Cycling With Your Spouse
Two of my brothers are pastors (of wildly different theologies). Writing this, I understand what one once said about preaching to themselves…
It happened again this week. I shouldn’t be surprised. At least once a month, I meet a cyclist frustrated that their spouse or significant other doesn’t want to bicycle with them. This happens almost as often with female cyclists as male. Inevitably, I find one riding a high end bike and the other on something that is entry level at best.
I get it. It is hard to explain to any new cyclist why their idea of comfortable or affordable, isn’t. I understand that no one wants to spend $1000 to $3000 on a bike just good enough to keep up. It may never get used (like that fishing boat sitting behind the house). Still, there needs to be some understanding and parity.
You need to be willing to ride slow (not just slower). You may need to let your cycling buddies ride ahead and (my big mistake) let your partner learn for themselves. They’ll get it in time. Their inefficient riding style or clunky bike, is not a reflection on you. Gaurenteed, at one time, this was you!
Ruby’s rents e-bikes. Anyone can keep up using an e-bike, if their riding partner is even a little considerate. It’s a great way to try what could be wonderful, shared experiences.*
E-bikes make it possible for an inefficient and affordable comfort bike to tag a long with the roadies. The first time my wife tried an e-bike I rode my ’66 3-speed. About a mile in she figured out her own weird style of riding. Twenty miles later I had to beg her to turn around. Today, she suggests trips to explore rail trails, visit wineries and stay at B&B’s (now if only I could afford those things). Rent an e-bike. See if it will work for you and your significant other.
*$50 for up to four hours. $10/hr thereafter with a 24 hour maximum of $100.