E-Bikes: A Remedy for Your Head, Not Your Legs

E-bikes are stirring up an industry, but for the wrong reason. Or, at least, popular media would want you to believe that. They think – before the e-bike technology – there was no way to manage multiple fitness levels on bike tours. And that the tours themselves were only for the die-hard cyclist.

Ciclismo Classico has been making its cycling tours available to multiple fitness levels ever since 1988. Carefully planned extra loops, shorter options, and scheduled shuttle stops are details Ciclismo Classico has used to ensure every participant’s happiness. And this was 30 years before the appearance of the e-bike.

In a recent New York Times article, Sebastian Modak makes some very bold claims. The travel writer suggests that traditional cyclists are, “wringing their hands” at the adventure industry’s lean towards incorporating e-bikes in their fleets. He states that, until now, cycling tours were for the “hardcore” athlete. Modak suggests the e-bike creates a less “stressed out straggler;” that the enjoyment of any cycling tour is keeping up. That’s priority number one.

This couldn’t be farther removed from reality.

Rodger

Rodger is from Lawrence, Kansas. He’s a decorated Air Force officer having flown the most advanced aircraft in the sky. He has seen his share of airborne scuffles. The pilot has nerves of steel, a great sense of humor and an endless sense of adventure. Rodger is a ski instructor in Colorado and can tackle any terrain (I’ve seen it). The man’s a pheasant hunter – taking his yearly trips to Mexico – and is a dead shot with a 12-gauge.

Rodger has done some bold things.

Rodger is also 83 years old.

When Rodger contacted me about doing a bike trip with Ciclismo Classico and a group of friends out of Vail, we talked seriously. Most of his friends were a good 15 to 20 years younger than him. Rodger was worried. He no longer had the confidence on a regular bicycle he used to. His friends suggested he look into renting an e-bike. I encouraged it for Rodger’s sake.

The Mental Meutia

Apart from the obvious physical advantage of an e-bike, the psychological benefits are tremendous. Rodger was able to stay with his friends the entire trip, yet allowed him the freedom to go at his own pace. He never missed a stop. During a common fall heatwave in Tuscany, he maintained a low heart rate. He shared in the enjoyment of all and was a quintessential component of the group dynamic.

This technology makes things better within the group, not worse.

Instead of creating tension, it has enhanced cohesion. It adds to the camaraderie and social bond of the group experience. After all, let’s remind ourselves this is group travel. Everyone comes from different ability levels regardless of the e-bike. If I’m a beginner in a yoga class, certainly someone else will be more flexible than me. I can use yoga blocks to enhance my experience, get better, and – most of all – have fun.

Get Out and Ride

The e-bike has also increased group size. It has altered most “non-active” individuals’ perception of adventure travel. Now the non-athlete gets out of their house and engages in cardiovascular activity as Carlton Reid suggests in this Forbes article. Starting the transition into a more active lifestyle is a major benefit, promoting physical and mental health.

E-bikes give more finite control to the user to moderate their ability. Within the first few days, cyclists become very accustomed to controlling the power output. This means that a cyclist can increase the resistance in small amounts. Increased resistance means increased ability levels. And if the level is too high one day, they have the option of turning it back down the next.

Get Off the Pain

Ever see a traditional cyclist ride up a hill after back surgery? It’s not pretty. Many of today’s recreational cyclists are normal people. At some point, they may have had one (or multiple) surgeries on the knees, ankles, wrists or spine. The e-bike allows these folks to enjoy the outdoors without straining their injuries. How? Less pressure on the pedals means a less contorted torso every turn of the crank. Since their speeds are faster, they spend less time in the saddle (which is great for those with prostate issues). The added confidence the e-bike gives to post-op athletes is priceless.

It’s a shame the New York Times focused on a fictitious animosity between traditional and e-bike riders. However, as was revealed at the Eurobike Conference in Germany last year, the technology is only getting better. Soon enough, traditional cyclists won’t ever scowl again at their electrical peers. The batteries will get smaller, the motors quieter, and traditional cyclists will assume Rodger is an 89-year-old stud muffin, never knowing he was riding an e-bike all the while.

Check out the specs on our e-bikes here and plan your next trip to any one of these destinations with the sheer ease and joy of electronic assistance!