E bikes, Trails, and The future of Transportation
by Milton Z. McNeeLee
When i first found out about e-bikes i knew i wanted to learn more about them.
stumbling upon brand after brand; i found it staggering.
after some effort a pattern began to emerge.
e bikes are everywhere, especially in china where millions and millions are utilized daily.
Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer dispair for the future of the human race - H.G. Wells
Special thanks to Garrison Keillor and The Writers Almanac
e biking
after logging my 3000th mile on my Bionx ebike, actual experience is where my narrative comes from. when offered to demo an e-bike, of course i rose to the occasion and said yes, enthusiastically knowing i would share my experience with any willing reader of this web page. first i would like to say, with all due respect, that e-bikes are Fun! yes, sort of like a fair ride. there is a sense of available power and acceleration, but not too much mind you, really exhilarating. this is real transportation. with the confidence of the assist, i've ridden my e-bike to the bakery across town, picked up my kids from school, ride to meetings without getting sweaty. All of these things would have previously been done in the family car. Below, please accept my firsthand accounts of e-biking.
Odo 3400.2 September 22 2016
Trailer - Wyuka Tuesday
e bikes are everywhere, especially in china where millions and millions are utilized daily.
Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer dispair for the future of the human race - H.G. Wells
Special thanks to Garrison Keillor and The Writers Almanac
e biking
after logging my 3000th mile on my Bionx ebike, actual experience is where my narrative comes from. when offered to demo an e-bike, of course i rose to the occasion and said yes, enthusiastically knowing i would share my experience with any willing reader of this web page. first i would like to say, with all due respect, that e-bikes are Fun! yes, sort of like a fair ride. there is a sense of available power and acceleration, but not too much mind you, really exhilarating. this is real transportation. with the confidence of the assist, i've ridden my e-bike to the bakery across town, picked up my kids from school, ride to meetings without getting sweaty. All of these things would have previously been done in the family car. Below, please accept my firsthand accounts of e-biking.
Odo 3400.2 September 22 2016
Trailer - Wyuka Tuesday
Friday cloudy and mild August 28th, 2015
A Google Visual Story
The Great Flood of May 7th, 2015
A Google Visual Story
Antelope Creek Floodwaters
May 6th, 2015
ODO 2707.2It has been rainy the last few days, normal for Nebraska springtime. Riding in this weather is a natural. Yesterday it was overcast and partly cloudy, the Sun showing itself by and by. I went to Baba Bakery earlier and secured some fresh baked bread, we call it hobiss (hoe biss), chewy fresh and delicious. I also checked out new saddles for me bike as the one I have is sadly slowly falling apart. I could use some new fenders as well. Prices are reasonable so it's in my budget; I have reported to the boss and she supports my quest.
May 5th
Today I rode the Antelope Bike Trail to Lincoln High School to drop off some of the bread I acquired earlier in the day. On the way home right under Vine Street on the bike trail, as I was trying to decide if I would go all the way to Holdrege or cut up to the Elaine Hammer bridge from Y Street, I came upon a rather larger bird wading in the swifty flowing current (recent rains remember?) This Great Blue Heron demonstrated hunting principles while under-watch by a quiet observer in the background. Plainly visible is the blue of feathers on the body. I enjoyed sharing this moment with ardea herodias.
What does a Great Blue Heron look like?
Hunting in Antelope Creek
October 29th 2014
ODO 2620.1Its been over a year since my last post. That does not mean I have not been riding my ebike, I have more than ever. Finding time to write about it thats another story we will not get into here. Please Note there is a YouTube embed at the bottom of the page, cinema of The David Murdock trail and more if you enjoy that sort of thing please watch and subscribe. There is everything to report and nothing to report the weather has be real conducive to riding and we have taken advantage.
