Old Lady on an Electric Bicycle

First, about the ‘old lady.’ I AM an old lady, 77 years old, if observed through anyone else’s eyes, other than my own. For myself, I don’t usually feel like an old lady, but to the younger person alive inside of me, I am now an old lady. Sometimes, I feel every year of me. During the past two weeks, these conflicting images within me have collided repeatedly, as I wonder what’s still in me.

Trigger warning: my first experiences with my electric bike may make a reader re-live a scary experience or cause someone to never attempt to ride.

Two weeks ago, I bought an electric bicycle, in anticipation of my end of driving. (See my recent blog article for a description of that.) I used to love riding my bike as a youngster, a teenager, and even as an adult. In fact, the start of this blog was remembering an unusual bicycle ride in Vancouver in 2007, when an eagle flew beside me. That was probably the last time I rode a bicycle. It is often said that you never forget, but, in my experience, riding an electric bike requires more than a re-learning; it actually requires a new learning.

Before I bought the Trek Verve 2, I rode it on the rail trail, next door to the bike shop. It felt a little shaky, not the bike, but me on it. But, I had faith that I would master it, so plunked down my money, well, my credit card, and carted it home on my husband’s truck. With it, I also bought an excellent helmet, a locking strap, and fabulous-looking baskets for the back bumper.

I conscientiously put my cell in one of the baskets, turned the key to start my new bike, then took my first ride to my brother’s house, only a half mile away. David’s reaction was unexpected, as he cautioned me about all the drivers who would create danger for me. I assured him that my plan was not for distance riding, but only local errands. Still, I heard him and his message.

My next rides were in the nearby central cemetery, with its gentle hills and roads without traffic. My challenges were these: mastering the multiple speeds (10?) with my right hand, multiple electric speed forces (5?) with my left hand, the brakes with both hands, and finally, stopping and getting off the bike. Additionally, steering at the start of the ride felt like a challenge.

By my third ride, I had decided to leave the ‘regular’ speed in third gear, to allow me to experiment with the electric forces. These aren’t numbered, but are named: Eco, Turbo, Tour, with Eco being the slightest support force. This worked well for me, allowing me to shift to stronger force when riding uphill, then lower when riding downhill. Later, I’ll figure out the regular gears and how to use them. I have been extremely conservative with my speed, finding about 8 mph to be the fastest comfortable speed. On the few occasions that I have been traveling 12 mph, I felt like I was flying and quickly slowed down.

On these first rides, I only stopped when I was back at my house again. It doesn’t seem as if it should be a big deal, but it was a bit of a challenge to stop the bike and get off smoothly. Fifteen minutes rides were tiring. I’ll continue riding in the cemetery until I feel ‘ready’ for the real roads. Then, I’ll ride to the senior center, downtown, or to the train station. Not yet, though.

One of the delights has been passing walking neighbors who shouted hellos, as I glided past. Then yesterday, my 7-year-old neighbor, Ryland, came over on his bike and asked if I wanted to ride with him. I declined, telling him that I needed to practice more before I’d be comfortable riding with someone else. Nevertheless, his invitation made my day!

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