An Update on Hopelessness

I really don't know how good you should be at biking. I would guess that
you should get the feel of pedaling and the feel for the whole rolling
sensation. and ass soon as you can confidently balance on the bike then
i think you will be more than ready. I bet in like a day of just riding
for another couple hours or so you should be more than ready to learn to
unicycle.

--
Catboy - I enjoy the taste of dirt!

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zambonijones said:

*How good at biking do you think I should be before I move on to a
unicycle? *

Don't listen to what the other people tell you. They'll say that you
should get comfortable on a bike first, but I'd suggest you start
learning to unicycle now.

The most important thing for me when learing to unicycle was my
pedalling form. Pedalling technique on a bike (push, coast, push,
coast) is much different from pedalling on a unicycle
(PedalPedalPedalPedalPedalPedalCrash). I certainly wouldn't put the bike
away forever, but I would recommend setting it aside while learning to
unicycle. Learning to unicycle without all the regular biking habits
should make things easier.

You either already know, or will soon learn, that it takes _much_ longer
to learn to ride a unicycle than a bike. Stick with it - the cheering
you did after learning to ride a bike will be nothing compared to your
first 50 food ride on a unicycle.

It's a pleasure to meet you and please keep us updated,
Rob

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Congratulations on your fun with the bike! I can't imagine learning at
such an advanced age as 16 (I was 16 in 1978), but I didn't think it
would take you very long.

Sorry about whatever stuff was going on when you were growing up; it
sounds like there was probably a divorce in there, which is never good
for kids growing up, and possibly a bit of wierdness in the case of your
dad, who never told you you had a bike. Anyway, that's past so in the
cycling world, we move on.

Now go ahead and start trying the unicycle. When you get bored or tired
with the unicycle, ride the bike some more. There's still a lot to learn
about it, and all of it will come in *extremely* handy when someone puts
you behind the wheel of a car. It could save your life, or at least the
life of the car.

Sidebar:
I used to work for a driving school. Riding bikes, playing video games,
or any other simulation or real-world activities that force your brain
to process information about *where you're going* and *what you have to
do--right away* are very valuable. Prepare yourself for the world of
driving. Unless you live in Manhattan, you're probably going to need to
drive someday.

Back to the bike:
Now that you've hugged a few trees, time to switch to a safer place to
ride. If you truly didn't have any brakes (try pedaling backwards), you
should not have been on a hill. Seek a riding place that has:
1. A smooth *paved* surface. You'll be amazed at the difference.
2. No hill
3. Little or no traffic. Like an empty parking lot.

Walk the bike there if you have to. Learning on grass, on a hill, was a
little silly.

Use the same place for the unicycle too. Don't try to learn to ride on
grass (either kind). Put the unicycle on top of the bike and walk both
of them down there.

Have fun!

--
johnfoss - Walkin' on the edge

John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone
"jfoss" at "unicycling.com" -- www.unicycling.com

"Read the rules!"
'IUF Rulebook' (http://www.unicycling.org/iuf/rulebook/)
'USA Rulebook' (http://www.unicycling.org/usa/competition/)
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First things first: learning to ride a bicycle at the age of 16 is a
huge achievement. In some ways, it is more of an achievement than
learning at 6, because when you are 6, you know no fear, and do not
understand that bicycling is difficult. So, well done!

Now, at the risk of sounding personal, it seems from your posts that you
have been encouraged by those around you to expect to fail. It is up to
you to show them wrong. Barring physical disability such as missing
limbs or a neurological problem, there is no reason on Earth why you
shouldn't be able to ride a bike, climb a cliff, drive a car, or ride a
unicycle, just like anyone else. These are all skills that need to be
learned - but the first skill of all is the skill of making a genuine
effort to learn.

You've made that step. You've proved a point. You've crossed a
threshold. Brilliant!

You are publicising this success in a forum frequented mainly by people
who are lucky enough to have the confidence and determination to ride
unicycles, and who are to some extent biased by their own experiences.
In the past, you have let other people set your limits; don't make the
opposite mistake of letting other people set your goals.

In your position, I would work on the bicycling for a bit. It is a
great exercise, hobby, activity (call it what you will) in its own
right. It's good enough for Lance Armstrong, it's good enough for
you.

Skills to develop: steering, braking, stopping under control. On a
safety point, you need to know that front wheel skids are more likely to
result in a fall, but rear wheel skids are much more likely to happen.
Get into the habit of using both brakes, applying them smoothly, and
progressively. Practise riding slowly. Look where you want to go and
the bicycle will follow your gaze.

If you get no further than this, you have still made a huge step in your
personal development. If you draw from this the belief that you can
succeed where others have led you to expect failure, then all the
better.

