My husband and I recently purchased e-bikes. This after we poked fun of our younger friends who purchased 2 of them ahead of us. “What, now you are too old to pedal?” we chided.Then we thought about it. Those hills we no longer climb because it’s just too hard to get to the top or those distances that take too long to cover. We love to bike but we have lost interest in pushing our limits. One too rigorous morning ride can set you off your feet for the rest of the day.
Since that purchase I have encountered two other couples, close to my age, who have also recently bought e-bikes. There is an epidemic emerging out there. And I get it. My husband and I have biked for many years and had begun to lament the limitations imposed by aging bodies and declining stamina. Now a whole new experience has presented itself. We have twice ridden to the top of the mountain behind our home, a total elevation gain of 1300 feet, with no problem. This morning I took a lovely 20 mile bike ride along our hilly country road, pedaling at a pace I could choose regardless of the terrain. It was great fun!
If only technology can stay abreast of my increasing limitations, aging might not be such an uphill climb as I had anticipated.
What a great metaphor!
ReplyDeleteLove it. I want to try one out now...
ReplyDeleteHold on going down hill!!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Just got back from a windy bike ride. Could have used some help!
ReplyDeleteLibby
Thanks Bonnie I love it when we can embrace all the changes that are put before us every day. It's so emotionally gratifying to let go of a negative mindset and at least try a new concept.
ReplyDeleteI talked to my husband about these neat bikes some time ago, and he pooh-poohed the idea. I think that these would be great to get a person out and going, probably finding that you needed less and less "electric assistance" the farther you went - knowing that it was there when you needed it! I can't wait to hear what you think the next time we see you.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Now I need "e-weights" for my workout routine!
ReplyDeleteCherrie
Spinoza defined conatus (effort or striving) as “the endeavor to persist and flourish in one’s own being.” Steven Pinker tells us that “Organisms’ use of energy to maintain their integrity against the press of entropy is a modern explanation of this principle.” Enlightenment Now, pg 19.
ReplyDeleteThis is a less-than-subtle plug for Pinker’s book.
Whatever calories Bonnie and Libby are consuming seem to be defying entropy well enough. May you continue to flourish! David Lehman
I appreciate your perspective. I will no longer resent the noise of e-bikes but just think of them as something that will allow me to keep doing what I like to do.
ReplyDeleteAs the younger friend, I am so thankful you purchased the ebikes, and are enjoying them as much (or more) than we are!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun - not that we have any hills in Indiana to climb but still! Our first step is to get bikes that will take us out on the road at all.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, that is terrific!! I have been thinking about getting one! My friend has one and I can’t really ride with her because I cannot keep up. How did you choose the one you got and what did you look for. How long does your battery last. I bet you two have lots of fun ridding out in your area. I will have Bryan talk to Your husband.
ReplyDeleteLike this idea very much. And maybe it explains why we have not seen you around Plt lately.
ReplyDeleteThey are noisy? Glad you are enjoying them.
ReplyDeleteAdaptability is a great skill.
ReplyDeleteSure sounds like fun...and trust the Shetlers will reliably e-bike per the speed limits.😊 Myles
ReplyDeleteWow! I thought that was a couple of millenials effortlessly pedaling up Ford Hill a few days ago. Nice work you guys!
ReplyDeleteI see more and more of these bikes around- and I need one!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... having a bike like this might make me go out looking for someplace with hills!
ReplyDeleteI imagine with recuperative brakes you could get back to the bottom of your drive with a full charge an let the bike carry you back up that last hill.
ReplyDeleteShare the Road!
ReplyDeleteA few days ago on our way to town we passed a guy on a bike. I said, "That looks like Terry." But that didn't sound right. I never heard of Terry riding a bike on our crazy county road where motorcycles and cars drive too fast and cows and deer jump out to get you. Alas, it was! Mystery solved. Enjoy the ride and be safe!! Wear bright orange and flashy little lights. I'll honk next time.
ReplyDeleteUsed one on a bike-barge trip from south to north of Paris -- though the route is not particularly hilly, I went more miles daily than I could have otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! Hi from Jill
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I agree, anything we can do to be able to keep doing the things we like, and keep that aging process subdued!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I'm an avid cyclist and fully support e-bikes. Anything that get's you outside and allows you to enjoy our beautiful state - it's a wonderful thing. Congrats on your new found cycling joy!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Shetlers! Stay young, and enjoy! be safe!
ReplyDelete