Pedal or Coast?

Within the first ten minutes of a bike ride I took Sunday morning, two people commented on how nice it was to still see someone pedaling. One was a neighbor, just as I was leaving my driveway. The other was an old acquaintance I chatted with for a few minutes on one of my water stops. I am happy to still be pedaling too. My husband Darcy and I have talked about this. There will come a time down the road of life when an e-bike will be the best option for our physical capabilities. Until then, we’ll keep pedaling. Simple human power to power our two-wheel carriers.

There are many good aspects to e-bikes and other motorized assistance for mobility. I see more people out enjoying Nature and the many miles of trail in and around our river town. There are downsides I observe as well. People going too fast for the conditions, or not using the rules of the trail to let others know they are passing. I see young people who wanted the newest “toy” zipping around, headphones in, oblivious to the beauty and blessings, and other people, as they cruise quickly by. (Yes, this can be a typical youth trait. Amp it up a notch or two when on a motorized wheel or two.)

I am grateful for this bike, balance, legs that work, our well-maintained and growing trail system. And Nature’s show whenever I am out in it.

So I kept pedaling. The tires turned me inward. Whenever I offer commentary on society and my observations of it, I try to return to myself and what I can and can’t do. It comes down to that blunt question: “Am I contributing or contaminating?” Should I pedal hard now, or is it time to coast for a bit? How about you? Pedal or coast?