The past year has taught me a lot about focusing on my health and well-being. While I rode a bike as a kid, it was mostly for entertainment. I’ve decided to get serious about it this year and want to use a bike as part of my regular transportation program.
It’s the best post-pandemic transport
The healthier I am, the better off I’ll be as the world (hopefully) leaves COVID-19 behind. Getting stronger and building up my cardiovascular system is only part of it, though. Because I’ve been able to figure out how to earn a living on my computer without needing to go to an office, I can now work from anywhere.
I’ve always wanted to travel, and I love checking out new places. I’m seriously thinking about looking for rent rooms in new areas, packing up just what I need in just a few bags, and hitting the road. The world has been through a significant change, and I’m ready for one as well!
It’s cheaper than a car
My car has been quite serviceable, but it came with many expenses that I just didn’t plan for. I knew about repairs and fuel, but I didn’t really study up on
- insurance
- tags
- inspection fees
- other taxes
Nor was I prepared to pay for parking every time I wanted to check out something different. Depending on the bike I buy, I can carry it in a tote bag and store it in a locker while I check out a new museum or carry it in a backpack while I hit a new hiking trail. From the time I close my front door, I can be self-contained!
Finally, I can work out
I have the best intentions about exercising regularly, but my follow-through is terrible. I set the alarm for an early start, but I don’t get up. I put on workout clothes at the office at the end of the day, but I drive straight home anyway.
Now is my time to get myself together. I don’t have to go to the office every day. There’s a riding path that will get me close to my grocery store, and there’s a delivery service on the days I don’t have time. Instead of struggling to get up early and dealing with other grumpy folks at the gym all staring at the same wall of bad news, I can hop on my bike and greet the sun while running my errands and picking up what I need anyway.
I am so ready to be able to get in a good workout just doing what I need to do so I can quit beating myself up on this issue. Once I have my bike, the only fuel I have to pay for is healthy food.
E-Bikes Are Better Than Ever
Previously, if you wanted a bike with power assist, you had to use a two-stroke gas-powered engine. While the two-stroke was powerful, it also got very hot and sat right between your calves on some designs. Nasty burns, really loud motor, and rather hard to manage.
Today’s power-assisted bikes are electric. According to Yes Cycling, modern e-bikes come with a wide range of motors. From 250W motors for simple pedal-assisting to the most powerful 1500W throttle-only motors.
The battery requires a simple recharge and sits behind you, a part of the highly useful fender and storage rack. The fender keeps the rain off your bottom on wet days, and the storage rack gives you a place to strap down whatever you needed to pick up. You can get an e-bike that will fold up and be easy to carry, or you can get a standard step-thru and good locks to protect your investment.
With an e-bike, long hills are manageable. Rides in hot weather can be managed if you have an appointment to get to when the temperature soars. I’m planning to buy a Department of Transportation, or DOT-approved helmet to protect my grey matter. I’ve also got a great headlight, a tail light, and a folding basket added to my e-bike shopping list.
An e-bike can replace my car. Will it take some planning? Of course! However, my planning time will be paid back when I can give up my gym membership, garage rent, and parking lot fees. I can also start doing the other stuff I need to wrap up, like going through my garage and tossing a bunch of junk. The e-bike is the first step to streamlining my life and heading out for a new adventure!