And unicycling? I truly hope that you will give it a go. It's a
fantastic hobby and you'll meet some great people. It isn't easy,
though, and most people who try don't take it as far as the enthusiasts
in this forum. One step at a time, but don't rest on your laurels. At
16, everything is possible if you choose to make it so.🙂

--
Mikefule - Roland Hope School of Unicycling

Everyone should be fatuous for 15 minutes.
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I learned to ride a bike sort of late ( i was 10 or 11) I never really
got into it and never got good at it. The balancing wasn't a problem I
just didn't like turning or riding in a small space. I sucked at riding
bikes when I started unicycling but i don't think it made too much of a
difference. Even now, I am pretty good at riding a uni but I still don't
feel confortable on a bike because it's a completely different feeling.

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litldude2 - Spencer
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Congrats on learning to bike!

Just for a tip about stearing it you don't have to turn the handle bars.
You just have to lean into the turn a little (not too much of you may
find yourself kissing the blacktop). Alfo for the size of a bike you are
not supposed to touch the ground when your are sitting on the seat. Your
led should actually be almost straight.

About unicycling, go for it! I'm sure that there are many people who
know how to unicycle and have never ridden a bicycle.

--
LegoBoy
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zambonijones said:

*"You're INSANE! NOBODY learns how to ride a bike in an hour without
anyone around!"

My response: "Nobody learns how to ride a bike when they're 16,
either."

PS--How good at biking do you think I should be before I move on to a
unicycle? *

Excellent, insanity is a good start. And learning to ride a bike isn't
even a necessity to ride the unicycle, so you can start learning the
unicycle before too long. Just get the feeling of rolling along. Also,
when you do start to ride a unicycle, put the first foot on the
-bottom-back- pedal, not the forward one. It's different from a bike,
and most people don't get that right away.

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Quoted message said:

-*Learning on grass, on a hill, was a little silly.
*-

Obviously.

Well, that was the problem that occured when I was little--there were no
apporopriate places nearby for me to learn, and I had to rely on others
(namely, my dad) for transportation, who was of no help in assisting.

But our driveway was recently paved, so I did start off there. But it's
small, and still tilts at an odd angle. The only really flat area was a
small patch of grass in the back yard that sits on top of about a foot
of mud.

I went careening through that (sans brakes) anyway.

But now that I have a handle on balancing, I've been using my mum's
monsterous bike, and it's a lot more comfortable. I spent most of today
maneuvering between recycle bins, a bird bath, a few trees, and a very
expensive convertible (which kept me on my toes.. or... wheels, rather).
My breaking still needs work, but I'm no longer taking any dirt samples
with my schnozz when I turn to the left or right, which I count as a
major improvement.

Sometime this week, I'm going to brave the open road. If you're in the
area, and driving a motor vehicle, please take pity on me if I obstruct
your way.

I plan to spend this last week and a half of summer vacation biking my
[censored] off in hopes of proving to my mum that I am dedicated to getting a
unicycle. I have it all planned out in my head... I just need her
approval.

So I'll suffer these shredded calves, and being whapped in the face with
tree branches, until tomorrow or the day after, when I will swallow my
pride, and expose my ineptitude to the world of automobiles.

I hope to start unicycling as soon as possible... you all have been so
helpful and encouraging. It's wonderful.

Updates soon to come, when internet access again rears its magestic
head.

~Chedd

--
zambonijones
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I still remember my first big crash as a kid on a bike... The training
wheels had come off my Huffy the week before or so, I was 5 or 6, we
were in a campground somewhere, my dad and I were going down a hill...
Now, at my parent's place in the stix, there are no curbs to speak of,
so if I went off the driveway onto the grass, no biggy. Campground had
curbs. It's amazing how much momentum a 5 year old can get on a slight
hill, considering how I ended up crying on the grass with my huffy lying
on top of me 😉 If only we had a camcorder we would have won the
$15,000, and I'd be riding a Kris Holm Muni instead of a Nimbus 😉

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evil-nick - Going Through Uni Withdrawal!!!

Never kick a unicyclist in the groin... it will only make them grow
stronger...

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my sister recently learned how to ride a bike, shortly before her 19th
birthday.

--
jeenyus
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Chedd - you are to be commended.

I got quite a chuckle reading your submissions. My guess is that you
live somewhere in Great Britain. Most American 16 year olds haven't
developed that sort of self-deprecating wit.

You have a great attitude and that will ensure your success. In the
meantime, be sure to wear a helmet!

As you have no doubt discovered, the folks on this forum are very
generous with prompt and helpful guidance. As a newbie myself, I'm
gratified to have such a resource a few keystrokes away.

If you get the chance to hook up with an experienced unicyclist, do so.
Monday evening was the first time I've ever had the opportunity to ride
with someone else (met through this forum). We did 8 miles and he was
able to provide me with invaluable pointers.

Every day I learn something new. Last night, I learned that changing a
flat tire is far more involved than on a two-wheeler and that my local
sporting goods store has never carried 28" tubes.....

Good luck!

Pat

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"When you're over the hill, you pick up speed!"

"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room."
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my friend learned at 18. same kinda situation. but alas she wont go near
a uni. oh well. congrats.