Check Out This New Google Story
Friday After Work on MoPac
September 9th 2013
Yesterday, it hit 100 degrees. i say "hit" because the heat is so intense it's like being stricken and if you are not careful heatstroke will ensue. One should always have this in mind when outdoors in the Great Plains of Nebraska; the heat will overcome you faster than you might imagine. saying that, i was out briefly during the heat of the day and even the wind felt hot! Downtown i went on photography business, a few shots of some buildings of interest. When my task was completed back to mid-town i rode, mostly on either Antelope Valley trail or Mo-Pac. this time i went all the way to Holdredge and crossed the new trail bridge, noted the roof of the industrial arts building is no more. When i arrived it was just in time; the heat had played me out for a spell. it was time to relax and recharge me and my bike. we often get a heat spell in august; if it hits 100 on September 10th it will break the record set here in 1955... wow!
Odometer 2019.08
August 27th 2013
Finally our heat spell arrived, perhaps a wee bit late but right on time if Summer is when you want your heat spells. I do. School has started and our routine re-engaged; early to bed early to rise. the sunrise precedes our waking by a little bit by winter of course. we'll be up before the Sun, but for now this week will not cool below 70 until a few days in September perhaps. To ride early or after the severe heat of mid-day is my preference. already did my summer school transport,so now its on towards end of summer and Autumn, a wonderful time of year to be in Nebraska along the Mopac Trail or any others you may fancy.
July 27 2013
Ok, its been awhile. Sorry about that, life goes on and on and time finds me behind here in e bike blog land.
So much to report! Since today is a spectacular magnificent day for riding on our sublime trails, i had to issue an update. This summer a contrast from last, indeed drought last year, rain aplenty this year. Hot last year, cooler this year. Today an incredibly cool July summer day, as close to perfection as i can perceive. Since i just started to write this with out any preparation i will have to go look and see what thee ole odometer says; its been some time since I've noted it. Odometer reading is 1918.2
Summer school is over for our oldest; we had many successful trips. Mostly biked back, but there a few times.
It's an awesome ride for the most part, except where they are building close to downtown campus. Lots of stinky air right in that pocket of activity; we held our breaths to get through the bad air. Air pollution is a 'thing' everywhere in the world today. Dirty air moves and stagnates, so finding ways to reduce and avoid bad air will engender longevity in our communities. By the time we got back on the trail the air was hot but not full of particulate from diesel engine (the worst if you ask me). This is another reason trails are so awesome; you are free to breathe in as deep as you like. When each side of the trail is tree-lined, that's a sweet place to breathe. The shadows from the leaves and trees in the sun makes it dark and cool and welcome, 'least that's the way it makes me feel.
There were lots of cyclists on the Mopac trail this morning. Our city has really enhanced bike travel, taking advantage of programs to redesign waterways in America. Cleaning them up and offering trails down them allows us to share this wonderful resource. More activity on trails means more healthy leaders to follow; people are following the leaders to our trails. Most people that i see on the trail smile or have smiles on their faces. Happy people make better communities, and walking or riding on the trails will make one happier. That's been my experience anyway.
The last time i wrote an update was December of last year. Until then we had not had much snow; after that we did get snow and it packed on the streets and un-shoveled sidewalks. Not safe for people to walk on, slick sidewalks, especially if you are older than 40. Breaking a bone or other injury can result; happened to me a couple years ago. One of my friends slipped while helping her son deliver papers in the morning and she severely broke her ankle. This is a thing we must improve, make sure sidewalks are cleared of ice and snow so we can walk in winter without fear of falling and injury. After a snow with moderate accumulation we planned to walk to school. When i noted the conditions i decided to ride my bike on the packed snow in the street. As i proceeded slowly i found it was safer than walking, until the thaw. If i was called upon i rode on the snow to and back from school with our elementary school student. Not wanting to preach or complain, i was reluctant to talk about this vexing subject. There is a city plan for "snow angels" to help those that need it, however it's my opinion it's irresponsible landlords more often than not in our yayborhood. Anyway yay for riding on packed snow and yay for a July day in Nebraska. This is the closest thing to paradise-like conditions witnessed here in some time, maybe ever. Cheers Nebraska Weather!
