"First Ride on my New Trek Electric Assist Bike....."

Don and I finally were able to get out on our bikes for a good ride, taking my Trek Electric Assist Bike for it's maiden tour. I LOVE IT!!!

We rode our normal route around town, bringing us to the overpass by the University's veterinary barns, which goes over University Avenue.

Usually I am the one who follows, but I thought I should go up first this time, having the bike in "positive 4 assist".

Well.....THAT was easy! After Don rode up the ramp, I was about to suggest he try my bike to see how well it takes "hills", when he yelled up at me, "I want to try it!", which he did. :)

I know it is hard to believe, but Don and I, with our different heights, have the same length of inseam, so he is easily able to ride my bike without lowering the seat.

He set the computer of the bike to "negative 4 assist', which means pedaling will charge the battery, BUT it also will allow the person to ride the bike downhill without necessarily using the brakes. Don was able to coast down the entire ramp without using any braking. Of course, it depends on how steep the hill or downgrade is. ;)

Slowly he descends......

Yard by yard.....

Foot by foot.....

Inch by inch......

Alright already! Get down the hill and turn around! :)

He, too, set the bike for "positive 4 assist", and fairly flew up the ramp....

Notice the couple climbing the stairs?

Luckily they looked back and saw him coming at warp speed and got out of his way. He certainly would have warned them of his approach though.....HE has good biking manners......unlike so many on the bike paths who do NOT warn you of their "impending pass".

Here he is about to make the pass and take the final turn......

And he is at the top of the ramp! I took photos as fast as the camera allowed....perhaps that can give you an idea of how well the bike "assists". :)

My new bike definitely makes my riding even more enjoyable. Riding up even slight grades or against the wind (we ALWAYS have wind when we ride....it never is a calm day) is just given the "extra little edge or boost" that makes me smile (plus passing Don on hills does, too). ;)

"It's Here!"

As you may remember, Don bought me a Trek Electric Assist Bike for my birthday. It had to be ordered and it's arrival was scheduled for the 3rd week of May. It surprised us and came in last Thursday. We weren't able to go and pick it up until Sunday, which turned out to be fine since the weather on Sunday was beautiful (I certainly didn't want rain drops on my new bike!).

Travis, the nice Trek associate who helped us, gives me instructions on using the "computer". Positive numbers mean I am using the power assistance, negative numbers mean I am recharging the battery. I then took my new bike for a spin to make sure the new seat adjustment was correct and felt good. Afterwards, prior to bringing it home, Don added a few accessories to sweeten my birthday gift even more.

Final photo at the store before securing the bike onto the carrier for its trip home.....

Home safe and sound. ;) Unfortunately, the battery had not been charged (even after a phone request from Don made on Saturday), so we didn't go for a spin as planned. You know the saying, the best laid plans, etc. It worked out well as we needed to re-arrange the garage anyway to make room near the electrical outlet for the charger/bike. That said task means that my other upright bike, and also my trike, are now in storage in the basement to make room in the garage. Anyone interested in adding to their collection of bikes? I have a couple for sale......... ;)

We also had taken along with us the "quick release" attachment for the dog cart (which I use as a grocery cart). The service tech tried attaching it to the rear axle, but found it wasn't a good fit, suggesting we get a "frame mount" for the cart instead. Yep......Don has it ordered already. :)