Still Sliding Down That Slippery Slope
I recently decided to sell my bike and give up riding. It was not an easy decision. My excuse for not riding was balance issues; when deep down I knew it was because getting up the baby hill on the last 1/2 mile of any ride ending up back home was taking all the fun out of it. I’m a complete wimp.
Then the other day Bill announced he was getting an ebike. I’ve seen them around town and always scoffed at the entire concept. For reasons I’d rather not explore, I’d immediately go all judgemental and conclude that no true bicyclist would be caught dead using that crutch.
That changed when Bill had me test his new bike out in his driveway. I had to have this!
I went down to the local bike shop and rented a Magnum ebike for a half day to see if it was really for me. I made a quick trip around town and out to the spit. The true test came when I ended up with the climb up Main Street to my condo.
I felt so good that I went on past my condo to the top of Mountain View and back to the store to discuss building my own bike. The whole ride (with minimal e assist ) was like riding my old road bike on the beach bike path back in So Cal. Only minimum effort was required and you could just enjoy the fresh air and scenery, the only thing missing was scantily clad youths playing frisbee and volleyball. I won’t miss the hill climbs; goodby and good riddance. I can still feel the burn if I want, but it’s optional.
The new bike parks in the downstairs storage room/shop.
It has an eight sprocket freewheel and a single chainwheel and rides quite nicely without any electrical assist (yes the chain is off the chainwheel in the photo, it just came out of the car ride home). Weighing in at 50 lbs (the battery is 9 lbs) does limit the joy of riding without assist and long rides require managing battery use. It’s garage will be the storage room because I can’t see carrying it up three flights of stairs.
So the Allegro sits on the rack at the shop, awaiting a new owner. Someone like Calvin’s dad. I know this doesn’t change anything; I’m still a wimp. But I still get to ride, so I’m OK with that ( insert loud raspberry here). 
Once again, I’ve gone over to the dark side. Wimping out is a slippery slope indeed. I hope Emil understands.
Y’all stay safe y’hear.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
80 some days here 50 others. Typical PA spring
“Still Sliding Down That Slippery Slope” There must be a better title for this article.
How about:
“It’s true folks, you can teach an old dog new tricks” OR
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” OR
“When 🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖 Fly”
Glad you decided to give the bike a try. Even better you fell in love with the bike and now it is a must buy! Have fun!
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!