Players: Large group; all riders
Where: Indoors in a gym or outdoors
Equipment: Music; whistle or bell
Assistant: 1
person to run the music and signal
Object:
Pairs ride forward clockwise around the riding area, changing partners at the signal.
Play:
When the music starts, all players divide into one of two groups and ride forward, one behind the other, in a large circle. The male riders are in the outside circle and the female riders in the inside. Adjust groups to make sure both circles have the same number of riders.
At the signal, each rider in the inside circle joins hands with the rider next to them in the outside circle. They can join with either one hand or two (with right hands together and left hands together).
Pairs continue to ride forward as they introduce themselves or ask each other general questions, such as “What skill level are you?”
When the signal sounds again, they drop hands, and the riders in the inside circle slow down slightly while the outside circle moves ahead by one rider.
The inside circle riders join hands with the next person in the outside circle and play continues.
The signal should sound often and the circles should move at a fairly fast pace.
After several rounds, change the direction of both circles so riders move in a counterclockwise direction.
This is a great way for riders in large groups to meet each other and also a good way to warm up and give beginning riders a chance to ride with more experienced riders.
Level Adjustments:
None. Individual pairs may chose to ride forward one-footing, but they should make every effort not to fall so the circles move forward smoothly. For this activity, it’s more important to stay on and change partners than to practice other skills.
Variations:
With a more advanced group of riders, each set could do turns or another quick pairs skill before changing partners.
Beginning riders may be able to participate by having an anchor—someone riding on the other side of them throughout the game to keep the beginner stable enough to change partners and ride forward.
Contact: Carol McLean, unicyclecentral@hotmail.com