Welcome back to Life and Random Thinking today.
Today is my 5th post in my 8 posts before September challenge. The challenge was to do 8 posts in a month (which I could have interpreted as being a 30 day period but I chose instead for it to mean the month of August despite starting half-way through the month of August).
I am feeling the deadline now though. – David
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Ebikes have certainly grown in popularity since I bought mine 4 years ago. When I first rode mine, people were curious but now I think between 40-50% of bikes I see are ebikes.
I liken it to the growth of snowboards in the ski industry. At first snowboards were rare and now I think they dominate the hills.
Perhaps ebikes will dominate because of the large number of non-athletic people can benefit from riding one. Ebikes enhance the cyclist’s energy when the person peddles and some people call that “cheating”. I don’t because so many people ride more than they would if they couldn’t “cheat” so that added time adds up to more exercise and more importantly time outdoors having fun (and off the couch).
Some ebikes include a throttle so the cyclist has the option of peddling or using the throttle. I like the throttle but only use it from a stop for a second to get going from a stop because the motor doesn’t help until you start peddling.
However some ebike users use just the throttle and I dislike that. That’s not cycling to me, that’s motorcycling. Often those are also the people who are going too quickly on paths used jointly for strollers as well as cyclists. That’s dangerous for pedestrians also and I am always slow around people walking and I use my bike bells to let them know I am passing and not shock them. I don’t want ebikes to get a poor reputation because of few who think only of themselves.
I wonder if the throttles can be adjusted so you can only use them for a small time frame to prevent misuse?
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Heads or Tails?
Statistically I always thought that if you flip a penny a hundred times then the number of times that the penny lands on “heads” or “tails” would even out. – 50 or so each.
Is that what you think?
I think my theory must be wrong because whenever I put on a tshirt in the morning without checking the tag then INVARIABLY
– I always, always, 100% put that shirt on backwards and have to start over. How is that even possible?
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Eleanor Roosevelt
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor had a very sad start to her life including deaths of immediate family but she rose above to support her husband, and inspire millions.
She was the first First Lady of the USA –
* to hold regular press conferences, and in addition
* she wrote a daily newspaper column,
* a monthly magazine column,
* and a weekly radio show.
She was the first First Lady of the USA – married to Franklin Roosevelt (her 5th cousin) and niece of President Theodore Roosevelt.
I started to learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt and quickly have learned what an interesting person she is. It is an interesting story and I intrigued enough to want to read an indepth biography but like Mark Twain I suspect it will be a thick and lengthy read.
I think many people, not just women, would admire her accomplishments and her thinking. You can expect her to be independent thinker, and intelligent person. But still her biography will surprise you and I say that with confidence with the little I have learned so far.
She also said “Be confident, not certain.” and “. “You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.“
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The best two words to know in multiple languages?
Interacting with people today, I thought about the most effective words in my vocabulary.
I also thought about what would be the best two words to know in multiple languages – you might differ but I think “Thank You” are the two best words to know, or perhaps learn first.
Italian – Grazie
Swedish – Tack
Turkish – Teşekkürler (Tay-shake-Cue-Lure)
Spanish – Gracias
Filipino – Salamat
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Gracias for visiting today, and I hope you have a day that allows to smile.
I wish you Time and Space to enjoy your day.
Comments always appreciated and replied to♥ – David
Life and Random Thinking 
Glad to hear your well. I’m doing well, they decreased my Tac which is a good sign. Still wear a mask when I go out. Tay safe Bob
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Hi Bob. Nice to hear from you and hope you are doing well. The reduced Tac is good also as it reduces the likelihood of skin cancer – plus plus. I stay safe but need to get more calories burning every day so get out walking and cycling regularly. I hope you are staying active also. – David
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I’ve noticed lots of e bikes as well David! I call them LABS…..Lazy Ass Bikes.
If they weren’t around all those people would most certainly not be riding them! I see children riding and not even peddling!
Having said that I would like to get a track cart! Like a Speeder that rides the train rails but one that is peddled and has power assist!
Something like this https://traintraveling.com/train-rides/rail-bike-rides/
I bet you have some abandoned tracks in your area!
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LABS – that’s funny. I wonder if you have tried a LAB yet? Careful you might like it and next thing be an owner. I have seen track carts before and a youtube of the place in Oregon that has them. Looks like a great thing to do. Unfortunately the tracks have all been taken up in this area except for the 20 km that the KVSR uses but they only use that track a few times a day so it is possible. https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/
The metal is worth too much for the tracks to still be there and harder to use the routes also unless you had a Speeder. Thanks for the inspiration for my next Oregon holiday. – David
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I like that you use the bike bells to warn pedestrians, but as a wearer of hearing aids I should share that even with the aids in I don’t hear everything and because of the placement of human ears, we don’t hear as well if the sound is from behind. So, keep using those bells, but remain aware too.😎
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I am having trouble commenting. My mail server said I could comment by replying to the email. I’ve never done it that way.
Sent with Proton Mail secure email. I like that you use the bike bells to warn pedestrians, but as a wearer of hearing aids I should share that even with the aids in I don’t hear everything and because of the placement of human ears, we don’t hear as well if the sound is from behind. So, keep using those bells, but remain aware too.😎
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Linda I empathize completely as I wear hearing aids also. Lately I have been struggling a bit with mine and so going to look at maybe replacing mine as I have had them more than 6 years. I like mine because they are in-the-ear type and no wind noise when I am cycling. That’s what I would like next but with the added bluetooth capability. My bells are also fairly quiet so I am aware they are harder to hear but they sound nice and friendly. Sorry you are having trouble commenting, and I always appreciate that you take the time to do so. – David
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What an interesting range of topics. I’m laughing about your t-shirts! Nice job stepping up to the challenge!
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Thank you for reading and your encouragement Wynne. Have a nice weekend. – David
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I’ve never tried an ebike but it sounds like it’d be great for me. And thanks for the tip regarding Eleanor Roosevelt’s biography. I knew a few things about her and do admire her, but you’re right, I’m sure there’s so much more to learn about her life.
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I think that you would enjoy trying one – some shops let you take a test ride or you could rent an ebike. ER’s story is fascinating and I think it’s cool that you are intrigued. Thanks for reading Debra. – David
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HI David,
I think that 5 posts in one month is a win in my book, plus if you started late in the month and you prorate it, you have accomplished your goal.
Are you keeping the same goal in September?
You keep inspiring me to get on a bike and see the world!
Portuguese: Obrigado (if a man is speaking) Obrigada (if a woman)
Blessings to you!
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My 8 post challenge my friend is one given to me via Toastmasters. I have been a Toastmaster since 2006 and am working my way now through two Pathways competencies. If you go to Toastmasters.org and click Pathways and learn more – it will make more sense what I am talking about. (sorry)
I have thought about trying to do a podcast as a project.
I love to cycle and have since forever when I had to climb on a rock to get on my bike that was too tall for me.
Today was Ironman in Penticton – I was up at 5:30 to watch the athletes begin the triathalon in Okanagan lake and then I watched the first 500 or so cyclists head out after. I nearly fell asleep when I got home. LOL The race ends at midnight but the top athletes will be done mid afternoon but it’s a long slog for the average athlete. I admire these people who train for years and challenge themselves. I have volunteered most years and love being involved that way. I will go back down to main street in awhile with a tambourine and cheer on the athletes. Blessings my friend! ♥
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