The grand debate raging in the cycling world of late is that of e-bikes: are they really bicycles, or are they motorbikes? Are they warranted or are they for lazy people wanting to be ‘cyclists’?
It’s taken me a long time to deal with my physical ability, or lack of ability, over the years while I’ve battled Lyme Disease. When I’m good on the bike, I’m great, but when I’m bad, I’m absolutely crap. Not only do I have nothing to give while riding, but the amount of time it takes my body to recover and bounce back, even from a relatively easy ride, is way longer than anyone else and it’s something that severely hampers my ability to ride often and ride with groups and rely on my form.
Riding is such a touchy-feely thing for me. I love to be outside, in nature, interacting with the world around me. The weather doesn’t worry me – I put on another layer and I go out. I just love it. It tops up my tanks, it rejuvenates my soul, it gives me time to think, time to breathe deeply and time to indulge my absolute passion. To some degree, Lyme has taken that from me. I’m not able to ride some days without being in the deep red (I call it purple!) even on easy sections. It messes with my brain, and it gets me down. Not being able to rely on myself to be able to do what I want to do.
That’s why I’ve decided to go ‘Nytro’.
This angel has given me wings. I can climb, while still putting an effort in, without completely draining my body of everything it has. It puts me back in the ‘normal’ category in terms of ‘effort in = effort out’. For so long, my effort in has always been disproportionately high, which is part of the reason it wipes me out so badly.
So, judge me or don’t. I know a lot of ‘purists’ have issues with e-bikes. All I can say is, I’m sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t see the good things about what these bikes can bring to people like me. The joy of a bike ride is a joy like no other. This beautiful bike allows me that luxury without completely breaking myself.
I’m still the same friendly, happy, courteous, always-smiling rider on my bike. I still have etiquette, I’m still considerate towards other road users, I’m still mindful of other riders and their input-effort.
Only now, I have some help from my Angel. ????
Thank you, Pinarello for this absolute beauty!
