Q&A

Unicycling is generally safe when done carefully and with the correct gear. Most falls are minor, since you’re not attached to the unicycle. Also, your feet are only about five inches off the ground and you are moving at roughly a jogging pace.

Key points:

• Wear a helmet, wrist guards, and close-toed shoes while learning.

• At MHUC, we teach safe practice habits and how to fall correctly, so you can learn with confidence.

• Members have gone from a few months of riding to seven years of riding without breaking a single bone — except when a member stubbed a toe on his brother's unicycle, carelessly left in the middle of the floor!

Our club offers a mix of learning, practice, and fun group activities. Whether it’s a trail, park, or parking lot, we simply love getting outside and riding together.

Club meetings:

• • New riders practice balance, mounting, and basic riding. Experienced riders work on tricks such as jumping, slalom courses, or backward riding!

  • Once you can ride comfortably, you can join short group rides (½ to 1 mile) during meetings, usually on greenways.

Trail rides:

• Some more advanced members enjoy mountain unicycling (Muni) on trails around Charlotte.

Parades:

• The Mint Hill Christmas Parade (our favorite!)

• The Baxter Village Fourth of July Parade

• And more to come!

We always love getting together to ride, perform, or explore new places on one wheel!

MHUC meets regularly at several convenient locations around the area of Mint Hill and Matthews, NC. Meetings are open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

• Main location: Idlewild Park, Matthews

• Meeting times: Saturdays at 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. OR 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. (check the calendar for updates and special events)

• Other locations include Veterans Memorial Park, Park on Wilgrove, and additional parks/greenways around Mint Hill.

You don’t need to own a unicycle to start!

• Many members are happy to let new riders borrow an extra unicycle during a club meeting. Eventually, we do encourage buying your own unicycle, so you can practice at home.

• We can help you choose a unicycle based on your goals and budget. We can also advise you on unicycles to avoid, so you don’t waste money on the wrong type.

Learning to unicycle simply takes practice, patience, and perseverance. Once you get it, it’s like riding a bike — something you will never forget. Learning alone can feel lonely and challenging, but at MHUC you can practice with others who have struggled in the same ways when they began. Seeing other members on the “other side” of learning helps you stay motivated!

Everyone learns at a different pace:

• • Average learning time: 1 - 2 months

  • Quick learners (30 minuets a day) → learn in a few weeks

  • Dedicated learners → Six hours a day for three days 

Remember, progress is gradual — a few feet at a time, like learning to walk.

No. The greatest unicycler has no more inherent balance that you; with good practice and training, you will develop excellent balance (a great benefit to unicycling).

• No one can ride a unicycle instantly — everyone has to learn, just like learning to walk.

• With practice, persistence, and guidance, anyone can build the balance needed to ride.

Currently, joining MHUC is free!

• Right now, there is no membership fee. 

• In the future, there may be a small annual fee, covering a club T-shirt, parade/festival participation, and insurance coverage. 

• The rough estimate for this annual club fee is $25 - $100.