New Bike!!!!

I looked back at some past correspondence with Bike Friday and see that I have had this bike for 20 years. It is my second BF as Susan and I both had traded our 4 year old ones for newer models. We are long time Bike Friday owners/riders. About 5 years ago we had these current Bike Fridays converted to Pedal Assist eBikes at the Bike Friday factory in Eugene Oregon (also where we had bought them).

Here she is, my long time friend. I will not be giving her away or anything because — well, you know we all need at least one back up bike. So this is not a true farewell. 

My BF has served me well but I have truly ridden into the ground and I have felt the need and desire to get a new bike. I have had my eyes out for something to pop up that I would like, and that is available in the U.S.  I know that I do not need to justify buying a new bike after 20 years of riding this one, but …I do have some reasons why I have been longing for one. Though I keep taking my bike in for all the maintenance work, and had a pricey overhaul done at Bike Friday, there are things that are not only not perfect, but a real pain, and never seem to get “fixed” right. My gears slip, my gear shift has become very hard to use, there are rattles and shakes that are annoying, my battery sometimes cuts out briefly and with no warning. I know all these things can be tended to and some changed, but THAT is what I have been doing, and there is now new technology that has been developed over these years (disc brakes to name one). Also, being a front wheel drive (motor in the front wheel), my bike is sluggish on the uphills and I know there will be quite a difference with a mid drive (motor at the crank). Time for a new bike I say!

The Tern Vektro S10 makes its appearance. Two of them of course.

All along, while moaning, complaining being very vocal that I NEED a new bike, Susan has not shown an interest of needing (wanting) one herself. THEN we found these folding TERN pedal assist bikes that had EVERYTHING we could wish for — Including an easier fold than the BF. That brought Susan right around and we both ordered new bikes.

OK, so these are rather (very) high priced bikes. At this stage in my life I can get anything I wish, and even Susan agrees that the amount of riding I do “deserves” a new bike. The day will come when I can no longer ride my bike. Today is NOT that day ;’-).

There is no day to compare to a new Bike Day!!!!! We picked them up yesterday evening — while it was snowing — and hoped for our maiden test ride today. We waited out the morning freeze (25 is too cold to ride) and were able to get out together for an early afternoon (in 36 degrees) short spin of the neighborhood. Turns out that not only do we NOT have buyers remorse, but we are in LOVE with our bikes.

These sisters will remain in the stable side by side for use at any chosen time.

Can’t wait for another, longer, ride as soon as weather will alllow. 

PHASE 2 CALIFORNIA AND TO HOME

Jeremy had some days off from work, and having purchased an annual pass for Universal Studios, he took the girls for some fun there for a couple of days. We stayed at Sarah’s those days before driving on south for a visit wth new friends. Before leaving Elk Grove, I did get in one more ride. 

The map and directions said it would be about 37 miles. On flat terrain, that is not at all too much for me on my pedal assist. First through a bit of town, I came to a couple of sculptures of interest on the grounds of the Civic Center.

I have no idea really of what this is representing or depicting, but it is interesting.

I like this one a lot more.



Moving on out into the country side again, I loved being in the orchards and vineyards as I made my way to the halfway point of Walnut Grove. 

Being Valentine’s month, I could not pass up a Heart!

The ride from here became a bit less enjoyable as it took me on at least 10 miles along a busy fast paced road with NO shoulder. The traffic was intermittent and did seem cautious of me, but still when the cars did come, they passed me at high speed. It was bit stressful. Once off that road which seemed endless, I hit some good headwind to battle for the remainder of my 42 (not 37)  mile ride. I was bushed by the time I got home.

On the drive south to visit our friends we stopped for a night of camping and dinner in the seaside town of Capitola.

 The recent storms have taken a big toll on this cute surfing town.

Lots of surfers frequent the town and there is evidence that it is a popular spot for them.

Lawn Alley is lined with rental cottages.



The sandbags show evidence of storm preparation.

The beach is beautiful of course, but there is definitely evidence of storm damage.

It was now time to continue our drive south.

We had met Barb and Penelope at a Pleasure Way (maker of our RV van) camping event in Oregon last year and struck up a friendship. They live in Central California and we drove down to visit with them for a few days. Their lovely home is directly across from the ocean.

They welcomed us with our first night’s dinner on their balcony. 

We had a lovely time reconnecting and watching the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

The following morning Barb drove us to Morro Bay where Susan and I got in a little bike ride through town and on a short shoreside trail. But first we would stop for “tea & crumpet’ ;’-) at Barb’s favorite bakery (yummmmm).

