Grumpy Old Guys On Bikes
One of my saddest days was the day I visited my father to retrieve his cruiser bike. He would ride no more. I am beginning to understand. Getting older is a privilege, not a sentence. I’m enjoying it more and more. Wish I had planned better to enjoy it sooner (you younguns that never walked uphill bothways, in a blinding snow storm, just to get.a hunk of gov’t cheese, won’t understand).
Now, I’m not ready to give up yet. I still plan some epic rides. Like my father, I’ll be able to work on bikes long after my riding days are through. With that will be the incredible memories of great friends, places I’ve been and things I’ve seen, even right here in The Quad Cities. Most of those only a few will ever know (don’t get me started on my 300+ photo’s of sun-ups and sundowns along the river)
Had a couple like me come in just the other day. They have ridden a lot, for a long time. They want to continue as long as possible, but that will require a little help from an e-bike. Unlike me, that couple plans no more epic rides. Ten miles is a nice afternoon spent together. Dinner, maybe a show and some mighty fine views along the river, are good times to folks like us. Besides, we need to be home in time for Matlock.
They don’t really need a “good” e-bike. The cheapest thing out there is faster than we can ride a traditional bike these days. Thirty miles range is almost overkill. The problem is, once you have ridden quality, nothing else will do.
A person gets used to good frame geometry. It provides light and lively handling. Only expensive, quality components have a proper feel. The couple and I discussed the fact that a Lectric folding bike, a Buzz or even The Kent Cavalier could get them by. Like me, they just could not live with those reliable, but clumbsy bikes. They’ve looked at factory bikes from the major mfg’s. The price, the value and the same components they were seeing on cheap bikes just don’t cut it. They are having their Treks converted.
That couple will never again need the 80 miles range they’re buying. They won’t be climbing any more mountains or crossing multiple states. They will be comfortable and secure in the quality feel, handling and comfort of their old bikes…old friends. Perhaps just as important, they’re light enough to load onto their rack so they’ll be able to visit local and perhaps vacation rail trails while grumbling about “kids today!”
Do you have a good bike? Are you considering an e-bike? Don’t settle. Check with Mark at Ruby’s Beers, Bikes & Brats. Find out just how much bike you can have on a budget and GIT OFF MY LAWN!