Any Classes in Bay Area (California)

[Zet]

Hi Folks,

I have been looking at EUC for awhile but been kind of intimidated by them. I never tried riding one but wanted to give it a go. Since it would be very silly to buy a machine just to try it out and to see if I like it, I was wondering if anyone know of a class around San Francisco - San Jose area that they could recommend to try learning how to ride one. This way I have someone who I can lean on when trying it for the first time and dont have to buy my own just to try the sport.

Thanks.

[Tawpie]

I suggest you get in touch with AlienRides, they're a dealer located in SF. I don't know if they offer classes, but they might be able to steer you to some! BTW, they're a good place to shop—2 year warranty, and have a solid reputation.

I should also mention that getting into EUCs isn't really something you can 'try' and see if you like it... you won't like it. The learning curve for most people is several days of 30-40 minute sessions each day—and then you can go straight. (once you get that far you're hooked and should start saving for your second and third wheels). After that, you tend to just need practice to get better... there are a number of threads on this forum about learning and the adventures people have had getting started, give those a read and if it still sounds like something interesting—buy a wheel and go for it!

In a lot of ways, learning is one of the real pleasures of riding. It's not easy. It takes guts. You must be stubborn as a mule. But when that little "I totally suck but I can actually do this!" moment happens, it's difficult to describe.

Make sure you budget for gear. Imagine running downhill as fast as you can and tripping (a likely event). Then imagine hopping out of a pickup at 30 or 40 mph (less likely, but if you're a speed demon…). Yeah, scary. Get quality gear that you will wear, and wear it! People don't generally get hurt badly unless they tangle with a car or are unlucky in a fall, but this is an inherently risky activity—do what you need to do to make the risks acceptable.

Edited April 30, 2022 by Tawpie

[Zet]

@Tawpie Thank you very much for the response i will give the guys at AlienRiders a call. This is defiantly something that looks cool to me I just want to at least give it a try to see if I capable of doing it as I have a sitting live style from working in IT and not in the best shape (where as this seems like you need to have balance and core strength although I read some threads on here that said otherwise). In terms of gear I used to ride sport bikes till my rent went up and I had to downsize to smaller apartment with no garage at which point I sold my bike (well after people tried to steal it twice and broke my ignition). So I do have some gear. I assume I probably need to get a different helmet to not get cooked as well as wrist guards? I saw few people recommending these https://demon-united.com/products/flexmeter-wrist-guard-double-sided-d3o?variant=34979476701351 but I cant say I understand why they are better then any others and if they go over the gloves or instead.

[Paul A]

Maybe try using a supermarket shopping cart to help when learning to ride.

Acts like a walking frame.

Gives the hands something to hold onto to assist at the start.

Have fun.

[Tawpie]

I have a set of flexmeters, and you know what I use? The free ones that came with my wheel from eWheels. They have huge palm sliders (that I've had the opportunity to test, and can attest to their effectiveness). I ended up wearing out the velcro on the eWheels ones so asked Santa for a similar $12 set from Amazon. Flexmeters sit in the gear bag, quite lonely. I should sell them.

[Paul A]

https://www.amazon.com/Demon-Snow-Wrist-Guard-Black/dp/B002NI4R7O/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=U51LCMCPVBI7&keywords=demon+wrist+guards&qid=1651384433&sprefix=demon+wrist+%2Caps%2C375&sr=8-6

$28.15 - $32.40

Description

Keep your gestures flexible with the Demon Snow Wrist Guards. A neoprene cuff with a securely-sewn rigid plastic strip at the palm and fastened with a burly hook-and-loop strap, these wristguards are still slim enough to slip easily under gloves. In a range of sizes, they're heavily reinforced with supportive stitching, particularly around the thumbhole, and are rugged enough to absorb a multitude of impacts but comfortable enough to wear all day.

[Scottie]

                      @Tawpie                        
 

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Two Cents Worth Award

presented for expressing your

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Definition of 'your two cents' worth'

your opinion about something.

The British expression is your two penn'orth.

Edited May 2, 2022 by Scottie

[Beta Delta Alpha]

@Zet I just picked one up and I'm right there with you, falling all over the place. Hope you're making good progress now. 

If you need a buddy to ride with for moral support, I can't teach much but I'd be down to ride in the SF Peninsula and I'll probably look clumsier than you for a diversion.