Them Unleashed Dogs! (Or, Anita's First E-Bike Ride and Other Stories)
As an optimist, I trusted good weather forecast (rightly) and promised Anita and her husband a perfect riding day so my friend could finally try out her new Como 5.0 (EU edition). It was not a perfect day, certainly not for her. It started well: I gave Anita a brief introductory course (use of brakes, derailleur, assistance -- "ride in Eco initially") and rode we off. I must honestly say it was Lech (who rode a Giant Roam) who was slowing us down (another candidate for an e-bike...) I encouraged Anita to ride in front of us at any desired speed from entry to the exit of the Kabacki Forest. She sped up and was enchanted with the speed and ease of pedalling! (It was safe, as the "avenue" in the Forest is very wide). Then we entered an asphalt road by the Park of Powsin and then...
I was wondering
when some disaster would strike. I
felt it would be an unleashed dog. Anita was in the lead. Suddenly, I shouted: "UNLEASHED DOG! ATTEN..." and it was too late. A big white dog ran directly in the front of Como's wheel. Anita seemed to brake. Probably with the front brake. She
flew into the air, resembling a ski-jumper. And fell -- resembling a cross -- flat on the front of her body...
Oh. It looked very very bad (she must have fainted and could not remember the cause of the crash initially). People around rushed for help, Lech and I were helping Anita and talking with her (she was laid on a large piece of cardboard found around), and an ambulance was called for. (I need to add the dog owner admitted his guilt and left his contact data). When the emergency took care of my friend, I fixed the Como -- unscathed save turned handlebars. Anita was lucky: Bruised arm, superficial wounds above the eyebrow and on the cheek, and some blood spilt from her nose. Optical glasses got partly damaged. (And yes, she was wearing a helmet that certainly reduced the risk of possible skull damage).
After having gotten medical help, Anita was as brave as to ride back home (together with husband and me). Because of damaged glasses-frame, the return was dramatically slow.
By their estate, we said "See you later", Lech took care of Anita, and I went to get some workout, especially as the weather improved even more.
I have found I used too much of assistance from my e-bikes. Now, I'm trying to reduce the amount of electric assist to ride the same distances: either slower/longer or faster with more of my own input. I rode to Góra Kalwaria (the mecca of Warsaw roadies, remember?) and I took the more dangerous outbound route, riding with traffic for some time.
Pursuing a Roadie
I don't overtake roadies anymore (no point). However, if a roadie overtakes
me (and he/she is not very good), I cannot stand it
A relatively young roadie with his long platinum-dyed hair had made the mistake. And he was good enough, riding at 35 km/h sometimes. I vindictively increased the assistance from 20 to 35% and rode into hot pursuit
Trust me, it was a real workout for me! I started getting tired but followed the guy maintaining a decent but constant distance between both bikes. He became nervous... throwing glances behind his back more and more often
After many kilometres he gave up and stopped at a bend popular for taking rest (as the Góra Kalwaria climb was starting soon). I think I must have spoilt his good mood... but I
didn't overtake him, right?
The Climb
Per mountain standards, the 10% short climb just before entering the town is nothing. It is a challenge for Warsaw roadies, though. This time, it was a challenge for me as well! Because my Turbo mode was set to only 50%...
I ended up with grinding in the granny gear, my heart rate went up very much, and my arthritic legs became soft... but I made the climb! I will honestly confess my legs were tired to the ride end from that very moment...
I rewarded myself with delicious apple-pie and coffee with sugar
At mouth of river Jeziorka (into Vistula).
An Impressive Roadie
I was riding against very mild headwind towards Warsaw via Vistula Trail. Out of sudden, something just swished at my left side! Oh. It was a petite female cyclist riding a road-bike (with aero wheels). She was riding in the drop bars (unlike most of roadies who ride in the hoods). Impressive! I wouldn't be able to pursue her even in 100% Turbo mode...
Epilogue
I rode back to Anita and Lech to see how she was doing. Lech got me a delicious lunch while Anita was resting. We had a talk before I left. Anita said she was not deterred from riding e-bike by her crash. I told the couple I found a safe and interesting route for some future group ride, perhaps involving more friends. I have good hope. Anita is a fighter!
So, 60+ km for the day.
He said ok but not any more than that, it turned out to be almost 7 hours oops...and I had done 88 miles by then! When I arrived home he said that was 7 hours and you said it would be 6, he has a good memory for almost 93!
