How to Ride a Unicycle, Turning and Freemounting
Learning to Freemount and Turn Corners on a One Wheel Bike
Feb 9, 2009
Whilst many novice unicyclists quickly progress with the comfort of a wall to hang onto when mounting the unicycle, actually going anywhere on a one wheel bike demands some additional skills. Freemounting requires learning to get on the bike without holding onto anyone or anything and turning corners is essential to avoid hitting obstacles.
Learning to Freemount a Unicycle
Before attempting to mount a unicycle without assistance, it is essential to master the art of staying upright and going in the right direction. This demands concentration and a strong sense of balance.
It is also a good idea to have practised the art of stepping over the unicycle by placing the lead foot on the pedal and stepping over the saddle with the other foot. This simple action is how to get off a unicycle without falling in a heap and comes in handy when trying that first freemount where the novice will inevitably get it wrong.
Getting on a Unicycle Without Help
- Half sit on the saddle placing the unicycle in front and put the lead foot on the bottom pedal.
- Launch forwards, bringing the machine upright.
- Swing the free foot through the air and place it positively onto the top pedal, pushing back slightly as it connects.
- This should push the wheel a quarter turn backwards leaving the rider leaning forward and ready to pedal off.
- The most important part of the manoeuvre is the “kickback” onto the top pedal; without it, both pedals will stall in a central position and the rider must either step off and try again or fall flat on his face.
- Equally amusing for spectators is missing the top pedal altogether, which should be avoided at all costs!
Turning Corners on a Unicycle
With no handlebars on a unicycle it may seem impossible to steer the bike in any direction other than forwards but turning is possible. Here’s how:
- Start off riding with arms outstretched.
- To turn right, swing the upper body in that direction and look right too.
- Push down hard on the inside pedal and the unicycle will start to turn.
- Make the first few turns as wide as possible and practice in both directions.
- It may seem impossible at first but the novice will quickly progress to unicycling around obstacles and even performing figures of eight.
Unicycle Tricks
Some riders practice turning before they attempt to freemount whilst others prefer to master mounting the unicycle unaided first. After all, without a wall to hang onto, it’s pretty difficult to start going anywhere on one wheel.
Whichever comes first, these new skills open up a whole new unicycle world. Whether the aim is to play unicycle hockey or basketball, descend a mountain on a municycle (mountain unicycle) or simply show off in front of friends, turns and freemounts are essential tricks to add to a unicyclist’s repertoire.
Related Articles
Learn the basics of unicycling before trying more advanced moves.
Mountain Biking on a Unicycle.
Choosing the right type of unicycle.
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