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| Yellow: where I bike without an e-bike | Everywhere else: where I bike with one |
I work with a lot of fancy technologies--machine learning, robotic 3D printing, a Chemex--none of which has impressed me as much as the e-bike. I got my first one in 2012 to use on my then-new commute to Autodesk (from Fairfax to near the words "Santa Venetia" in the map, above). I got my second one upon our return from Amsterdam, an upgrade in several respects, though still designed for use on regular roads and for commute-length rides. Then came COVID, and suddenly I had nowhere to go. For a month or two the bike just sat in the garage, but eventually I decided to start using it for weekend rides in the watershed and other green areas around Fairfax. I had driven and hiked hereabouts so thought I knew something about my environs, but the e-bike opened up long expanses of fire road and even rougher trails that I had never traversed. The map of Marin came together, and the quite incredible beauty that characterizes my home county was revealed as never before.
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| Many, many beautiful places, and all the lovelier with Dan in the picture |
I've upgraded my tires, but otherwise have ridden all these many miles with the same versatile machine I bought for my short commute. I'm so pleased with it--an Amego Infinite--that I've bought a second, so as to be able to introduce others (Talia first of all) to our extended backyard. For those thinking about getting their own e-bike or who might have a chance to try mine, here's a user manual for future rides.
We all have something to escape right now; I don't know of a better way to get away than this.
