FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

General

Unicycles

Practices

Classes

Unicycling Skill Levels

Freestyle Team

Conventions

General

How old should a person be to ride a unicycle?
It all depends on your attitude. The ages of people learning to unicycle range from 18 months to over 70 years. It’s a fun sport for young and old alike.
How long does it take to learn?
Again, it all depends on your attitude! Most people can ride across a gym without assistance after 5 hours.
Should I wear safety equipment?
Unicycling is generally an extremely safe sport with a very low rate of injury. Safety equipment is always recommended when there is even a remote possibility of getting hurt. However, the use of such equipment is up to each individual (and their parents if the unicyclist is a minor). While TCUC does not require the use of helmets, kneepads, gloves, or elbow pads, some unicycling events, such as racing at the national convention, do require this equipment.
What are my responsibilities as a TCUC member?
Your biggest responsibility is to enjoy yourself while unicycling. We do not require our members to participate in any events, so each person’s participation is up to the individual. However, the parades in the summer are our means of making money for the club, so we do like a high participation in the parades. And we ask members to always portray TCUC and unicycling in a positive light, so we can share unicycling with more people!
How is the club organized?
TCUC has volunteer officers and junior officers (members from ages 13 to 18) who are elected at the meeting/banquet in the fall each year. The officers typically meet every other month, except in the summer. The club meeting/ banquet in the fall is the only regularly scheduled club membership meeting. TCUC is incorporated and follows the bylaws set up by the club.
What are the advantages of joining TCUC?
There are a bunch! First, you have access to practice sites (usually free) several times each week located in different areas around the Twin Cities. Second, you automatically become a member of the Unicycling Society of America (USA) when you join TCUC. The USA sponsors the National Unicycle Convention each year. Third, you have the chance to learn from other accomplished unicyclists in the club and pass skill levels (described below). Also, you’ll receive weekly club update via email.
Can I buy a TCUC T-shirt/ sweatshirt/jacket?
We have TCUC t-shirts in many sizes. The shirts have the TCUC logo on the front and back, are of a high quality material, and are used as our parade uniform. 

Unicycles

Do I have to buy my own unicycle when I join?
No. TCUC owns several unicycles that you may use for learning. But the newest members always have priority on the use of the unicycles, so after a while, members will probably want to purchase their own. Also, you will find that learning is easier on your own unicycle.
Can I borrow TCUC unicycles?
Yes, the standard unicycles (16-inch and 20- inch wheels) are occasionally loaned out after the member demonstrates certain proficiency. But, if a class is being taught or there are many new members who need the club unicycles, the availability of the unicycles may decrease.
Who can use the TCUC-owned unicycles?
Any club member. If we are running a class, the class members have the highest priority for the club unicycles. If it is a regular practice, the newest member or potential member typically has the highest priority for using the club-owned unicycles.
Where can I buy a unicycle? How much does one cost?
Joe at Compulsion Cycles stocks many unicycle parts and is a unicycle.com dealer or www.unicycle.com.
Do you know of any second-hand unicycles?
No. We have found that once people learn to unicycle, they hardly ever sell their unicycles. But you can always try the Internet and especially check e-bay. What wheel size should I buy? Sometimes it depends on the size of the rider—for a small child, a 16-inch wheel is recommended. Although, if the child may be doing a lot of growing soon, and there aren’t any younger siblings in line to use the small unicycle, it may be wise to wait to purchase a 20-inch unicycle and borrow the TCUC 16- inch unicycles. For a larger child, a teenager, or an adult, we usually recommend a 20-inch wheel. A 20-inch wheel is suitable for indoor practices and is the unicycle most of the members use for trick riding. If the unicycle will be used for mostly distance riding and outdoor exercise, a 24-inch wheel is better.
What is a giraffe?
The name is commonly used to describe all tall unicycles, between 4 to 20 feet tall. When can I ride a TCUC-owned giraffe? You should have passed USA Skill Level 3 to ride a tall unicycle, or have the equivalent skills. This is for safety reasons—the rider must have a certain stability and skill. To ride a giraffe in a parade, riders also must pass the Giraffe Test, which includes idling 10 times with the left foot and 10 times with the right foot, still standing with a partner, dismounting in all four directions, and riding backwards 10 meters.
Can I borrow a TCUC-owned tall unicycle?
Yes, the club owns several tall unicycles, and these are sometimes loaned out to riders who are eligible to ride them.

