minimum, if you had not considered it at this point.
I actually fell off and grazed my knee recently. I then fell off again and re-opened the same wound . I have now bought knee pads and I also wear a high-viz vest if I’m on the road.
I consider wrist guards a must, I never ride with out them. It is very easy to injure your hands fingers and wrists and considering the amount of upd’s you will have learning the odds are pretty good for an injury of some sort. I would say that knees shins and wrists have the greatest chance of a serious injury. Also the best advise ever watch your shoe laces, tuck them away if they get wound in your pedals you will go flying face first.
Thank you @Bug72. Great advice in general, I have had multiple concussions. I always wear a helmet. I realize it’s an individual choice, but it’s helpful to hear the voice of experience encouraging safe practices for a sport with potential for significant injuries. ( I personally use helmets for many activities).
I learned to freemount with my cranks horizontal; it can be tricky at first but it works great for pretty much all wheel sizes.
I nailed it a second time but it definitely needs more practice until I can get it every time.
. I have now bought knee pads and I also wear a high-viz vest if I’m on the road. 
