How an E-Bike Changed My Life

As a boy I loved cycling. In grades 2 or 5 or 8 – a bicycle meant freedom. I’ll never forget my Sekine bike I saved up for and bought in grade 6 or 7. I cycled many miles until I switched to motorcycles and cars and life that got in the way. Until I was around 40 I didn’t give much thought to physical activity, but then I started walking regularly. Northern Alberta wasn’t ideal for cycling but I did a bit.

In 2017 we moved full time to Victoria, BC, Canada and brought the bikes with us. We did some cycling from time to time but several things got in the way. One was – I complained to my Dr. about shortness of breath. It scared me going up hills. I avoided the bike at times. The Dr. poo poo’d me, telling me my heart pills (heart attack was fall, 2014) slowed my heart, hence the shortness of breath. Finally I had enough and on advice of a friend went to emergency and told them “I am a heart patient and I think I am having issues that should be looked at”. Long story short – I received a stent within a month and that fall my implanted ICD heart device.

Part of the journey was time with a heart function clinic where Cardiac Cliff helped me with physical and mental health. He suggested a men’s heart group that met once a week – some of them enjoyed being in a bike group that met regularly. At the time e-bikes were new but taking off – I looked into the men’s group, the cycling group and an e-bike. I did it all, including purchasing a Specialized Turbo Vado, a high end, high performance e-bike. I was hooked immediately. It was a learning experience as there are many many types of e-bikes and just as many misconceptions. On my bike I can use as much or as little power assist but if I stop peddling, I stop moving. I have multiple levels of assist but my aim is to get my heart pumping so I keep assist on very low. But even having that low assist is a game changer for confidence, for security, for fun, for exercise. I never have to worry about wind picking up, or me petering out, or hills too tall. It gives me confidence to ride – and I mean ride – every day. It provides another level of freedom and joy to have that extra bit of help if needed. I almost never lift the assist level up as I challenge myself to keep the heart rate up. I’ve had so much fun – in 20 months I have put on 17,500 kms on the bike.

I did join the cycling group – we meet Saturdays – mostly 55 – 75 year olds – and around 80% have e-bikes. We cycle for 45 minutes then stop for lunch or a treat. It’s become a very positive part of my life. Our group – mostly men but some women – have become close and supportive. Many in the group have heart experiences but the reach is broad – around 6 – 12 gather for rides Saturdays. We do call outs for week day rides. I also like riding alone as I have a sound system in the helmet that safely plays tunes while I ride. (70’s Music ‘R us!)

Bonus. Jan also got an e-bike after I talked her into it – and she too has never looked back. Surprisingly, (to me anhyhow) Jan is also a strong rider who enjoys a quick pace and getting our hearts pumping. It’s easy to do a 15 km+ ride, stop for coffee then ride home.

Another bonus. Victoria BC has the best bike lanes on the continent I think. We are so fortunate and it’s paying off in creating a cycling community where more and more have taken the step to ride to where they go rather than the car.

And don’t let anyone ever tell you “You’re cheating – you have an e-bike”. While some models offer the opportunity to exert very little to no effort of your own – this is less common in Canada I find. Almost all models are “assist”. You stop pedaling – you stop. At least – mine is! My e-bike has given me new found confidence to rarely say “no” because it could be windy or hilly or inclement or I am tired or grumpy. I figure I am riding more now than when I was in grade 8 on that red Sekine. I can monitor my heart rate on my Specialized bike app and look to ensure I get proper exercise mindful of not going overboard pushing my heart (although, I often do).

Jan and I have hauled our bikes around Vancouver island via the Thule bike rack. We have cycled in California, Washington state, Oregon, even Mexico (although – never again!). We have cycled Joshua Tree National Park a couple times where I pushed my way up a 14 km hill to overlook Palm Springs and valley, then whisk down back at speeds I dare not mention. I have grown to enjoy a group of similar goaled people out on their bikes, I have spent event more time with Jan doing something that promotes exercise, fun, friendship, all with a low environmental impact.

As I rack up the km’s on the bike our car sits more and more. With Victoria’s lanes and a super e-bike – cycling every day year-round – has become the norm. Using our car is an exception.

Recently a fellow wanting to learn about joining our bike group showed us his new purchase – a new Trek e-bike. He is an avid cyclist and thought long and hard before investing in this pricey but high end e-bike. He’s early 70’s for age. When he hesitated a friend told him “Eh – you could die tomorrow” and he made the plunge. Hope he joins us.

For some – an e-bike is a terrific step to socializing, exercise, and lower environmental impact transportation for pleasure and otherwise. When one reads about the tickets to a longer, happier life – that checks a lot of boxes.