Electric biking

Ever since I was a child, I was an avid bike rider. I rode a bike to school all the way up through college. When I entered the working world, I would use my bike to get to work, as well as to keep in shape. Because of the rising cost of gas I have noticed that I now use my bike more than ever. And now with the growing idea of a greener lifestyle, the idea of bicycle riding is even more appealing to me.
Recently I started a new job, which created a new dilemma for me. The trek to work is a 20 mile route with an unavoidable 2 mile long hill with a semi steep incline. This would not be a problem with me if it was the weekend and I was riding my bike for exercise. But the last thing I need on a Monday morning is to get to work and enter my professional environment perspiring uncontrollably. In order to keep my job and my sanity, I would have to find a way to handle this situation.
At first I decided that for the time being, I would bite the bullet and drive my car to work. I figured that times have changed and I would have to accept the fact that I could no longer ride a bike to work. The first week of driving seemed ok except for the reminder in the back of my head that I am increasing my carbon footprint. By the second week I realized that I felt sluggish and did not have half the energy I used to, because I was not getting my morning bike ride. I juggled the ideas of carpooling, waking up earlier to exercise, or just telling myself to get used to it. I was not happy with any of these ideas but it seemed that I was trapped, and out of ideas.
By the third week of trying to figure out how to solve my problem, and even considering quitting my new job, I got the answer. My girlfriend suggested that I look into getting a motorized bike to ride to work. At first I thought: “No self respecting bike rider rides a moped!” But from that point on, I could not forget about this motor bike idea. It stood in the back of my mind as the only working alternative to my dilemma. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is what I would have to do.
I went online and started researching motor bikes. The last I really heard of motor bikes, they were odd, 80’s clunky gas powered mopeds that my friends and I would tease people about when we saw them going by. As my search continued I found out how far technology has come, and a lot of these bikes looked pretty good and had a lot to offer. I learned that motorized bikes now have electric motors, can be installed and look like it is part of the frame and that there are even motorized beach cruisers!
Of all the motorized bikes I looked at, the beach cruiser style caught my eye the most. The Greenline EB-8626 seemed to have a lot of style, as well as functionality. First off, it was a beach cruiser, which I have always liked but never owned, because I always thought that they only had a single gear. The EB-8626 comes with 7-speed Shimano tourney gears, which would do me just fine for the ride to work, until I get to the hill. The EB-8626 also comes with a pedal assist feature, and a full motorized mode.
I ordered and received my motorized bike with no issues. Since I received it on a Saturday, I decided to test drive it to see how it worked. Sunday morning I hoped on my beach cruiser, and it handled very nicely. The seat was so comfortable it seemed like I was riding the Cadillac of bikes. After a couple of miles of riding, I decided to take it to the hill to see how it performed. On the way there I switched on the pedal assist mode. I was impressed how it almost did all the pedaling for me. When I got to the hill I switched on the fully electric mode and the bike handled the hill with ease. All I had to do was sit there and enjoy myself as I coasted up the hill.

