A few sunny days in the 50’s have me out on the road on my trike. It might be one of the best soul-cleansing moves I’ve made in the recent past. I feel liberated, with a renewed sense of life that has been missing for a while.  Cabin fever is in my rear-view mirror as I point the trike toward the Wasatch mountain peaks before me. 

I’m riding a three-wheel recumbent trike these days, due to waning balance and strength from an aging spinal cord injury.  It’s a low-slung, racy Catrike Expedition in Atomic Orange. It still has the cool factor, at least in my eyes.   What’s more, it has a 500-watt electric pedal-assist motor, at the urging of my doctor.  His quote, “Anyone with neurological issues should avail themselves of electric motors.”

 

 In search of fall colors in Blacksmith Fork Canyon

 

There are two E's in freedom.

I would add to that by saying, “Anyone who wants more fun and freedom should ride an electric bike—or e-trike.”  As I tell people, there are two e’s in freedom.  Despite my disability, I can get on my trike and go where and how far I want, whether on the hilly roads of Cottonwood Heights or into the headwinds of Blacksmith Fork canyon.  It takes me back to those days when I was a kid and hopped on my bike just to have fun.   No longer do I think about cadence and distance and speed.  I just ride for fun…and exercise.   Yes, you can get a workout on a 50-pound pedal-assist e-trike.  Just keep the motor at a lower level and pedal like crazy! 

I must admit, the recumbent thing takes a bit of getting used to.   Pedaling while laying on your back is strange at first, especially when you’re a long time two-wheel cyclist like me.  But the alternative of not riding at all is not an option.  Without this technology, I’d be sitting on the sidelines. Plus, the benefits of no saddle sores, no sore back, sore shoulders, et al, really add up.  I have no pain during or after riding. 

Another benefit: Dogs don’t chase me as often.

There’s also the added benefit of dogs not chasing me as often.  They’re not quite sure what I am, pedaling upside down with my extra-long legs and knees jutting skyward.  Often, they sit down, tilt their head to the side and just watch me go by.  Woof!

There’s another distinct advantage of my recumbent trike.  I spend more time looking up at the mountains and sky instead of looking down at the asphalt on the road.  I get to drink in the inspiration of the Wasatch peaks and the frequent hawks circling above my head instead of counting lane markers.

Seniors should consider e-bikes.

I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to hit the road for fun and adventure to check out an e-bike or e-trike.  Especially those of us considered seniors.  Nearly every bike shop has a pretty good selection of e-bikes.   If you want an e-trike like mine, you’ll have to go online or head for Payson to visit Utah Trikes, where I got mine.  They’re top notch, shipping trikes and e-trikes all over the country. 

Then head for one of the many excellent bike paths in the area, like the Jordan River Parkway, the Legacy trail from North Salt Lake to Farmington, or Parley’s trail from Sugarhouse to Wasatch Boulevard.  For a directory of paved bike paths along the Wasatch Front, check out this listing from Visit Salt Lake.   For a statewide listing of bike  rides, check out www.visitUtah.com.

Or, you can do what I often do and just head out to explore the neighborhood, like we did when we were kids.  The only difference is now I make sure my route takes me past a coffee shop instead of a soda fountain.

Better yet, shoot me an email at Bobwassom@comcast.net if you want to ride and we can meet up somewhere.  I’m always looking for a riding buddy.

Bob riding past Hyrum reservoir, the site of his diving accident

 

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