As the New Year rolls in, I have to admit I haven’t been able to ride much so far. Winter has finally arrived here in Texas, and let me tell you, it’s too cold for this old man to be out on the bike most days. That said, I did manage to squeeze in a gravel ride recently, which was both refreshing and humbling. It’s amazing how quickly you realize what kind of shape you’re in (or not in) after just a short time off the bike. Needless to say, I’ve got some work to do to get my legs and stamina back.

For now, I’ll be splitting my time between gravel riding and my e-bike. A lot of people seem to think riding an e-bike means you’re not getting any exercise, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. My bike has several levels of pedal assistance, and when I set it to the easiest level, I still get a solid workout. It’s not a free ride by any means. You’re still pedaling, you’re still climbing hills, and you’re still putting in the effort. The assistance just takes the edge off, which is a welcome feature when you’re trying to build back some fitness.

For those who might wonder what it’s like to ride without any assistance on a bike like mine, let me put it this way: it’s almost impossible. My e-bike weighs a hefty 75 pounds, so pedaling that beast with zero help feels more like pushing a small car up a hill. It’s a workout I’m not quite ready for yet, but I’ll get there eventually.

In the meantime, I’m just grateful to be able to get out and ride when the weather allows. Whether it’s on gravel or with some pedal assistance, the joy of being on two wheels is still the same. Every ride, no matter how short or slow, is a step toward better fitness and a stronger me. Here’s to more miles, more rides, and hopefully, some warmer weather soon!