Riding Into Life: Lessons From an E-Bike and a Diner Counter

Harpers Ferry to Williamsport |Daily Miles: 43 |Tour Miles: 112

Oct 11, 2025

It’s amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions” — Ben Stein

The Daily Pulse

One of my go-to spots on every C&O tour is Betty’s Diner in Shepherdstown, a small town mom-and-pop diner where locals gather for gossip and solve world problems around the rear table. Not much has changed, as I return two years after my last visit. I took my usual counter seat, the best place to meet people and learn about the town's culture.

Seven years ago at this counter, a cancer survivor spotted my bike and joined me for breakfast. She was riding an e-bike, purchased after her recovery, to embrace life and tackle the challenging town terrain. Seven years later, the memory of our chat is still vivid. On an e-bike today, I echo her mission to live life fully with the e-bike being an important piece of that quest.

She often seeks out visitors like me. I seek out locals like her. For both of us, the diner counter isn’t about the food. It’s about connection and sharing perspectives through a brief view of each other’s lives over coffee and an omelet

The Trail Taught Me

On my rides in Knox County, part of the Ohio to Erie Trail, I meet cyclists of all ages, abilities, and styles. From April to October, the trail is alive with bike tourists on a tour from the Ohio River to Lake Erie or vice versa, from solo riders to groups, each enjoying the journey in their own way. I strike up conversations to hear how people from outside Ohio perceive the trail and the state.

Today was a perfect example of trails being for all bike tourists. I saw a large number of them evidenced by panniers and bags on their bikes. Mature riders, many on e-bikes, moved at a steady pace, while younger groups tackled longer distances faster. Many stopped to chat and share experiences at scenic spots like Dam Number Four. There was no trail drama, just people enjoying life to the fullest on the trail.

The rise of e-bikes is helping more people experience the trail, making cycling accessible to those who might not have been able to before. Betty at the diner and today's mature cyclists were evidence of that. Seeing so many bike tourists, including e-cyclists, reminded me why I continue to advocate for and celebrate trails. Trails and bikes truly are for all.

Life Reflection

You have to see how to live life to truly live it. That’s what I witnessed on the trail today. People of all ages, abilities, and riding styles were out there, each enjoying life to the fullest on their own quest and kind of bike.

I discovered that 15 years ago when I set out to change my life and found cycling. Through my writing, advocacy, and leadership in trail work, it’s clear how deeply that discovery has taken root and transformed me. I continue to live this life as fully as I can. I take great joy in seeing others doing the same.

Today’s Bit of Wisdom

You’re never too old to get on a bike, in fact, you’re never too old to do just about anything in life. Sure, life can throw obstacles our way, but more often, it offers opportunities. The key is to recognize them and not hold yourself back with thoughts like, “That’s not for me,” “I’m too old,” “I’m too out of shape,” or “People like me don’t do that.”

Step onto the trail and you’ll discover countless others, some who look like you and others who seem to face even greater challenges, out there fully embracing life. If they can do it, so can you. The trail is yours. Go ahead, open the door and begin your journey.