Shifting Level Up!

Following some advice from a fellow geared unicyclist, I moved my pedals from the 150 holes to 127 on my Spirit cranks. This makes it easy to hit the shift buttons on the Schlumpf hub for some riders.

WOW!  My shifting improved incredibly! I instantly went up to 90%+ for both upshifts and downshifts!

I rode this evening in the neighboring trail path and street while Kessa jogged and ran. So I was generally going slower and less serious, and had the opportunity to practice my shifting.

I even did a few intentional upshift-downshifts in a single rotation! Which does nothing, but is still an accomplishment for me!

3 miles

Sick Unicycle!

I have been sick for about 5 days but was feeling like I was probably ok for a small ride. And it was sunny and warm after work. Kessa and I went around the neighborhood trail path a few times, and around a few neighborhoods. Shifting still needs much improvement. And my lower back muscles fatigue. I need to keep working on these.

4.7 miles

Eggcellent Hojack Ride

Kessa and I rode to the end of the Hojack and back on this Easter day. She rode her bike and I did my best to keep up with my geared 27.5 uni. It was my first real adventure on this uni outside of a few neighborhood rides.

While Kessa certainly would have gone faster and had to wait for me to catch up periodically, I am overall happy with my performance, especially for a first ride.

I need to get better at shifting. Dismounting due to inability to shift were the most costly when trying to keep up with Kessa.

My lower back muscles got pretty fatigued. And I'm saddle sore.

12.25 miles. Average speed was only 7.5 mph. I'm sure I can get that closer to 10 in time.

We stopped a few times to let me stretch my back and for a snack.

mouth full of snack

27.5 Test Ride

I rode my new 27.5 geared uni on a test ride this afternoon. It was 50F+ out and felt like Spring.

My new unicycle works! I like the tire for the road. It's smooth despite the knobs, as was advertised.

I need to get used to shifting. I'm not sure why but I can't seem to click the downshift button with my left foot. I just need to practice.

Looking at my GPS, I think I was comfortable going about 10 mph, but almost got to 12. I'll have to work on it over time.

I also need to try the brake. It wasn't really needed for the flat road today.

The trail path in the neighboring neighborhood was wet and muddy and I didn't want to deal with it today, so I stayed on the road. But it was a good indication of trail conditions right now.

I'll likely stick the road and try the Hojack trail soon.