Here's an excerpt from the new USA, Inc. Skills Handbook about how to
learn to idle.
Idling, or staying in one place while sitting on the unicycle, is a very
useful skill. As is true in learning most unicycling skills, it simply
takes practice. Basically, the rider should sit firmly on the seat,
look forward, move the pedals back and forth in a rocking motion, and
use the support of a wall or a helper to get started.
Be sure to practice idling by alternating which foot you have in the
down position. This builds strength on both sides of the body and also
makes it easier to learn other, more advanced unicycling skills.
Equipment: Learning to idle is normally easier on a smaller wheel size,
such as a 20-inch for anyone able to comfortably ride that size.
However, it’s not much more difficult to learn on a slightly larger
wheel size.
Be sure there’s enough air in your tire.
Learning to idle:
1. Sit firmly on the unicycle seat and look ahead. Begin with a helper
or two, or stretch out one arm to get some support from a wall.
2. Place one foot on the pedal that’s in the down position and rest the
other foot lightly on the pedal that’s on top. If you are right-foot
dominant, you may want to begin with that foot down first. Use the
bottom foot to begin a rocking motion. Move the bottom pedal back and
forth in the motion of a pendulum.
3. Keep your body upright.
4. Don’t tense up. Relax and feel your weight sinking into the unicycle
seat as the foot on the bottom pedal moves smoothly forward and
backward.
The range of motion in idling is normally less than reaching a
horizontal position with the pedals. The range usually decreases with
practice.
5. Count the pedal strokes. That helps you stay focused and allows you
to gauge your progress.
As you get more comfortable with idling, let go of the support for a few
seconds. Then gradually increase that time until you no longer need
support at all.
In an hour or so of solid practice, you should find you’re making
progress. If you aren’t actually idling, you will have a good idea of
how it’s done.
Other tips:
Also practice riding forward, stopping, and getting into a position to
idle without assistance.
Remember to develop both your right and left sides—alternate the
position of your feet, so you learn to idle with either foot in the down
position.
It’s possible to practice idling in smaller, more confined areas. Find
opportunities to practice for even a few minutes each day. Frequent
practice helps your body adjust to the sense of balance necessary to
develop the skill.
When using a wall for support in the early stages, begin with one hand
providing support. Gradually increase the time without support and
decease the amount of support. For example, allow yourself only the
occasional support of your smallest finger against the wall to keep you
steady.
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Carol McLean - Likes Pedal Pushers
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