From Muddy Bums to Big Grins:

How One E-Bike Ride Changed My Cycling Life for Good!

Right, where do I start? Imagine me, a seasoned cyclist from good old Yorkshire, giving e-biking a go for the very first time. Yes, me—the one who usually powers up hills with a grimace and a “get up this you lazy sod” mental pep talk. But this time, oh, this time was different! This was an e-bike taster session, along a lovely stretch of canal between Apperley Bridge and Saltaire with a cracking group of people, and I’ll tell you what—it was an absolute blast!

Before you get any funny ideas, no, riding an e-bike isn’t cheating . It’s like having a bit of turbo juice when you need it. And let me just say—when you’ve got knobbly knees like mine (cheers, old injury), that little bit of electric magic is a lifesaver.

So there I was, helmet on, ready to hop on my first e-bike of the day. The choices were endless : Wispers, Scotts, Reise & Mullers, GT, Marin, Bergamont, Gudereit, Kona —all top-tier rides, some with fancy Bosch batteries. Some were sleek and light, others a bit on the hefty side, but all had one thing in common—effortless pedalling. Honestly, it felt like the bike was whispering, “Don’t worry, love, I’ve got this .”

Fit Bird at the Back, Fat Lass at the Front

The group I was riding with was a mix of people: some as fit as fiddles (like my biker chick buddy Pascale Gara - star fit bird by night / weekend, and executive recruiter extraordinaire during the day), others taking it easy for the sake of old injuries or simply being out of practice. Naturally, we all ended up with muddy bums, thanks to the canal path’s puddles. I can’t tell you how much joy there is in looking down at your back and realising you’ve been splattered by a glorious spray of mud. There’s no glamour in e-biking on a wet day, folks, but ee-by-gum, it’s fun!

The “Fit Bird at the Back ” (our guide) and the “Fat Lass at the Front ” (Melissa again ??) led the charge, and despite our varying levels of fitness, the e-bikes made sure no one was left behind. Everyone moved at a lovely pace, and it was a right laugh seeing the look of pure surprise on each face as the motor kicked in and the bike practically glided uphill. Mud? Who cared! We were cruising with grins as wide as the canal itself.

The E-Bike Magic

I’ve been cycling for years, but nothing prepared me for the sheer joy of the e-bike experience. It was like being a kid again—freewheeling without a care in the world. The electric motor takes away that initial struggle, which, for someone with a dodgy knee, is like manna from heaven. Suddenly, I wasn’t wincing every time I pushed off. Instead, I was whooshing along, thinking, “Blimey, where have you been all my life?”

There’s something wonderful about being able to ride as fast or as slow as you like, and still keep up with the group. No one was huffing and puffing (except the odd giggle or shout when a big puddle soaked us). Plus, the e-bike made it easier for me to take in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside—the canal waters glistened, the boats gleamed, the trees swayed in the breeze, and I didn’t have to struggle to enjoy it.

Back at the Bike Shop: Testing More E-Bikes

After the ride, we all returned to the bike shop, our backs sprayed in a Jackson Pollock masterpiece of mud. Of course, I wasn’t done—oh no, I had to try out a few more e-bikes in the car park and along to the pubs. The shop’s staff were absolute stars, full of patience and banter, helping me figure out exactly which bike suited me best.

I tested another Scott with a slightly heavier battery, and then a Wisper, both brands along with the Reis & Muller bikes proving very popular with visitors to the bike shop over this particular Open Weekend. The smooth ride, the sheer power when the motor kicked in—it was love at first pedal!

The staff even gave us a little demo in the workshop on how to maintain the bikes, though, to be honest, I was more interested in the free buffet. You can’t beat a few sarnies, pastries and buns with a cuppa after a ride, right?

Pretty Gritty & The Goodie Bag

Speaking of distractions, I found myself rifling through a gorgeous range of cycling gear from Pretty Gritty Ltd by Emma Stoney and her co-founder Katie Fitzgerald-Gill . Now, I had to laugh at the brand name. I mean, ‘Pretty Gritty’ perfectly describes how we looked after that ride—mud-splattered and still trying to look good. Let’s be honest though, after that much fun, you don’t care how messy you get!

Did I win the free prize draw? Nah, of course not. I never win those things. But I did leave with a fabulous goodie bag and—drumroll—the details for a sparkling new e-bike!

Oh yes, after months of saving up, I am finally on the cusp of treating myself. Even my lovely friend Pascale messaged me after the event to say: “Great fun Chrissie! Definitely thinking about an ebike for commuting as a result! Completely effortless!! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to try one out!”

I also noted a new customer, Di Kolat, posted a lovely message on one of the Riverside Ebikes and Cycles social media streams recently having also attended the Open Weekend Summer Sale gathering and ‘Try before You By’ rollouts: “Thank you so much for your help and patience. I’m thrilled with my new purchase.”

Obviously a very happy new Wisper ebike owner who took the plunge on the day. ?

The goodie bag was a lovely little bonus, filled with bike maintenance bits and a few self-care goodies. It was like the universe knew I’d need some extra TLC after all the e-bike excitement.

