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Empowered by Pedego: Bicycling reinvented

Writer's picture: Charlene PetersCharlene Peters


Our journey began in downtown Santa Rosa with a quick lesson on how to properly use a Pedego electric bike. Cathi and I weren’t even close to identifying as bicycle enthusiasts, but I had a few rides on two prior occasions; memories of those gleeful experiences prompted me to ride again.


An air of freedom is sensed when you ride an electric bike. Perhaps it’s the exclusion of fear and doubt about whether uphill riding will leave your heart bursting from your chest. Or maybe it’s the forgone fear at the prospect of having enough stamina to pedal beyond 5 miles. After all, we are 50-something and 60-something years young, and not the J-Lo or Jennifer Aniston 50s version.


But, with an electric bike, any fear regarding distance is no longer an issue. In fact, with a Pedego, you don’t even have to worry about the repercussions of forgetting to turn off the electric capability before you brake to a stop. On the non-Pedego bikes I’ve ridden, the warning was real. You would literally fly over the handlebars in one swift jerk if you didn’t remember to switch off the power before stopping. Yes, this is a real occurrence on many electric bicycles, but not with Pedego, thankfully. You can leave the motor on the first level and all you’ll feel is a little push forward as you begin to pedal even the slightest incline. My reaction every time I felt the assistance was an “ooh, thank you”.


A Pedego offers a quite civilized ride, indeed. Even the helmet was a sophisticated version of a magnetic clip that replaces the dreaded pinch clip under your chin.


We were now primed and ready to roll.


Like so many visitors to Santa Rosa, I was pleasantly surprised we only rode a few city blocks to the park where the paved bike trail began. From the park, we pedaled and motored across a footbridge painted the color of the Golden Gate bridge. Further onward to our left, we passed a babbling brook that lulled us to stop and savor the moment. Kickstand in place, we walked to the edge of the creek and stood there, absorbing the warmth of the sun’s rays and marveling at the sparkling dance of sunlight on water-soaked boulders below.


Carefree, we continued our journey without worry in crossing streets, grateful to whoever built the underpass detours where the trails connect. To our right, we passed dormant vineyards with the promise of pinot noir, while further down we inhaled the telltale scent of a nearby cattle ranch. We exchanged smiles with countless owners who walked well-trained dogs on leash, and we waved at bicyclists, joggers and walkers enjoying this exceptional summer weather in the middle of winter.



We rode approximately 14 miles, and I never broke a sweat. I could have pedaled more, but it was too much fun to motor the Pedego. I would have easily taken on 30-plus miles with this electric bike, but with one alteration: I would wear bicycle shorts to avoid the sore aftermath of a bike butt.


Next ride, I’ll plan to pedal and motor to The Luther Burbank Gardens, and maybe stop in the Charles M. Schulz Museum, or I may head to Sebastopol to The Barlow for some wine/beer tasting and restaurant stops. One thing I do know… I’ll adventure farther and faster.


Inspired to ride? If so, visit Colin at Pedego Santa Rosa, 751 5th St., or reserve your Pedego of 6 choices online: www.PedegoSantaRosa.com ($20-$30/hour or $80-$125/day, depending on the bicycle model: City Commuter Lite, Interceptor, City Commuter, Trike, Boomerang or Trail Tracker). The option to purchase a Pedego is available at this location.


Please note, this is a sponsored post -- and I endorse this Pedego experience!

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