New Rider trying to learn

Riding Advice
1

Hello, I’m new to this group and unicycling as of yesterday when I bought a used
unicycle for $30. At that price I figured I’d try to learn something I’ve been
wanting to do for quite some time.

Been doing the kitchen counter thing as well as the wall, chairs, even a pull-up
bar at a local school. Been trying to get comfortable and mostly get a feel for
things. I’ve been really starting to wonder how long learning is going to take
me if I continue to practice daily for the occasional 10 minute period.

Should I decrease the pressure in my tire to gain stability. Is there any
commonly known technique which would enhance my learning time?.

Help!!!

Thanks in advance, Mitch mdlee@ucdavis.edu

2

Re: New Rider trying to learn

>I’ve been really starting to wonder how long learning is going to take me if I
>continue to practice daily for the occasional 10 minute period.
>
>Should I decrease the pressure in my tire to gain stability. Is there any
>commonly known technique which would enhance my learning time?.
>
>Help!!!
>
>Thanks in advance, Mitch mdlee@ucdavis.edu
>

It’s really worth doing a few sessions of half an hour or so, which should speed
up your learning with the longer concentration.

People learn in different times. But you should be able to ride a wobbly few
metres within two weeks, as long as you are bold - it’s not as dangerous as it
can feel! You may learn in a week, or it may take a bit longer, and it will
probably take quite a bit more practice to be able to stay on for longer and
steer yourself - you may get that in another week, or perhaps a month. It helps
if your learning techniques are good - so have a look at the FAQ.

I found that squidgy tires helped me a lot when learning - they slow you down
and make the uni less sensitive to bumps and grit etc.

========================================================
Tim Sheppard tim@lilliput-p.win-uk.net Lilliput Press - Publisher of fine books
in miniature

3

Re: Re: New Rider trying to learn

Tim Sheppard wrote:
|> People learn in different times. But you should be able to ride a wobbly few
|> metres within two weeks, as long as you are bold - it’s not as dangerous as
|> it can feel! You may learn in a week, or it may take

I don’t understand all this talk about weeks. Bill Jenack, the father of modern
unicycling, used to say that with his method you learn to wobble a few meters in
something line 15 to 30 minutes. Using the methods I describe in ANYONE CAN RIDE
A UNICYCLE, which are mostly based on Bill Jenack’s methods, I teach beginners
to wobble a few turns of the wheel in an hour or less – provided that there is
a spotter.

Two people holding teh rider’s hands from both sides is, from out extensive
experience in teaching in Japan, absolutely essential.

See the FAQ if you need info on how to obtain ANYONE CAN…

Stay on top, Jack Halpern

4

Re: Re: Re: New Rider trying to learn

Hi Ken,

The new FAQ arrived, but the transmission was cut off so I’d appreciate it if
you can resend it.

|>
|> Miyata This is a popular Japanese brand that recently quit selling in
|> the US due to the cheap dollar. You may be

Concerning Miyata, I’d appreciate it if you can somehow incoporate the
informatin below. As can be seen, Miyata unicycles can be ordered directly form
Japan anytime.

Thank you.

Regards, Jack Halpern

Kanji Dictionary Publishing Society 1-3-502 3-Chome Niiza, Niiza-shi, Saitama
352 JAPAN Voice: +81-048-481-3103 Fax: +81-048-479-1323

---- begin included file ----

From: jhalpern@super.win.or.jp (Jack Halpern) To: unicycling@winternet.com
(Unicycling mailing list), iuf-discuss@winternet.com (IUF Discussion) Date: Mon
Aug 14 15:51 JST Subject: IMPORTANT: Seeking Miyata Agent in US
Convert_text_to_jis: YES/no Send: YES Append_reply_to: unm

Hi All,

I have had countless requests about how to purchase Miyata unicycles in the US,
which is considered the best in the world by champion-class riders. Before I go
on let me make it clear that I do not work for Miyata nor represent them
directly. I am doing this because I know there is strong demand for Miyata
unicycles and Miyata has no way of reaching the masses of unicyclists. The
president of Miyata and the exports manager have asked me for my cooperation.

Miyata would like to renew activities in the US market through a reliable agent
who is able to reach the unicycling market. The agent should be in a position to
pay in advance by letter of credit (FOB Japan for FCL shipment). Shipment will
be made within 60 after receipt of payment.

I cannot announce the wholesale prices here, which is not public information.
But the prices for agents are fairly reasonable and competetive, I would say.
For details, please negotiate directly with the exports manager Mr. Kamei.
Unfortunately, he is not connected to the net.

    Isao Kamei Miyata Industry Co., Ltd. Overseas Department 1-1-1
    Shimnomachiya, Chigasaki City Kanagawa Prefecture JAPAN 253 Phone:
    +81-467-85-3339 ("81" is the country code for Japan) Fax:
    +81-467-87-3587

In the meantime, if you want to buy Miyata unicycles or parts, you can do so
directly by contacting Mr. Kamei. His English is reasonable so communications
should not be a problem. Miyata will take care of orders directly anywhere, not
just the US.

Basically, you should negotiate with Mr. Kamei directly, but in a pinch I’ll
help out if necessary. This is an excellent business opportunity, and at the
same time happy news for the countless unicyclists for whom it is practically
impossible to buy a Miyata.

Stay on top, Jack Halpern IUF Vice President

---- end included file ----

5

Re: New Rider trying to learn

ez040621@boris.ucdavis.edu (Mitchell Lee) wrote:

>commonly known technique which would enhance my learning time?.
>
>Help!!!
>
>Thanks in advance, Mitch mdlee@ucdavis.edu

Hey, Brother Mitch,

I had good luck using a couple of broomstick handles about 4’ long. Your work at
the kitchen counter is invaluable for controlling of front-to-back motion, now
you need to hit the parking lot with the two ‘ski poles’. As you progress you
will slightly lift the poles for longer periods of time until you no longer need
them. (I had a cute 14-year-old girl watching me at the time, 1968, that may
have help motivate me.

Best wishes,

Joey

(Vist the gang in alt.boomerang sometime)