Learning to ride on a V11

[Scottie]

2 hours ago, Hellkitten said:

I didn’t do a ton of training in this session besides what I’d be learning from the ride itself,

Often there is something to be said for this too. After you get the basics (which you have), then just putting in some enjoyable miles is also a learning experience ... just that it does not feel like it! This is why we learned to ride in the first place.

Edited November 21, 2021 by Scottie
forgot the "not"

[Hellkitten]

Day 22- I rode the reverse of the path I did on day 21. Back along the Don river and the lakeshore paths. It was about an hour total. It was very cold out, there was a lot of frost on the ground, frozen leaves and iced over puddles. (Sorry Paul no newspaper stuffing on this ride) I didn’t ride super fast, I don’t think things were at the slippery stage yet, besides the leaves. I just wasn’t going to get risky. Plus the paths are fairly narrow, have a lot of roots, rabbits and railings to contend with. I had my backpack on again and I’m really glad it doesn’t seem to change things or make riding any more difficult. While cycling about 90% of the time I have one on, so I’m very used to lugging one around. This was a more practical ride getting me home more then anything. I can’t believe we are just heading into the cold season and I’m already praying for spring. Ugh. This is going to be a frustrating winter....... ⛄️☃️

[Paul A]

Nice to hear it is all going well.

Occasional days of over 40°C make snow and ice look fantastic....not the -37°C extreme type though.

Look forward to eventual day 365 entry.....video of handstand trick riding wheel over tightrope.

 

[Hellkitten]

Day 23- First time for snow and ice. ☃️❄️⛄️ I hit both of those on this ride. 🥶 I made it mostly over it without bailing. Twice in some deeper wet stuff. No sharp cornering.......Most of the ride was on concrete, but I found all the overpasses, small bike paths, and patches here and there were still icy. I haven’t ridden in a few days as we had rain then snow, so it’s been a bust weather wise. I made it up some long hills that were compacted snow and ice in High Park. I’ve ridden for years on a bike in this weather and it’s definitely more sketchy on a unicycle. Lol. Outside of wanting to go for a ride, I wanted to get my battery down to a good storage level. Winter is coming.👎

Edited December 1, 2021 by Hellkitten

[Paul A]

No need to be confined by roads.

Indoors is another option.

 

[Paul A]

 

[Hellkitten]

Day 24- Did a decent ride almost the same as day 23. All the ice and snow was melted it makes a huge difference. Big props to all you hardcore winter riders out there! I’m getting close to 500 miles now, which is more then I was expecting to do before spring. My ride was a mix of bike paths, parks and minor street riding. I continue to be blown away by the technology in these things. I covered almost 30 miles last night and still had 60% battery left. At some point I’ll do a leisurely ride from a full charge and really get a feel for the range. I’m getting better at predicting how long each bar will drop. 

I’m planning to go to a bookstore tomorrow and some stores I’d be fine taking my wheel, but this time I think I’ll try locking it up outside. I was thinking about putting a U lock through the saddle handle and draping a garbage bag over it to make it less obvious as to what it is. I did read a few threads here on locking up your wheels. Does anyone do this? Or do you all just take it in everywhere? 

[Paul A]

Might be better to take it everywhere.

Bikes get stolen/vandalised even when locked.

Have to carry a lock.

Unattended wheel falls over, exposed to rain, theft, damage, etc.

The lock might be the best, toughened steel, impossible to defeat.  Thief just breaks the EUC handle instead to release it.

Same with steering locks on cars.  Just cut the softer steering wheel, not the lock.

 

 

 

[Hellkitten]

52 minutes ago, Paul A said:

Might be better to take it everywhere.

Bikes get stolen/vandalised even when locked.

Have to carry a lock.

Unattended wheel falls over, exposed to rain, theft, damage, etc.

The lock might be the best, toughened steel, impossible to defeat.  Thief just breaks the EUC handle instead to release it.

Same with steering locks on cars.  Just cut the softer steering wheel, not the lock.

 

 

 

Yes, but it’s a very busy street, the saddle handle is metal on the V11, I’d put it under a black bag, I’m bringing a backpack anyway to put books in, it’s directly in front of the store which has large windows. Places like a grocery store I wouldn’t be to concerned about bringing it in. They have tiled floors, are always cleaning and all kinds of carts going in and out. A bookstore is carpeted and is just an overall more chill space. More like a library. It feels less friendly to having a road vehicle going through it. But I haven’t tried. 

[Scottie]

6 hours ago, Hellkitten said:

I’m getting close to 500 miles now, which is more then I was expecting to do before spring.

