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Riding Backwards
Why would you want to be able to ride backwards? that I'm not sure about but the fact is, on a direct drive unicycle, you can... and it's a lot of fun too! It's also good for showing off when surrounded by our 2 wheeled cousins - it's something they can't do ;-)
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So What Do I Do?
I'm afraid to say that there's no real trick to learning this. It's just something you have to keep going at until you get it. Remember learning to ride forwards? I'm sure you do so when I say learning to ride backwards is pretty much the same (only in reverse of course) you might sigh. It's not as hard because you've already got most of the balancing skills. There are a few things to keep in mind though:
- It helps if you can idle already as you're used to coming to a halt and taking a half revolution to the rear. It's just the same but you keep going.
- Start small and work up. Ride along and do a single revolution backwards then ride off again. As confidence grows gradually increase the number of backward pedal strokes one at a time. Eventually you'll stop counting and find yourself switching between forwards and backwards riding without too much thought.
- Fear of falling was a big one for me. It helped to remember that I'm on a unicycle and, as such, ain't going very fast so if I do come off the chances of denting anything other than my pride are slim.
Take is slow and easy and spend plenty time on it and you'll get it. Things like turning use the same principles as forward riding - twist your shoulders and your hips will bring the rest of you in line but remember - you're going backwards so turn your shoulders the opposite way than if you were moving forwards.
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Being able to idle comes in real handy
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Take it in small steps
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Angle your shoulders the opposite way than if you were riding forwards to turn
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Stick at it and you'll get it in time
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