My 2WB Maui Beach Cruiser

Last year I started college at Chico State University in Chico California. So far, it has been the best time of my life. My sorority sisters are the best, and the parties here are super awesome. The only part of my transition into the college world is that the parking here can be a drag. The first few months of school, I would dread the mornings, because the parking fees were too high, and it would take too long for me to find parking. I would constantly be late because of parking issues, and walking was too much for me to handle all day. I would need another means of transportation if I were to make it in college.
Right away my first thought was to buy a bike. The school and all the stores are relatively close by, so biking would be a smart idea for me. Biking around campus is quite a common thing around here because of the parking problem. A bike would allow me to get to school quickly, as well as provide quick and easy transportation around campus to places my car is not allowed. A friend of mine rides around campus in a cute beach cruiser. I was admiring it one day, and asked her if she liked to ride her bike. She told me that she loved it because its cheaper than driving her car, and she gets a little exercise. I asked her where she got her bike, and she said she got it at www.2wheelbikes.com. I decided I would go online and take a look.
I went onto the website and found a bunch of cool, neat bikes to choose from. I ordered the 2WB Maui Beach Bike Cruiser from the www.2wheelbikes.com. The first thing that caught me was the hot pink paint it came in. I also really liked the fenders. I never knew that beach cruisers had fenders! I was really impressed. I also ordered the Silver/chrome Wire Bicycle Basket. I thought that my Maui would look super cute with a basket in the front. I also got the Micargi Cable Bike Lock. I was surprised that the whole order wasn’t that expensive. That’s a good thing, since most of my money goes toward school.
My bike came in the mail about 3 days after I ordered it. I was excited when it came. It didn’t take long for me to put it together. There were only a few parts to put together. After I finished building it, I had to take a step back and look at it. It sure was pretty. I immediately went out and took it for a ride. It was so comfortable I ended up riding around all day. I stopped at the store to pick up some food for dinner, and got some ice cream. The next day I rode the bike to school. The Maui beach cruiser got me to school on time. The basket came in handy, holding my backpack and purse. There is a bike rack right in front of my classroom, so I didn’t even have to walk far to get to class! I knew from the first day that I was hooked on this bike!
Now I ride my bike everywhere. I hardly ever use my car now, especially because of the price of gas. I don’t even have to worry about parking permits, tickets, or parking all together anymore. My Maui takes me all around town and I have had no problems with it. I can even ride home between classes if I want. The wire basket holds all my stuff so I can ride comfortably, and it looks good too! The bike itself is also great exercise, and its helping me keep in shape. I'm sure I will be riding my beach cruiser all throughout college. I think ill probably keep riding my bike for the rest of my life.

Beach Cruisers Are The Best!

As far as biking goes, there are many different styles of bikes for the type of riding and environment a person wishes to partake. There are mountain bikes for people who ride inclines and road bikes for people who like to trek long distances. My favorite type of bike is the beach cruiser bike. Most other bikes look and feel as if bike riding is for sport, for work, or for transportation. The beach cruiser; although it can also provide all those functions, looks and feels as is if it is made for one thing only. That one thing is leisure. It’s because of this reason that I am drawn to beach cruisers more than any other style of bike.
When I was growing up, I owned a number of beach cruisers. For a long time it was my main means of transportation. I would use it to go shopping, ride to the beach, and go to and from school. Whether it be riding to school, or just riding around with friends, being on a beach cruiser seemed much more comfortable to me than other bikes. It seemed to me like people on other style bikes were in a hurry to get somewhere, but being on a beach cruiser seemed like a final destination wasn’t even an issue. It felt more laid back, as if the ride was more enjoyable, and fun.
In my town, beach cruisers were the main style of bike ridden. I have seen countless surfers riding to the shore with their surfboard in one hand, or strapped to their bike. These bikes have a remarkable compatibility with surfers and beach goers. The shape of the frame itself is long and smooth, like the perfect wave. The rider tends to look like he is going with the flow of things, as if he is surfing the concrete. I believe that it is this type of look that attracts so many surfers to beach cruisers. Beach cities attract a more hedonistic type of lifestyle, and I think beach cruiser bikes fit right in.
I notice that lately, beach cruisers seem to be becoming more popular than ever. Quite a number of people are abandoning the functionality of geared mountain bikes for the style that beach cruisers bring to the table. One thing that is undeniable is that beach cruisers are highly customizable. From bells that look like fish, to different colored fenders and rims, to baskets and racks, there are endless ways to make a beach cruiser your own. This is why I believe that beach cruisers are the most beautiful bikes available.
Growing up in a small beach town, I have been around my share of beach cruisers. I notice that the beach cruiser style bike is embedded in that type of social atmosphere. Its style and functionality go hand in hand with laid back environment of a beach community. The name itself states that although I may not be at the beach, that is where I will eventually end up.

