Hello, Unicyclists! I recently bought a 24 inch municycle. I do fine on most of the downhill and flat trails. But if I hit any root, rock, stick, etc while going uphill, I get ejected. Any advice on going over bumps? What about going over ditches or small, steep hills?
Short answer - Time in the saddle. It will occur naturally that your riding over non-pristine conditions will improve.
Long answer:
- Bumps: I suggest riding on grass. It is more challenging than smooth concrete/asphalt or hard packed dirt, yet still achievable. There will be bumps you can’t see and you’ll UPD from them. Often. Mount back on the uni and keep going. It’ll be difficult and tiresome. But it will help develop control. You’ll learn to gauge how to ride over grass despite knowing there are bumps you can’t see but know are there. This will translate to roots, rocks, sticks on trails that you can see. Eventually you’ll see an obstacle coming up and say “I’m gonna ride over you” and ride directly to it and do just that.
- Ditches: Ride down curbs. The moderate drop will be unnerving when you first start but shouldn’t be insurmountable. Progress from this into 2 step stairs, then 3 steps, then 4+ steps. This will give you control over the jolt of going down any ledge type obstacle.
- Steep hills: If you can’t yet, learn to ride while standing up off the seat. This is necessary for steep sections. Start with minor inclines and ride them, while standing, till you are comfortable with the section. Then find a steeper section and repeat. You will eventually come to a steepness where you will do a stepping motion, similar to climbing stairs, with a slight pause on the downstroke of each pedal.
Are you pulling firmly upwards on the nose of the saddle when you hit these obstacles?
No. I tend to like both arms waving in the air. I’ll try it next time I ride. Thanks!
Also, take a look at some of the YouTube videos. Most muni shots are the exciting downhills or extreme terrain, but you can find a few uphill.
Here’s one from Terry: https://youtu.be/UTb_pfxVFCA?si=1JPQ1yYZOKylVFyW
And one from Hobo Dan: https://youtu.be/mMn_MM0tGMc?si=JeJNuk8Z4vBAcHLV
When I first started muni I also had both arms flailing. No more, now I always have one hand firmly on the saddle nose or handlebar.
The tutorial videos that @Finnspin made for us on Youtube are really helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/@unicyclebasics
He is dealing topics for beginners and advanced, so you will need some time to work through them