Lazy ride today. Stayed in high gear most of the way. And saw 6 more black rubber bungy cords. New total is 29. The only exciting thing was a field of sunflowers. There were just a few along the roadside leading up to the field.

I tho’t I’d talk a bit about Eby since I’ve had some questions. He has what I call 9 chain gears. My favorite is #5. And he has 4 assist gears. That means the gear assists me but does not take over and run the bike. If I don’t pedal, I don’t go anywhere. If I try to ride without the low ECO gear, it is almost impossible to make it go. The bike weighs 55 lbs. I carry 40, and then you add me. That’s a lot of weight to try to move without any assistance. My favorite assist gear is #2, TOUR. So if I have fairly level terrain, what works best for me is #5 chain gear with #2 assist. I can cruise at a good speed without overworking the legs.

#3 assist is called SPORT, and I really can’t tell much difference from TOUR. However, if I really want to cruise top speed or if I’m going uphill, TURBO is the high assist gear. I never climb without TURBO. As soon as my knees start to complain, TURBO comes to the rescue. I can feel the power immediately, and if the hill is really steep, I go down to #2 or #3 chain gear.

The reason I like rolling hills instead of flat is that I get to change gears now and then. Riding in the same gear for long periods of time is boring. That’s why I count bungy cords and ponder over some of the other stuff on my shoulder. And, of course, I talk to myself and Eby. Helps to pass the time.

I really like Eby, but sometimes I feel like he is almost as heavy as a motorcycle. He’s really awkward to maneuvre when you aren’t on him. My arms have to be getting stronger right along with my legs. This is really a workout.