Freemounting a Unicycle

1. Start with the pedal you are going to step on with its crank almost horizontal and pointing towards you.
2. Too high is worse than too low. If the crank is much above the horizontal, then too much weight is placed on the pedal and the wheel kicks too much; you want the wheel and seat to remain almost motionless.
3. Tilt the unicycle a little away from the side you are stepping on; this seems to counteract the tendency of the uni to tilt toward the pedal you are applying the initial pressure to.
4. Make sure the other pedal is horizontal; it's tough enough getting your foot on the other pedal without having your foot hit the narrow edge and then spin once your weight is on it.
5. As you put your weight on the first pedal, tilt your body forward to get your center of gravity more directly over the seat; you want the unicycle to stay as motionless as possible during the mount and having your center of gravity directly over the seat helps.
6. Ride away!

Notes and Hints

1. Put as much weight on the seat as you can when you are stepping on the first pedal. This minimizes the torque applied to the pedals and helps keep the unicycle still while you are trying to get that other foot on that other pedal.
2. Visualize yourself succeeding; if you think you aren't going to make it, you probably won't.
3. Use a unicyle that you don't mind getting beat up; it is better to let the unicycle go "flying" than to get bumps, bruises, or worse.
4. Shin guards are helpful. I have some soccer shin guards which also cover the ankle bone. The worst injury I have had is from the pedals hitting my ankle bone and causing deep bruises.
5. Lots of practice and perseverance, but the rewards are sweet; it is very satisfying and useful to be able to mount without having something to hold onto!