Dating My Husband The Bike Adventure- Part 1

Last spring, my husband and I talked about what life would look like as empty nesters (if we ever made it to that point in life). In our 50s, we are still paying for our kids and juggling life with more drivers than vehicles. The combination of those things led us to purchase a pair of electric bikes. It had a twofold benefit of transportation when my husband needed to go somewhere, but also a chance for us to take up a hobby that would help us get in shape.

Fast forward a year, and we’ve gone over 400 miles, almost all on the local canal path.  Here’s what we learned:

1. There are several canal paths in the area running up the Delaware River on both the NJ and PA side. On the NJ side you can ride from New Brusnwick to Trenton to Frenchtown.  On the PA side you can ride from Wilkes-Barre to Easton to Bristol.  Several bridges cross the river along the way.
   
   https://dandrcanal.org/trails
   https://www.fodc.org/visit-the-canal/towpath-trail/
   https://delawareandlehigh.org/explore-the-corridor/plan-your-trip/trail-maps/
2. Once we realized we could access the path without needing to put the bikes in the car, it opened so much up to us. The weight of e-bikes (especially the folding ones we got- 70 lbs.) made the idea of putting the bikes in the car a little intimidating despite buying the folding versions for that purpose. We have a ramp for the car, and someday, we are going to use it.
3. Going out early on a Saturday so we are back by lunch, even on longer rides, has made it easier to fit into our schedule. Our lazier Saturday mornings were nice, but I feel much better being active.
   
4. I am terrible at riding a bike, and even worse with an e-bike. After over 400 miles of riding, I still don’t have the functions ingrained into my responses. I am still thinking, failing, and crashing my bike. It’s embarrassing.
5. My husband and I talk a lot as we cruise along on the lowest setting. But there are also plenty of quiet times when we are single-file, and it gives me time to simply be in the moment, quiet and technology-free. It is one of the only times in my week when I am truly unplugged.
6. We’ve begun planning longer trips.  For someone who loves planning vacations (often that I will never go on), it has been fun to see how many canal and biking paths are all over the country. No mountain biking for me.
   https://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
   https://www.bicycling.com/rides/a20021215/10-of-the-best-long-rail-trails-in-the-us/
   https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/best-bike-trails-in-the-us
7. We often plan our outings around breakfast or lunch, but I keep saying that not all trips need to include food. Food aside, it makes for free dates.
8. We like to take walks, but we get so much further on bikes I love that we can see so much more nature on a bike ride than a walk.
9. Due to the number of bikes stolen, we bought really good locks and a massive chain. Finding places to lock our bikes up has been a bit challenging. We need to bring a backpack to carry the batteries around when we are walking around a town or eating a meal. Taking a hike in one of the parks along the canal to break up a ride hasn’t been as easy as we thought, but I still am hopeful that we can figure that part out.
10. A little research and some trial and error will be necessary. We had to figure out bike seats, clothing, bike baskets, locks, etc.

Oh, and I’m terrible at riding a bike. It turns out that you can love something you’re terrible at.

I hope this inspires you to find something you enjoy doing with your husband that is healthy and fun!

More on Dating Your Husband in future posts.
More on how terrible I am at biking in part 2.