Freemounting a Unicycle

(These instructions assume you are mounting with your right foot first; if you prefer using the left foot, simply substitute "left" for "right", etc.).

1. Stand behind the unicycle with the seat in your crotch; the cranks should be horizontal; right crank pointing to the rear.
2. Make sure the left pedal (in addition to the crank) is horizontal; so that in step 7 you won't step on the left pedal's narrow edge.
3. Put your right foot on the pedal but apply only a little pressure (just sufficient to counteract the tendency of the wheel to roll forward).
4. Minimize the backward tilt of the unicycle by positioning your left foot on the ground as far forward as possible.
5. Bring the unicycle even closer to the vertical position by extending your left foot off of the toes. At the same time, lean forward and extend both arms horizontally to the front so that the center of gravity of rider and unicycle is as far forward as you can get it.
6. Push off the ground with your left foot (toes) just hard enough to get to the vertical balance position, or actually slightly off-balance to the front. Ideally the wheel should stay completely motionless during this stage, therefore put virtually all of your weight on the seat, as opposed to on the right pedal (otherwise the wheel will kick back).
7. Quickly put your left foot on the left pedal and apply pressure; i.e. ride away!

Notes and Hints:

1. When learning, it may help to adjust the seat height down by about an inch from the "ideal" height. That way, the "push" in step 6 becomes smaller and the whole mount is more controllable.
2. You may want to initially tilt the unicycle a little (not more than 10 degrees) to the left, to counteract the tendency of the unicycle to tilt toward the right because of the slight pressure applied in steps 3 - 6 above.
3. Shin guards are helpful, preferably guards that also cover the ankle bone.
4. Visualize yourself succeeding.
5. Don't give up.