Morro Rock is the most prominent item in town, and the beginning of our ride.

Riding along the Oceanside is always nice. 



The next day Barb and Penelope took us on a tour with the destination being to see the Elephant Seals. On the way Harmony, with population of 18, would be our first stop.

Mainly it is an historic town that has a creamery (too early for ice cream) as well as a glass and pottery shop that we had to spend some time in! We also liked walking a bit of history in the town.

A Town for Rent if you so choose.

Old Post office served for weddings too.

Residents have a place to worship as well.

Time to go visit the seals now. 

Once there and stepping our of the car, we learned that the wind was heavy from the north. And we could tell by Missy’s ears.

Susan and I were mesmerized and found it difficult to take our eyes off of them!! I took tons of photos that, at the time, seemed so different from each other. When I downloaded the photos I saw that they were not so different after all, and chose just a few to post. 

As far as the eye can see, the beach is lined with the seals that come in every fall, October and November, to have and nurture their babies and do not return to the ocean during the entire time. They stay until early spring - around March - when they return to the sea, get nourished for the following fall and birthing time. 

There are groups or families that stay together with the male guarding and protecting HIS flock.

AGGRESSIVELY guarding his territory.



Mama seal can nurture only one baby as that is all the milk outlet (teat) she has. If she births more than one, the others will die.

This was an educational and fascinating trip for us and we had a hard time leaving the beach and the seals.

We relaxed with dinner together and breakfast the following morning before we had to say our sweet goodbyes. We all agreed that there will be a “next time” when we will get together. For now we thank our friends Barb, Penelope and Missy for this grand stay with them.

We as usual were happy to be home, but not so happy about transitioning back to our weather. Our first morning home brought this.

STARTING FEBRUARY IN CALIFORNIA.

In my last entry we left off with a rainy day bike ride with Sarah and the girls. The next day I had a ride on my own in the sun. Granted, it was cold enough for me to basically be dressed in the same cold weather gear I wear at home, but still — sun and lots of it was delicious. 

Just a few photos to show that I am not in Mukilteo! I chose a shorter route from Sarah’s so to be back for any upcoming family stuff. 

The flora is different…

This curly headed cow was looking directly at me until I pulled out my phone camera and then I could not get his undivided attention. A handsome guy.

The herd of sheep were all near the fence until I stopped for a photo! They all turned and walked the other way and only the one in the middle kept its eyes on me the entire time I snapped photos. I snapped quite a few and though none were great, I had to include this of the eyes on me sheep.

You know you are in the “country” when you see a sign like this…

One more thing caught my eye as I do so like old farm buildings. 

You see by that deep blue sky and clear day just how perfect a bike ride would seem. It was, except for some very strong headwind for at least half of the ride. That put some extra exercise into the flat terrain 🙄. I got back in time for a bit of resting before going to watch Lucy, and coach mom, at their basketball practice for their upcoming game later this week.

The next few days were very busy with family and a few solo bike rides. We had a visit to the Zoo, Kate’s karate lesson, and Lucy’s horseback riding session. The only photos from any of those activities were of Lucy at Horse Camp.

Her instructor (Jennifer) was great at teaching her some new skills and Lucy listened intently and followed every cue.

She sure looks like a “real” horse back rider, and loves it so very much.

I did fit in a couple of bike rides in the neighborhood that took me into some parks and around the lagoons.

We were happy to find our next adventure of Biking The Rails! 

This would be a first for all of us, so if someone asks “when was the last time you did something for the first time?”, we have the answer ;’): February 2, 2023.

We entered the depot and took a tour of the gift shop.

After filling out our paper work and signing for our life, we got our instructions from the leader.

They provided helmets, but we had our own and we were soon seated and on our way. There was little opportunity to take photos, but Susan gave a valiant try from her rail car in front of us. Kate was with Susan…

Lucy was with me…

Snack bags were provided, and when we reached the turnaround point, we ate some of them.

Cars were turned around on a little roundabout, and we were off again for the finish. We had a great adventure and tired out the Grandgirls.

A few more photos from riding around the area the following day. The route I found took be through farm land, orchards and vineyards. A nice ride on a rather cloudy day.

A glimpse of some recent past flooding in the vineyard across the road.

And finally, on the way home, a nice old brick wall photo.

I will call this the end of “phase 1” of our trip and continue on later as we move along to other parts and places.