A different perspective on eBikes

[antimony]

In my area anyway, even the women I've met tend to look down on a 14 -15 mph ave. The cycling club that we belong to has told me I'm not fast enough to join their weekly rides, (though my DH and I do participate in several weekend rides). We also participate in cycling events all over the northeast. Even during those there are cracks about slow riders. There is a kind of snobbery that seems to infiltrate cycling. I would never show up at an event on the eBike. But for me cycling is a multi-dimensional activity. I do it for the joy of it whether I am on my road bike or my eBike.

Ugh, I can rant and rant about the lack of friendly but serious group rides in the 12-15mph range up here. I'm currently running 13-15mph average depending on hilly vs not, was ~11-14 last year, and am trying to get faster but all the advice to ride with groups that are just a bit faster than is comfortable require there to be groups at that pace.

I wish I had time to start one. But I don't, and I do enjoy solo riding, so I do that.

And I agree about the cracks -- I was insulted to my face on the first century ride I did by another rider; it was really depressing, even though I was on my way to my highest average yet (13.9mph) and a sub-8 hour century (my goal had been 8:30!) It's fine to say "you're not fast enough for this ride" politely if true (for a group ride -- the century wasn't a group ride and I was riding solo almost the entire time), but the insults are uncalled for. We're all riders.

I don't personally have any interest in eBikes, at least not right now, but I could totally see myself getting an e-assist cargo bike if we ever go car-free.

[Blue_Pearl]

Hi Antimony, I agree that it is good riding manners not to try and participate in rides that are beyond scope :-). If riding was all I did and really dedicated myself to it the way many great women have, I'd up my time. But there are so many other things I love to do. The eBike is great for cargo :-) It is on/off road too so if the roads are too jammed I can choose an off road option to my destination. My DH is really sweet and will ride with me as his "cool down" ride but it is so much fun to ride with him without slowing him down. A sub 8 hour century... that is great! I love the Fall centuries around here and in Maine - so beautiful!