Joining the E-Bike Revolution

I’ve always been careful with how I spend my hard-earned brass. After all, I’m saving for a comfy retirement (even though I’m living like a pensioner already with my budgeting). But you know what? Sometimes, you’ve just got to treat yourself. I don’t smoke, gamble, do drugs, drink much, or spend on 5-star holidays (often ??), so splashing out on an e-bike seems like the perfect indulgence. After the taster session I’m confident it will be worth every penny.

With the hectic summer of work and family commitments slowing down, I feel now is the perfect time to reclaim a bit of “me time.” I’m imagining weekends (and some daytimes ??) cycling with a local club or tootling through the countryside with friends—bliss! Cycling keeps the mind clear, body strong, and, most importantly, it’s pure therapy for the soul . Come rain or shine, I’ll be out there with my trusty Cervelo road bike and most likely new ebike letting the good times roll.

Why E-Biking is Worth Every Penny

I know what you’re thinking: “But aren’t e-bikes expensive?” Well, yes, they can be. But so too are any vices ?? But let me tell you something—wellbeing, happiness, and getting out into nature are priceless. My personal view is that there’s no point skimping on a bike that doesn’t give you joy. And let’s face it, the end-of-summer sales are on, and it’s unlikely I’ll find such good deals until next year. Most bike shops don’t do Black Friday or January sales like the other stores. I suppose I’d better get in there now and be the savvy cookie that snags a deal before everyone else catches on.

I guess I simply must ask myself, what am I waiting for? Maybe it’s time to snap up an ebike bargain, aka ‘Cycle Cheap, Ride Rich !’ ?? before Christmas wipes out my purse!

Christmas, by the way, is already creeping into shops, so maybe it’s not too early to start thinking about my gifts. An e-bike not just for myself but for a loved one too perhaps? This would be a brilliant present, methinks. Hmmm … ?

Wrapping Up: Miles of Smiles

So, what did I learn from my e-bike taster session? E-biking is, quite simply, the bee’s knees. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s fabulous for the body, mind and soul. The benefits are endless: low impact on the joints, a great cardiovascular workout, the freedom to explore without the strain, and of course, a fabulous social past-time.

If you’ve never tried an e-bike, I can’t recommend it enough. Seriously, give it a go. There’s no greater feeling than cruising through the countryside, effortlessly keeping up with everyone else, and knowing you’ve still got a bit left in the tank to enjoy the post-ride cake.

Life is too short to spend off the bike—so get yourself out there, like me, find a sale , and start racking up miles of smiles.

I deserve to treat myself! I reckon you do too !!????

Shameless plug … But I am the Non-Executive Director , after all ??

By the end of the Open Weekend Summer Sale at Riverside Ebikes & Cycles the team there were all rather bushed! No rest for the mischievous, cheeky and wicked though ?? …

Albeit the Open Weekend ended, the DISCOUNTED CYCLES SUMMER SALE CONTINUES throughout this month ??

If you are in the market for a “reet propa” bargain bike or ebike pop into the bike shop

Click: https://rebac.co.uk

Surf online here too:

Click:? https://riversidebikes.co.uk

In addition to the HUGE PRICE CUTS on road bike, mountain bike, gravel bikes, commuter bikes and their ebike equivalent you’ll also find:

·??????? The Bike Hire Hub – highly recommended after my experience! Try Before You Buy ??

·??????? A fabulous range of cycling accessories

·??????? A lovely range of Pretty Gritty Ltd women bikers’ apparel

?Travel | Cycle | Write:? Articles & Posts: -

·??? "From Muddy Bums to Big Grins: How One E-Bike Ride Changed My Cycling Life for Good! - article

·??????“Cycle Cheap, Ride Rich : Yorkshire's Wheel-y Good Deals” - article

·??????“Pedal & Pout ”: How Cycling Saved My Sanity! - article

·??????“E-Bikes and Egos ”: How to Stay in the Saddle When You're Injured, Aging, and Time-Poor Like Me - article

·??????“Fit Bird at the Back ”: Supercharged Love…An Eride with The Naked Lawyer - article

·??????? “Big Rocks, Big Wheels ”:? How Cycling Can Revolutionise Your Life and Keep Your Priorities Rolling Smoothly - article

·??????? “Cycling Open Weekend ” - It’s On! Saturday 31st Aug & Sunday 1st Sep. Free Goodies!

·??????? “Fat Lass at the Front ”: A humourous take on cycling and business – article

·??????? “Cycling Open Weekend ” – Save The Date 31st Aug & 1st Sep 2024

·??????? “And Just Like That ”: Moving on to Travel, Cycle, Write - ?article

·??????? “Chef God(dess) Hunt!” And a FREE coffee & ‘sweet treat’ - when you visit Riverside Bikes ?bricks & mortar shop in person when you quote this code: #thenakedlawyer

·??????? “Non-executive Director ” - Riverside E-Bikes role announcement

·??????? “It’s Been Too Long ” - Great New E-bike & Cycle Shop find in Yorkshire

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