Mountain Unicycling is an extremely adventurous sport in which the riders cover a mountain trail over a unicycle. The paths consist of gravels big stones, steep descent and rocky climbs. The routes also include various urban and natural obstacles.
The unicycles used in this sport usually lack the gear system and freewheel. Hence, it requires more accurate balancing. Some advancement in the unicycle involves hubs, large tyres, gripped pedals as well as a rim or disc brakes. The brakes facilitate to maintain the pace during the cycling over a rough surface.
The unicycles have broad tyres filled with medium air pressure. The prime factor for any mountain unicycling (muni) rider is to maintain the balance along with high strength levels and endurance.
The objective for any muni rider is to maintain their balance while being on the unicycle. The required skills are hopping over the gaps, hi-speed gliding, applying brakes with one foot over the tyre's top etc.
The high-speed gliding is applied over a clear and smooth path with the feet of the pedals. The format of the mountain unicycling races is much similar to mountain cycling.
It can be performed individually or with a whole team. During the entire path, the participants are required to keep their feet up on the paddles and are also not allowed to dismount their cycles.
In 1990, the mountain unicycle club was organised by Thierry Bouche in Southern France. The club was formed with the affiliation of the French cycling organisation with more than 50 registered members. This club was called MTT sensation.
In the year 1994, Duncan Castling designed the first-ever mountain unicycle for Pashley and named it Muni. Since then, Muni has been regarded as the trademark of the Pashley Cycle Company situated in England.
In the same year of 1994, Duncan castling, along with Simon Schofield participated in the Polaris challenge on a unicycle. This ferocious act made them an instant hit and inspired many other players for unicycling.
The club used 20" unicycle which has long seats in the upward direction. The credit of US mountain unicycling growth is given to George Peck. One of the major unicycle events is organised annually in the UK under the name of the British Muni Weekend (BMW).
In 2007, the first Colorado Munifest was organised by the Colorado Muni.
