Welcome back to Group Ride, and to the glorious month of June. Memorial Day is just a memory. The official start of summer (in the U.S.) will be here in no time at all. While you can, take advantage of the long days to get more time in the saddle sans lights.
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I’ve been resistant to e-biking. I mean, I love the movement overall and particularly how it’s leveling the playing field so that cyclists of all styles and abilities can ride together. But I’m pretty sure that when I eventually ride one, I’ll like it way, way too much. That effortless floating over the pavement will enthrall me, and my acoustic bikes will instantly lose their appeal. I can’t let that happen – not yet.
The exception I keep coming back to is the e-cargo bike. As an observer, I equate it to pedaling a motorized wheelbarrow, and thus it seems different enough in form and function to keep my current bikes in action. With the ability to haul 450 pounds, the opportunities are practically endless as to what – or whom – you haul. But without kids or Costco-sized deliveries, is it really worthwhile? While the jury is out, my acoustic bikes remain in play.
Crank It
More Than Their Fair Share
Photo credit: Nick Karvounis
If I asked you which European country comes to mind when you think of cycling, I bet you’d say France because of the Tour, or perhaps the Netherlands, which has fully embraced a two-wheeled lifestyle (more on this below). Or maybe Italy. Or Spain. Or Germany. In short, you’re not likely to say Portugal, yet – surprise! – it’s the largest bike manufacturing nation in the European Union, currently churning out a fourth of the E.U.’s bikes, despite being just a little over 2% of its population. Impressive. Next time you and your friends conclude a ride through the European countryside, consider raising your water bottles for a toast to Portugal.
Coffee Stop
Little Sip of Sunshine
Photo credit: Sam Cernik
The fizzy water craze continues to gain momentum, and I’m here for it. Personal discoveries of late have included Polar Orange Vanilla and La Croix Black Razzberry, but my top palate-pleaser this week is more like a cousin to flavored seltzer: Trader Joe’s Sparkling Black Tea With Peace Juice Beverage. Not too sweet, a mini boost of caffeine (I think), and the effervescence is on point. Post-ride, they're extremely refreshing. My main criticism is that the cans are 8.45 oz vs. the standard 12, so I find myself reaching for two at a time.
Jaunt Back
Challenge Accepted
Strava
You saw them, didn’t you? This week, Strava shipped two new features equating to its “biggest app update of the year.” The first feature enables users to create their own Group Challenges and then invite their fellow athletes to participate. This means users can put their imaginations to work on the best ways to one-up their friends. I'm calling it now: brilliant, beautiful, and benevolent challenges will surface in the near future. If any Group Ride readers want to send a creative Group Challenge my way, I’m happy to entertain requests.
The other feature is a new and improved Maps tab, which combines Routes and Segments, making it easier than ever to “help athletes plan the kind of run or ride they want.” Having played around with the new Maps a bit, I can honestly say that the personalized segment suggestions are very intriguing. A few of the ones that show up near my home, I have ridden. Many more, I have not. The FOMO is real.
Cool Down
Best Cities for Biking
Photo credit: Planimetrica
With a vacation to Traverse City already lined up for August, I'm delighted to see that the quaint and supremely beautiful lakeside town eked out the #10 spot on PeopleForBikes’ list of the best cities for cycling in the U.S. The buttery-smooth pavement, winery-dotted hills, and winding tree-lined roads frequently amount to the best riding I do each year. That trip can't come soon enough.
Globally, the Netherlands cleaned up the "Overall" category, earning not only the blue ribbon (Utrecht), but also the second, third, fifth, and seventh spots on the list. Now that the E.U. is reopening its doors to American tourism, see if you can work the Netherlands into your itinerary. Bonus points if your departure airport is TVC.
Peel Off
Giphy
Thanks for taking a spin with me. Now, go forth and ride bikes.
Oh, and if you come upon something you think should be featured in Group Ride, please send it along. Catch you next week.
Group Ride is a newsletter for the social cyclist. Periodically, I curate content from bike manufacturers, shops and media to bring you information and inspiration to ride more confidently and comfortably.
