E-bike Philosophy

I've been fighting a personal battle with myself, and I've finally accepted that I've lost. Fortunately, I've won too.

I am the proud owner of this little beauty:

Yes, it's an ebike. It doesn't look like one, I know; and at 13kg, it doesn't feel like one either. It's lighter than my touring bike when my touring bike is fitted with a loaded saddle bag. If I ride it un-powered, it's hardly a racehorse, but it's very like a normal bike.

When I switch it on, it speeds me up. It counters my weak left leg. I put just as much effort into my pedalling as I ever do, and I get just as tired, but the bike adds power, so I go faster. I ride the same distance in less time. That means I can keep up with my husband and enjoy riding with him. He enjoys riding with me too.

Obviously when I'm riding alone I use one of my other three bikes - if I'm not trying to keep up with anyone, then I really don't care how slowly I go. And if I'm riding with any element of personal challenge (like when I rode my three-part Land's End to John o' Groats ride) then having any help from electricity is absolutely out of the question.

Cycling to me has always had an element of freedom and an ebike is not an expression of that, as it needs to be fed. You couldn't do a camping tour with one because you wouldn't be able to top up its charge. The freedom of the bike (go anywhere, powered only by food) has always been a big part of my personal cycling philosophy. Now I have an ebike, I have needed to amend this philosophy and it's been neither easy nor quick. I've lost lots of sleep over it.

My new philosophy is in two parts:

Riding on my own - freedom. 
Go anywhere, powered only by food.

Riding in company - fun. 
Go with others, accepting help if needed.