Icycle, I was interested in your story as it is similar to mine. The
biggest difference is that I have 30 on you. Some time ago while surfing
the web I put unicycle in the search field and got plenty on the
subject. One thing I read was that most people can learn to ride if
they want to bad enough and that if you can stand on one leg you can
ride a uni. I have no problem there so on a whim I ordered a 24" Torker.
It came on my birthday this last Feb. I began praticing about a half
hour everyday. I fell hard only once early on with feet, arms, and head
in the air, butt making first contact with the asphalt. That was an eye
opener and I didn't want to do that again. It took me three weeks to
ride 15 feet. A couple of weeks later, 50 feet. Now I can ride up to a
mile before I can no longer control the uni. I got into a bad habit of
only turning right and it took me a while to be able to turn left about
as well as to the right. Later I ordered a 20 incher and find that it is
easier to maneuver than the 24. But for touring the neighborhood 24 is
better and I want to get a 26 incher for longer trecks. I was worried
about not being able to free mount. I had to place my hand on a car or
mailbox to get going. On a tip from a retired friend, who rode 40 years
ago, I placed the back of the wheel against a curb, a foot on a pedal
to hold it agains the curb and facing away from the curb quickly put the
other foot on the other pedal, lean slightly forward and go. On the
third try, Ole, I was on my way. That isn't completely a free mount, but
getting closer. It'll come to me one of these days. Why would a 75 year
old take up the unicycle? I've always been an exercise nut and I wanted
a new form of exercise and also a challenge. It has been a most
enjoyable activity. What exileration it gives when you accomplish
something new! I find the uni is more of a challenge to master than
learning to fly was.
Dale Collins
Port Saint Lucie Florida
[email hidden]
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Dale
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