EUC practice. How much is too much?

On my 3rd and 4th day of learning to ride an EUC I realized I was probably practicing too much. I got tired, thirsty, hangry and I could feel my skills diminishing near the end of my session on day 5.
Since I learn something every time I take a ride, I am now going to split my time between dedicated skills practice and rides just for fun.
#EUC
#unicycle
#lasvegas
#practice
#electricunicycle
#nevada
#desert
#cycling
#southwest
#parks
#travel

[@donindri]

When you get overheated, sit for a while and drink water, not soda. Better yet, Pedialyte. I am in my 70s and just learning as well, same wheel too. I find that when I start making more mistakes instead of less, it’s time to take a break or quit for the day and give my muscles a chance to process what I have learned

[@motomert157]

Thanks for the comment Donindri! You are certainly right about water/pedialytes and taking breaks!

[@tomspencerful]

You're doing great man! From what I've seen riding backwards is quite an advanced maneuver.

[@motomert157]

Thanks Tom! Today I took a ride purely for fun. I’m sure it also helped improve skills without even trying.

[@nelson2095]

I started learning Sunday Oct 8 for 3 hrs then subsequent weekends 3hrs each thereafter. Two weekends ago, I learned how to ride seated. Last weekend started to learn riding backwards, it's tough. Going to learn pendulum after. This Saturday I was invited to do group ride from Oakville to Burlington, Ontario Canada for Smartwheel event. So excited. I sprained my right ankle (was hit by Commander footplate after I lost control), small bruise on left ankle, scraped just above my right knee (my knee pad slipped slightly). But I persisted and now I'm able to ride quite comfortably (seated riding is a blast!). Keep at it. You're doing great, It's like flying without leaving the ground. Also, learning to fall is as much of a skill as riding. If you learn how to fall properly, you will minimised the injury. Have fun. 👍👌

[@motomert157]

Thanks Nelson. Interesting in how you recently picked this up and you are riding seated and learning to ride backwards. I like how you divide your time instead of trying to put in so many hours in a short time. I won’t be able to ride for the next few days and that’s probably a good thing for my sore body and for my mind to reset.

[@nelson2095]

@@motomert157 One thing I noticed is that if you give your brain time to absorb what you learn, It will adjust to the unnatural movement and it will eventually become muscle memory. I still struggle with backward riding, you're slightly ahead of me. I can go forward and back once or twice in ten or so attempts. Longest I've gone backward was two meters before bailing. I can't seem to go straight..lol Definitely work in progress. 😁

[@hemigod2]

Man, I tell you nothing forces you to get better at riding then group rides. It’s the whole dynamic of the deal that makes it more like a school and you are forced to keep up.. I remember back when rollerblades came out, and I had very little experience on rollerskates prior. I went to the mall by bus, purchased the most expensive blades money could buy , threw away my shoes ! And forced my self to ride those blades all the way back home learning to ride the whole way .The following weekend after my purchase I was at a group ride . I rode like a champ after that ride. And it helped that as a part of initiation into the group, they forced me to learn to ride down steps backwards! I was barely able to ride backwards. But those blokes essentially put me light years ahead of the curve.

[@motomert157]

Hey James, thanks for the comments. I am hoping to do some group rides soon. I joined a local FB group for EUC enthusiasts and I am eagerly awaiting a ride that my schedule will allow me to do. I may have to post one myself and see if anybody shows up.

[@PurpleRider]

People learning don't appreciate how much energy, effort, and will it takes to learn EUC. I was sweating and nearly crying trying to give up. Thankfully, though, I kept going.

[@motomert157]

Thanks for the comments PurpleRider! I’m glad you kept going. Yes, it is not easy and I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be with my EUC skills. I would like to be part of a group ride soon. I have heard that can be beneficial. Just don’t want to embarrass myself!

[@PurpleRider]

@@motomert157 Not all group rides are created equal, but there are some more beginner friendly where the biggest danger is not hitting another rider!

[@floyder99]

Helmet on at all times friend, i cracked my head against the asphalt practising riding backwards.

[@motomert157]

Thanks Johan, sage advice!

