Since May this year, I’ve been commuting to work each day on my electric bike and I’ve been completely converted to the joys of pedaling with a bit of electric assist. On wet mornings, I can put on a full set of waterproofs and arrive at work dry and un-sweaty and in the evenings, I no longer dread the long slog back uphill to home.
But what has surprised me is that I am slowly getting fitter even riding an e-bike. I think this is partly because I’m riding every working day, totting up 45 miles each week, but also because I’m enjoying getting out and about on the e-bike even on my days off.
So on a sunny day in September we set off to explore our local National Trust properties. From the front door, we cycled to Crook and dropped down to Windermere car ferry at Bowness. Crossing the lake we were treated to spectacular views before hopping off on the west shore. The next bit demonstrated the benefit of an electric bike, pedaling hard we sailed up the steep hill to Far Sawry before whizzing down to Near Sawry and the NT property Hill Top. It was my first visit and it felt great to pedal past the sign ‘Car park full’ to leave the bikes at the ticket office.
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Coming out, it was lunchtime and we were feeling peckish so we heading off south down the quiet lanes. Passing Lakeside we stopped at the Swan Inn at Newby Bridge and enjoyed a lovely lunch by the river, soaking up the sun. Feeling distinctly full, we set off for our next NT property Fellfoot. Fellfoot outside of the busy times is a lovely tranquil spot and a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Hilltop. From Fellfoot, we tested the e-bikes again by heading up the steep road of Fell Foot Brow to Gummers How. Stopping at the top to admire the view of Windermere from another angle we were slightly out of breath but happy. The decent was fantastic, bowling down to Bowland Bridge, then following the gentle rises up and down to Crosthwaite, Underbarrow and Brigsteer before heading for Levens.
The hill out of Levens was the final big climb before dropping down to our last NT property at Sizergh Castle. Clouds were building as we explored the garden but thankfully the rain stayed away and we still had time for tea and cake before tea room closed for the day.
Our return home through Sedgwick and Natland before joining Paddy Lane high above Kendal is a familiar route but still thoroughly enjoyable. On a single charge of batteries we had covered just over 50 miles and enjoyed a trio of National Trust properties. The e-bikes had made cycling over the hills a pleasure and ensured that we had ample time to explore each property. What a great day – exploring the e-bike way!
P/S Buying a e-bike can be a big investment so if you want to try one, why not hire for the day. The Electric Bike Network (http://www.electricbicyclenetwork.com/hiring/lakedistrict/), Electric Mountain (http://www.electric-mountain.co.uk/ ), Grizedale Mountain Bikes (http://www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk/ ) and Hawkshead Post Office all have e-bikes for hire in the area we cycled.
