I both love and hate to see autumn come in the PNW. It's beautiful to be sure but it makes the seasons seem to roll over faster when I can see autumn as early as late August, early September. All the deciduous vegetation changing colors so quickly and to such extremes. I love it... and I don't. I lived in Arizona for a few years, spring lasted for a couple of days, summer for the next 8 months, and Winter the rest of the year. I rode in the rain for the 1st time in months yesterday... guess I need to put the front fender back on. I ride around a lot of other bicyclists both assisted and not so what an ebike can do isn't much of a surprise to anyone. I recently rode from home to Mowich Lake on Mount Rainer for an overnighter. A couple of groups of hikers doing the Wonderland Trail were amazed at the set-up a bike and trailer allow you. It's easy to make friends when you can offer a group of young lady adventurers the 1st hot shampoo in 4 days. Or when you are sitting having lunch (or a drink) somewhere remote and someone drives up in a lifted SUV. The cost of bike, gear, modifications, and maintenance exorbitant. The look of WTF... priceless.
Lovely note, thanks!
