Whee!

E is for…excited, exhilarated, and elated! I am feeling all three lately because of another e. And that e is for…e-bikes! Although Robert accepted that we’ve been at a crossroad for a while, I’ve been reluctant to admit it. But in reality, we haven’t hit the trails on our Pivots since the pandemic ended. And we haven’t taken our Francos out for a spin along our city’s streets in a decade. Wondering if our riding days were over, Robert headed to our local Trek dealer’s showroom to check things out. After a few test rides, not only did he come home ecstatic about the experience, he came home with a bike for himself and one on order for me.

Long-time cyclists, our love of riding began with our first mountain bikes, custom-made Salsa Cycles. One of Robert’s best friends, Ross Shafer founded the company in the early 1980s that specialized in custom frames and stems. A mechanical genius, Ross built these hardtails perfectly to match our size, specifications, and preferences. And best of all, in my opinion, are their paint jobs! Robert’s is green camouflage and mine is pink camouflage! So pretty! While we no longer ride them, we couldn’t possibly part ways, so they have a permanent place in our garage, and in our memories.

From my journal: September 15, 1985, Redondo Beach, California

“…rode the Romero Trail in Santa Barbara…some steep parts, but so much easier with our new bikes!”

Like many kids, I learned to ride when I was very young, beginning with a tricycle, advancing to a bicycle with training wheels, then just two wheels. I remember my Huffy with the banana seat and I can never forget my first 10 speed! I was 13 years old when I had finally saved up enough of my allowance and money from babysitting jobs to ask my parents to kick in just a little more so I could buy my dream bike, a Raleigh. It was red, white, and blue and named “Sparks”. How I loved that bike! Bonnie, Kathy and I would set out early summer mornings and ride from our neighborhood to Pittsfield State Forest, a 10-minute drive by car, a half hour by bike. Sometimes we took shorter treks to Onota Lake, or downtown Pittsfield, but no matter where we pedaled, it was always a carefree good time.

Nothing can compare to the feeling of freedom that comes when you swing your leg over the top tube, take hold of the handlebars, hop aboard the seat, scurry along until you feel balanced, then place your feet on the pedals, and begin rotating them, then…away you go! Going downhill can feel like taking flight, but going uphill, that’s what I like best. It’s then I draw deeper breaths, can feel my heart rate increase, my leg muscles pump harder, and this energy surge propels me to the summit, where the release of tension feels invigorating and I feel on top of the world!

Now that I look back over the years, I realize biking has not only provided us with fun recreation, great cardio exercise, and a way to explore all the places we’ve lived, but it has given us a way to contribute to charities, make friends, and be a part of different communities. Whether living here in California, in Oregon, Arizona or the U.K, our bikes have always moved with us. For many years, we took part in several Team in Training century rides, raising money for both the Leukemia and Lymphoma and the Multiple Sclerosis Societies. Cycling with our local bike group, we’ve spent countless Saturday mornings riding with friends, new and old, and participating in area events. And maybe most memorable, we’ve had the opportunity to bike all around the country and beyond!

From my journal: September 16, 1990, Redondo Beach, California

“Our honeymoon in Vermont was super!  Hard riding 35-55 miles a day – but so worth it!  The scenery was gorgeous…and the people – lots of fun!”

Our first adventure with Vermont Bicycle Tours, a mere 35 years ago was just the beginning of our bike vacations. We’ve been fortunate to cycle through several US states on both coasts, as well as take in the beauty of Ireland, England, Italy, France, New Zealand, and Canada pedaling side by side.

Maybe it’s been another e that has kept me from getting an e-bike sooner. That e would be my…ego. I know I can still ride without motor assistance, but why? What do I have to prove? And to whom? I am now 50 years older than when I got my first road bike, and 40 years older than when I got my first mountain bike. Why not accept that it is perfectly okay to use a little boost of power when needed, or just wanted. On my e-bike, I’m finding that I am more relaxed and even more confident about handling any obstacle that lies ahead. In the long run, if it keeps me exploring the great outdoors with people I enjoy, then why not? The truth is, I’m not ready to hang up my Shimanos, gloves, and helmet just yet, and now with my shiny new copper and black Trek Powerfly named “Penny” I won’t have to. So it’s up, down, and all around and…away whee go!