Hi.
Today we had great day out of cycling. I don't usually enjoy cycling in groups but i got persuaded into coming along and I'm glad i did it. The guys i went with, where somewhat older than me and it was nice relaxed affair bumbling down the quiet country lane's.. One guy in particular though was in his 80s and has been a life long cyclist.He was dressed in 1970/80 style cycling gear and looked more like the famous Barry Hoban wearing his cap back to front. He chatted almost all the way around the 30 odd miles we did about his cycling years and had wealth of experience and information of bikes from his younger days. It was really interesting to listen to all his stories. As age was starting to become an issue with his cycling abilities he came out today on his brand new E road bike. I could tell he felt a little self conscious about using it whilst everyone else was just on there non E bikes but he was soon made welcome and got many complimentary remarks on his fantastic looking bike. In fact he came very handy by riding up front in the strong head winds, as it gave the less capable riders like me some shelter from the elements. On the hills it was great fun. He would put his e bike into full assist on the climbs giving us others the chance to try and keep up (which ended in defeat)
These E bikes really do have a great place in the cycling world. It means people who are not in there first flush of youth can still enjoy cycling within a group and cover a decent mileage. I got the impression cycling is a big part of his life and would be very unhappy, if he had to given it up. No doubt in the not so distant future, i will come to the point where a normal bike will become to hard work, and it's great to know there will be the options to be able continue with the invention of Ebikes :=)
Today we had great day out of cycling. I don't usually enjoy cycling in groups but i got persuaded into coming along and I'm glad i did it. The guys i went with, where somewhat older than me and it was nice relaxed affair bumbling down the quiet country lane's.. One guy in particular though was in his 80s and has been a life long cyclist.He was dressed in 1970/80 style cycling gear and looked more like the famous Barry Hoban wearing his cap back to front. He chatted almost all the way around the 30 odd miles we did about his cycling years and had wealth of experience and information of bikes from his younger days. It was really interesting to listen to all his stories. As age was starting to become an issue with his cycling abilities he came out today on his brand new E road bike. I could tell he felt a little self conscious about using it whilst everyone else was just on there non E bikes but he was soon made welcome and got many complimentary remarks on his fantastic looking bike. In fact he came very handy by riding up front in the strong head winds, as it gave the less capable riders like me some shelter from the elements. On the hills it was great fun. He would put his e bike into full assist on the climbs giving us others the chance to try and keep up (which ended in defeat)
These E bikes really do have a great place in the cycling world. It means people who are not in there first flush of youth can still enjoy cycling within a group and cover a decent mileage. I got the impression cycling is a big part of his life and would be very unhappy, if he had to given it up. No doubt in the not so distant future, i will come to the point where a normal bike will become to hard work, and it's great to know there will be the options to be able continue with the invention of Ebikes :=)