How to Ride a Unicycle

As kids, we all have seen in movies and circus what a unicycle looks like. For those who haven't had the privilege of seeing a unicycle before, it's a single air-filled tire with pedals on its sides. It looks a bit like a normal bicycle, but has one wheel and less complexity. Today, people of all ages are trying their hands (in this case, feet) on riding the unicycle. Perhaps you've seen teenagers riding them on the streets, to school, malls, and even beaches. It's a fun activity that takes a lot of physical strength, as you need to support your entire body weight on one wheel. So, let's not waste any more time and get right down to business.

Riding a Unicycle for the First Time

Before I begin to give you the exact instructions, let's go buy a unicycle from the store. Even though, many people think that unicycles are easy to ride, it may take you some time to get the hang of it. Learning the unicycle needs will power, time, dedication, and commitment. If you have already bought a unicycle, then what are we waiting for?

1. Check the tire pressure, as it needs to be set in a way that when you mount it, the tire looks a bit flat. Adjust seat height to the level that when the pedal comes down, your knees are slightly bent. Check all the settings one last time before you start. You don't want to fall off because you forgot any settings.
2. Select a wall or railing and an open space attached to it, so that you can learn to ride properly. You need to support yourself while you're riding the unicycle back and forth.
3. It's sort of like mounting on a regular bicycle, but this has only one wheel and needs extra upper body strength to keep you from falling off it. Hold the railing or the wall and mount the unicycle. Keep one leg on the floor and one on the pedal.
4. Keep holding the wall or railing and push yourself ahead with the foot that's on the ground. As you come in motion, bring the foot up and start peddling slowly. Try to balance yourself with keeping your arms stretched out.
5. It will take you some time to leave the railing or wall and try to ride the unicycle with a support. Take your own time and keep practicing as much as you can without support.
6. Once you have mastered the techniques of riding the unicycle for about a minute without any support or touching your feet on the ground, you are ready to practice on some hurdles. Try to go up and down over bumps and guide yourself through them.

Riding a Unicycle Backwards

Once you have mastered how to go ahead while riding the unicycle, let's make it interesting by learning how to ride it backwards. There's not much difference between going forward and backward on a unicycle. Well I'm talking in technicality and not the actual process. You will follow the steps 1-3 mentioned above. The only difference is that you will pedal backwards and will have to keep your focus in the back as well as the front. It can be tricky at first, but will get easier once you get the hang of it. You are using your upper body to support and balance the wheel to maneuver yourself backwards.

I would like to say this, take as much time as you possibly need to get the hang of the unicycle. There's no need to rush or perform any dangerous stunts. Ride the unicycle as carefully as you can. There's no need to make haste; that won't help you in any way. The techniques of a unicycle requires patience and persistence.