Riding with E's
Does it even count??
I can imagine that there is much controversy surrounding the current surge in popularity of e-bikes. Is it even a real bike? Is it an actual workout? Is it a cop-out? Is it lazy? Should they be allowed on trails? Why not just get a moped?
The line of questioning could go on and on. As a brand new e-bike owner, I will tell you what *I* think. And what I think doesn’t really matter much because what’s true for you may be completely different.
So this past weekend I got my first e-bike! I’m SO excited!! Her name is Pony. I’ll do a full-on gear post with details and specs soon, but suffice it to say I am extremely happy with my choice. [Quick summary: I got the Trek Dual Sport +. It’s a Class 1 bike, meaning it has no throttle, just optional pedal assist up to 20 mph. It has a battery range of approximately 35 miles and only weighs 38 lbs!]
Isn’t she sweet?? I actually chose this bike for it’s non-ebike-ness. Is that like enjoying fish that’s not fishy?? (h/t to Jim Gaffigan.) This new bike is sort of an e-bike in stealth mode. It’s slim, sleek, lightweight, and it’s honestly not obvious that it has a motor or battery. The battery is housed in the tube. Sneaky! If you look closely, you can see the charging port. And the bike has a rear hub motor, which is also quite discreet.
As soon as I got the bike home from the store, it commenced to rain very hard for about 36 hours. So, almost TWO DAYS LATER I took Pony for her first ride. It was so hard staring at those new wheels for the better part of two days, but it gave me a chance to decide on some accessories.
When I finally got out for a brief ride yesterday, it was heaven on wheels! Even without any assist I was flying down the trails. I hadn’t realized how hard I was working with my 31 year old Trek! It’s true that the last bike I bought for myself was 31 years ago. I don’t recall the exact price, but amortized over 31 years, it’s probably about $12/year. What a deal!
This new bike feels great. It feels like freedom. It feels like riding felt when I was in my 20s. It’s exhilarating!
I took Pony out for a longer ride today. From home, I headed west and rode the Coal Creek Trail all the way to Superior. I actually ended up at one of my favorite shopping centers. (It’s my favorite because it has a Target and a Costco.) Because of such a rainy/snowy spring, the blossoms were popping and everything looked dewy-fresh and verdant.
Today’s ride was about 14 miles and I stayed out a little longer than usual in part due to the pedal assist (which I used VERY sparingly). So here is what I wrestle with: I didn’t get an e-bike to reduce my level of fitness or to get a free ride up hills. I still want every ride to be actual exercise. I want to maintain a baseline level of fitness as I get older. So the plan is to ride the bike like a normal bike, but with benefits. The way I see it, the e-bike offers a little insurance policy and a little bit of grace along the way. I didn’t have to worry about exhaustion. I worked hard on the way out - uphill and into the wind - only using pedal assist as a means to take small breaks. Of course, I also wanted to see what the bike could do on this inaugural ride.
I think using moderate assist is a very responsible way to use an e-bike. It keeps the ride organic and offers a true workout. It also mimics natural speeds. But I also think that if using full-on assist is what it would take to get someone off their couch and back on a bike, then that’s okay, too. The summer after my illness, our family rented e-bikes on vacation. They were the super-fat-tire-practically-a-motorcycle type. They were FUN!! And I couldn’t have done that type of riding without a motor at that time. So I don’t begrudge anyone who uses the technology for recreation or as an “advantage”. I think more people out enjoying nature is a good thing. Now, would I want a paved bike trail full of e-bikes going 28 mph? No way, and fortunately those bikes (Class 3 with throttle) are not allowed on most trails.
Just before heading back home today I took a spin through an area called Downtown Superior that has a lot of brand new housing and quite a commanding view of the Flatiron mountains. Tell me more, realtor.com! :D
So that’s the story of Pony’s first rides. A pony tale?? I’ll see myself out, thank you very much.
Today’s Route - courtesy of TrekCentral app (I need to change it to miles, not km.)
Song for Pony:
Congratulations on your new bike! I agree e-bikes have their place. As long as they’re used for good not evil. Pedal on!🚲🚲