December 19th 2012
Odometer reads 1423.6 Tonight its snowing. i was excited to pick up our child from school. today at that time it was raining and snowing, a weather condition I've not yet rode. 'twas warm enough so no accumulation on the sidewalks or streets. tonight its accumulating and getting slick, not the best riding conditions. as Autumn ends the weather was really nice. most of the time riding in nice clear weather for days on end until today. Mopac trail takes me to most of the destinations i travel, even cardiac rehab at Saint E's on 70th street. i can either cross O street on the Mopac bridge, or just ride up 70th street, or take 66th to Taylor and come in the back way. the bridge is the most travel but the air is better and the view is as well. still don't know how far i can get on a charge, at least 10 miles; that much i know from experience. Mopac is good from the antelope valley trail all the way past 84th street where it doesn't end, but the pavement does. please excuse my detour i just remembered this is about e bikes not bike trails. the bike is just wonderful and reliable. I'm able to be far more active and productive, helping my family in ways that before might be too much. now that the weather is changing, more exercise from splitting wood than riding my bike. either way its great to be able to share this story with all of you bike lovers and trail lovers. thanks boss.
Odometer reads 1423.6 Tonight its snowing. i was excited to pick up our child from school. today at that time it was raining and snowing, a weather condition I've not yet rode. 'twas warm enough so no accumulation on the sidewalks or streets. tonight its accumulating and getting slick, not the best riding conditions. as Autumn ends the weather was really nice. most of the time riding in nice clear weather for days on end until today. Mopac trail takes me to most of the destinations i travel, even cardiac rehab at Saint E's on 70th street. i can either cross O street on the Mopac bridge, or just ride up 70th street, or take 66th to Taylor and come in the back way. the bridge is the most travel but the air is better and the view is as well. still don't know how far i can get on a charge, at least 10 miles; that much i know from experience. Mopac is good from the antelope valley trail all the way past 84th street where it doesn't end, but the pavement does. please excuse my detour i just remembered this is about e bikes not bike trails. the bike is just wonderful and reliable. I'm able to be far more active and productive, helping my family in ways that before might be too much. now that the weather is changing, more exercise from splitting wood than riding my bike. either way its great to be able to share this story with all of you bike lovers and trail lovers. thanks boss.
End of Summer 2012
Ok. Odometer reads 1067.7 1k, yay. Its been awesome, let me say. sometimes i get too exuberant and i have to remind meself of safety. today i rode to the grocery store and filled my backpack with beer stew fixin's, including a quart of Guinness. this was the heaviest load i've hauled in my pack. i felt it but the trip was not long and the burden not too great. the lucky joy i feel time after time at my bionic self extended through my bike is a reoccurring event. there are adaptations one makes during a new adventure. riding in high winds or extreme cold takes a special plan and person. Now that its the end of Summer, riding weather is more abundant and pleasant. the rain has blessed me a couple of time this week. Living in Lincoln has advantages. the bike trails are one of the assets i celebrate over and over. some trails i know better than others; some trails i know so well they have names like chicken run and flat top dike and who's woods, bike jumps woods, woodpecker run, the big curve, the double dare, all places along the way. One might ask on the way where? well to the bakery, or the grocery store, the school, the coffee shop, the fresh air, the scenery. yes its all there and if i choose not to pedal well thats ok too. coasting is part of life less enjoyed and afforded in ' this economy'. Coasting downhill with a load to give momentum offers a fabulous opportunity to charge your battery. charging is braking on this bike, so you go down a hill slow but the charging meter reads buried (that is all the way to the left). its a great feeling. i like to look at the gauge but if my load is a student why she blocks my view. Lots of Photography while riding around our town recently. i got a shot of clematis blooming along the flats on a long fence row. the aroma is wonderful and fleeting, only late summer. this stand goes on and on so the smells do as well. its a real treat.
