Sometimes, life throws you a curveball, and for me, that came in the form of an atrial fibrillation (afib) diagnosis. As a long-time cyclist, the news was daunting. Would I still be able to ride? Would my heart cooperate? With all these questions swirling, I decided to find out. Spoiler alert: my first ride post-diagnosis couldn’t have gone better.

I hopped on my Aventon Adventure 2 e-bike, my newest cycling companion. It's my first venture into the e-bike world, and I’ve got to say, I’m impressed. The Aventon Adventure 2 strikes a perfect balance between performance and comfort, making it an excellent choice for someone easing back into cycling. Its off-road capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with the 4-inch tires providing a smooth and stable ride over rough terrain. Whether on gravel paths or uneven trails, the bike’s robust design inspires confidence. The assistive power of the motor gave me the freedom to ride while monitoring my heart rate closely. To my delight, my cardio didn’t just hold up—it thrived. My heart rate stayed in a healthy range, and I felt strong throughout the ride

Of course, no ride is without its quirks. I’ve noticed an issue with the pedals on the Aventon Adventure 2 hitting the ground during turns. It’s a small thing, but it’s worth addressing to avoid potential mishaps. The bike’s stock cranks are 170mm, which is a common size, but I’m considering switching to 165mm cranks to reduce the risk of pedal strikes. At my height, I’m a bit hesitant about going shorter, but it seems like the logical next step. Sometimes, cycling is all about experimenting and fine-tuning your setup.

The next test will be on my gravel bike, and I’m curious to see how my heart and fitness hold up on a more traditional ride. For now, I’m celebrating a very successful first ride. It’s proof that with a bit of patience and determination, you can find your way back to the things you love, no matter the obstacles.