Like most people, I’ve navigated through waves of anxiety, fear, and despair since the beginning of the pandemic. The world as I knew it shut down, and I grieved. Enough said.
Friday, my trike came in, and I’m thrilled. It’s a Pedago.
I haven’t cycled for over thirty years, so I started with the basics. Luckily my husband is a patient man and being Dutch, an exceptional cyclist. In the last three days, I’ve learned how to make turns (I thought I’d have a heart attack the first time), shift gears (who knew it could be so easy!), apply power (I felt like a goddess the first time), and brake (my favorite skill). Yes, I know, this stuff isn’t rocket science. Most six year olds have mastered this skill set.
But to me, and my old, pandemic-out-of-shape body, learning how to ride a bike feels like an enormous fete. It’s my Mount Everest, and I’m having fun.
Today I cycled two laps of the harborfront trail and two laps of Newcastle Road, which runs above it. It was a gorgeous, sunlit, June morning here on Vancouver Island. Canadian Geese swam in the harbor. Sailboats headed out to sea. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists bid one another, “Good Morning.” I soaked it all in and counted my blessings.
FAQ
1, What is an electric bike?
“An electric bike is a regular bike with the addition of an electrical drive system. This consists of a battery, a motor, a way to integrate the motor’s power into the drivetrain, and a way to control that power.” (Evelo.com)
Are you a cyclist? Tell me your cycling story. (P.S. I’ve opened up the comment section, so it should work.
Testing.
It looks and sounds like a wonderful way to spend a morning.I’m cheering you on while my feet stay firmly planted on the ground. For now.
Hi Pat,
Thanks. It’s great to have my comments open again so we can chat. Hopefully, I’ll figure out how to keep them open. I need to watch another video. Sometimes I get tired of trying to keep up with things. Blogs used to be so easy.
Any hoo, it’s great to talk with you.
I get the feet plant. Completely. I hope you and your adorable dog have great adventures today.
hugs,
Jo-Ann
Hey, Jo-Ann. What a beautiful setting. And I bet it’s not crazy hot like here in Texas. Thankfully, the wind is blowing today. I didn’t realize your trike was motorized. Thought it was just a bike with three wheels. This way you can get exercise, but when you get tired or you have hills, you have assistance. Sounds perfect. Enjoy. I shared. 🙂
Hi Marsha,
Thanks for stopping by, and sharing. I love chatting with you.
Yes, our waterfront is a great place to play. Our weather is in the low seventies today. I’m guestimating, but that’s what it feels like. Very comfortable. We’ve had a month of rain, so hopefully, we won’t get forest fires next month when it gets hot.
Yes, I need the electrical assist and the good brakes that come with this trike, as we have a lot of hills in town. I’m a bit of a scaredy-pants still, but I’m sure I’ll get used to handling it soon.
I love your photos of the lake. I hope you have a wonderful day in Texas. Maybe a dip will cool you off.
Warmest Regards,
Jo-Ann
I haven’t ridden an outdoor bicycle in over 12 years. I have an indoor exercise bicycle (that I’ve owned for around 25 years but used only intermittently) and since the pandemic started, I been using it as much as possible. But it is no replacement for getting outside to exercise and see nature. I love that you conquered your Mount-Everest-sized-feeling feet, Jo-Ann! I have a few I’ve been thinking about conquering as well.
12 years! You understand my trepidation. A skill that once seemed second nature, felt foreign. But I have to say, for the most part, it all came back.
I tried an indoor bike years ago, but it didn’t work for me. I’ve been spoiled by the high-quality models at the gym. I think having one at home that was comfortable would be great.
Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting.
Warmest Regards,
Jo-Ann