Except for ... maybe the grizz ... and the lack of a wheel ... I think a lot of this movie clip applies to you.

 

[yoos]

7 hours ago, Hellkitten said:

I’m planning to go to a bookstore tomorrow and some stores I’d be fine taking my wheel, but this time I think I’ll try locking it up outside

To me the main reason to leave the EUC outside would be the amazing amount of slush that can be hidden within the body and on the wheel. Even my small city wheel collected somewhere around 0.5-1 litres of water yesterday.

Still, I have never locked my EUC outdoors, I usually trolley it around or leave it at reception, if it's that kind of venue (posh restaurant, doctor). If the place is very small, I might leave it indoors near the exit. Not supersafe but OK. There's a stereotype that "no one knows what an EUC is, they are not a theft target" but that might change soon.

With the exception of endless slush falling off in large chunks in certain weather, and EUC is generally as clean as the rider so I would generally treat it like carry-on luggage.

[yoos]

One more thing -- I guess you have already read/figured out how to ride in winter. An obvious no-no is to leave your EUC outdoors in the cold for long periods of time. You don't want the batteries to cool down too much (while riding the EUC emits heat keeping itself warmer than the environment. My KS16S reports roughly 15 Celsius higher than the environment. However, that is probably the controller temp. Most wheels don't know or report battery temperature but batteries are the parts most susceptible to cold).

[Hellkitten]

29 minutes ago, yoos said:

One more thing -- I guess you have already read/figured out how to ride in winter. An obvious no-no is to leave your EUC outdoors in the cold for long periods of time. You don't want the batteries to cool down too much (while riding the EUC emits heat keeping itself warmer than the environment. My KS16S reports roughly 15 Celsius higher than the environment. However, that is probably the controller temp. Most wheels don't know or report battery temperature but batteries are the parts most susceptible to cold).

I would never never clam to have learned to ride these things in the winter! Lol. You being very generous. But yes I do understand that batteries don’t like to be cold. I won’t charge them till they’ve had a chance to warm up or store my euc for long outside. 

[Paul A]

A friend had his locked bike stolen from outside a gym.

Security camera video captured the theft.  Thief had a female accomplice as the lookout.  

Regular patterns of movement/behaviour provide opportunities for planned theft rather than random opportunistic ones.

Reconnaissance for information, equipment required, type of lock, lookout, diversion, constant surveillance of victim location, distraction, etc.

Any part(s) damaged can be replaced.  Expensive EUC can be on sold.

No registration, plates, key...only the serial number.  Don't need app login to operate.

 

[yoos]

12 minutes ago, Paul A said:

Expensive EUC can be on sold.

The enthusiast community is still small enough and relatively tight-knit, it's not that easy to sell a serious EUC for a good price: even if you buy a charger, the provenance will be questioned by any informed buyer. Such sales can be further hindered by serial number tracking (like VINs on cars). Nevertheless, I wouldn't risk a 1000$+ EUC - even if the thieves don't make much of a profit, your loss would be too large.

[mike_bike_kite]

I'd be more worried about a curious kid pressing the on button to see what it does - then the EUC damaging itself on the lock or removing the kids fingers. I always take my wheel with me. One of the disadvantages of the V11 is that it does look so much like a vehicle that shop owners might refuse it. My KS16S never gets a second glance and my Nik with the black neoprene cover just looks like fancy luggage - I just have to remember to switch the lights off.

[yoos]

6 minutes ago, mike_bike_kite said:

One of the disadvantages of the V11 is that it does look so much like a vehicle that shop owners might refuse it.

Ok, I suggest a compromise for @Hellkitten: bring the V11 indoors but drape it with the garbage bag for an unassuming look   

[Paul A]

Yes, no proof of ownership for EUCs except for serial number.  Cars are registered with a government department, sale and purchase is regulated.

Some people might not care about buying stolen goods.

Thief does not have to onsell himself.  Can sell to a middleman who specialises in receiving stolen goods.

Pawn shops might still be highly dubious in what they sell.

Thieves can be highly skilled, creative, experienced.

[The Brahan Seer]

I always take my EUC in with me but check the tyres to make sure they aren't too dirty if its wet outside. 

2 hours ago, yoos said:

To me the main reason to leave the EUC outside would be the amazing amount of slush that can be hidden within the body and on the wheel. Even my small city wheel collected somewhere around 0.5-1 litres of water yesterday.

Good point about the slush build up though.

[yoos]

15 minutes ago, The Brahan Seer said:

Good point about the slush build up though.

It usually suffices to jump the wheel a bit rotating the wheel from time to time. A fun way to clean the tire is to free-spin the motor in the air [by lifting without engaging lift sensor/button], spraying everything around you.