Practices

What do you do at practices?
Most practices are dedicated to letting riders improve their unicycling skills at their own pace. Sometimes there are organized games, relays, or other group activities. We also try to spend time teaching beginners and teaching new skills to advanced riders.
What do people practice?
Many of the members are learning new skills and preparing for unicycling competitions. Others may be riding for exercise or to develop their skills.
I want to learn a new skill — who do I ask to teach me?
Most of the officers can either teach you an advanced skill, or will help you find another person who knows that particular skill.
Can I drop my children at a practice?
No. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Do you have to be a member to practice?
No. We welcome new people and will teach them how to unicycle. Typically, if you are attending practice regularly (two or three times in a row), you should join TCUC.
How much help will a beginner get at each practice?
Beginners learn at different rates and need different amounts of help. We have found that alternating between helping beginners and letting them work on their own is the best method. If there are many beginners, each person may not get very much attention. The teachers are also at practice to improve their own skills and to teach advanced skills to each other. Beginners will usually not get the undivided attention of a teacher for an unlimited time.
Are the TCUC-owned unicycles at each practice?
While we try to bring the club-owned unicycles to each practice, occasionally it is not possible. At least one day in advance, check by e-mailing and ask if the club-owned unicycles will be at the practice you are planning on attending.
Do I have to go to all the practices for the full time?
No. You choose the amount of time you want to spend at each practice and how many times you want to practice each week.
When are practices?
TCUC practices at various locations and at various times. We publish a calendar with our newsletter that lists practice dates/times/ locations. For the most up-to-date information, check on-line at tcuc.org/members/calendar. We also send out frequent club updates through e-mail. If you would like to receive the e-mail updates, send your e-mail address to .
If a practice is canceled, how will I know about it?
We try to let people know if a practice has been suddenly canceled for one night. We are very sorry if you drive to a practice only to find that it has been canceled, but with TCUC’s size, it is often difficult to contact everyone. Please check your e-mail or the TCUC hotline for the most accurate information.

Classes

Why does TCUC teach the unicycling classes?
We teach the classes for several reasons: We trade teaching unicycling for gym time, we perform a community service, and we get new members from these classes.
What do I have to do for the classes?
During the class time, the TCUC members are responsible for helping teach the new unicyclists. If you are not interested in teaching, you should either not attend practice during a class time, or you should sit on the side until a class is over.
Do I have to be a TCUC member to be in a class?
No. Classes are offered so the general community can learn to unicycle. On the other hand, members are generally encouraged to attend the classes so they can help teach the class members.

Unicycling Skill Levels

What are the IUF/USA Skill Levels?
The International Unicycling Federation/ Unicycling Society of America (IUF/USA) Skill Levels are the combinations of skills at ten levels of difficulty. Level 1 is the easiest, with the rider demonstrating mounting, riding 50 meters, and dismounting gracefully. As of January 2004, Level 10 has been achieved by only eight people in the world— all members of TCUC. Level cards that describe what skills you need to do to pass a level are available from the club officers. The officers are also willing to coach the riders in the skills needed to pass levels.
How can I test to pass a Skill Level?
To try to pass a level, you may have one opportunity during each practice. We usually try to clear the practice area to eliminate any interference. The TCUC Officers are responsible for level testing. When you pass a level, you receive a card and a level patch.
At what level are most of the members of TCUC?
The skill levels of TCUC members range from beginner (pre-Level 1) all the way to Level 10. TCUC has the largest group of highly skilled unicyclists in the world, with over 30 riders who are Level 7 or higher.

Freestyle Team

What is Freestyle Team?
TCUC’s Freestyle Team is the advanced group of about 20 unicyclists whose mission is to perform in high-quality, exciting shows. Freestyle Team also represents TCUC in the Club Routine competitions at national and international competitions.
How can I join the Freestyle Team?
Riders who are Level 5 and above may join the Freestyle Team, depending on the number of members already in the group and the time of year. It is difficult to bring in new members when the Freestyle Team is working on specific routines for competitions. Please check with the ShowGroup Coordinator any time if you have questions.
What are some of the shows that have been done?
TCUC’s Freestyle Team has performed at the Mall of America, half-time shows for major athletic events, Boy Scout Blue & Gold banquets, school shows, and for many other occasions.
Has the Freestyle Team ever won a competition?
TCUC’s Freestyle Team holds over ten National Club Champion titles and multiple World Group Championship titles. In addition, many members of the Freestyle Team are national and world champions in a variety of unicycling events.
Can I go to Freestyle Team practices if I’m not in the Freestyle Team?
Generally, no. We do allow the family members of the Freestyle Team unicyclists to practice, provided they make an effort to be inconspicuous.

Conventions

Are there any local unicycling conventions?
Yes. TCUC typically sponsors a regional event in the spring, This is a day filled with unicycling activities, workshops, and fun events. The regional event gives everyone a chance to compete at the local level and to practice for competing at national and international levels. All club members are welcome and encouraged to attend the regional event.
Should I attend the North American Unicycling Championships and Convention (NAUCC)?
Yes! The NAUCC is a lot of fun for unicyclists of all ages and skills. This annual event is usually held in late July with races, artistic competitions, workshops, and a public show.
What is Unicon?
Unicon is the International Unicycle Convention, held every two years. TCUC members have been a strong force at Unicons, often taking home world champion unicycling titles. Â You can learn more about Unicon by visiting the website:Â http://iufinc.org/unicon.