Mountain unicycling
Encyclopedia
Mountain unicycling is an emerging adventure sport that consists of traversing rough terrain on a unicycle
. Mountain unicycling can be done on the same terrain as a mountain bike
. However, unicycles typically lack a gear system (even though there is a two-gear-hub available), preventing the user from coasting or reaching high speeds. Mountain unicycling usually takes place on specially designed unicycles, which are equipped with strong hubs, large, knobby tires, high-grip pedals and rugged frames. Some are also equipped with rim or disc brakes, having the lever mounted under the tip of the saddle. The brake helps to compensate the downhill-slope force but is usually not used to decelerate or stop.
MUni riders also need a few additional skills than required for either mountain biking or regular unicycling, with core strength and balance being key.
Unicycle
A unicycle is a human-powered, single-track vehicle with one wheel. Unicycles resemble bicycles, but are less complex.-History:One theory of the advent of the unicycle stems from the popularity of the penny-farthing during the late 19th century...
. Mountain unicycling can be done on the same terrain as a mountain bike
Mountain bike
A mountain bike or mountain bicycle is a bicycle created for off-road cycling. This activity includes traversing of rocks and washouts, and steep declines,...
. However, unicycles typically lack a gear system (even though there is a two-gear-hub available), preventing the user from coasting or reaching high speeds. Mountain unicycling usually takes place on specially designed unicycles, which are equipped with strong hubs, large, knobby tires, high-grip pedals and rugged frames. Some are also equipped with rim or disc brakes, having the lever mounted under the tip of the saddle. The brake helps to compensate the downhill-slope force but is usually not used to decelerate or stop.
MUni riders also need a few additional skills than required for either mountain biking or regular unicycling, with core strength and balance being key.
Events
- Muni events recognized by the International Unicycling Federation at UniconUNICONUNICON is the World Unicycling Convention and Championships sanctioned by the International Unicycling Federation .The IUF sanctions a biennial world unicycling convention and competition, the major event on the international unicycling calendar...
s are: cross-country, uphill and downhill with the possibility of North Shore downhill. - In the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the California Mountain Unicycle Weekend and the Moab, Utah MUni Fest(ended as of 2009). - In the UKUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the British Muni Weekend (BMW). - The first Colorado MUnifest took place in October 2007, organized by Colorado Muni.
- The first Arizona Mountain Unicycle Weekend was held in February 2009, organized by the Arizona Unicycle Club.