Sometimes I wonder if I should get an electric bike or electric scooter.
I always talk myself out of it due to the expense and my desire for actual exercise. However, it does look like fun. I’m also worried sometimes that my ageing vehicle might actually break down. I might have no interest to repair it, if the expense is too great.
I always wanted an ATV or other offroad vehicle. Offroad e-scooter or bike would be amazing. It would take me back to my motorbiking days. However, the cost could be prohibitive to get an offroad-capable e-vehicle. Or gas powered, for that matter. Offroading could be a passing wish, not a must-have. After all, I already own a 4×4 truck and have never, ever gone offroad. I just want something to play in the yard and nearby trails.
Enjoying my new mountain bike
I do enjoy my new mountain bike greatly. It allows me to go quite a distance without much serious effort. I can feel my heart pumping, like it used to when I commuted and raced bikes. But it’s so much more fun when there’s no traffic noise or major decisions along the way. At the end of every ride, the route always has a kilometer uphill, but that’s OK. More exercise for me.
My mountain bike so far has replaced my desire for an offroad e-vehicle. I can tinker with gnarly trails, but I don’t have to recoup a major expense for it.
I tend to go on mountain bike trails not the roadside so I don’t really have to think about traffic noise and steering around cars stopped at intersections. I saw a friend get hit by a door opening in front of her on a sidewalk once, so remote trails are pretty appealing to me. I don’t really have to have much alertness, honestly, except for watching for other bikers and pedestrians. And wildlife. I’m willing to stay alert for that.
Your thoughts on offroad e-vehicles?
I’m wondering what other people think on the subject. Is the expense worth it? I think you could argue that you get a great amount of joy and ease by having an electric bike or scooter. You can go farther before fatigue sets in.
Then on the other hand, you could say that it’s rather expensive if you already own a car. As I do.
The role of my truck in recreational outings
One big thing a gas-powered vehicle allows me since I have one already, is that I can transport people and stuff. This means I can take my paddling gear to the lake and a few extra people if I wish. If I had a pet, as I used to have a cat, I could take her to the vet on a moment’s notice.
But with the convenience comes the expense of gas and minor repairs and maintenance. I spend about $1000 a year for oil changes, other fluids, and four-wheel-drive maintenance.
I don’t mind it at all really. I grew up in a remote area with no vehicle other than a bicycle. And in my early diabetes days, I would’ve benefitted from having a car for basic errands. It was my early teen years and I anticipated blood sugar crashing every time I rode my bike to school or the local stores. What a luxury a simple car would’ve been for those trips.
Looking back at biking in my teens
I suppose bicycling everywhere gave me a base of fitness that I’ve benefit from today. I don’t seem to get exhausted with a short jog to get groceries or to do a few diverse errands done after I’ve parked in one spot. I don’t feel compelled to move my car from store to store like some people do. Once I park, I’ve got to carry what I want to buy.
I actually enjoy walking most of all!
Suppose I take the bus or a vehicle downtown. I’m not sweaty once I get there because I haven’t been exercising. I can walk and walk and walk at a leisurely pace. I can stop anywhere I want to and have a coffee or a snack. I can go into stores and I’m not bumping into things with my helmet or any extra rain gear that I’m carrying in my arms.
I don’t miss the bicycle commute days. I’ve mentioned this before in my blog. I’m just thinking about it now, dictating while on a rather long walk.
I parked for one errand and walked amongst some farther-off shops that are open late. I had no pressing deadlines for anything like family or school. So I got about 20 minutes of exercise walking to my favourite Board game store, and another 20 minutes back to my car.
I passed by food places and at least two new bakery shops I didn’t know about. The last time here I passed by, I might’ve been driving and in a rush.
I forgot that my downtown area has a lot of decorative lights that come on in the evening hours. It feels like I’m on vacation. I’m walking everywhere today. The one errand I had was dinner downtown, and stop in to say hello to a few friends that live along my walking route.
Walking time is good time
Just saying, take the time to go out and explore your own neighbourhood and be alone with your thoughts. You might get more done than you realize.