Google+
Ok. Odometer reads 1067.7 1k, yay. Its been awesome, let me say. sometimes i get too exuberant and i have to remind meself of safety. today i rode to the grocery store and filled my backpack with beer stew fixin's, including a quart of Guinness. this was the heaviest load i've hauled in my pack. i felt it but the trip was not long and the burden not too great. the lucky joy i feel time after time at my bionic self extended through my bike is a reoccurring event. there are adaptations one makes during a new adventure. riding in high winds or extreme cold takes a special plan and person. Now that its the end of Summer, riding weather is more abundant and pleasant. the rain has blessed me a couple of time this week. Living in Lincoln has advantages. the bike trails are one of the assets i celebrate over and over. some trails i know better than others; some trails i know so well they have names like chicken run and flat top dike and who's woods, bike jumps woods, woodpecker run, the big curve, the double dare, all places along the way. One might ask on the way where? well to the bakery, or the grocery store, the school, the coffee shop, the fresh air, the scenery. yes its all there and if i choose not to pedal well thats ok too. coasting is part of life less enjoyed and afforded in ' this economy'. Coasting downhill with a load to give momentum offers a fabulous opportunity to charge your battery. charging is braking on this bike, so you go down a hill slow but the charging meter reads buried (that is all the way to the left). its a great feeling. i like to look at the gauge but if my load is a student why she blocks my view. Lots of Photography while riding around our town recently. i got a shot of clematis blooming along the flats on a long fence row. the aroma is wonderful and fleeting, only late summer. this stand goes on and on so the smells do as well. its a real treat.
Google+
August 18, 2012
It rained today, off and on, my choice to go after a thermos of coffee resulting in a wet, and may i say delightful, encounter. we are so lucky and gifted to have the trails we do in Lincoln, Ne. the 1000 mile report i promised is forthcoming, nearly there. my mileage rate dropped during the heat of our record-breaking Summer. ODO 960.7
It rained today, off and on, my choice to go after a thermos of coffee resulting in a wet, and may i say delightful, encounter. we are so lucky and gifted to have the trails we do in Lincoln, Ne. the 1000 mile report i promised is forthcoming, nearly there. my mileage rate dropped during the heat of our record-breaking Summer. ODO 960.7
June 2012
Its over 863 miles at this point and 907.59 minutes by the way, not sure what my average speed is as i reset it often. transporting summerschooler down town to UNL Campus a highlight of my day. a tech dude who we had recently engaged, saw us from a new building thats on the Antelope Valley trail and declared " I knew that was you". Rick told me he had a conversation with one of the buildings residents and apparently another fellow indicated i must be working real hard. not really even the hills are doable with a child passenger... amazing. that new bridge over 27th street is some challenge met 5 days a week with confidence and as much grace as i can muster. We still have not exhausted the battery but have come very close. forgot to charge it one day after draining half the battery but i started conserving and try to charge it a bit going down hills so we made it home still under power yay! coming soon 1000 mile report ©
Its over 863 miles at this point and 907.59 minutes by the way, not sure what my average speed is as i reset it often. transporting summerschooler down town to UNL Campus a highlight of my day. a tech dude who we had recently engaged, saw us from a new building thats on the Antelope Valley trail and declared " I knew that was you". Rick told me he had a conversation with one of the buildings residents and apparently another fellow indicated i must be working real hard. not really even the hills are doable with a child passenger... amazing. that new bridge over 27th street is some challenge met 5 days a week with confidence and as much grace as i can muster. We still have not exhausted the battery but have come very close. forgot to charge it one day after draining half the battery but i started conserving and try to charge it a bit going down hills so we made it home still under power yay! coming soon 1000 mile report ©
May 9th 2012
Riding in the rain
Most people would prefer to NOT ride in the rain. On the other hand, some folks don't have a lot of choices.. I find if the rain is not too intense and the temperature not too cold, its delightful. Twice at least I have ridden in the rain with my newish (almost 700 miles) e-bike. The issue here is not all e-bikes can operate functionally in the rain. For some this is not a big deal, for others it may be. Some e-bikes will work for a time, then a sensor becomes saturated with water. Next step find a blow-drier. If it's a heavy rainstorm forget riding of course, and if its cold same same. All in all, rain riding can be fun. I recommend it.
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Just one of the wonderful things to see on the Mopac Trail
