riding surfaces
d.kathrens@genie.geis.com
Thu, 26 Jan 95 01:13:00 UTC
I'd like to see a discussion of the differences in various surfaces and
differences in technique when riding a unicycle.
I have done more indoor riding in the last two weeks than I have done in
the last year. I have ridden outdoors on asphalt and concrete of varying
degrees of smoothness and indoors on carpet, vinyl tile, hardwood and
Terracite floors, with varying amounts of varnish or wax on them. Terracite
is a name I have heard used for a floor made of crushed stone laid over a
subsurface of concrete and polished to a flat surface. Metal strips set on
edge separate adjacent blocks of surface, which may be of differing colors to
form a pattern.
In general I find that rougher surfaces offer more adhesion for tires but
make it harder to turn or twist. Smooth surfaces are the opposite, less
adhesion but easier to turn or twist.
I find that wooden floors seem to be the slickest, especially if the
varnish/wax has been worn off. Vinyl tile is in the middle, closely
followed by Terracite. Short pile carpet offers great adhesion but has other
properties which put it in a category of its own. Of the indoor surfaces I
have ridden on, Terracite seems to be the best balance of adhesion and
twistiness.
What is your favorite riding surface? How do different surfaces affect
your riding technique?
Dennis Kathrens