A different perspective on eBikes

[Jolt]

Looks like it might be fun, at least if I can get better at climbing! It appears I _am_ off work that weekend...

[Blue_Pearl]

It is an amazing ride. You have to be pretty handy at navigation but the roads are spectacular! I love randonees... you the bike and the road. The people are so nice, from the riders to the support. There is a beautiful kind of camaraderie on rides like this. Even the best riders walk some of the climbs - no shame :-)

[TigerMom]

I think that it is great as long as you are out riding.

Plus, you are not trying to compete on your electronic bike.

I do get irritated at people who yell out "Cheater" when people are riding on electronic bikes. At least you are out there exercising.

[ny biker]

I would just like to extend an invitation to Blue Pearl and anyone else who is "not fast enough" to ride with our club if you're ever in the DC area. We welcome everyone. Yes there are fast group rides, but we also have rides in slower categories (10-12 mph, 12-14, 14-16) as well as all-pace no-drop rides. We're also working on an effort to have more rides for beginners. And if anyone in our club ever insulted another cyclist for riding "too slow," I would probably faint from surprise because they are just the nicest people you'll ever meet.

I think we have one member with a recumbent bike that has an electric motor. He finds it helpful for getting up hills. People ask him about it out of curiosity, but otherwise he's no different from anyone else on the ride.

[colorisnt]

I *have* ridden with groups/clubs that are rude to slower riders, riders on more upright bikes, riders that are mostly commuters, etc but I don't ride with those groups ever again after having that experience. Aint nobody got time for that.

I'm glad you are enjoying your bike! Once you find some good riding buddies, it's invaluable. Good luck regardless of type of bike!

[Wahine]

I agree whole heartedly that what ever gets someone else out and enjoying exercising is a good thing. Unfortunately, you're right, there is a lot of negative behaviour, and unnecessary competitiveness in group rides that breeds nasty comments. A group ride isn't a competition unless someone says it is, so who cares?