Sign of the times

Here's a declaration that seems to indicate a sign of the times. I would say that six out of every ten cyclists I currently encounter on the Kennebec River Rail Trail are straddling electric bicycles. Which leads to another observation ...

I've been giving some thought about participating in the Maine Lighthouse Ride slated for September. The one hundred-mile route basically cruises along the coast, from South Portland to Kennebunkport and back. While checking out rider information, one item in particular caught my attention. Organizers are allowing the use of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes in the one-day event.

For those unfamiliar with e-bikes, they typically fall into three different classes. Here are the guidelines: Class 1 are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour; Class 2 also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted, and Class 3 are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

As I've stated many times in the past, I appreciate the fact that e-bikes do get people outdoors and that they also provide a riding option for those with medical conditions, who otherwise might not get to go for a pedal. However, I was just wondering. Let's say you complete a one hundred-mile ride on an e-bike — in other words, with some HELP. I'm not sure if it qualifies as a true century.

I know, just call me old-fashioned or, worse still, a cycling snob.

Anyway, I've done the Maine Lighthouse Ride three times in the past. In 2011, completing the century in six hours and four minutes; in 2014, in six hours and eleven minutes, and in 2015, in six hours and twenty-seven minutes. All on a regular bicycle. I've often told others, if you are thinking about doing a century — especially your first one — this would be a good one, as it is relatively flat and it has great scenery.

Jolly June

The wet weather conditions persisted here in Maine, but I managed to keep afloat on my bicycle during June. I went for a ride 27 out of the month's 30 days. I utilized four different two-wheeled machines: the Specialized Crux cyclocross bike, the Trek 2.3, and the 2017 and 2023 Trek Domane road beasts. The odometer registered 625 miles for the sixth month of the year.

Thus far, for the 2023 season, I've climbed aboard a bike 156 times and missed only 26 days of riding. And mileage? The total currently stands at 3,875.

One last observation

The Tour de France is now underway. I read the other day where the Lidl-Trek cycling team tops the list for the most expensive bikes being used in the three-week race. Coming in, on average, at $18,500 per bicycle. Being big on Trek — with having five from the Wisconsin-based company — it piqued my interest. My dearest bicycle, price-wise, is my 2023 Trek Domane road machine at $3,600. So I have a long ways to go before matching the professional racers. Stay safe!

Along for every ride ... my St. Christopher medal, the patron saint and protector of travelers.