Minor revelations about Unicycling

[Maxfield D]

I had a minor breakthrough this last weekend. I have been having trouble in
sand, over roots, and through minor holes like hoof prints. These obstacles are
often hidden under pine needles on the trails where I ride, and I find myself
flying over the front--even though I use the latest handlebars from Vaporware.

For practice I set up an obstacle--a 6 foot length of 3 inch by 6 inch board. I
laid it in the middle of a dirt parking lot where I had plenty of room for
practice. I began by speeding toward it at high speed. I would make it over now
and then, but I was mostly practicing my seat catch technique.

Then, on about the 10th occassion, I hit the obstacle off balance. My balance
was too far back. And hitting the board popped me right back onto my
seat--instead of throwing me forward off the cycle. Now I move my weight back
just before hitting the obstacle--and I can get over it.

So now I am trying this technique when going over uncertain ground. I keep my
balance well to the back, so that when I hit an unseen object I don't fall
forward. I'll have to go back and read the FAQ's to see if this technique is
described. Sometimes you have to experience a technique in order to understand
its significance.

David Maxfield Seattle

[Foss, JohnX]

Maxfield D wrote:
>So now I am trying this technique when going over uncertain ground. I keep my
>balance well to the back, so that when I hit an unseen object I don't fall
>forward. I'll have to go back and read the FAQ's to see if this technique is
>described. Sometimes you have to experience a technique in order to understand
>its significance.

This may not show up in the faqs but if it doesn't, you should go ahead and have
your version added. Anyone who rides rough terrain may not relaize it, but
they're using this technique whenever they approach big or unknown bumps.

It's helpful also to try and not have your weight on the seat at the moment of
contact, for obvious reasons.

This takes care of the bumps that can see. All that's left are the ones that
aren't visible, and those "cosmic waves" and other things that throw you off
even when there seems to be nothing there!

John Foss