Newport/Balboa bike path

One of my favorite bike trails to ride when I get a chance is the Newport/Balboa bike path. This trek always takes me back in time to when I was younger and didn’t have a care, or a debt, in the world. Once I exit the 405 freeway and roll down the windows, I feel a calming lightness in the air. Everything and everyone seems to be moving at a slower, more relaxed place around here. It’s a peaceful break from the crowded, traffic and stressful congestion of LA County. After parking and unloading my bike, I stop to check out the scene. I see a lot of smiles as I watch the people carrying their towels and ice chests towards the beach. I see the serenity on the faces of the early morning surfers, finished with their session, walking back to their cars with their wetsuits zipped halfway down and their boards in their hands. As I set my playlist to old beach songs and put on my sun block I am already immersed in the sounds and smells of this ideal setting. Armed with my mp3 player and my beach cruiser, I prepare myself to ride through the sites, sounds, and nostalgia of my youth.
The trail starts at the border of Huntington and Newport beaches, where the Santa Ana River flows into the ocean. This area is one of the best surf spots in Southern California. The waves here are long and glassy, and there is never a time in the day where you cannot spot surfers riding. The beach here is nicknamed Dog Beach because it is the destination of many dog walkers in the area. The river creates a slow moving pool, where dogs and humans alike can enjoy a calming swim in the fresh water.
I head over the Santa Ana River and head down the path. To my right is a grassy area where people are riding their beach cruisers and surfers are toweling off. Just beyond them sit rows of beachfront homes that I wish I lived in. Just beyond them you can hear the crashing of huge waves onto the beach. To my left is Pacific Coast Highway. I can’t help but be distracted by the occasional Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini that zooms by. I fight stopping at The Big Belly Deli, a superb deli across Pacific Coast Highway as I head down the concrete bike path.
When I get to 36th street, I can finally get onto the oceanfront bike path. The beach is now to my right, and the homes I wish I lived in are to my left. As I slowly cruise down the path, there is an array of people rollerblading, walking, and riding their bikes along this path. I can’t help but notice the friendliness of the people on the trail. Just about every person I pass smiles, nods, or says hello to me. The interaction with total strangers makes me feel special and puts me in a great mood. I realize that I have been riding with an unconscious smile on my face.
Soon I reach the shops at the Balboa Pier. It is here that I realize that my choice to ride my beach cruiser was a good idea. There are so many beach cruisers here it almost seems like a bike show. There are rows of beach cruisers on bike racks. I even spot surfers with their surf boards racked to the side of their beach cruisers. I feel like I fit in. I stop at Perry’s Pizza and order a slice. They have a window here, where bike riders and pedestrians can order food right on the path. I decide to take my slice and eat it on the pier. After finishing the pizza and heading south, I finally reach the end of the trail. The trail ends at the mouth of the Newport Harbor. This is where I slow down and start to walk my bike along as I survey all the activity. Here I can see the luxurious yachts sailing in and out of the harbor. To the south I can see the cliffs of Emerald Bay. The sight that catches my eye the most here is The Wedge. The Wedge is a part of the beach where the waves bounce off the jetty guarding Newport Bay. The redirecting of the waves create huge breaks, sending the water crashing directly onto the sand. These huge waves are too dangerous for surfers, but perfect for any thrill seeking body boarder. There is always a crowd of people watching the body boarders risk their lives for a good wave. Occasionally an unlucky boarder will get launched by a wave, directly onto the sand.
After watching the boarders for about half an hour, I realize its time to head back. It has been a relaxing, enjoyable ride and I am very glad I decided to come. I get a little excited when I realize that I get to do it one more time. I hop on my comfortable beach cruiser and start peddling. Maybe I’ll stop at The Big Belly Deli this time.

Staying Cool in the Summer

I love to ride. I'll ride in the wind. I'll ride in the rain. I'll even ride in the snow. But I really have a hard time riding in the heat. Most people would rather ride in the sun of the summer than in many other times of the year, but for those of us who shy away from the heat and humidity that summer months can bring, here are some tips for staying cool while you ride:

Timing- Timing is the key to life. Summer bike riding isn't any different. Consider planning your ride for a time of day where the sun is not beating down on you or your bike. Typically people who hate the heat and humidity can miss the majority of the sun by avoiding riding between 10 a.m. and late afternoon.

