e-Biking

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.

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.