A week-long loan of an electrical bicycle brought Age UK South Lakeland’s Lisa Wilks unexpected rewards. This way of getting about came from the local Electric Bicycle Network. If you’re interested look at www.electricbicyclenetwork.com Image may be NSFW.
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Friday The bike arrived. I wasn’t sure what to expect, though I had a sneaking suspicion that a colleague’s warning that I wouldn’t be able to go far because of the extension lead was a wind-up. Isobel (this reminded me of one of my Dad’s knock-knock jokes… Isobel necessary on a bicycle?) from the Electric Bicycle Network introduced me to my electric bike. I immediately wished that I’d told her how tall I was – at 5ft there are few things I don’t need adapting. Luckily the seat was fully adjustable, but it did look like I was imitating superman as I tested it for size. She explained how the minicomputer on the handle bars could be used to adjust the amount of assistance the batteries would give me, check my speed and look at how much battery was remaining.
I can’t lie: it was a thing of beauty and I was very excited. Sadly I had to drive to work that morning as I had two standard lamps to pick up from the Age UK South Lakeland shop and would have to take the bike back in my tiny Polo car… just the first of many challenges. But it wasn’t as tricky as I had feared as the bike is not so heavy once the battery is removed and has quick release everything, making it relatively easy to fit in to the smallest of vehicles.
Saturday
I woke early. My partner Jamie and friend Lou had agreed to come along. Jamie and I would cycle from Storth, pick up Lou then ride to Brigsteer , over to the Brown Horse at Winster (where we would stop for lunch) and home. Jamie raced ahead, calling back ‘Have you forgotten to turn it on?’ So I flicked the settings up to speed and overtook him. When he eventually caught up, he was so mad his face had gone red. He only agreed to go on if I flicked it down to eco mode. The ride to Kendal was exhilarating and effortless. I met Lou in Kendal and we headed over to Brigsteer. I felt a little bad as I cruised past her up the hills – it’s amazing the difference the power assist makes. At the Brown Horse, we stopped for lunch
Tuesday
Early start, good weather and I made sure I packed the charger! As I was meandering along the flats I saw a murmuration of beslers moving in a wave across the sky; I stopped to take a photo but the camera battery was flat. As pa Shepherd always says, remember the P’s: Perfect Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I didn’t set off home until 9.30. I try to avoid night riding, but fortunately the bike was fitted with superb front and rear lights.
Wednesday
Red sky in the morning shepherds’ warning. The warning came to pass after my rainy ride home… I realised that the woodpile had fallen and was blocking the front door from the inside. I was locked out! No use crying over spilt milk or fallen woodpiles so I cycled back to Kendal to meet Jamie (holder of the back door key) who was biking back from Ambleside.
Thursday
Late… I road as fast as the bike would let me and made it, though in my haste I forgot my battery charger. Ignoring the P’s again… After work I met my friend Karen for a coffee. With just enough battery power left to show how effortless Beast Banks can be with an electric bike, we made our way back to Karen’s. My last ride to work. I decided to take a leisurely pace and try to take in all I saw, from the wading birds sifting through the sand flats to the pink sheep cautiously eyeing me from their field (I think the farmer was a little over-zealous with the red marking paint). I realised how much I’d been enjoying riding to work and how much I would miss this peaceful journey.
Lisa Wilks
The GoLakes Travel programme is a pilot funded by the Department for Transport and aims to create a step change in how visitors and locals travel around the South and Central Lakes. It covers a wide range of activity, including enhanced public transport, cycle hire and improvements to cycle routes, along with better information about travel options.
If you’d like to find out more look at www.golakestravel.co.uk
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
