Two Wheels with a Charge Reflections
10 observations from my E-tour on the Ohio to Erie Trail
I am a creature of habit and often return to my favorite trails to tour on my bike. I do vary it in some manner adding some unfamiliar to the familiar. My Kona Sutra touring bike outfitted with Axiom panniers has been my standard since 2011.
I expanded my bike stable with a Harley Davidson Serial 1 Rush City e-bike in late 2022, thanks to some persuasive marketing and a Black Friday deal. It's become a favorite, seeing about 40% of my ride time and even joining me on Florida vacations the past two winters.
Last winter, I experienced e-bike touring on the Coast to Coast Trail with a Bike Florida-supported tour. I was eager to test its self-supported capabilities. Can it match my Kona Sutra's touring prowess? The Ohio to Erie Trail offers the perfect opportunity to find out
I was a tourist who cycled.
The e-bike gave me more time to be the tourist who cycles prioritizing experiences and encounters over miles and speed. This has been my preference on my past tours.
The Serial 1 excelled in this role. I primarily used the economy or tour assist levels, which boosted my average speed by about 2 mph. This meant less time in the saddle and more opportunities to explore and engage with my surroundings – exactly what I wanted.
I was never in need of a charge.
I had limited experience in cycling longer distances on this e-bike. I had zero experience cycling with loaded panniers carrying the bike’s charging brick. I worried the extra weight would drain the battery faster, but this wasn’t the case.
Even on my longest day of 72 miles, the battery still had 20% left. I did increase the power assist during a hot afternoon climb to Xenia. Otherwise, I consistently finished days with around 40% charge. The Serial 1 effortlessly handled the combined weight of the bike, gear, and rider, totaling 285 pounds.
I got a boost when I needed it.
The greatest benefit of e-bike touring is the ability to provide extra power when needed. Conquering hills and enduring sweltering 95-degree heat became significantly more enjoyable. While I thrive on challenges, I worried that an e-bike would diminish this aspect of touring. Surprisingly, this wasn't the case. New challenges emerged, and the overall experience was even more rewarding.
The power of an e-bike is not just the watts.
I initially saw the motor as the e-bike's primary appeal. This tour significantly changed my perspective. While the bike undeniably offered increased power, its greatest value lay in the expanded freedom and flexibility it provided.
Touring is about exploring beyond one's world. The Serial 1 opened up new possibilities that would have been limited or less enjoyable on my traditional touring bike. As I age, I see an e-bike as an invaluable tool for exploring and seeking new adventures.
E-bikes transform people’s lives.
My cycling philosophy is centered on the transformational nature of cycling. I discovered the joy of the outdoors with like-minded cyclists who prioritized health and happiness over competition. This led me to question how e-bikes fit into this inclusive, enjoyment-focused cycling philosophy.
I found that e-bikes are as transformative or possibly more transformative in people’s lives. I met many e-cyclists and heard their stories. New worlds were opened with the assistance of an e-bike. It affirmed that e-bikes make cycling more inclusive and enjoyable. I discovered that fifteen years ago on my bike and again on my e-bike.
I had the right bike suited for e-touring.
One of the factors that led me to purchase the Serial 1 was its ability to be my future touring companion. I looked at its features including the racks, tires, wheels, disc brakes, carbon belt, battery range, and the technology of the design.
My eight-day tour confirmed the Serial 1’s capabilities as a touring companion. It delivered comfort and support on a mostly flat terrain tour. To fully assess its performance, I'll put it to the test with the changes in elevation of the Great Allegheny Passage during my upcoming six-day roundtrip tour.
I respected the speeds of others.
A common complaint about e-cyclists on the trails is that they are cycling at unsafe speeds. I was concerned that the motor would tempt me to unwillingly do just that. My e-bike has the power to reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, an unsafe speed for trails.
My average speed was 14 miles per hour, 2 miles per hour above my norm. I have always been respectful of others on the trail and pace myself accordingly. I quickly learned and adapted to use the assistance levels at my fingertips and respected trail etiquette.
The American view of cycling is flawed.
Cyclists in the United States view cycling as a recreational sport. The view leads to e-bike shaming and viewing e-cyclists as cheaters. People are enjoying life on a bike, often for the first time since their youth. There are many types of bikes and many reasons to get on a bike. Anyone on a bike is a cyclist, there are no qualifications.
The Serial 1 offered a glimpse into the European cycling experience, characterized by upright posture, flat handlebars, and often with electric assistance. This style prioritizes rider visibility, comfort, and durability, making it ideal for everyday transportation.
A lone tourist opens the doors.
My prior experiences on solo tours are that a lone cyclist on a loaded bike is an invitation for conversation. That was reinforced on this tour in many encounters. Where are you going and why are you doing it on a bike are the two most frequent conversation starters.
The e-bike added a new dimension to my interactions. While curiosity about touring remained, the e-bike sparked more in-depth conversations. With e-bikes gaining popularity, I answered questions about the level of assist, battery life, and ease of riding. An e-bike purchase was in many people’s future.
Memories rekindled. Memories made.
The Ohio to Erie Trail is a familiar route for me, having completed it three times and having explored many sections regularly. Witnessing its evolution through the lens of an e-bike was yet another experience and memory. I added a new chapter to my well-known story. I visited trail partners and heard their stories on the impact of the trail.
The journey was enhanced by the company of friends joining me for part of the day or several days. Solo touring doesn't mean solitary; it's a balance. This trip was shared with familiar faces, while past adventures have introduced me to like-minded strangers traveling the same path. These experiences, old and new, are the foundation for countless future memories.
Thanks for sharing Tom. I have been guilty of the 'e-biking is cheating' view in the past but can absolutely see the value they add. I see many people riding that I suspect would not otherwise, and while I like the physical challenge, sometimes it would be nice to chill out a bit more and enjoy the ride (and arrive a little less hot and sweaty)!