--
einrad_traum - Einräder sind toll

ET
-Einrad Traum-
(unicycle dream)
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"patmoore" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Chedd - you are to be commended.

I got quite a chuckle reading your submissions. My guess is that you
live somewhere in Great Britain. Most American 16 year olds haven't
developed that sort of self-deprecating wit.

Naw he/she must be Stateside: how many Briteens refer to cars as
automobiles? And Jones Soda, neighbors, etc etc
Bright kid though. Congratulations are due to overcoming the fear and
getting on with the bike rides. The uni must now appear far less daunting.

Naomi

For the record, I'm from Connecticut. ((Speaking of which, anyone know
of any cycle shops around that sell Uni's?))

My dad dropped off "my" bike yesterday. Apparently, he got it for me a
few years ago, along with a matching, boy's version for himself. It's
some blue Huffy mountainbike with terribly loose breaks and a seat that
has rusted itself into a position that is much too low, but it's mine,
and that's all that really matters.

I read my Unicycling proposition to my mum, who isn't outwardly opposed
to it, as long as I cover myself in protective gear and possibly a
cushioned Sta-Puft Doughboy outfit for safety's sake. And a football
helmet.

My dad just told me, "As long as it's not illegal. Or seriously
life-threatening."

All sounds well.

Anywho, I'm off to do some more research on models. I found one for
about $144, and one for $162.... I think I should go with a 20" wheel
with a 300mm seat, but I don't want to pay much more that $180 for it.
If at all possible, under $150 would be fantastic. Ebay isn't much of
an option.

If anyone has any input as to what specs would be appropriate for my
stature... ((Female, 150 lbs, 5'5"😉).

Again, thanks for everything, and I'll keep you all informed!

--
zambonijones
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Bloomfield cycles has some, also check 'Unicycle.com shops (link)'
(http://www.unicycle.com/dealers.asp#Connecticut) and select Connecticut
for a full list.> I read my Unicycling proposition to my mum, who isn't outwardly

Quoted message said:

opposed to it, as long as I cover myself in protective gear and
possibly a cushioned Sta-Puft Doughboy outfit for safety's sake. And a
football helmet.

What?! not a Michelin(sp) man, uh, woman outfit? Sta-Puft Doughboy
would squish to nothing.😄 :eek: 😉 And a full face motorcycle helmet
is more protection.

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brian.slater - Nellfurtiti, the Wonder Cat

Brian C. Slater
AKA: Snoopy

Ok, I am now officially in my normal state of -advanced- confusion.
Don't try to confuse me, it won't make any difference.

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I just saw a 20" uni in Ray's Bicycles on Franklin Avenue in the south
end of Hartford. Ray's number is 247-0191.

I think I've seen them at Suburban Sports in Berlin as well.

Best of luck to you!

Pat

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'[image: http://www.mtlski.com/images/raceboardskismall.jpg]'
(http://www.mtlski.com/)
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Choose your wheel size based on the kind of riding you would like to do.
20" is good for tricks (and playing hockey), but it won't get you
anywhere very quick. If you want to go places, consider a 24" or 26".
The difference in learning is very minor.

I think I would have learned much more easily on something larger than
the 16" children's P.O.S. I learned on. My one ride on a 24" Schwinn
during that time was like gliding on air. I rode 100 yards or so, in one
try, while I'd only ridden the other one about 30 feet.

--
johnfoss - Walkin' on the edge

John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone
"jfoss" at "unicycling.com" -- www.unicycling.com

"Read the rules!"
'IUF Rulebook' (http://www.unicycling.org/iuf/rulebook/)
'USA Rulebook' (http://www.unicycling.org/usa/competition/)
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zambonijones said:

*If anyone has any input as to what specs would be appropriate for my
stature... ((Female, 150 lbs, 5'5"😉).*

From personal experience (Female, about 150 lbs, 5'8", over twice your
age) I would tell you to avoid 20" inch wheels like the plague! They
are evil, malicious, little beasts who lull you into a false sense of
security with their responsive handling and deceptive closeness to the
ground. Then - WHAM! Off you fall and no unicycling for 4 - 6 (as per
doctor) or 6 - 8 (as per physio) weeks. BUY A COKER!

Joking aside, as somebody living in a country where we have 2 options
for unicycle purchases - "Take it" or "Leave it", I can strongly
recommend getting yourself to a shop that sells a variety of unicycles
(take two friends to support you unless you pick a shop with VERY
helpful sales staff), or getting yourself to a club where you can try
out a variety of unicycles.

Jayne

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zambonijones said:

*
If anyone has any input as to what specs would be appropriate for my
stature... ((Female, 150 lbs, 5'5"😉).
*

A female who voluntarily publishes here weight in a public forum? What
is the world coming to? 😉

Look at www.unicycle com
I suggest something not too specialised as a first uni. A 20 inch
wheel, definitely.

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