[@truthiscensored]

I sure you're better now then when the video was uploaded. But some tips that I have learned in my 2 months of riding 300 miles. 1) When on the EUC, first remain calm. Don't wave your arms around like crazy it just throws off your balance. Most of the doubt and nervousness is mental. If you convince yourself you can't do it, you won't be able to do it 2) Take a session of going as slow as possible (Walking pace) to get the hang of the wheel, tight turns and braking without getting off the wheel. Learn to bend your knees, bouncing around, dance a little...get comfortable. Make the wheel a part of you 3) Practice turning in the smallest 360 circle you can. I like a basketball court half court inner circle 4) Practice braking by going at least 15-20 mph and then braking/leaning back much as you can. 5) Learn to go backwards, by riding up to a wall, lightly touching it, then lean backwards to go backwards. Don't push off the wall. Learning to go forward, then backwards will also help your braking tremendously. Riding backwards takes hours to learn. Being able to go straight is hard Bonus: EUC draw a ton of attention, I have seen many people staring, asking me questions and recording. I met a KZbinr today at the beach ask to put me on his KZbin channel. Cars, people walking, scooters, and bikes all stop and stare Power Pads was gamechanger for me. I have a bigger/heavier wheel then you (V12) though. The lighter wheels pads may not be a big deal

[@motomert157]

Thanks for the great tips/advice! Will definitely work on what you mentioned. Looking forward to my next wheel!

[@jasonetherington1665]

That little wheel is fine for learning. I wouldn’t wait to experience a Higher Voltage Wheel. Trust Me 🤩

[@motomert157]

Hey Jason. Great thought! When I get back home to Vegas I have a 134 volt wheel waiting for me to pickup! I VV will take it easy on it while I get comfortable with it.

[@awengirr]

Jesus NO! He can't even handle this one yet. Be safe.

[@lashley370z]

I found it helpful when I was learning to ride to practice figure eights and do them and ever increasing smaller circles. I did that until I could do U-turns on the sidewalk. I also found it useful to practice curves on a sloped driveway. The slope of the driveway causes a different feel in the way the unicycle reacts and helps build balance. Your backward riding is coming along great.

[@motomert157]

Great advice! Thank you. I will practice turns on my sloped driveway and the decreasing radius figure 8’s! Hope I can do an intentional u-turn on a sidewalk soon. I’ve got the unintentional ones down!

[@hanwong4now]

Just accumulate mileage, the skills will come naturally come with enough time and miles. Stop and go is hard work euc's are meant to be ridden long distances, they are the highest range to weight ratio compared to all other PEV's. Stay safe and have fun!

[@motomert157]

Great advice! Thank you. Today I went on a very pleasant ride on a trail called Pittman Wash here in Henderson, Nevada.

[@crazyeyepev9456]

Awesome Iv been ridding just over a year now and I cant go more than 5 feet or so backwards. I've also been learning a OW GT (OneWheel....basicly a skateboard with one giant wheel in the middle) and I cant go backwards (goofy foot) on that ether. I start to and my brain just says im doing it wrong HAHAHA

[@motomert157]

I know the feeling for sure! Someone suggested I practice other skills before the backward thing. Makes sense, but I just want to learn to ride backward.

[@ViBeHydro]

I have over 10k miles on euc's over the past 2 years and fell on my butt last month cause i was just now starting to ride backwards, very hard skill. Keep up the practice but let the body rest and also see if you have a local group that may have a weekly ride, facebook and telegram. just riding for fun and not necessarily riding to practice. Skills will always be developing. you might take up jumping.

[@ViBeHydro]

you can also try a softer mode for the euc to see how it feels when transitioning forward and backward. rocking at stop signs and red lights make life better when not having to put a foot down.

[@motomert157]

Thanks! Yes, I hope to ride with a local group soon. Once I have an EUC with a reinforced rim and some pads I will attempt some jumping and stairs. Always some new way to crash!

[@BayBizzGrinder]

Wait until you find out that your wheel isn’t adequate for your needs. After a couple of years you’ll be amazed on how good you got

[@motomert157]

Thanks Antone, I was on a 5 mile ride the other day. Cruising at top speed of 9-10 mph and getting beeped at by my EUC. That’s when I knew it was time for one with more speed (and range). I am keeping this one for sure though to have fun with and learn more skills along the way.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

👍

[@douge4061]

Forget the riding backwards for a long long time. Focus on basic and medium skills, riding backwards is about 10 times as hard, get the corw skills down first. Many many experienced riders never bother to learn

[@motomert157]

Thanks Doug, that makes sense!

[@guru_stu]

Keep touching all the skills get to taste the challenge. The broader the coordination of muscles you can test the more likely your skills will grow. Your back can possibly find length. Use a broom to find alignment with back by placing broom to head shoulders and upper tail. Arched back will overwork kidneys, compress front lung and not give strength the back body. Definitely always ride the wheel with a helmet. This is a wonderful video , great shot great voiceover, great personality. And playfulness...

[@motomert157]

@@guru_stu Thanks for the advice and kind words! Looking forward to my next opportunity to ride, practice and have fun!

[@motomert157]

@@guru_stu Thanks Guru Stu! I appreciate the tips and I look forward to getting better and more comfortable at this great sport!