Sheffield Off-Road Unicycle Project.
Unicycles supplied by www.unicycle.uk.com
Funded by Awards for All
With assistance from N.U.Y.P.P (Netherthorpe/Upperthorpe Young Peoples Platform) and N.U.C.A (Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe Community Alliance)
***July 2007***
Sessions for beginners of age 8yrs to adult are taking place on
Tues 24 July, Fri 27 July
Tues 31 July, Fri 3 Aug
Tues 7 Aug, Fri 10 Aug
1 pm- 3pm outside Nu-Base (58 Fawcett St, Sheffield, S3 7PN)
These sessions funded by ALUNA.
Under 16 year olds need a consent form filled in by their parent/guardian- they will be available on the day (bring parent/guardian) or can be downloaded here-
(Form also contains details of location and other info)
***UPDATE (July 2005)***
The project is now available for hire by schools, community groups and for corporate days.
On offer are a variety of unicycles of different sizes, full safety gear and expert tuition from unicyclist Dave Panther.
Currently, this is the only 'Off-Road Unicycle' project operating in the region, and would make a great addition to any community/school event or corporate team-building day.
For community groups with limited funds, there is also the option of setting up your own project by applying for funding to hire the unicycles and tutor time; currently there are several funding options that are quite easy to apply for and have a relatively quick turnover.
For more details contact: -
David Panther, Tel (0114) 2676410 or click here
***UPDATE (June 2005)***
Four of the projects young people took part in the 'Ponderosa Carnival' procession leaving local onlookers very impressed with their riding skills!
The unicycle project then stayed throughout the festival and local youngsters had the opportunity to sample the art of unicycling.
***UPDATE (May 2005)***
The project has now run for 12 weeks, and been very successful, with around 50 local youngsters having accessed the sessions.
Four riders who have shown an excellent degree of commitment have been selected to continue with hourly sessions once per week, so they can develop their riding skills sufficiently to take part in the upcoming 'Ponderosa Festival Procession' (taking place on 25 June 2005).
Below are a few photos taken during the sessions (click to enlarge).
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Off-Road Unicycling is an exciting new sport which takes one wheeled bikes from the circus and into the streets and off road trails, which were previously the domain of the two wheeled bike.
Local unicyclist Dave Panther and N.U.Y.P.P applied for and received funding to set up a project to give local young people the opportunity to learn the basics of unicycling.
Questions.
What is 'Off-Road Unicycling?'
Using specialist unicycles to ride the kind of terrain normally associated with mountain bikes. Off-Road Unicycles have bigger wheels than circus style unis, and fatter tyres; as well as enabling the kind of high drops and off road stunts of the experts, they are also excellent for beginners as the fat tyres make for a comfortable ride both on and off road.
Here is a short video clip of project tutor David Panther, off-road unicycling in Weston Park. To view the video 'right click' on the link and save it to your hard drive.
Is it safe?
Yes. Unicycles don't reach the kind of speeds that bikes do. In this project use of helmets and wrist guards are mandatory and safety is a prime concern.
Do you have be fit or possess balance skills?
No- the kind of balance used in unicycling is fairly unique, no one possess it at the start; it's developed purely by practising riding on one wheel- those who are enthusiastic and determined will soon surpass those who may possess innate balance skills but lack enthusiasm and commitment.
Fitness is not important, especially when beginning as most of the time will be spent going only a few feet at a time. Later on, when riding skills are solid and greater distances are covered, fitness will develop.
Is it suitable for girls?
Very much so. Unicycling is a matter of skill- size, strength and other physical characteristics come second to skill and enthusiasm. We aim for 50% of the participants to be female.
What if I can't even ride a bike?
No problem. Although unicycles look like one wheeled bikes, the balance skills used in riding them are totally different; there's no particular advantage in being able to ride a bike when it comes to unicycling.
How long will it take to learn to unicycle
It varies; no one is likely to be going far on the first few sessions though! Learning to unicycle requires patience and the willingness to keep getting on, falling off and becoming a little better with each session.
Where can I buy a unicycle, and what is the best kind?
The project will give you the opportunity to try different types of unicycle and the tutor can advise on the best places to buy unicycles. Part of the sessions will be devoted to maintaining unis and there will also be videos of the worlds best extreme unicyclists so, a well as learning to ride, participants will also get a good understanding of what to look for in a uni.
What are the benefits of unicycling?
- It's unusual and a lot of fun!
- It leads to improved balance and concentration.
- Fitness is improved, yet the intensity can be varied- those who just like to ride can go on gentle trails, others who may prefer something more intense can tackle steep hills and obstacles.
- It can be a good alternative to those who don't like team sports as progress is entirely dependant on the individual and is non-competitive.