[Tawpie]

9 hours ago, yoos said:

amazing amount of slush

I third this notion, and hadn't thought about it in a shop. But because of the slush buildup, when I bring my wheel inside it sits in a boot tray, on a stand so that everything is vertical and the meltwater doesn't pool in unfortunate places. My cat loves this, he thinks it's a great new water dish. I have a strange cat.

[Hellkitten]

Day 25- I hate ignorant pedestrians..... I was on a fitness path specifically made for cycling, jogging, roller blading, and PEVS. There is a very wide sidewalk alongside it for people walking. It’s clearly marked with multi colored paint lines to delineate the difference. A woman was walking on the sidewalk then turned abruptly and without looking at all walked directly onto the fitness path in front of me. I was paying attention to what was going on and curved around her, I yelled Yo! At her just to warn her and she yelled something at me as I rode away. Nothing happened beyond that, but it never ceases to amaze me at how people like that manage to survive life. Look both ways before you cross was drilled into my head as a kid. Seems like a good lesson still. (Note to self, must order 120 decibel horn @Paul A mentioned) 

I rode along the cycling paths along the lakeshore again and beside the Don river. It’s a very peaceful route and away from traffic and a break from the urban sprawl. I only saw one cyclist and a dude taking a walk along those paths. Along with a bunch of rabbits again too. I am feeling more comfortable the more I ride. I still need to concentrate on my mounting, I can’t nail it every time and still have to correct after getting on. Still a far cry from any YouTuber........ Still I had a bunch of technical work over a bunch of roots and broken concrete and some road construction. I really feel like the suspension is helping me out there. I have noticed that I have a leak and have to top up my lower chambers every few days. Which is a minor annoyance. I’ve had shocks on a mountain bike for years and never had to do that. Hopefully in the next few iterations that will be addressed. 

[Paul A]

HK, all sorts of crazy behaviour. 

Oncoming cyclists, overtaking, on the wrong side of path, at a blind curve...

Joggers doing a u-turn right in front of you...

Endless hazards.  Slow speed when nearing, passing, alongside, approaching...people are unpredictable.

A Bluetooth speaker like a JBL, velcro attached, playing continuous mild music at an appropriate volume, may be helpful in making people aware of you. 

Less harsh, and pre-emptive.

Passive, not reaction time critical.

Horn is especially good for cars.  Distance, engine noise, enclosed cabin, etc.

Great progress for only twenty five days.

[Scottie]

8 hours ago, Hellkitten said:

A woman was walking on the sidewalk then turned abruptly and without looking at all walked directly onto the fitness path in front of me. I was paying attention to what was going on and curved around her, I yelled Yo! At her just to warn her and she yelled something at me as I rode away. Nothing happened beyond that, but it never ceases to amaze me at how people like that manage to survive life.

I hate to use modern colloquialisms (probably just my age showing ), but it looks like you had to deal with a "Karen". They don't want to own their issues and deflect blame on others. I have had to deal with them a couple of times ... just like you did, I kept rolling because distance is your best friend. These incidents are more than offset by the many smiles, curious questions, and looks of amazement that most people have. 

[Hellkitten]

Day 26- Had my first conversation with someone super intrigued by my wheel. I was exiting my girlfriend’s place and was finishing gearing up when a young guy out front vaping asked if I needed to get into the building (he thought I was a food delivery person). I explained I was leaving. He walked over and started asking me questions about what I was riding. I told him what it was and to check out some YouTube videos if he wanted to really see them in action. He wanted to know, how fast they went, how to steer, that kind of thing. He was super keen on it and as I was getting on and leaving he said “that’s the future, no, no it’s the present”. Lol. I think we might have a new convert. This interaction certainly made up for that lady yelling at me on my last trip. 

So we had a bunch of snow over the past few days and I wasn’t sure if I should take the park trails like I did on my way. They don’t get plowed like the regular streets and are often covered in packed snow. I ended up choosing that route anyway and most of my ride was on snowy paths. There were a few patches of water covered ice that were super sketchy to ride over and I did end up having a slide out. Only once thankfully, I took things very slowly and the packed snow wasn’t too bad, but I hate riding on ice. The paths closer to downtown were cleared and I got a bit of normal riding in until it really started snowing with big wet flakes, my visor kept getting obscured and I had to open it to see. That let the flakes hit my eyes and still made things difficult. Thankfully I was close to home and made it back mostly unscathed. We’re barely into winter and I’m already praying for spring.......

p.s. any tips on visor wipers? 

 

Edited December 10, 2021 by Hellkitten