By Chris Taylor
When you start to get the hang of riding your unicycle, you will want to learn how to mount without having to hold on to anything. The free mount is very important because when you go for a ride you don't want to have to look for a sign or a fence to hold on to every time you want to get on your unicycle.
How to Free Mount:
- Fit the unicycle seat between your legs in a way that will be comfortable for riding.
- Put the pedal you are going to start with so it is pointing down & back at about a 45-degree angle from the ground. (When you push the pedal the wheel should move backward.)
- Put the foot you are starting with on the pedal & stand balancing on the other foot.
- Point the wheel straight (left vs. right) so when the wheel moves back it will go towards your center of gravity.
- Push down on the pedal then the wheel will move backwards until it is right below your center of gravity.
- Put your other foot on the other pedal then start riding before you start to tip.
- Make a mental note which way you are falling. Make adjustments to correct the problem & start at step 1 again.
- Left/Right adjustments are made by changing the L/R angle of the wheel before you mount.
- Front/Back adjustments are made by moving your foot you are standing on closer or further from the unicycle before mounting, or by leaning your upper body forward or standing up straight when mounting.
- If you aim correctly the wheel should be right under you and you will have 1/2 a second or more to get your foot on the other pedal and start to ride.
To avoid frustration, try 10 times then hold on to something to mount. Then you can ride around for a minute to have some fun before you go back to practicing the free mount.
Good luck & don't give up.
Chris Taylor
Created on: Jul. 26, 2004
Last updated on: Jul. 26, 2004