Hey all. I just got my unicycle a couple of days ago, I’ve been practicing anywhere from half an hour a day to 2 hours a day, every day since Thursday. I can roll forward, idle a bit, but I still have trouble stopping and I still have trouble with my left/right balance. I figure the latter is something that’s going to come to me eventually, as is everything else with practice. So my first question is are there any exercises or things I should focus on to improve, or should I just keep doing what I’m doing (getting on, rolling forward and trying to fix what I did wrong in the previous run. Rinse and repeat)?
My second and more serious question. When I practice a lot, like I did today, my groin hurts something fierce. I’m not sure if it’s the way I’m sitting or my saddle or something else entirely. I have an Axiom saddle, sorta hourglass shaped with a good 1-2 inch difference in dip from middle to ends. When I ride I make a conscious effort to put most of my weight on the saddle, but I inevitably end up putting about half on the pedals. I’m getting better at this though. I figure it’s the way I mount and seat myself, but any advice is appreciated.
Practice. The only way to get good at anything is to do it. It took me a full week of 5 hours + day to be able to ride forever, on grass, mild hills, and freemount. Just keep at it!
Regarding the seat: that seat sucks, it is not due to lack of technique. I’d suggest buying some spandex padded cycling shorts for leg rash, and a new seat. Depending what you want to do with your unicycle later on, I would suggest a kris holm (KH) freeride or street seat, purchasable @ unicycle.com (UDC)
If you are a rider that leans towards riding long distance and less towards street and trials, the KH freeride seat is the way to go. Of course, it won’t beat a custom molded/cut foam seat, (sculpted to the genitals), it is still a very comfy seat. Stay away from all crescent shaped seats. http://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=952
The KH street seat is low profile. While still being comfortable, it is meant more towards trials and street. I would personally get this one, because while it is still agreeable for long distance, it is a wicked seat for trials/street. http://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=953
Val88, yup, maybe we will run into each other… and since we’re both beginners, we may really run into each other! Too bad you didn’t go to the Toronto club’s anniversary this past weekend.
When the snow goes, I plan on riding along the canal, the bike paths along the Ottawa River and in the Market. Then into the Gatineau hills for some Muni!!! Yihaaa!
