How to Keep Balance on a Unicycle

Riding a unicycle is a skill that doesn't come easily for most. It's not like riding a traditional bike, and you must hone a fine sense of balance to stay on the unicycle and travel about town. You can develop the balance you need in steps.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Stabilize yourself by staying within reach of a sturdy object, such as a wall, rail or chair. You should be able to brace yourself against the object if you feel yourself falling.

2. Get on the unicycle and place your feet on the pedals. Position the pedal on the side of your dominant foot at 6 o'clock, or straight down toward the ground.

3. Familiarize yourself with how the unicycle moves by rocking back and forth with three different methods. Start rocking with your dominant foot in the 6 o'clock position, using your other foot as a guide to keep the unicycle steady. Switch foot pedal positions and repeat with the nondominant foot.

4. Advance your balancing skills with the second rocking method with one foot straight down (6 o'clock) and the other foot completely off the unicycle. Do this for at least 100 reps on each foot.

5. Continue learning how the unicycle balances by rocking with one foot straight down and the other foot on the tire. Again, repeat for at least 100 reps on each foot.

6. Practice all three rocking methods daily until you are capable of balancing on the unicycle without holding on to something for stabilization. Once you master balancing on the unicycle, you are ready to learn how to ride it forward.

Tips & Warnings

• If you begin to lose your balance, quickly place your feet on the ground and allow the unicycle to fall. This will keep you from falling too and hurting yourself.

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[bizzyliz]

on 3/19/2009 I'm going to try these methods. Thanks for the ideas.