Location- Choose a path to go bicycling where it's cooler. This is typically not the city streets or anyplace where there is a lot of traffic. The cars add to the heat and can make the air really awful to try to breathe in. You may want to choose a more rural route to ride your bike. This might actually mean that you drive your bike to the country before going for a ride. Similarly, riding in higher altitudes, like a mountainous region can bring you some much needed cooler air for your bike ride.

Clothing- While you might hate Lycra for fashion reasons, wearing honest to gosh bike clothes can be a life saver in the summer. Wearing clothes that actually wick moisture away from your body can help keep you dry and prevent you from drowning in sweat. Now, do remember that the idea behind sweating is also to allow your body to cool. So leave the sweat on your arms, legs and face for as long as is safe. (So use the back of your gloves to clear your eyes if need be.) But moisture in your groin area is a great way to add some saddle sore to your ride.

Hydration- You knew I was going to say it! But staying well hydrated is key to a safe and pleasant riding experience in the heat. Have several water bottles filled with cold water, or even ice only, depending on the length of the ride. You will also want to know where you can replenish this water should you need to do so while riding. Never pass up an opportunity to refill empty bottles, particularly in the summer. Staying hydrated will not only keep you cool but will keep your body performing at peak power and efficiency.

Be Smart- Don't take stupid chances and ride on Ozone Action days or in conditions that are inhumane. Remember that even a minor illness can change how your body responds to heat. Know the signs of potential heat stroke and act accordingly should you feel ill while riding. Again a cell phone in your seat pack is never a bad idea.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to safely enjoy a summer ride in the sun as much as a ride in the fall.

- some info compiled from Kevin Weiss

Law Revision is Way Overdue

Though I do understand Jack's feelings on the proposed law change, I tend to feel differently on the subject. Simply changing the law to allow more discretion on the rider's part will not put the safety of the rider into the motorist's hands any more than it is now. Along the same lines, I do not believe that the passing of this law will cause an increase in bike law-breakers, as some have suggested.

Regarding my first point, Jack was worried that if the new law passed, there would be more of an opportunity for bikers to cross paths with reckless vehicles. In reality, a change in the law will not really affect our contact with reckless motorists all that much. As I am sure you already know, the only way we, as bikers, get through our daily rides and commutes safely, is by riding defensively. As long as we continue to be vigilant in our riding and aware of our surroundings, we keep our safety in our hands, irregardless of the situation.

As for the possibility of increased law-breakers, well, I'm not too worried about that. As is the case in any area of society/law, law breakers will always be law breakers, whether the law changes of not.

As long as we continue to think of our ability to ride on public roads as a privilege and not an inherent right, then we should easily be able to handle any added responsibility that is offered to us.

-guest post by Daniel Carter

Revision-A Bad Idea?

So basically, the idea is to allow bikers to use their common sense and their judgement when deciding whether to yield or stop at stop signs and traffic lights. On the surface, it sounds like an excellent idea. After all, you would hope that most people could be trusted to make the correct choice in that particular situation, and I, like you, believe that they would. You see, my problem with this idea is not with the biker, or his decision, its with the driver.

In my lengthy experience with biking in urban areas, I have been the unfortunate witness (and sometimes victim) to many car vs. bike arguments. I have seen quite a few variations under quite a few circumstances, and one thing is almost universally applicable; and that's the obtuse driver.

Unfortunately for us (the bikers), we are simply an annoyance to most drivers on the road. We occupy space (granted, a small amount) that the driver could be using to pass that lumbering Lincoln ahead of them. Because were not stuck in traffic and not full of pavement-produced rage, the driver tends to look down his steering wheel at us (and that's if he even sees us in the first place). Either the driver is yelling at you for riding to close, or hes screeching on the brakes to avoid plowing into your chain guard (either way, its a bad situation).

As I see it, neither choice is a good one. Either the driver resents you for being on the road in the first place, or he doesn't even know your riding a foot away from him. So if this is the situation on most roadways, do we really want to pass a law that would make it easier for us to leave our safety in the motorists hands?

-guest post by Jack O'Neil