#12 –- Learn to Ride a Unicycle!

Because someday, you will be with a group of friends and/or family members, and someone will break out a unicycle. When this time comes, how cool would it be if you were able to take it for a spin? It would be REALLY cool! Admit it! Kind of like juggling. Not many people can do it, but it’s guaranteed to impress. Better yet, learn to juggle while riding a unicycle. Ok, that might be pushing it.

Here are some easy steps that will have you rocking the one-wheeler in less than an hour.

1) Find a unicycle to practice on. Yup, this step will probably be the most difficult, unless you want to fork over the money to buy one outright.

2) Learn to mount. Find a wall to act as your crutch. Angle the cycle towards you placing the seat in your crotch area. The pedal corresponding to your dominate leg should be in the 2 o’clock position. While holding the wall, push down on this pedal in the backward direction and allow the cycle to slide under your body.

3) Find your balance. Using the wall, play around with the pedals. Rock back and forth! Get a feel for how things work. Start pedaling forward. If you fall forwards, you’re pedaling too slow. If you fall backwards, you’re pedaling too fast.

4) Let go of the wall. Remember, if you start falling in any direction, kick your feet out and let them break your fall. You don’t have to follow the bike to the ground. Maintain balance by flailing your arms while you ride. Keep all of your weight on the seat, not the pedals.

5) Turn the corner. To turn, simply lean in the direction you want to go.

And there you have it. You’re ready to run away and join the circus. Next up: learn how to swallow a sword. Happy cycling!!

~Team Groucho